Prep Baseball Report

Milwaukee Preseason I.D.: Right-Handed Pitching Analysis



By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

We finish our positional analysis of the Milwaukee Preseason I.D. with right-handed pitchers, probably the toughest and tightest group to rank. The top three arms all showed very similar abilities with big upside on the mound. Germantown’s Joe Gahm took the top spot with his plus breaking ball and a lively fastball. A pair of South Milwaukee products Cyrillo Watson and Matt McCarty could flip a coin for the No. 2 spot. Watson showed more dynamic action on his pitches, but McCarty showed the ability to command the zone better with good feel.

Here’s a look at our top right handed pitcher’s.

Top Right-Handed Pitching Prospects

1. Joe Gahm, RHP/MIF, Germantown, 2016
Athletically built, long lean, projects well, 6-foot-1, 180-pound two-way player. Good upside on the mound, athletic delivery, some effort, stay on line. Arm action is quick, highly athletic, loose arm, arm speed projects for added velocity, high ¾ slot. Fastball has good late finish in the zone, slight arm side run, showed control, 86-88 mph. Curveball has the makings of a plus out pitch, 11/5 action, sharp hard break, 73-76 mph, good depth, showed control, aggressive arm action. Changeup has slight arm side action, thrown with fastball arm speed, 77-80 mph. Offensively, hits from a slightly open stance, smooth loading action, short stride, good balance. Loose athletic hands, showed bat speed, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed athletic actions, fluid footwork, hands are soft and athletic. Arm played at 82 mph across the diamond, carried, high ¾ slot and accurate. Gahm projects well on the mound and his advanced arm speed is starting to translate on the mound, high ceiling.

2. Cyrillo Watson, OF/RHP, South Milwaukee, 2016
Illinois commit. 6-foot-1, 175-pound,  right-handed hitting utility player. In the outfield showed a long, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Life and carry from the outfield. Played thru the ball with quick, fluid footwork. Athletic actions and soft hands. Threw 92 mph from the outfield. At 3B showed a loose arm action with compact actions. Quick release and ok hands. Threw 85 mph across the infield. Ran the 60 at 7.18. Did not participate in hitting drills coming off a broken wrist. On the mound worked from a high ¾ arm angle, showed a quick, loose arm with regular effort. Drop and drive delivery with some rhythm. Online, balanced delivery with an athletic finish. Straight fastball with occasional run that sat 84-86 topping out at 87 mph. Power curveball with 11/5 shape that sat 70-76 mph. Changeup with fade that sat 75-76 mph.

3. Matt McCarty, RHP, South Milwaukee, 2016
6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, typical pitchers build, projects well, big athletic frame. Tall and fall style delivery, works cleanly down the hill, stays directional, athletic finish. Arm action is loose, ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball has hard late action, good run and finish through zone, filled it up well, showed the ability to command it, 85-87 mph. Slider has sweep, 10/4 action, occasionally got around it, 73-76 mph, good compliment to fastball. Changeup has good arm side action, fastball arm speed, good deception, 75-77 mph. McCarty projects well on the mound, his sturdy pitchers frame bodes well for him and has solid three pitch feel of the zone.

4. Jacob Lindemann, RHP/OF, Burlington, 2017
6-foor-2, 195-pound, right-handed hitting OF/RHP. Lanky, athletic build. In the field has a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws with carry. Ok footwork, clean exchange with average hands, tall release. Threw 86 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a tall, balanced setup. Short leg lift load, linear lower half, with good balance. Athletic loose hands, fast bat, pull hitter. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.35. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle, with a short arm circle in back, quick, loose arm. Regular effort, tall and fall delivery, short stride to the plate. Balanced, online delivery, upright finish. Fastball with occasional run that sat 84-85 topping out at 86 mph. Short, late breaking curveball with 12-6 shape sat 72-75 mph. Commanded changeup with sink action that sat 77-79 mph.  

