West Milwaukee Preseason I.D.: Pitcher Analysis
March 5, 2020
Two weeks ago, we began our post-event analysis by publishing our Quick Hits and Stats Story.
This week, we’ve begun to break down our position-by-position analysis, starting on Monday with the event’s catchers, which led to the infielders, and outfielders. That brings us to today and an examination of the day’s arms, the deepest and most talented group to attend this showcase.
The juniors in attendance put on a show, including a pair who represented Team Wisconsin last summer at the PBR Future Games: RHP Tyler Hug (Waukesha West; uncommitted) and LHP Alex Hayes (Muskego; uncommitted). In the class, there were also a pair of big revelations with live-armed righties Eli Hoyt (Waukesha South) and Noah France (Union Grove).
While the 2021s make up the bulk of the top-10 below, a sophomore is seated atop the ranking; RHP Ryan Karst (Brookfield East; uncommitted). He sat at an easy 86-89 mph at this event, and his frame and athleticism help him project for even more.
If you’re looking for a lefty, there was a variety of them at STiKS Academy last month. From the aforementioned Hayes, Denmark’s highly projectable Reece Piontek (2021), lanky Ryan Sell (Muskego, 2021), as well as Tanner Katers (Ashwaubenon, 2021), who just missed the top-10 below. There were other southpaws worth checking on, too.
Keep on reading below for full scouting reports on each of the pitchers who toed the rubber at the West MKE I.D. event, and stay tuned tomorrow when we conclude our showcase analysis by ranking the best of the best from this event.
TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS
1. Ryan Karst, Brookfield East (WI), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP. A rising name to know inside the state's sophomore class; a high-follow.
Body: 6-foot-3, 195-pounds. Athletic, strong frame; thick lower half.
Delivery: Side steps to balance point, high knee, level shoulders, works on line to target, lands square with an athletic finish. Easy, smooth effort, athleticism involved throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Short draw, compact arm circle, quick and loose arm action.
FB: T89, 86-89 mph. Feel for strikes, straight four-seam type, heavy.
CB: 69-71 mph. 11/5 action with some depth.
CH: 76-79 mph. Tunnels well with fastball, mostly maintains arm speed. Strikes, slight fading action.
2. Eli Hoyt, Waukesha South (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/OF. A two-way player who has ticked up big from the mound this winter; a high uncommitted follow in the state's 2021 class.
Body: 5-foot-11, 165-pounds. Athletic, strong build; projects well.
Delivery: Staggered start centered on rubber, simple and smooth rock to athletic balance point, hip turn high knee tuck, level and direct to target, lands square with athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Live arm; quick and loose arm action from a high 3/4 with easy effort.
FB: T88, 86-88 mph. Straight, four-seam type; ability to spot to the corners with finish in the zone.
CB: 71-74 mph. Aggressive, tight spin with feel. 11/5 shape with bite, thrown with conviction and an ability to locate.
CH: 77-80 mph. Mostly maintains arm speed; slight fading action with feel to locate.
3. Tyler Hug, Waukesha West (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP. A versatile multi-sport athlete with an arrow up while he remains one of the top uncommitted juniors in the state.
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Athletic build with thick/strong lower half.
Delivery: Smooth and quick to athletic balance point, works on target, level shoulders, finishes athletically.
Arm Action: RH. Short and loose arm action from a high 3/4 slot, quick arm speed out front.
FB: T89, 87-88 mph. Hard run, heavy feel.
CB: 72-74 mph. Consistent feel to spot under the zone; sharp 11/5 action thrown at arm speed.
CH: 83-84 mph. Power-type, works down. Generates hard arm-side action, also at arm speed.
4. Noah France, Union Grove (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP. One of the standout, surprising performances of the winter so far; a high-follow junior in the state.
Body: 5-foot-9, 160-pounds. Live, athletic body with lean frame.
Delivery: Tall/upright start, side step to quick high knee kick and tuck, high front side, drops and drives down mound to toe-open landing. Works with some rhythm and effort.
Arm Action: RH. Live arm action; long draw, quick and loose from a 3/4 slot.
FB: T89, 87-89 mph. Jumps from hand with finish through the zone; hard arm-side action.
SL: 77-79 mph. Thrown at arm speed, tight spin; some sweeping action.
CH: 78-81 mph. Aggressive and at arm speed; hard, late fade.
5. Alex Hayes, Muskego (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/1B. Among the top uncommitted juniors in the state.
Body: 6-foot-1, 200-pounds. Strong, compact look; thick lower half.
Delivery: Squared start, simple rock to smooth balance point, level shoulders, direct to target. Works in rhythm, ease, finishes in an athletic position.
Arm Action: LH. Short draw, compact arm circle to high 3/4 release; quick and loose arm.
FB: T85, 84-85 mph. Slight tick up in velo over the offseason; straight four-seam type.
CB: 68-71 mph. 1/7 shape feel to locate; flashed sharp bite beneath the zone.
CH: 76-79 mph. Firm, maintains arm speed; feel to locate with consistent fading action.
6. Jacob Hartlaub, Martin Luther (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP; A name to know in this 2021 class.
Body: 6-foot-2, 160-pounds. Athletic, high-waisted build. Plenty of projection to come.
Delivery: Feet start close together and staggered on the first base side of rubber, tall/fall type delivery, athletic leg kick, tall balance point, strong front side, works in line with target, throws with easy effort, smooth rhythm throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T87, 83-85 mph. Plays straight, strikes.
SL: 74-75 mph. 10/4 shape, tight break, depth.
CH: 75-76 mph. Near fastball arm speed, fading action.
7. Reece Piontek, Denmark (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP. Remains among the more interesting uncommitted LHPs in the state's junior class.
Body: 6-foot-2, 160-pounds. High-waisted and lanky frame; high projection.
Delivery: Tall/upright start, centered on rubber, simple side step to big leg kick and high knee, level shoulders. Shorter extension, closed landing, easy effort; works in some rhythm.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, loose and quick, high 3/4 release.
FB: T84, 81-83 mph. Showed firmer, more consistent velocity; tough angle with arm-side action, some hard.
CB: 68-70 mph. 1/7 shape with some depth; flashed some sharpness.
CH: 73-73 mph. Mostly maintains arm speed; consistent run/fade action.
8. Thomas Harper, Wauwatosa East (WI), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP. Soon to be ranked inside the state's 2022 class; a follow right-hander.
Body: 6-foot-4, 165-pounds. Gangly, spindly frame with long levers, high waist; upside projection.
Delivery: Simple rock to balance point, hip turn with closed shoulders, high front side, leg swings out to soft, square landing. Easy effort involved, athletic finish squared to home.
Arm Action: RH. Long draw and arm swing, loose and clean to high 3/4 release, quick out front.
FB: T84, 83-84 mph. Generates steady arm-side run, downward angle.
SL: 67-72 mph. 11/5 shape with some sweeping action, occasionally sharp and more vertical shape.
CH: 72-74 mph. Best offspeed right now; mostly maintains arm speed, feel for strikes, with consistent fade/run.
9. Ryan Sell, Muskego (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-foot-11, 152-pounds. Thin, lanky frame, high waist; projectable, young look.
Delivery: Squared start, simple side step to smooth high knee at balance point. Easy effort involved; works with level shoulders, in line with target, squared, toe-closed landing.
Arm Action: LH. Short, loose arm action from a 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 80-81 mph. Mixes in a two-seam offering with consistent arm-side action; feel for strikes.
CB: 62-65 mph. Slurve-y shape, gradual action; some feel for spin.
CH: 77-79 mph. Firm, thrown at arm speed.
T-10. Owen Anderson, Hudson (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 196-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned build, looks the part.
Delivery: Feet start wide across rubber, rocker step initiates delivery, drop/drive type, front side flies open, lands square, athletic finish, throws with some effort.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose arm action, over-the-top slot, clear arm strength.
FB: T86, 81-85 mph. Played straight; four-seam type.
CB: 70-72 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action.
SL: 72-74 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action.
T-10. Ryan Roehl, West Bend West (WI), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/INF
Body: 6-foot-0, 180-pounds. Athletic, projectable build, more room to mature.
Delivery: Starts in the middle of rubber, tall/fall type delivery, good balance point, level shoulders, works in line with target, front foot lands slightly closed, smooth rhythm throughout, throws with easy effort.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, ball comes out easy.
FB: T83, 80-81 mph. Jumps in the zone, flashed arm-side run.
CB: 67-69 mph. 12/6 shape, gradual action.
CH: 75-78 mph. Thrown with near fastball arm side, played straight, strikes.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Dylan Ackermann, Newman Catholic (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. Wiry, lean frame, lanky levers; projection.
Delivery: Methodical to balance point and coil, drops and drives to open landing with some effort.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm swing, loose action from an over-the-top slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Features some jump from the hand, tough downhill angle.
CB: 64-68 mph. 12/6 shape, short wrinkle, gradual break.
CH: 63-67 mph. Somewhat maintains arm speed; straight change, firm.
Ian Boal, Johnsburg (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-foot-11, 150-pounds. Lanky, athletic frame with projection; high-waisted.
Delivery: Rhythmic side step to high knee, hip turn with shoulders slightly closed. Soft, closed landing with easy effort throughout.
