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West Virginia Prospects Look to Impress at Preseason Event

February 13, 2014

By Greg Williams
WV Director of Scouting

Three West Virginia prospects will make the drive to Manheim, PA this weekend to showcase their talents in preparation for the 2014 high school season.

The inaugural Preseason All-State Showcase in Pennsylvania took place on February 23, 2013. The one day event showcased 108 top prospects from PA, MD and OH. A total of 55 players from last year's event have gone on to announce college commitments with many more likely to come in the near future.

The annual event has been moved to two days for year two on February 15 and 16. The 2014 version of the culminating event of the winter will once again take place at B2B Baseball Academy in Manheim, PA. The 180 prospects scheduled to participate will have an opportunity to place their name on the event record books with top performers from last year's event setting the bar.

Among those on the roster, C/2B Travis Renner (University HS), OF Tristan Lucas (University HS) and catcher Kurt Latocha (Clay-Battelle HS) will represent West Virginia.

CLICK HERE to view complete results for all of the 2013 participants. Following is a look at the records established last year and some that potentially could be surpassed.

Current Records

Trey ReeseHome-to-1B: 3.91 - Trey Reese, Penn Hills HS, Class of 2014


Of the seven quickest times recorded last year just one prospect returns for this year's event. OF Braxton Giavedoni (Punxsutawney) returns this year with a chance to set the record. The No. 11 ranked prospect in the PA Class of 2016 ran a 4.00 last year and has run a 6.85 60-yard dash. OF/SS Frankie Jezioro (Peters Township) could also flirt with the record. Jezioro is a switch-hitter that runs a 6.63 60-yard dash.

Cody BainOutfield Arm: 87 mph - Cody Bain - Blackhawk HS, Class of 2014


This record is likely to fall and could be topped by any number of talented outfielders on this year's roster. Jake Pacheco (Emmaus), Noah Malone (Cedar Cliff) and Dillon Horgan (Ellwood City) have all shown 87 mph arms from the outfield at previous PBR events. Luke Smeltz (Penn-Trafford) also has a very strong arm and is likely to flirt with the standing record.

Drew LandisCatcher Pop Times: 1.88 - Drew Landis, Red Lion HS, Class of 2014


Willie Burger (Lancaster Catholic) is the odds on favorite to flirt with Landis' top time from a year ago. Currently ranked No. 7 in PA and No. 42 in the PBR combined Class of 2015 rankings, Burger has shown consistent sub-2.0 pop times with a 76 mph arm from the crouch.

Infield Arm: 84 mph - Numerous Athletes 


A total of eight infielders showcased 83-84 mph arm strength across the diamond at last year's event. If the existing record is to fall look for Burger (who will work out as a C/3B), Pacheco (who will work out as an OF/MIF) or Matt Tarabek (Hempfield Area) to do so.

Adam SeibertPitchers (FB): 91 mph - RHP Adam Seibert, Episcopal Academy, Class of 2014


Of the records that were established last year, the one that is least likely to fall in year two is the top fastball recorded by Seibert in 2013. The Hofstra recruit sat 89-91, touching 91 mph on three occasions. RHP Michael Hunter (Brandywine Heights), a Marist recruit, sits in the upper 80s and is likely to show the top velocity of the 50 pitchers set to throw this year.

Mitchell MachiBat Exit Velocity: 96 mph - RHP/OF Mitchell Machi, North Allegheny HS, Class of 2014


Machi, a University of Buffalo recruit, turned in the top bat exit velocity and an impressive round of batting practice last year. Burger, Jacob Haberle (Gateway), Ryan Malloy (Holy Ghost Prep) and Nick Newman (Cardinal O'Hara) have all posted exit velocities in the 90+ mph range and could flirt with Machi's record.


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