On Tuesday, June 16th, PBR Arizona had the chance to run its first event of the summer circuit where we got a good glimpse into some young future prospects. The Class of 2023- Top Prospect Games is an invite only event that took place at Shadow Ridge High School in Surprise, AZ that featured some of the top players in the 2023 grad class. There were many players in attendance that have started to establish themselves as must follow prospects into the near future. This event featured over 60 players from from all across the state of Arizona that took part in a pro style workout followed by live game action. This annual sold out event has become a must attend event for future college prospects looking to play at the next level. 

We began our post-event analysis with our Statistical Analysis, taking a look at the top statistical performers in each category. We also posted a Quick Hits article of our first impressions from the event. This event gave us some good knowledge into some players that we haven't seen before. We also had the chance to see players we haven't seen in a while due to seasons being shut down. 

Today, we continue our post event coverage by continuing our positional analysis by taking a look at the pitchers that toed the rubber at this event. Some arms with some upside including some intriguing two-way prospects highlighted. Be sure to stay tuned over the next couple weeks for more post-event coverage. 

CLICK HERE to view all event statistics. 

Pitcher Analysis

Garrett Ahern RHP / 1B / Campo Verde, AZ / 2023 6-foot-3 155-pounds, thin, long legs & arms, high waisted, limited strength, projectable body. Tall low effort delivery with limited leg use. Upright at foot plant, starting rotation early with some lateral truck  angle. Throws with a short arm stroke with average arm speed from a ¾ arm slot, high release. FB worked 76-79mph with subtle cutting action with an average spin rate of 2020rpm. Mixed in a CH 65-66mph that also has some cut. Ahern has some upside on the hill, adding strength & intent to delivery.

 

Andrew Cain 3B / RHP / Ironwood Ridge, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 45 / POS: 5 6-foot-1 175-pounds, broad shoulders, proportional strength, some projectability. Two-way player. High upside as a left handed hitter. Starts in a relaxed upright base, using a leg kick with slight coil to transfer energy. Gets connected early producing plus bat & hand speed. Short easy swing with mid/pull approach, 91mph exit velocity off a tee. Hit some balls in the lower 90’s in BP including a ball at 354ft at 28 degree launch angle. High power potential. Quick choppy footwork in the infield. Fields ball in between legs. Slightly above average arm strength across the diamond. Also worked out on the mound. Athletic delivery with short quick arm stroke, throwing from ¾ arm slot. FB with slight arm side movement sat 77-81mph. Mixed in a developing slurvy breaking ball at 69-70mph. Two-way player to follow with high upside as left-handed hitter.

 

Justin Chambers LHP / 1B / Higley, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 50 / POS: 7 6-foot-1 170-pounds, long body with some strength & above average athleticism. Ran a 7.29 60-yard dash that he can probably improve on with better direction. Two-way player, left-handed hitter with some rawness at the plate. Sets up in a spread out base with some knee bend, slightly open. Uses a leg kick trigger, landing slightly closed off at times. Opposite field approach, 85mph exit velocity. Good athleticism & feet at first base. Above average are across the diamond at 81mph. Stood out on the mound, throwing from a higher arm slot, he pounded the zone with some quickness, working his FB 80-84mph with some life. He also worked in two breaking balls with lower spin that were similar in shape. Threw them from a lower arm slot with the SL 69-70mph & CV was 67-69mph. Upside on the mound that should be followed.

 

Tommy Chiappetti SS / OF / Verrado, AZ / 2023 5-foot-9 140-pounds, average balanced frame, has started to mature a bit, noticeably bigger than back in February. Hits from a squared base, using small knee turn left lift. Simple repeatable swing, showing some rhythm. Hands work down and back, creating a barrel tilt at times. Long swing with  lower rotational acceleration, finishing low. Varying contact at 84mph exit velocity. Average footwork with ok glove, flipping glove before fielding. Quick loose arm action with 77mph arm strength. Also worked out on the mound, throwing with long arm action from an athletic repeatable delivery. Some lateral trunk tilt at front foot strike, falling off to the first base side at times. Threw mostly FB’s in live action working down in the zone, 77-79mph. Mixed in a CV at 65-66mph.

 

Declan Conry RHP / 1B / Casteel, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 58 / POS: 13 6-foot-5 185-pounds, body stands out with broad shoulders, long legs & arms, some present strength, slower twitch. Starts from a narrow upright slightly open base, falling into front foot strike with slightly gathered leg lift. Accelerates bat onto the swing plane late with higher time to contact. 80mph exit velocity in live BP. Better feet at first base then his 8.34 60-yard dash time would suggest. Usable glove with accurate arm. Had one of his best showings to date on the mound. Low effort delivery, pitching predominantly from the stretch. Throwing with a shorter arm stroke with little extension & low finish. Two- pitch combination. FB sat 77-81mph with some arm side movement. CH paired well with his FB on the same axis at 72-74mph.

