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Prospect Identification Showcase: Pitcher Anaysis

February 4, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Wisconsin

The pitching prospects coming down the line in Wisconsin are going to make a big impact on the regional scene. We saw a cycle of 6-foot and above freshmen and sophomores who look to be very projectable sitting in the low to mid 80’s range. The mix of arms was tough to put in order with so much projectability out of the young arms at the event. After plenty of analyzing and debating, Dustin Landers (Kaukauna HS, 2015) emerged on top. The 6-foot-2 righty showed a lively fastball topping out at 85 mph with a loose arm action and looks to have plenty in the tank as he matures. One of the more intriguing arms at the event was the 6-foot-4 freshman Ryan Selner (Milwaukee Lutheran, 2016). Selner showed a long loose arm action with above average action in the hitting zone and projects to have one of the more devastating 12/6 curveballs in the state.

Here’s how we broke down the projectable arms of the Prospect Identification Showcase.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Dustin Landers, Kaukauna HS, RHP, Class of 2015
Athletic frame, projectable body, 6-foot-2, 170-pound right handed pitcher. Landers is one of the top arms in the Class of 2015, projects as a top regional pitcher. Delivery shows rhythm, direction and athleticism, up tempo delivery. Arm action is quick and loose, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball is a well above average pitch for his age, has hard late run, thrown with command, 83-84 mph, flashed 85 mph. Curveball has slurve action, thrown aggressively, fastball arm action, 72-75 mph, thrown for strikes. Changeup is plus pitch for age, shows advanced feel, thrown with fastball arm speed, change shows excellent action, arm side run, fading action, thrown with command, 76-77 mph. Landers has feel for three pitches with advanced presence on the mound. Very projectable, athletic right handed pitcher, should project as a high level prospect.

2. Ryan Selner, Milwaukee Lutheran HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2016
Prototypical pitchers build, long limbs, athletic frame, sturdy shoulders, 6-foot-4, 180-pound two way player. Projects more on the mound, could be one of the top prospects in his class, high ceiling. Delivery shows minimal effort, rhythm is smooth, good balance throughout, shows athletic finish. Arm action is long and loose, over the top arm slot, quick arm action. Fastball shows life, erratic action, flashes both arm side run and cut action, 81-82 mph, hard late life, thrown for strikes. Curveball projects as a plus pitch, shows 12/6 action, sharp bite, solid depth, thrown with arm speed, thrown for strikes, 71-73 mph, pitch will improve when he stays closed longer. Changeup has minimal action, slight sink, thrown with excellent arm speed, thrown for strikes, thrown with confidence and conviction. Overall projects to be an elite level 2016 prospect. Defensively shows an aggressive crow hop from the outfield, fields the baseball athletically. Arm works long and over the top, 82 mph. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup, tall stance, short stride, hits off front foot, tends to lunge, 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.

3. Nickolas Lackney, Whitefish Bay HS, LHP/OF, Class of 2015
Long, lanky frame, long thin limbs, 6-foot-4, 165-pound left handed two way player. One of the top pitchers in his class, very projectable athlete.  Projects well on the mound, delivery shows regular effort, lacks repeatability, tall and fall approach, shoulders and landing stay closed. Arm works from high ¾ arm slot, quick arm action, long and loose. Fastball has control, 81-82 mph, features hard run. Curveball lacked feel, loose rotation, flashed late bite, 70-72 mph. Changeup showed action, some cut, some sink, 69-71 mph, lacked feel. Defensively attacked the baseball well from the outfield, arm played well, 87 mph, showed carry. Offensively hits from the left side, open stance, good balance throughout. Hits with high elbow, shows some pop, occasional barrel whip.

4. Mitchell Makarewicz, Oak Creek HS, RHP, Class of 2015
Long lanky build, long legs, 6-foot-3, 165-pounds, projectable pitchers frame. One of the top arms in Wisconsin’s Class of 2015. Delivery has deception, erratic rhythm, knees and elbows delivery. Get on top of the baseball, works downhill well, shoulders stay closed, creates deception. Arm works long and quick, operates from high ¾ arm slot. Fastball sits 83-84 mph, flashing 85 mph, pitch has late arm side run, good life in the zone, thrown for strikes, flashed hard sink at 82 mph. Curveball showed feel, slurve action, 68-71 mph, occasional sharp bite. Changeup has feel as well, 70-73 mph, thrown for strike with slight sink, deceptive arm action. Also featured forkball, 71-74 mph, erratic action, flashed occasional advanced depth, needs refinement.

5. Nathan Veloz, Oak Creek HS, LHP, Class of 2015
Big body, wide shoulders, big strong lower half, 6-foot-4, 305-pound left handed pitcher. Excellent body control and athleticism for size. Delivery shows athleticism, tall and fall approach, delivery is smooth, shoulders stay level, direction is on line, landing is square and finishes athletically. Arm works cleanly, loose arm action, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball shows late hard life, hard and heavy feel, 82-84 mph, thrown with command at the bottom of the zone. Curveball displays sharp action, thrown with 11/5 shape, shows command, pitch lacks action and command when in stretch. Split finger fastball was thrown down consistently, shows sink, occasional sharp downward action. Veloz could be one of the top arms in an already left handed pitching deep Class of 2015.

6. Ty Webber, Menomonee Falls HS, RHP/3B, Class of 2016
Typical pitchers frame, long limbs, lanky build, 6-foot-3, 175-pound right handed pitcher. Projects more on the mound, delivery works from a full windup, hands have excellent rhythm, tall and fall approach, gets on top and works downhill. Overall rhythm is smooth, shows good direction, athletic finish. Arm works with little effort, loose arm action, over the top arm slot. Fastball sits 79-80 mph, shows control at the bottom of the zone, late downward action, pitches downhill. Curveball has high ceiling, thrown for strikes, 11/5 action while flashing occasional 12/6 break, projects as 12/6 downer with depth, 65-66 mph, shows feel for the pitch. Changeup has action, fading action, thrown with command, decelerates arm speed. Projects as one of the top pitchers in his class. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup, short stride. Short bat path, drops barrel head to baseball, occasional pop.

7. Bryant Jordan, Home School, RHP, Class of 2015
Looks to be a high-follow in a promising 2015 class in Wisconsin. Athletic, lanky 6-foot-1, 165-pound build with long legs and plenty of room to fill out. Arm strength present with more to come. Fastball topped at 84 mph, sitting 83, with hard, late arm-side life. Works from high ¾ slot with long, loose arm action. Athletic delivery, repeats well. Showed excellent hand acceleration, arm works fast. Changeup showed potential to be high-level pitch. Throws it with conviction with fastball arm action; pitch showed consistent arm-side fade. Slider has erratic action, but demonstrated occasional hard, late two-plane break in the 69-72 range.

8. Joe Dittmar, Richmond-Burton HS (IL), RHP, Class of 2016
6-foot, 160-pound two-way player with athletic frame. Although only pitched at event, he previously showed extremely well at third base and offensively. Potential to be legitimate two-way player if continues to progress. Arm strength is evident. Fastball sat at 81-82 mph as freshman with late life. Operates from high-3/4 slot, arm works free and easily. Showed advanced rhythm and tempo on mound, with athletic, in-line delivery. Repeats well. Throws changeup with conviction with fastball arm action, slight movement in the 72-74 range. Changeup has potential to be out-pitch. Gets underneath curveball, showed minimal action, in 71-73 range.

9. Joseph Kaszubowski, Whitefish Bay HS, LHP/OF, Class of 2015
Athletic lefty, 5-foot-10, 165-pound left handed two way player. Arm works well on the mound, projectable. Delivery shows moderate effort, smooth rhythm from a tall and fall approach, delivery is clean, mechanically sound and athletic. Arm action is loose, arm shows quickness, ¾ arm slot. Fastball shows command, 80-81 mph, plus command to arm side, fastball shows arm side run, 79-80 from the stretch, repeats well. Changeup is an above average pitch, shows excellent deception, thrown with fastball arm speed, excellent action to arm side, thrown with command as well, excellent feel, 72-74 mph. Curveball lacks consistent action, best when thrown with sweeping action, 66-68 mph, consistent wrist action will improve breaking ball. Overall shows feel for multiple pitches, excellent velocity splits between pitches, shows pitchability. Defensively demonstrates athletic actions, loose arm action, lower arm slot, arm lacks carry, shows tailing action, 84 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced setup, uses smooth load and short stride. Repeats swing well, short bat path, line drive pull approach, fluid rhythm. Athletic two way player who will project well at the next level.

10. Max Widmar, Washington Park HS, LHP/1B, Class of 2014
6-foot-2, 190-pound left handed two way player. On the mound shows deception in delivery, hides ball well, closes off shoulders at balance point, lower half works quickly, over rotates finish. Arm action is loose, short backswing, ¾ arm slot, some effort. Fastball has slight run and sink, thrown in the zone, 77-79 mph. Curveball is good pitch, 10/4 sweeping action, shows sharpness to it, thrown aggressively and in the zone. Changeup is thrown with arm speed, features cut action, 69-72 mph. Defensively shows athleticism at first base, arm action is loose and throws have run across the diamond. Hits from the left side out of a balanced setup, using a short stride. Bat speed is present, 84 mph exit velocity, bat path has uphill tendencies, like to hit to pull side.

11. Isaiah Strassburg, Chippewa Falls, LHP, Class of 2014
Strong frame, 6-foot-2, 185-pound left handed pitcher. Delivery shows effort, lacks some rhythm. Operates from high ¾ arm slot. Fastball features late run, 80-82 mph, 78-79 mph from the stretch. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, arm speed decelerates, 65-66 mph. Changeup has fading action, some sink, 66-69 mph.

12. Thomas Sanchez, Holmen HS, LHP, Class of 2014
Wide shouldered, 6-foot-2, 220-pound left handed pitcher. Delivery shows excellent balance throughout, very repeatable mechanics, tall and fall approach, shows rhythm, athletic finish. Arm works long, ¾ arm slot, moderate arm speed. Fastball has command, shows run to arm side, 76-78 mph. Curveball plays well, sweeping action, hides it well, creates deception, thrown for strikes at 64-66 mph. Changeup thrown with some fading action 67-68 mph.

13. Tucker Maris, Homestead HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2015
Athletic frame that has some length, 5-foot-11, 170-pound two way player. Defensively Maris shows well above average arm strength for his age, 87 mph from the outfield, arm shows carry. Hands work well defensively, above average outfield actions, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Offensively hits from open setup, uses short stride. Lower half is active, good balance throughout. Swing shows easy effort with bat speed, shows pull tendencies, fluid rhythm. On the mound delivery shows regular effort with moderate rhythm. Arm action is quick, operates from high ¾ arm slot. Fastball sits 80-82 mph, shows slight run, exhibits control. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, shows some control, 66-70. Changeup lacks feel, misses down, 76-77 mph. Also displays cutter, shows more slider action, 71-75 mph.

14. Julian Alverio, Case HS, LHP/1B, Class of 2015
Big bodied, left handed two way player, 6-foot-1, 210-pounds. On the mound, delivery lacks rhythm and direction, lower half opens early. Arm action shows regular effort, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball shows slight run, 76-78 mph. Curveball has slurve action, loose spin, lacks true action at times, 11/5 plane, 65-68 mph. Changeup show stiffness, 68-69 mph. Hits from the left side, open stance, smooth load, short stride. Stays long through the baseball, bat path shows extension, gap to gap power hitter. 

15. Anthony Leedle, Clinton HS, LHP, Class of 2016
Long lanky frame, highly projectable body, 6-foot-5, 196-pound left handed pitcher. Leedle is a highly projectable left handed pitcher in the Class of 2016. Delivery shows some rhythm, deceptive delivery, a lot of knees and elbows, soft landing, flexed front side, lacks repeatability. Arm action has deception, quick arm action, regular effort, high ¾ arm action. Fastball has sink and run to arm side, 75-77 mph, touches 78 mph. Curveball lacks feel, erratic action, thrown aggressively, erratic velocity 66-73 mph. Changeup has some feel, displays sinking action, thrown for strikes, 69-72 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Nate Anderson, Mukwonago HS, LHP, Class of 2015
Athletically built 6-foot, 150-pound left-handed pitcher. Demonstrated feel and above-average command for three pitches. Long, loose arm action, from 3/4 slot, high back elbow, works across his body. Fastball showed moderate arm-side run in the 72-74 mph range. Repeats mechanics well, athletic delivery. Throws changeup (67 mph) for strikes. Slider has loose sweeping action in the 67-69 mph range.

Nick Cheaney, St. Thomas More HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Strong lower half, 6-foot, 200-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery is balanced and repeatable, easy effort, excellent feel, smooth rhythm throughout, level and online direction, upright finish. Arm action shows stiffness, high ¾ arm slot, shows pitchability. Fastball shows consistent run to his arm side, sits 77-79 mph, flashed 80 mph, thrown with command. Curveball shows 11/5 action with gradual break, near fastball arm speed, thrown with occasional control. Changeup is thrown for strikes, flashes sinking action, 71-73 mph.

Drake Daniels, Cedarburg HS, 3B/RHP, Class of 2015
Athletic build, strong lower half, solid frame, 5-foot-10, 185-pound two way player. Athletic feet defensively, projects as a third base type defender. Arm plays across diamond, 77 mph, high ¾ arm slot, arm is accurate and loose. Offensively hits from open stance, slight arm bar load. Makes consistent hard contact, good barrel awareness, strong hands, gets extension. Good approach at the plate, smooth rhythm.

Jake Fisher, Whitefish Bay HS, RHP/MIF, Class of 2016
Small body type, 5-foot-9, 135-pound two way player. Hits from a slightly open stance, shows slight bat wrap in load. Hands work at the plate, bat path shows short tendencies, line drive approach, lacks overall strength, 68 mph exit velocity. Defensively shows accurate arm across diamond, arm action is long and shows stiffness, 66 mph. Fielding position is deep, hands need improvement defensively. On the mound he throws from an over the top arm slot. Fastball sits at 66-67 mph, touching 68, minimal action, some control. Curveball works on an 11/5 bend, gradual action, 61-63 mph. Changeup is down, shows some control, slight sink, 59-61 mph.

Joe Gahm, Germantown HS, SS/RHP, Class of 2016
Long, thin, lanky frame, shows athleticism, long legs, 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Swings the bat well from the right side, shows bat speed, balanced stance, uses slight leg lift and dives to plate. Lower half works well, very active, good balance throughout. Bat path is short, flashes occasional extension. Line drive approach, shows some quick twitch actions, exhibits barrel whip through the zone. Defensively shows upside, athleticism in actions, hands work well. Arm plays with carry, 75 mph across the diamond, also shows some accuracy. Transfer is long, tends to windup to throw. On the mound delivery shows regular effort, athletic finish. Arm action is over the top and long. Fastball sits 72-74 mph touches 76, fastball shows occasional cut action. Changeup is down, 70-71 mph, thrown with similar arm speed to fastball, gets through the baseball well. Curveball lacks consistent action, 64-65 mph, thrown with arm speed, loose spin, lacks identity.

Luke Hatton, Zion Benton HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Lanky frame, long legs, 6-foot-3, 153-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery showcases rhythm and direction, upright finish, tall and fall approach. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot, short loose arm action, easy effort. Fastball is 77-78 mph, shows control, minimal action. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, 58-60 mph. Slider lacks feel, tendency to spike, 70-71 mph. Changeup is best secondary, thrown with similar arm action to fastball, thrown with command, features arm side run, 68-70 mph.

Tyler Hickey, Wilmot HS, RHP, Class of 2015
Typical pitchers frame, projectable body, 6-foot-4, 175-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery is tall and approach, regular effort. Arm action is long, shows occasional cupping action in backswing, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball is 73-75 mph, features slight sink, thrown with control. Curveball is 11/5 breaker, occasional sharp action, thrown with feel for strikes, 65-66 mph. Changeup is above average pitch, shows arm side run and sink, thrown with near fastball arm speed.

Aaron Jaeck, Case HS, OF/RHP, Class of 2016
Average frame, 5-foot-9, 165-pound two way player. Hits from balanced setup with smooth load and short stride.  Lower half lacks involvement. Balance is solid throughout, level path, swings involves mostly hands, short finish, lacks extension. Defensively arm action shows stiffness, 75 mph across diamond. On the mound delivery shows some effort, arm action works from a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball shows occasional cut spin, 69-71 mph. Slider sits 60-61, loose rotation, 10/4 action with early break.

Peter Koscinski, Catholic Memorial HS, 1B/RHP, Class of 2016
Athletic body, strong lower half, 6-foot-4, 190-pound two way player. On the mound delivery shows some effort, tall and fall approach, balance point stays tall, weight shifts to heels. Arm slot is over the top, arm action shows moderate athleticism. Fastball is straight, thrown for strikes, 70-71 mph. Throws two breaking pitches. Curveball and slider show good separation in action and velocity. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, needs tighter action, 61-63 mph. Slider shows flat sweeping action, 67-68 mph. Also throws split finger fastball, 67-69 mph, showed some feel. Offensively hits from open stance, short stride. Lower half is active, line drive approach.