5. Joe Dittmar, RHP, Richmond Burton, 2016
Wichita State commit. 6-foot-2, 204 pound right-handed pitcher, strong build, good arm strength. Tall and fall delivery, improved direction in delivery, athletic finish. Arm action is quick and strong, loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam action with good finish, sat 86-87 mph, touched 88 mph. Curveball has 11/5 action, 70-72 mph, good action, slight tilt. Throws changeup with aggressive arm action, fastball similar, 73-76 mph, good arm side action.

6. Jacob Kopp, RHP, West Bend West, 2015
6-foot-1, 230-pound right-handed pitcher. Strong build with wide shoulders. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle, with a short, loose arm action. Quick arm, with some effort. Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm.  Wraps arm, shoulders open up, falls off towards first base side. Lands on weak knee. Fastball showed run and sat 86-88 mph. Showed command of curveball with 11-5 shape that sat 69-72 mph. Maintained arm speed on changeup with sink that sat 72-75 mph.

7. Zach Clayton, SS/RHP, Oconomowoc, 2017
Strong build, very athletic, large frame, 6-foot-3, 205-pound two-way player, good raw athlete. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, leg kick trigger, strong lower half generates pop, good balance. Makes hard contact, big bat speed, level path gets extension. Pull side power type approach, also showed the ability to go the other way. Athletic hitter, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a short arm action, high ¾ slot, some carry, showed advanced arm strength for his age, 84 mph across the diamond. Showed athleticism in the field, could outgrow a middle infield spot, big strong physical athlete could project more at a corner infield/outfield positon. Comps similarly to Illinois commit Doran Turchin. On the mound works from a high ¾ slot, with regular effort, arm strength present. Fastball has arm side run, pitched at 84-85 mph, touched 86 mph. Curveball has sweeping action, 11/5 tilt, 71-73 mph. Changeup had sink, occasionally decelerated arm action, 71-74 mph. High follow 2017 prospect.

8. Marquis Reuter, 3B/RHP, Sun Prairie, 2016
Physically advanced, 5-foot-10, 180-pound two-way player, strong upper body, showed arm strength. On the mound delivery has regular effort, long strong arm action, over the top slot. Fastball had a heavy feel, sat 84-85 mph, touched 87 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 66-70 mph. Changeup has sinking action, 69-73 mph. Offensively hits from a tall setup, short toe tap stride. Strong swing, slight uphill path, power potential, looks to lift, good bat speed. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.20 runner in the 60. Defensively showed arm strength across the diamond, 82 mph, long arm action, deliberate defender. Strong arm has good projection on the mound.

9. Jacob DeLabio, RHP, Tremper, 2016
6-foot-5, 178-pound right-handed pitcher. Athletic, lanky build with projection. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle, long, loose arm action. Good balance throughout delivery, throws easy. Tall and fall delivery, good tempo, smooth rhythm, level shoulders throughout. Lands open and tends to pull pitches down gloveside. Fastball flashes cut and sink that sat 81-84 mph. Curveball with 11-5 shape, loose arm, sat 70-73 mph. Changeup with sink 68-70 mph. Projects for more velocity. Good athleticism.

10. Ryan Hoerter, RHP/MIF, Indian Trail, 2017
Thin build, lanky frame, 6-foot-3, 165-pound two-way player, projectable raw athleticism. Tall and fall delivery, regular effort, stays online, solid mound presence. Arm action is quick and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run, controlled the zone, 80-81 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, good control, 67-70 mph. Changeup sinks, good arm speed, controlled it well, solid feel, 72-73 mph. Showed good feel for three pitches, pitchability present, quick arm and more velocity will come. Defensively showed natural athleticism, moves fluidly, softer hands. Arm played at 80 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, toe tap leg lift stride. Loose hands, athletic, line drive type approach. 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.54 runner in the 60.

11. Andrew Stekiel, RHP, Catholic Memorial, 2017
Long legs, 5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed pitcher, projectable frame, young build. Delivery shows some effort, high front side, slightly collapsed in balance position, works downhill and directional. Arm action has length, slight stab in draw, over the top slot, hides well, deceptive. Fastball is mostly straight, some downhill plane, has finish through the zone, 79-80 mph. Curveball has depth, 61-62 mph, 12/6 action, showed the ability to throw for strikes. Changeup sits 70-73 mph, throws it aggressively. Projectable arm on the mound, has the ability to change hitters’ eye level up and down.

