Follow @pbrpennsylvania

By Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

The Western PA Fall Review officially began a series of three fall events that will culminate with the Invitation Only Elite Prospect Showcase on October 28. Nearly 30 prospects from two states showcased their abilities at La Roche College on September 9. Today we begin an analysis of the prospects in attendance at the Western PA Fall Review by taking a look at the uncommitted seniors in attendance.

+ CLICK HERE for complete results for all prospects in attendance.

CLASS OF 2018

Nick Ackerman, C/1B, West Mifflin HS (PA)
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and displayed the ability to barrel the baseball to all fields during a solid round of batting practice. Showcased an 85 mph bat exit velocity and flashed pop times of 2.27-2.38 on throws of 69 mph from the crouch. Went 1-for-3 with a double in game action.

Linden Hoover, RHP/2B, Harbor Creek HS (PA)
6-foot-3, 180-pound primary pitcher sat 77-78 from a high 3/4 arm slot with cut out of a repeatable, balanced delivery. Eliminating some wrist wrap during takeaway and lengthening the arm action would lead to additional fastball velocity. Also utilized a 11/5 breaking curveball at 67-68 and a cutter at 70-72 during three innings of work. Right-handed hitter utilizes a heel raise stride to initiate his swing. Registered a 79 mph bat exit velocity and showcased 75 mph arm strength across the diamond defensively.

Jacob Keene, 3B/1B, Butler Area HS (PA)
6-foot, 215-pound right-handed hitter had a big day at the plate going 4-for-6 with two doubles, a triple and a walk. Showcased the ability to drive the baseball to the pull side with an ability to create backspin. Corner infielder played solely at first base on this date showing capable glove work in making a number of plays during game action.

Adam Malecki, OF, Bethel Park HS (PA)
Physical 6-foot-3, 185-pounder participated solely in the 9:00 game. The right-handed hitter made loud contact in several at bats going 2-for-4 while showcasing a balanced swing and above average foot speed for a prospect his size (4.38 home-to-1B). Likely a corner outfielder at the next level, Malecki got solid reads on the baseball and flashed above average arm strength during game action. 

Jacob McCaskey, 2B/RHP, Deer Lakes HS (PA)
5-foot-11, 160-pound two-way prospect will likely find his college home in the near future. Showcased above average all-around skill set with an 84 mph bat exit velocity and 85 mph arm strength across the diamond defensively. The right-handed hitter went 3-for-6 at the plate in game action and sat 81-83 from an up tempo high 3/4 arm slot delivery on the mound.  71 mph curveball with hard biting 11/5 action is an above average out pitch that gives McCaskey the potential to be a two-way player at the next level.

Logan Simmons, OF/C, Plum HS (PA)
6-foot-1, 155-pound left-handed hitter showcased a fluid swing from a square stance during one of the top rounds of batting practice on the day. Hands work well through contact while showing the ability to barrel the baseball to all fields. Went 1-for-3 with four walks during game action while driving a double for his one hit. Displayed an 82 mph bat exit velocity and above average arm strength (86 mph) defensively with straight line carry to throws from his outfield position.

Nick Trombetta, OF, Harbor Creek HS (PA)
5-foot-6, 160-pound outfielder ran a 6.96 60-yard dash and plays the game even faster. Showcased above average reads in the outfield with solid 84 mph arm strength. Went equally well to both gaps from his center field position in game action in making plays on well hit balls. The right-handed hitter will need to make an adjustment to his current deep, low hands load to have success at the next level. Registered an 83 mph bat exit velocity displayed quick hands from a stand still load. An adjustment to the load position and some pre-pitch movement would give Trombetta the chance to use his fast twitch actions to barrel baseball to all fields with consistency.

ADDITIONAL PA NEWS: