Stars Pro Day Scout Blog

February 18, 2022
Jason Burton
PBR VA/DC Scouting Director

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Last Saturday night, February 12th, the Stars Baseball organization held a pro workout for some of their upperclassmen. Our staff was on hand to watch a handful of players as they prepare for the spring season, and potentially the MLB Draft. Here is a breakdown on a few players from that night.

Seth Keller SS / RHP / Hanover, VA / 2022

The ODU commit continues to trend up not only in the '22 class in the state, but also in the country and on draft boards alike. Keller is a high effort player where the results don't just show up in workouts, but in game as well. On the mound Keller sat 91-94 mph with the fastball and touching 95 mph with the ability to move it in and out. His lower release height accompanied with the higher spin to the pitch will allow Keller's fastball to play up in the zone with some riding life. While Keller does not necessarily have any present plus secondary pitches, all three of the secondary offerings are average to above average. The 78-81 mph slider has flashed power tendencies with some sweep to it. The cutter is firm with late short action and the 83-84 mph changeup may quite possibly be his best secondary pitch. At the plate stance is square, hands set high, and takes a toe tap stride before landing square. Hands load back to separation and are ready to fire at stride. Above average bat and hand speed through the zone. Keller has the ability to hit for high average. While he does not flash a ton of raw power, his power tends to play in game a bit more consistently than batting practice would suggest.

Jack O'Connor RHP / 1B / Bishop O'Connell, VA / 2022

O'Connor stands around 6-foot-5, 230-pounds. It is a strong athletic frame that is pretty filled out. On the mound he works with a normal effort delivery, stays on line, and hands break in rhythm. The arm is really short on the backside and shows well above average arm speed through release. Three-quarter arm slot and maintains slot on all four pitches. The fastball was the highlight of his outing, sitting 92-95 mph. It has life out of the hand and through the zone. He showed two breaking balls, a curveball and slider. The slider sat between 77-80 mph and was the better and more ready of the two, with future potential of being an above average pitch. O'Connor showed really nice arm speed on the changeup. While it was a bit firm at 88-90 mph, he did show some feel for it around the zone. O'Connor has starter makeup and will continue to solidify himself in some higher round conversations as he shows the ability to use the secondary effectively this spring.

Jonny Farmelo OF / SS / Westfield, VA / 2023

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 215-pounds, Farmelo is a physical specimen. Athletic makeup, present strength throughout, and the strength is especially visible in the lower half. Last season I had a chance to see Farmelo during the high school season. He was playing shortstop for Westfield and it was easy to see his athleticism on display, even though his long term position will quite possibly be centerfield. At the plate Farmelo starts in a wider athletic stance. It is a simple efficient pick up to stride, hands have minimal load as they are pre-set, and he is short to contact. Farmelo is able to generate plenty of bat speed from his approach that will allow his power to play. His short approach to contact and balance accompanied with the length of time the barrel is in the zone display adjustability in the swing.

Nicholas Morabito SS / 2B / Gonzaga, VA / 2022

Outside of a DCSAA tournament game last spring, Saturday was the first time we have seen Morabito since Future Games in 2020. Since that time Morabito has added a ton of strength to the frame. At the plate Morabito starts in a square stance. Hands are loose and show rhythm into the swing. He is short to contact with high end hand and bat speed through the zone. Morabito is an offensive first prospect that offers the athleticism and defensive versatility to allow him to move around to multiple spots in the infield and outfield. He is a hot name right now in the state and it will be interesting to see if he continues to trend up as we get into the high school season.