12. Ryan Nehls, RHP, Lake County Lutheran, 2017
5-foot-11, 158-pound, right-handed pitcher. Long, loose arm action from a low ¾ arm angle. Athletic arm. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Smooth tempo, with an online, athletic finish. Flashed some run and sink on his fastball that sat 78-79 and topped at 81 mph. Curveball with 10/4 shape and some sweep. Curveball sat 69-70 mph. Maintained arm speed on his changeup with arm side run that sat 74-74. Will continue to improve with maturity.

13. James Wright, RHP, Milwaukee Lutheran, 2016
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, medium build. Tall and fall approach, regular effort, compact delivery, works on line, squared landing. Arm action is short, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run action, 80-82 mph. Curveball has sweeping action, 72-74 mph. Changeup flashed sink, 74-76 mph. Good three pitch mix, showed feel.

14. Evan Spry, RHP/3B, Janesville Craig, 2017
Projectable frame, 6-foot-1, 157-pound two-way player, athletic medium build. On the mound delivery is easy, tall and fall type, work on line, good rhythm and balance. Arm action has length, loose, free and easy, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight running action to arm side, showed control of the zone, 78-79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, dropped for strikes, 65-67 mph. Changeup has good sinking action, 71-73 mph. Showed pitchability. Left-handed hitter, open stance, short stride, good balance. Loose hands, easy, path stays on top, consistent hard contact, barrel aware. Good bat speed for age, solid approach, occasional pull tendencies. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with soft hands at third base, plays through the baseball, sound actions. Arm works similar to that on the mound, 77 mph across the diamond, arm shows athleticism. 7.64 runner in the 60.

15. Ed Trensch, RHP, Whitnall, 2016
5-foot-11, 210-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Average arm speed with regular effort, tall and fall delivery. Smooth rhythm, level shoulders, with an online delivery. Straight fastball that sat 80-82 mph. Curveball with 12-6 shape that sat 69-72 mph. Threw Curveball for strikes. Maintains armspeed on straight Changeup with some fade that sat 74-76 mph. 

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Cameron Anfang, RHP, Jefferson, 2017
5-foot-8, 143-pound, right-handed pitcher, who features a fastball, curveball, and changeup. Delivers the ball from a high ¾ slot with a long arm action. Showed some effort in delivery with some rhythm. He threw a straight fastball sitting 72-74 mph. He threw a changeup with sink and fade at 65-66 mph, while maintain his arm speed. Curveball has 12/6 shape with some downer action at 65-68 mph. Some projection.

Harrison Collar, 3B/RHP, Appleton West, 2016
6-foot-1, 190-pound, right-handed hitting 3B/RHP. In the field has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot, with some accuracy and average arm strength. Fields ball deep with stiffness in the hands. Threw 70 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup, short stride with average balance. Pull hitter with average bat speed with an uphill swing path, some looseness in the swing. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.37. On the mound works form a high ¾ arm angle, regular effort, slight pause at balance point. Tall and fall delivery with slower rhythm. Straight fastball that sat 75-76 mph. Curveball with 12-6 shape that sat 60-63 mph. Maintains armspeed on changeup with fade that sat 65-68 mph.

Jacob Droese, RHP, West Bend West, 2015
6-foot-1, 145-pound, right-handed pitcher. Tall, lanky build. Works from a high ¾ arm slot. Short, stiff arm action with some effort. Tall and fall delivery, choppy rhythm. Shoulders open up early. Fastball with occasional run and sink that sat 77-80 topping out at 81 mph. Curveball with 11-5 shape, and sweep, sat 67-70 mph. Changeup was best pitch, maintained arm speed, flashed sink, and threw it for strikes. Changeup sat 70-72 mph.

