Prep Baseball Report

Ohio Insider: Class of 2019 Player Rankings (August)



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By Jordan Chiero and Dylan Hefflinger
Ohio Director of Scouting / Editor in Chief/Scout

Ohio Insider: Class of 2019 Player Rankings (August)

In our initial player rankings of the 2019 class we take a look at the top 40 players in the Buckeye State. We have seen numerous prospects over PBR Showcases throughout the spring and summer, local workouts and high school/travel ball games across the state. A lot of time and thought have been put in from our staff with these rankings.

That being said, we have had the pleasure of seeing a number of solid players this past spring and summer. Prospects are popping up left and right, making velocity jumps, improving 60-yard dash times and showing more power with the bat.

To view the entire list of 40 prospects please click here.

For insider information and scouting notes from the PBR staff during the 2016 spring/summer season visit the 2016 Ohio Scout Blog by clicking here.

Interested in attending a PBR Ohio event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

The Arms

Braedon Norman, RHP, Vandalia Butler HS, 2019
Scouting Report: The most polished arm in the 2019 class. Doesn’t possess a big, physical frame, but he brings above average athleticism to the mound. Arm really works and has a low effort delivery. The righty has three pitches he can throw in any count. Velocity was down towards the end of the summer, but we saw him 83-86 mph consistently and up to 87 mph this spring with run and sink. Moving forward, his clean arm action and efficient delivery would indicate he will throw as hard as his frame allows. His best offspeed pitch is his changeup that more resembles a left-handed breaking ball than a righty change. Also has an 11/5 shaped breaking ball that has room for improvement but is still a very good pitch for his age. Does all the little things at a high level, controlling the running game and fields his position.

Alec SayreAlec Sayre, RHP, Dover HS, 2019
Scouting Report: Has as good, if not better stuff than anyone in the class. Fastball will sit between 84-85 mph and can get up to 87 mph. Throws a power breaking ball with big time bite and good depth at 76-78 mph. When on it’s a swing and miss pitch. Also has decent feel for a changeup. Was lights out at Top Prospect Games, but struggled with control at Future Games. If consistency comes with maturity he is a top of the class talent.

Nick Hoffman, RHP, Centerville HS, 2019
Scouting Report: Passed the look test with flying colors. 6-foot-1, 170-pound athletic frame with long limbs and a high waist. Has long, loose arm action with above average arm speed. Will sit 82-84 mph with his fastball and we’ve seen him up to 85 mph. Secondary stuff is playable but will need to improve moving forward. Has a chance to be really, really good.

Ben VoreBen Vore, RHP, Lexington HS, 2019
Scouting Report: If breaking stuff was better there could be a real argument for him being the top arm in the class. Very projectable frame at 6-foot-2, 185-pounds and as easy of an 86 mph fastball as you’ll see at his age. Will throw 90 mph someday and all signs point to sooner rather than later.

The Position Players

Jack FrankJack Frank, OF, Strongsville HS, 2019
Scouting Report: Tools are far advanced for his age and his performance against high level competition earned him the top spot in the 2019 class. Was the only 2019 position player at the Future Games, and did more than hold his own, including triples in consecutive at bats. At the plate he has electric bat speed from the left side, and is as fast from launch to contact as we have seen in a long time. Has some things to clean up mechanically but has a chance to be a special bat. Moves fluidly in the outfield and has the ability to play all three spots. Arm is a plus tool as he has shown 87 mph arm strength to home plate. The wild card is what he becomes on the mound. Was up to 78 mph at 2019 Top Prospect Games with a lot left in the tank. Arm really works to go along with his obvious athleticism. His velocity from the outfield shows what’s in there and if he can figure out how to translate it to the mound he has a chance to be a two-way guy at the next level.

Sammy Sass, C, Upper Arlington HS, 2019
Scouting Report: A very solid defensive catcher that can really swing it. Each time we’ve seen him he has faced good velocity and has been unbothered by it, due to his advanced approach and big time bat speed. Stood out at 2019 Top Prospect Games with multiple extra base hits. Brings a high level of athleticism to the catcher position. Catch and throw skills are there with pop times ranging from 1.94-1.98. With his quick footwork and efficient transfer expect those times to get lower as arm strengthens with maturity. Blocking and receiving skills are well above average as well.

Caden KaiserCaden Kaiser, OF/1B, Olentangy HS, 2019
Scouting Report: An ideal frame at 6-foot-1, 180-pounds. Has a plus hit tool from the left side. As a freshman he hit over .340 in the leadoff spot for a very good Olentangy team. Very fluid at the plate with more than enough bat speed and strength. Advanced hand eye coordination, very rarely swings and misses. Has all the physical tools to hit for power down the road and if he develops his brother’s juice he has a chance to be the best hitter in the class. Defensively he can play both outfield and first base. Look test says first base where he would be an elite defender but has more than enough athleticism and arm strength to play the outfield. Earned a Future Games invitation but was unable to attend due to football.

Joey Velazquez, OF, DeSales HS, 2019
Scouting Report: The most physically impressive prospect in the class, resembling a college sophomore more than a high school one. Has all the tools to be a special left-handed bat. Bat speed is there with an unusual amount of strength for a kid his age. Put on a show during batting practice at 2019 Top Prospect Games, driving balls with authority to both gaps. Should hit for power someday. Athletic enough to play centerfield with the arm to play the corners. Another Future Games invite that was unable to attend due to football.

PBR OHIO CLASS OF 2019 TOP 40

Rank
Name State School Class Pos
1 Jack Frank OH Strongsville 2019 LHP
2 Sammy Sass OH Upper Arlington 2019 C
3 Caden Kaiser OH Olentangy 2019 1B
4 Braedon Norman OH Vandalia Butler 2019 RHP
5 Joey Velazquez OH Desales 2019 OF


***** To view the entire top 40, please click here.