Prep Baseball Report

Western PA Fall Review Analysis: Outfielders



By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

La Roche College was the host for the Western PA Fall Review. A total of 38 participants from two states dotted the roster for the days proceedings that included two nine-inning games with a showcase in between.  Over the next five days we will review each player in attendance by position. Today we continue our review by taking a look at the outfielders in attendance.

Brian Farabaugh, 2017, North Hills (PA)
6-foot, 190-pound right-handed hitter. Starts from a slightly open stance and exhibited a fluid swing with above average barrel whip (91 mph). Displayed some present power and the ability to drive both gaps. Registered top 60-yard dash time at event (6.96). Showcased solid defensive skills with accurate 76 mph arm strength. 

Jackson Frank, 2017, DuBois Central Catholic (PA)
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitter. Starts from a square stance with a high hands load. Utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to initiate his direct swing leading to a bat exit velocity of 77 mph. Went 2-for-6 in game action and registered a 7.31 60-yard dash. Showcased solid routes to the baseball defensively and accurate 74 mph arm strength.

Jack Hendricks, 2017, Quaker Valley (PA)
5-foot-10, 175-pound right-handed hitter. Starts from a slightly open stance and initiates swing with a toe-tap stride from a high hands load. Showcased a feel for the barrel and the ability to get to extension consistently with a bat exit velocity of 80 mph. Displayed athletic actions and the ability to play through the baseball with a 78 mph arm defensively. 

Cole Horew, 2016, Chartiers Valley (PA)
6-foot, 165-pound uncommitted senior. Right-handed hitter earned Top Prospect honors at the event. The talented two-way prospect ran a 7.00 60-yard dash, flashed 84 mph arm strength from the outfield and an 87 mph bat exit velocity. Horew went 5-for-6 with two doubles and an inside-the-park home run in game action and topped at 86 mph on the mound. The right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a short, leg-lift stride. Demonstrated above average feel for the barrel and excellent plate recognition.

Josh Kirwin, 2017, Rocky Grove (PA)
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitter. Starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a leg-lift stride to initiate his swing. Showcased above average barrel whip with a bat exit velocity of 79 mph. Rotates on front heel leading to some balance issues. Ran a 7.21 60-yard dash and showcased 78 mph arm strength from the outfield. 3/4 arm slot leads to significant tail on throws.

Matt Privette, 2017, Pittsburgh Central Catholic (PA)
5-foot-10, 155-pound right-handed hitter. Starts from a square stance with a high hands load and utilizes a short stride to initiate his swing. Showcased a direct swing path and the ability to stay inside the baseball with a bat exit velocity of 76 mph. Ran an event best 6.96 60-yard dash and displayed athletic defensive action with an accurate 74 mph arm. 

Connor Rakow, 2019, Franklin (PA)
5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed hitter. Starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a short lift-and-replace stride. Displayed some length to his swing but a flat barrel path allows him to stay in the hitting zone for long periods of time. Turned in a solid round of batting practice with a bat exit velocity of 78 mph and went 2-for-4 in game two action. Showcased very fluid actions defensively with accurate 78 mph arm strength with solid carry. Definite follow in this class that should see steady improvements through physical maturity and strength gains.

Jared Shawver, 2016, Logan (WV)
6-foot, 155-pound uncommitted senior with two-way abilities. Primary pitcher is a left-handed hitter that starts from a square stance. Initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride and demonstrated a short swing with a bat exit velocity of 82 mph. Went 2-for-6 in game action and showcased athletic actions defensively with 80 mph arm strength. Projects as a corner outfielder with his foot speed (7.70 60-yard dash).

Michael Ruf, 2017, McDowell (PA)
5-foot-10, 155-pound switch-hitter only hit from the right side on this day. Starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a short, lift-and-replace stride. A short swing path and solid hip action leads to a bat exit velocity of 77 mph. Ran a 7.39 60-yard dash and showed the ability to play through the baseball defensively with accurate 78 mph arm strength. 

Brett Steinle, 2018, Seneca Valley (PA)
5-foot-10, 145-pound right-handed hitter. Starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a short, lift-and-replace stride. Displayed a line drive approach with a feel for the barrel and a bat exit velocity of 85 mph. Went 3-for-4 at the plate in game action and registered a 7.52 60-yard dash. Showcased sound defensive fundamentals and an accurate 78 mph arm strength. Will benefit from physical maturation and strength gains in the coming years.