Dylan Fluegel, MIF/RHP, Oak Creek, 2017
5-foot-8, 165-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from the right side, wide setup, no stride approach, minimal lower half. Path is level, has length, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played with a long arm action across the diamond, over the top slot, 74 mph. Fields it deep, 7.53 runner in the 60. On the mound works from a high ¾ slot, regular effort, lands closed, finishes slightly to first base side. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam, 76-77 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, 63-65 mph. Changeup is firm at 70-72 mph. Also showed a knuckleball at 62-63 mph.

Patrick Foldy, RHP/3B, Hamilton, 2018
6-foot-1, 140-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/3B. Thin, lanky build with room to fill. In the field has a short arm action form an over the top arm slot, with average arm strength. Fields ball deep, with some stiffness in the hands, threw 73 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup, smooth heel lift stride with average balance. Opposite field hitter, 67 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.99. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle, short arm action, quick arm, regular effort. Tall and fall delivery, lean back at balance point, some rhythm, square landing. Straight fastball with occasional run that sat 73-74 topping out at 75 mph. Good feel for curveball with 12/6 shape that 60-62 mph. Changeup with sink that sat 66-67 mph.

Alexander Gress, RHP, New Berlin West, 2015
6-foot-1, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher. Works from a high ¾ arm angle, short arm action, regular effort. Tall and fall, slow paced delivery. Online delivery, square landing. Fastball sat 70-71 topping out at 72 mph. Curveball with 10/4 shape that sat 62-63 mph. Slider sat 63-65 mph with sweeping action. Changeup showed armside run and sink sitting 68-70 mph. Threw all pitches for strikes.

Nick Hammel, 1B/RHP, Muskego, 2016
6-foot, 225-pound, right-handed hitting 1B/RHP. Large frame, wide shoulders, strong build. In the field, has a long, stiff arm action from a ¾ arm angle.  Some stiffness in the hands. Threw 74 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from an open stance, closes off on load, with fair balance. Opposite field hitter with average bat speed and extension. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.61. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, stiff arm action. Tall and fall delivery, falls off to first base side. Straight fastball that sat 73-75 mph. Curveball with 11-5 shape that sat 63-65 mph. Straight changeup that sat 65-69 mph. knuckle ball sat 63-65 mph.

William Iloncaie, RHP, East Troy, 2015
6-foot-2, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher. Thin, lanky frame with room to fill. Works from a high ¾ arm slot, short arm circle in the back, loose arm, with regular effort. Tall and fall delivery, shoulder tilt at balance point, works downhill. Online delivery, good balance, smooth rhythm, good tempo. Lands with toe open.  Straight fastball that flashed cutting action sat 79-81 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape and sat 72-73 mph. Cutter sat 75-77 mph.

Peter Koscinski, RHP, Catholic Memorial, 2016
6-foot-4, 230-pound, right-handed pitcher. Big-bodied, wide shoulder build. Two pitch guy that throws a sinker and curveball. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Throws easy, tall and fall delivery. Slow paced delivery short stride, with some rhythm. Online, square landing. Fastball with plus sink sat 79-81. Sweeping curveball with slurve shape sat 67-69 mph. Erratic command.

Jake Macaluso, RHP, Sussex Hamilton, 2016
Solid build, 6-foot, 205-pound right handed pitcher. Regular effort, closed landing works slightly across his body. High ¾ arm slot, long arm action. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam, 79-81 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, loose action, 65-68 mph. Changeup flashed sink, occasionally cuts it, 72-75 mph.

Kyle Murphy, OF/RHP, Cedarburg, 2016
6-foot, 155-pound, right-handed hitting, OF/RHP. In the field has a long arm action with some stiffness, from an over the top arm slot, with some accuracy. Plays thru the ball with average hands, threw 80 mph from the outfield and 79 mph from the infield. At the plate hits from a wide crouched base with a short stride. Line drive hitter with average bat speed, 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.50. On the mound used a full delivery, over the top arm angle, long arm action. Fastball sat 74-77, 11-5 shape on curveball that sat 65-66, Slider at 67-68. Best pitch was the changeup that sat 62-65.

