Matthew
Panker

ENY All-Star Games (September 17, 2014)

Athletic 5-foot-8 150 pound middle infielder with easy actions. Offensively- Even setup with his lower half; slight twitch in his load with is hands before creating separation on the way back. Hangs stride slightly in the air getting down as ball arrives. Down action swing path with a high finish. Earlier with his timing will allow for swing to repeat itself. A mix of results with his contact, exit velocity was 82 MPH. Defensively- Ranges well up the middle, quick release with an over the top release. Throws were accurate at 67 MPH, a few MPH's down from past events (early morning/wet surface). Solid all-around defender who should stay in the middle of the field as he matures.

Long Island Top Prospect (January 16, 2017)

Panker, a 2019 right-handed hitting middle infielder/RHP currently the 20th best middle infield prospect for the class of 2019, stands at  5-foot-9 and weighs a solid 150 pounds, ran a 4.21 from home to first, which was 0.32 quicker than last event. Offensively- Begins with a square balanced lower half with a slight bend in both knees with the hands held above the back shoulder with the barrel of the bat slightly greater than 45 degrees from the ground. Gets into the lunch phase of the swing with a moderate lead leg lift striding forward with the hands loaded straight back just a bit outside the back shoulder. Short and compact hand path to the ball during batting practice, showing an ability to drive the ball well from the pull side gap to the center of the field. Recorded and exit velocity of 77 MPH, an increase of 5 MPH from last event. Defensively- Uses a pre pitch step and hop technique to create movement during the pitcher's’ delivery. Fields the ball from the center to left of the body. Transfers the ball from the center of the chest with the thumbs down getting into a strong power position. Throws showed good carry as well as accuracy. Registered an arm velocity of 74 MPH, which was an increase of 3 MPH from the previous event. Pitching- Works from the first base side of the rubber with the toes and shoulders slightly angled to the arm side with both hands held in front of and chest height. Gets to the gathered position of the delivery by taking a slight step to the first base line while the pivot foot remains in the same spot spot the hands are dropped waist high and then get elevated back up slightly above the chest. Sticks the landing with the lead toe pointed directly at the catcher while the lead arm stays tight as well as getting quality back leg extension. The fastball, thrown from a mid to high ¾ arm slot, topped out at 72 MPH, a personal best, while showing some heaviness as well as displayed the ability to work the pitch to both sides of the plate keeping in the lower third of the zone. The changeup, showed quality arm side run and sink while topping out at 66 MPH, which could show slightly more of a differential from the fastball (-6 MPH). Also featured a knuckleball, tons of movement, with a more spiking action that topped out at 60 MPH.

Long Island Preview (February 18, 2016)

At 5-foot-7, 135 pounds this 2019 Grad shows raw ability at several facets of the game despite a lack of overall strength, he ran a 4.52 laser time home-to-1B. Hitting - Starts his stance square to the pitcher with his base more than shoulder with apart.  Has a lot of hand movement which keeps his upper body relaxed. Has great bat path on inside pitches turning on them and extending with confidence but struggles to let the ball travel to get coverage on the outside of the plate, his exit velocity was 72 MPH off the tee. Defensively- Has good athletic movements especially with fielding anything to the right and left laterally.  Struggles at working around balls hit directly at him and doesn't attack the ball aggressively.  Good arm action throwing 71 MPH across the diamond with room to improve by being more aggressive.  Pitching- -  Windup has good rhythm and works at a face pace Fastball sat 69-70 MPH while hitting 71 MPH multiple times.  Good repertoire of pitches with a change that shows a ton of movement at 66-67 MPH but needs to improve on his ability to disguise it as a fastball.  His Knuckleball shows promise at 59-62 MPH.  A high 3/4 arm delivery and good body control shows his potential on the mound.