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By Dan Williams
West Virginia / Western Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

The summer schedule of West Virginia PBR events concluded August 26th with the Eastern Panhandle Showcase at Golden Park on the campus of Potomac State College. Today we conclude our analysis of the prospects in attendance by taking a look at those who participated from the Class of 2018.

+ For complete results from all prospects in attendance - CLICK HERE.

Top Prospect

Cameron Pine, 2018, Washington, C/OF/RHP
6-foot-1, 180-pound right-handed hitter was overall the most athletic prospect in attendance. He initiates his swing from an open set up striding to neutral while gaining minimal ground. Weight shift to front side is passive and back elbow leak creates some barrel drag. Despite mechanical challenges Pine's athleticism allowed squaring of multiple balls in batting practice. He would benefit from connecting directly with back elbow. Pine registered an 89 mph bat exit velocity.

Defensively behind the plate he showed advanced flexibility and lateral agility was demonstrated. Excellent hands in framing and solid blocking technique was also present. Quick hands/feet, a short throwing motion and 74 mph arm strength from crouch played to 2.00 pop time. Overall Pine has makings of solid next level prospect behind the dish defensively. He is an above average runner for the position recording a 7.13 60-yard dash time on this day.

Outfield defense showed ability to run with little head movement while tracking. He was aggressive in playing threw balls on ground and registered 82 mph on throws to home plate.

On mound, Pine worked out of high 3/4 arm slot with his fastball sitting 80-82 and touching 83. There was little movement to the fastball. His curveball sat 63-65 with 11/5 shape and moderate depth. A cutter at 62-63 did not have velocity or movement to be viable next level offering. Changeup sat 60-63 and was thrown at fastball arm speed with subtle fade. Mechanically, Pine featured a short arm motion. His delivery was balanced and repeatable. He showed ability to stay in line and effectively incorporate his lower half.

Remainder of roster (in random order)

Max Cebulak, 2018, Pittsburgh Central Catholic (PA), 3B/RHP
5-foot-11, 200-pound right-handed hitter initiates swing from neutral set up with a knee-to-knee leg kick and stride while staying neutral. He works well away from hands with solid weight shift and good separation. There is significant arm bar and tendency to pull bat threw zone with front side lending to front shoulder pulling off and difficulty staying on plane. There is considerable bat speed with a 91 mph bat exit velocity registered.

Defensively, hands and range are adequate. Arm strength is sufficient to stay on left side of infield.

On the mound, right-hander works from a high 3/4 arm slot. Fastball sat 81-82 on this day but was recently seen at 84. There is substantial run and sink to fastball. Curveball thrown at 71-72 had 11/5 shape and late, sharp break with good depth. Changeup sat 72-74 and was thrown at fastball arm speed with good sell and considerable arm side fade. The ability to command all pitches was demonstrated. Mechanically, delivery is balanced and repeatable with athletic use of lower half. There is deception in association with difficulty picking up ball prior to release. Overall, as an uncommitted senior Cebulak appears to have arm ability to play at the next level.

Josh Kerns, 2019, Spring Mills, RHP/SS
6-foot, 145-pound right-hander worked out of low 3/4 arm slot. Fastball sat 80-81 touching 82 and was cut to glove side. Curveball at 69-72 had 11/5 shape with late bite. Change up was thrown at fastball arm speed and showed subtle arm side fade. All pitches were commanded. Mechanically, Kerns hides ball well and arm angle creates deception. Delivery was repeatable, balanced and showed good rhythm. Arm action is long and loose. Based on overall presentation strength gains have potential to add considerable velocity.

Nathan Kerr, 2018, LHP/1B, Washington
5-foot-10, 170-pound left-hander works out of a high 3/4 arm slot with fastball sitting 79-80 and touching 81. Fastball had considerable arm side run and sink. Curveball sat 68 with 1/7 shape, moderate depth and bite. Slider sat 71-73 with 1/8 shape, tight spin and late sharp break. Slider flashed potential to miss bats at next level. Mechanics were very clean demonstrating balance, rhythm and repeatability. Delivery was low effort with loose arm action.

Chayce Matheny, 2018, LHP, St. Albans
5-foot-10, 160-pound left-hander works out of mid 3/4 arm slot with fastball sitting 75-76. There is relatively little movement to fastball. Curveball at 62-63 showed 1/7 shape with moderate depth and bite. Change up sat 70-71 with good sell and subtle arm side fade. Delivery is low effort and repeatable with excellent rhythm. There is tendency to land open creating arm drag. Matheny has shown ability to make velocity limitations play at high school level by effectively pitching backward with secondary offerings.

Culen Watson, 2018, 3B/RHP, Washington
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitter initiates swing from open set up with step to neutral without gaining ground. There is good balance and head is still. A passive weight shift lends to limited separation. Watson was able to barrel multiple balls in his round of batting practice.

Defensively, hands are adequate and there is commitment to working bottom up and out front. Arm strength of 74 mph plays better on right side of infield.

On the mound, the right-hander works from high 3/4 arm slot with fastball sitting 75-76 and touching 77. Fastball is relatively straight. Curveball thrown at 63-65 has 11/5 shape and moderate bite/depth. Changeup at 70-71 demonstrated little movement while being thrown at fastball arm speed with good sell. Watson was able to command all of his pitches. Mechanics were clean with good balance and repeatability.

Cameron Bryant, 2018, C, St Albans
5-foot-11, 190-pound right-handed hitter initiates swing from neutral with short stride staying neutral. Rhythmic load with elbow working up and back was demonstrated. There is passive weight shift and tendency to collapse back side lending to uphill swing path. Would benefit from more aggressive weight shift and maintenance of posture throughout swing. A bat exit velocity of 84 mph was recorded.

Defensively, soft glove hand in framing and good blocking technique were shown. A top pop time of 2.19 was recorded.

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