Arm Action: LH. Short draw, compact arm circle, quick arm speed, high 3/4 release.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Some jump from the hand; arm-side action, some hard.
CB: 65-67 mph. Plus action for age; thrown at arm speed, 2/8 action that flashed sharp and late.
Gavyn Bowen, Pewaukee (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-foot-8, 135-pounds. Thin, lanky levers.
Delivery: Squared, straddled start on the mound, simple to balance point, level shoulders, square landing in an athletic position.
Arm Action: LH. Long draw, loose and clean arm action to 3/4 release. Easy effort involved.
FB: T74, 72-74 mph. Generates some arm-side run; flashed above-average lateral action.
CB: 59-65 mph. Gradual action; still gaining a feel to spin.
CH: 62-66 mph. Somewhat maintains arm speed; slight fade.
Brady Camara, Waukesha South (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-foot-10, 195-pounds. Strong upper body.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, lands square with target, works in line.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T72, 71-72 mph. Works down in the zone.
CB: 64-68 mph. 12/6 shape
CH: 63-66 mph. Played straight.
Noah Gerritson, Waupun (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-1, 195-pounds.
Delivery: Feet start staggered towards the third base side of the rubber, drop/drive type delivery, strong front side, works in line with target, upright finish, easy effort, some rhythm throughout.
Arm Action: LH. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 72-76 mph. Plays straight.
CB: 59-64 mph. 12/6 shape, fastball arm speed, tight spin, sharp.
CH: 63-66 mph. Fastball arm speed, played with fade, flashed sink.
Riley Hess, Hudson (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-foot-1, 225-pounds. Large, durable build.
Delivery: Tall at start, big side step to overhead rock, coiled at balanced point, drops and drives to open landing.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot, regular effort involved.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Straight four-seam type; some downhill tilt.
CB: 65-67 mph. 12/6 shape, gradual action.
CH: 67-68 mph. Slight deceleration on change, some fade.
Tanner Katers, Ashwaubenon (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-foot-0, 150-pounds. Thin, lean frame with some room to add strength.
Delivery: Staggered at start, quick to balance point, high knee; hips stay open, lands open.
Arm Action: LH. Short, compact arm circle, loose arm action from a high 3/4 slot; quick out front.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Straight, four-seam type.
CB: 63-66 mph. Aggressive; tight spin, break off a 12/6 plane.
CH: 69-70 mph. Mostly maintains arm speed; ability to locate. Slight fading action.
Jordan McNello, Waukesha South (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-foot-0, 170-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Delivery: Upright start, small/quiet side step to balance point, level shoulders, square landing, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose, and quick arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T84, 81-83 mph. Consistent sinking action.
CB: 70-72 mph. 11/5 shape with tight spin, flashed bite.
CH: 66-68 mph. Slight deceleration; some run/fade action.
Jake Metze, Johnsburg (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-foot-8, 150-pounds. Thin, slender look.
Delivery: Works from off first base side of rubber; subtle rock to level balance point, leg swings to closed landing.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing to over-the-top release point.
FB: T77, 74-76 mph. Gets on top to generate some downhill tilt; straight.
CB: 53-55 mph. 11/5 shape with gradual action.
CH: 61-65 mph. Deceleration in arm speed; straight change.
Ryan Mikoda, Arrowhead (WI), 2022
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-foot-8, 150-pounds. Some strength in lower half; high waist.
Delivery: Methodical rock to high knee and hip turn, leg swings out to square landing, athletic finish. Smooth rhythm involved.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, some looseness, high 3/4 release.
FB: T76, 75-76 mph. Straight, four-seam type.
CB: 56-58 mph. 11/5 shape with gradual action.
CH: 62-67 mph. Straight change; somewhat maintains arm speed.
Caelen Nickel, Arrowhead (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-foot-11, 185-pounds. Lean frame, high waist.
Delivery: Squared to start, simple to balance point, slight coil, leg drops and swings to closed, stiff landing.
Arm Action: RH. Long draw, compact circle, to an over-the-top slot and release.
FB: T76, 73-76 mph. Straight; worked consistently down in the zone.
CB: 65-66 mph. 12/6 shape, gradual action.
CH: 65-67 mph. Somewhat maintains arm speed; straight change, down in the zone.
Connor Olson, Nicolet (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 160-pounds. Athletic, projectable build.
Delivery: Feet start in the middle of the rubber,, tall/fall type delivery, good balance point, level shoulders, works in line with target, square landing, easy effort, rhythm throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 74-77 mph. Occasional run, worked down in the zone.
CB: 63-66 mph. 12/6 shape, thrown for strikes, feel to spin.