Greg Rooney, Holmen HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Extra-large frame, strong lower half, wide shoulders, 6-foot-5, 230-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery shows effort, has some deception, upright finish, some backside collapse. Arm action is short, creates deception, over the top arm slot, finish lacks extension. Fastball has some run, late action, thrown for strikes, 77-80 mph, touches 81 mph. Curveball flashes 12/6 action, short break, lacks depth, showed control, 66-68 mph. Changeup is thrown with aggressive arm speed, 75-77 mph.

Kyle Schulz, Kenosha Bradford HS, LHP/OF, Class of 2015
Athletic two way player, 5-foot-9, 145-pound left handed thrower, right handed hitter. Athletic defensive actions, excellent crow hop, footwork is fluid, plays through the baseball athletically and aggressively. Traditional outfield arm action, loose and over the top, 83 mph arm strength, shows accuracy and carry. Clean setup offensively, balanced stance, smooth load and short stride. Lower half works, rotational tendencies. Bat path is flat through the zone, some length in bat path, line drive gap to gap approach. On the mound delivery shows plus rhythm, no wasted time on the mound, gets the ball and goes, great tempo. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot, loose arm action, clean arm. Fastball shows control, occasional running action, 75-76 mph, flashing 77. Curveball shows feel, 11/5 action, curveball shows slight hump, repeats fastball delivery. Changeup also shows feel, sinking action, thrown with command at fastball arm speed.

Parker Sniatynski, Marquette University HS, OF/RHP, Class of 2014
Projects to be one of the more promising prospects in Wisconsin’s thin 2014 class. Athletic 6-foot-1, 175-pound two-way prospect with long limbs. Arm strength present from outfield, registering at 88 mph with carry from lower arm slot. Aggressive approach at plate. Hits from balanced setup. Generates advanced bat speed though aggressive lower half. Gets excellent extension after contact. Ball jumps off bat with some backspin carry. On the mound, fastball topped at 78 mph. Long arm action, some stiffness and inconsistency in delivery. Curveball ranged between 68-72 mph with inconsistent action. Changeup displayed arm-side run in the 72-75 range.

Tanner Strommen, Burlington HS, SS/RHP, Class of 2016
Average build, long limbs, 5-foot-9, 135-pound two way player. Solid approach offensively, excellent setup, balanced stance short stride, good balance throughout swing. Bat path is short, shows occasional extension, line drive approach. Shows above average rhythm at the plate. Defensively, arm shows accuracy, high ¾ arm slot, arm action is lengthy. Footwork lack athleticism , runs 4.59 home to first. As a pitcher, delivery works slowly, shows good balance throughout, tall and fall approach, regular effort. Arm works long, wrist opens early. Fastball sits 71-73 mph with slight run and control. Curveball attempts sweeping action, gradual break, loose rotation, 61-63 mph. Changeup showed arm side run at 63-65 mph.

Dakota Tilton, Elkhorn Area HS, INF/RHP, Class of 2015
Lanky 6-foot, 130-pound two-way player. Features long legs with plenty of room to fill out. On the mound, uses short arm action from high 3/4 slot. Some effort in delivery. Fastball topped at 69 mph, sitting 67-68. Curveball ranged between 61-62; changeup at 64 mph. Erratic mechanics contribute to lack of command. Defensively, was clocked at 62 mph; ran a 4.81 home-to-first.

James Wright IV, Milwaukee Lutheran HS, RHP/MIF, Class of 2016
Small frame, 5-foot-8, 140-pound two way player. Defensively, arm plays well, loose action, shows some carry, excellent accuracy, 74 mph across diamond. Hands show some softness, fields athletically, mechanically sound defensively, projects as third baseman type. Runs 4.89 home to first. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, uses a minimal load with short stride. Lower half is active, works aggressively. Bat path is short, line drive approach, occasionally gets around baseball, swing shows some effort. On the mound shows a clean repeatable delivery, lower half has tendency to open early. Arm operates well, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball shows command, 71-73 mph, minimal life, lacks action. Changeup shows feel, operates at 64-66 mph with arm side run. Showcased both curveball and slider, breaking pitches lacked separation from each other, gradual action, lacks aggressiveness.

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Click here for the complete catching analysis

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