Derrick Oleson, OF/RHP, West Allis Hale, 2015
6-foot-6, 195-pound, right-handed hitting OF/RHP. Long, lanky build. In the field has a short arm action from an over the top arm angle with some accuracy and average arm strength. Average hands, threw 80 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a crouched setup, short load, wraps, average balance. Pull hitter with a fast bat and occasional pop. 87 mph exit velocity form a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.31. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle, long arm action, stab in back, regular effort. Tall and fall delivery with some rhythm. Straight fastball that sat 77-78 topping out at 79 mph. Threw fastball for strikes. Curveball sat 70-72. Straight changeup that sat 72-73 mph.

Jonathan Osman, OF/RHP, Brookfield Central, 2017
5-foot-9, 160-pound, right-handed hitting, OF/RHP. In the outfield, showed a long arm action, from a high ¾ arm slot, with some accuracy, throwing 71 mph. At the plate has a balanced setup, smooth load, and a short stride. He has average bat speed, an uphill path, with strength, 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.52. On the mound works from and over the top arm angle, with a short arm action, and a tall and fall delivery, while landing open. Throws a straight fastball at 66-67 topping out at 68 mph. He throws a curveball with 1-7 shape at 58-59 mph. Featured a changeup that sat 61-64 mph.

Jacob Passow, CIF/RHP, Germantown, 2017
6-foot-4, 180-pound, right-handed hitting corner infielder/pitcher. In the field has a long stiff arm action. Fields the ball deep with ok footwork. Threw 74 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a wide stance with high hands, no stride, with average balance. Average bat speed, with a level swing path, 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.57. On the mound has a high ¾ arm angle, long arm action, with regular effort. Tall and fall delivery with a square landing. Straight fastball that sat 71-73 and topped out at 74 mph. Loose curveball that sat 58-61 mph. Changeup with fade that sat 66-69 mph.

Rudy Rodriguez, SS/RHP, Greenfield, 2017
5-foot-11, 195-pound, right-handed hitting SS/RHP. In the field has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Slow footwork with a slow exchange. Threw 72 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from an open stance, steps in the bucket. Pull hitter with stiff rhythm. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.32. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle, stiff arm action with regular effort. Rushes delivery and falls off towards first base. Fastball sat 70-72 topping out at 73 mph. Slider with 11/5 shape that sat 61-64 mph. Changeup sat 69-72 mph.

Calvin Snyder, RHP, Shorewood, 2017
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, projectable frame, athletic build, good upside on the mound. Delivery works online, lands heel to open toe, rhythmic delivery. Arm action is short and quick, deceptive, hides it well, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight arm side run, gets on you quicker than velocity suggests, sat 78-80 mph, touched 81 mph, fastball projects. Curveball has 11/5 action, 60-65 mph. Changeup had fading action, near fastball arm speed, 73-74 mph. Good arm speed, has projection as an RHP in the 2017 class, good follow.

Jake Somerville, RHP, St. Johns Northwestern, 2016
6-foot-1, 175-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with regular effort. Slow paced delivery, tall at balance point, shoulder tilt, lands square. Straight 4-seam fastball that sat 76-77 mph. 2-seam fastball with some action at 77 mph. Curveball with slurve shape that sat 68-70 mph. Changeup with sink action that sat 70-73 mph.

Michael Wojcik, MIF/RHP, Richmond Burton, 2017
5-foot-10, 170-pound, right-handed hitting, MIF/RHP. In the field has a long arm action, from an over the top arm slot, with some accuracy and average arm strength. Fielded the ball deep, threw 78 mph across the infield. Offensively sets up from a balanced stance with a short stride. Showed above average bat speed, with a short, level swing, fluid rhythm, with present strength in the lower half. 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.40. On the mound worked from a high ¾ arm angle with a tall and fall delivery. Fastball sat 75-77 mph. Threw a curveball for strikes with 11-5 shape that sat 65-68 mph. Straight changeup that sat 70-74 mph.

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