Prep Baseball Report

Analyzing the Pitchers at the Western PA Open ID Showcase (Session 2)



By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

The Western PA Open ID Showcase on January 19 at the Family First Sports Dome in Erie, PA was the third event of its kind over the past three weekends. As was the case the first two weekends a high level pitching prospect emerged in Erie. A complete analysis of the pitching prospects in attendance follows.

CyphertDylan Cyphert, LHP/OF, Cranberry HS, Class of 2015
Cyphert went 5-2, with a 2.45 ERA and one save as a freshman in 2012. He recorded 67 strikeouts in 48.1 innings of work over 10 appearances.Cyphert was as good as advertised during his bullpen session. The 6-foot, 160-pound lefty used solid mechanics and a quick arm to produce a fastball that sat 82-84 with some arm side run. Cyphert showed the makings of a plus curveball that has a 1/7 break and tight rotation.  Some minor adjustments to the pitch could make it an excellent out pitch. Cyphert's changeup sat 69-71 with a bit of cutting action. With continued physical progress and improvements to his complimentary pitches, the sophomore has the potential to be a highly recruited prospect in the Class of 2015.

Sean Rutkosky, RHP/3B, Harbor Creek HS, Class of 2015
Rutkosky showed promise during his bullpen session commanding three pitches throughout. He went 2-1 with a 1.62 ERA in 21.2 innings of work as a freshman in 2012. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound right-hander topped at 79 mph out of a high 3/4 arm slot. Rutkosky also showcased an 11/5 breaking curveball at 67 mph and a 71 mph changeup.

Tanner Teconchuk, 2B/RHP, Warren HS, Class of 2014
Techonchuk is a 5-foot-8, 145-pound prospect who is showing rapid improvement as a pitcher. Teconchuck showcased a much improved fastball that sat 76-78. Using a high 3/4 delivery he commanded a 66 mph curveball and a 71 mph changeup. Teconchuk showed his ability to command the strike zone in three innings of work at the PA Underclass Games in September and continued that trend in a similar display of control during his bullpen session. As he continues to fill out physically, Teconchuk should see additional gains in velocity.

Dominik Pruskowski, 3B/RHP, Meadville HS, Class of 2016
Pruskowski commanded three pitches and showed promise as a pitcher. He used a high 3/4 delivery to top at 76 mph from the mound. Pruskowski also showed a 67 mph curveball and a developing split finger changeup at 66 mph. The freshman falls to the first base side of the mound and does not fully incorporate his lower body in his delivery. With some small adjustments to his delivery he could see significant jumps in velocity.

Justin Strubel, OF/RHP, Girard HS, Class of 2013
Strubel is a 5-foot-11, 140-pound unsigned senior who used an over the top arm slot to top at 72 mph from the mound. Strubel also showed command of a 63 mph 11/5 breaking curveball and a 68 mph changeup.

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