Sam
Melnyk

8/12/18
A left-handed bat that starts in an athletic setup. Swing really works. Lower half creates energy into contact with barrel whipping through the zone with authority. Generates gap pop to both sides. A smooth swinger for the most part but will ramp up intent at times. Flashed loft power to pull side in BP. Scholarship level hit tool. Looks comfortable and athletic in the outfield. Big, accurate arm. Can see him at all three spots depending on level with a more natural fit in the corners.
Outfield Velocity: 86
Exit Velocity: 87
H-1st: 4.5

6/20/18
Unfortunately Sam’s day was cut short as he tweaked his back after BP, but his BP was impressive enough to make the list. Utilizes his lower half well through a double tap, creating consistent energy and timing. Hands are very loose prior to launch allowing him to generate easy/natural whip through the zone. Sprays it all over the field with gap abilities. Although he didn’t show off the other tools we’ve previously seen him offer an above average skill set in the outfield and  the southpaw also has an impressive three pitch off the bump.
Home to 1st: 4.41
Exit Velocity: 83

2/11/18

Really liked what I saw from Melynk. A fluid athlete who shows athletic actions on both sides of the ball. Swings it from the left side, displaying above average natural tools through the zone and impressive barrel feel. Does a nice job of balancing control and intent in swing. Generates gap to gap pop and will flash loft power to pull side. BP was louder than 84 mph exit velocity would indicate. In the outfield he looks comfortable and is mechanically sound to/through the baseball. Arm plays as a well above average tool, showing 86 mph arm strength to home plate. Looks to have a brighter future as a position player but the southpaw also showed an impressive three-pitch mix off the bump. Delivery is uptempo with athletic actions. A strike thrower that will toss all four offerings in the zone with confidence.  Arm is long/loose with noticeable whip through a near high-¾ slot. With his athleticism/arm action expect more velocity in the near future. Presently will sit 78-80 mph with his fastball that shows regular arm side action. Slider was an impressive offering showing late bite at 71-72 mph. Breaking ball has bigger action with slightly less depth at 62-65 mph. Changeup comes out with a fastball look before displaying run/dive. The pitch should play well with it’s movement/velocity difference. A scholarship level prospect that is a definite follow this spring/summer.

60-yard dash: 7.17

Infield Velocity: 86

Exit Velocity: 84

1/29/17
Athletic southpaw hurler at 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, uses a delivery that requires more than normal effort. Possesses a short arm action with some quickness that comes through a high-¾ slot and shows the ability to create a little deception by hiding the baseball. Fastball has some natural lefty run at 79-82 mph. Curveball is a bigger one that breaks in a 12/6 shape at 61-64 mph. Changeup seems to be the pitch to continue to develop and shows potential. A lefty swinger that starts in a balanced setup. Uses a very fluid leg kick load to get his lower half going. Advanced strength through contact. Path is level with impressive bats peed. Ball jumps off the bat, showing gap to gap pop. Fits the physical mold of a three hole guy down the road. Defensively, he shows natural, fluid actions in the outfield. Approaches the ball in an aggressive, controlled manner. Maintains momentum as he receives the ball. Quick transfer and advanced arm strength for his age.

Home to First: 4.71
Outfield Velocity: 84
Exit Velocity: 88