CH: 69-71 mph. Primarily played straight, flashed occasional sink/fade, down in the zone.
Corey Plahuta, Muskego (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-1, 195-pounds. Proportional strength in build.
Delivery: Works from third base side; side steps to high knee, drops and drives, high front, lands square.
Arm Action: LH. Short and compact arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 80-81 mph. Slight arm-side run/sink.
SL: 67-69 mph. 1/7 shape, generates above-average depth.
CH: 68-70 mph. Mostly maintains arm speed; sinking action.
Emiliano Ramos, Arrowhead (WI), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 185-pounds. Strong, sturdy build in lower half.
Delivery: Starts in the middle of the rubber, tall/fall type delivery, athletic balance point, strong front side, works in line with his target, lands square, athletic finish, rhythm throughout delivery.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80, 78-79 mph. Heavy arm-side run
CB: 71-72 mph. 10/4 shape, fastball arm speed, sharp actions
CH: 73-75 mph. Thrown with fastball arm speed, primarily straight movement but showed fade at times, worked down in the zone.
Jack Sandvik, Pewaukee (WI), 2022
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 175-pounds. Tall, lean frame.
Delivery: Big side step to high knee lift, closed landing, squared finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short, compact arm circle, some loose, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 75-76 mph. Straight, four-seam type.
CB: 62-63 mph. 12/6 shape with gradual action.
CH: 65-67 mph. Somewhat maintains arm speed; slight sink.
Joey Schneider, West Bend West (WI), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-3, 240-pounds.
Delivery: Delivery starts from middle of the rubber, tall/fall type, level shoulders, works in line with target, square landing, some rhythm.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T85, 81-84 mph. Occasional arm-side run.
CB: 68-69 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action.
CH: 73-77 mph. Thrown with near fastball arm speed, showed sink.
Jonathan Showalter, Arrowhead (WI), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-3, 238-pounds. Strong overall build, sturdy lower half.
Delivery: Initiates delivery from middle of the rubber, tall/fall type delivery, open front side, throws across his body.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 72-76 mph. Plays straight.
CH: 64-68 mph. Flashed fade.
Jack Tickner, Germantown (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/RHP
Body: 5-foot-8, 240-pounds.
Delivery: Feet start staggered towards first base side of rubber, tall/fall type, front foot lands closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T73, 70-72 mph. Played straight
CB: 59-60 mph. 11/5 shape, gradual action.
CH: 64-66 mph. Primarily played straight, flashed sink.
Harrison Toone, Brookfield East (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-foot-7, 145-pounds. Compact, athletic build.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, lands closed, front foot opens up on occasion.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 75-76 mph. Showed arm-side run and occasional sink.
CB: 64-66 mph. 11/5 shape, early break.
KN: 64-66 mph.
Dakota Wagner, Plymouth (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-foot-0, 190-pounds.
Delivery: Starts balanced in the middle of rubber, tall/fall type delivery, strong front side, athletic finish, showed a slide step out of the stretch.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose, quick arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 79-81 mph. Played straight; some downhill tilt.
CB: 66-69 mph. 11/5 shape, early break.
CH: 72-74 mph. Fading action.
Wyatt Wiitanen, Green Bay Preble (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. Lanky frame, added some good weight since we last saw him.
Delivery: Smooth rock to big knee lift, works on target with level shoulders, square landing. Rhythm involved throughout.
Arm Action: LH. Short, loose and quick arm action from a high 3/4 release.
FB: T79, 76-79 mph. Ability to spot it up; consistent arm-side action.
CB: 64-67 mph. 1/7 shape with feel; flashed tight bite.
CH: 70-72 mph. Locates beneath zone; sink/fade action mostly at arm speed.
Samuel Wronski, Marquette University (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-foot-0, 150-pounds. Thin, lanky frame; long levers.
Delivery: Stretch-only; works in some rhythm, smooth effort, level shoulders and direct to home, closed landing.
Arm Action: RH. Loose, clean arm action, high 3/4 release.
FB: T74, 73-74 mph. Mostly straight; slight run/downhill tilt.
CB: 60-63 mph. Generates above-average depth, 11/5 action.
CH: 64-66 mph. Mostly maintains his arm speed; some fading action.
Vince Zipperer, Pewaukee (WI), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Delivery: Wide start, straddles mound, simple and smooth to coiled balance point, leg swings to closed landing, finishes athletically and squared to home.
Arm Action: LH. Long draw and big arm swing to high 3/4 release.
FB: T77, 74-77 mph. Straight, four-seam type; slight run on occasion.
CB: 68-69 mph. 1/7 shape, tight spin.
CH: 66-67 mph. Feel pitch with consistent fade.