 

Demario Faison OF / RHP / Estrella Foothills , AZ / 2023 5-foot-9 140-pounds, lean athletic frame, some projectability, plenty of room to get stronger, still maturing. Two-way player. Athletic actions, running a 7.0 60-yard dash. Hits from a square balanced base, using a leg lift getting out on the front leg early. Minimal separation of the hands in load. Long swing to the baseball with average hand speed. 82mph exit velocity. Athletic actions in the OF, moves to the baseball well with a good glove. Steps behind with some direction towards target, 82 mph throwing velocity. Also threw against hitters on the mound. Athletic delivery, throwing from ¾ arm slot, stiff wrist at times. FB sat 75-82mph with some cutting action at 2050-2200rpm. Mixed in a SL at 66-68mph.

 

David Galindo C / RHP / Saint Mary's, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 16 / POS: 3 5-foot-10 190-pounds, stocky build with strong body, broad shoulders, above average strength for age. Still learning to use his body to his advantage. Hits from narrow upright base, using a small forward leg lift with minimal transfer of weight.  Pull approach with slightly downward path, 85mph exit velocity. Potential behind the plate, quick raw actions, almost looking as if he wasn’t ready at times. Wide stands with tighter hips. Lets the ball get to him before using a short step to the bag with limited momentum & finish. Naturally strong OT arm at 75mph, recording 2.0-2.1 pop times. Also, pitched at the event and has some upside as a two-way. Worked his FB 82-84mph with some varying movement from a higher arm slot. Mixed in a CV at 69-70mph that showed some downer break.

 

Tyler Hansen LHP / OF / Chaparral , AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 22 / POS: 2 5-foot-7 170-pounds, short stocky build, young body that's still maturing, some strength & durability to build off. Two-way player. Left-handed hitter, setting up in a relaxed upright base with very slight open stance. Uses a small leg lift, landing closed at times with a small load of the hands. Good rotational acceleration with above average bat speed. Level through the baseball with quick time to contact. Hard LD contact to the middle of the field at 80mph. Average athleticism in the OF with some extra movement approaching the ball, running 7.49 60-yard dash. Steps behind with slight direction on throws, 79mph arm strength. Also worked out on the mound. Left-handed pitcher, throwing with a low effort delivery from a ¾ arm slot. Hips open up a bit early. Hides the ball with a short arm stroke. FB sat 75-79mph at 1840rpm. Also flashed a SL at 63-65mph.

 

Dallin Harrison RHP / OF / Basha, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 38 / POS: 9 5-foot-11 150-pounds, lean body, long frame, some athleticism, room to add strength. Two-way player. Left-handed hitter, setting up in a squared base. Shifts his body weight & center mass to the outside his back leg, using a slight knee to knee trigger. Middle approach with average contact at 80mph. Some athletic actions in the OF. More quick than fast, running a 7.50 60-yard dash. Aggressive to the baseball, accurate throws with some carry at 82mph. Also worked out on the mound showing some upside. Athletic, repeatable delivery, throwing from a ¾ arm slot with higher lateral trunk tilt. FB sat 77-81 with some arm side run at 1800-1900rpm. Mixes in a slurvy breaking ball at 64-65mph, showing separation between pitches. Development should be followed.

 

Charles Heil RHP / 1B / Seton Catholic Prep, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 23 / POS: 5 6-foot-3 205-pounds, broad shoulders, strong frame, some durability to build off, has gained some strength since back in January. Average athleticism, ran a 7.70 60-yard dash. Loads his hips with tall coiled balance point, landing in line. Drop & drive delivery with back leg and trunk rotating early. Short arm stroke, throwing with some intent from a ¾ arm slot. FB sat 79-83mph with arm side movement, average spin rate of 1913rpm.. Threw two breaking balls, one being a SL and the other showing more like a cutter. Natural arm strength should be followed.

 

Dale Jorgensen 3B / RHP / Basha, AZ / 2023 5-foot-11 185-pounds, stocky frame, well built with above average strength for the age. Two-way player who also plays football. Raw approach at the plate with some extra movement. Starts in wide base, rocking into the back leg early. Uses a toe tap, opening up into heel plant. Hit balls all over the field, looking to hit the ball in the air with strength through his swing. 86mph exit velocity of a tee. Hit some balls into the low 90’s in live BP. Usable hands & feet defensively with ok quickness. Average arm strength at 78mph. Also worked out on the mound, throwing with long OT arm action. Threw a straight FB at 73-76mph, mixing in a SL at 61-63mph with straight side spin.

 

Juan Carlos Kalemera RHP / 3B / Pinnacle, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 37 / POS: 8 5-foot-11 175-pounds, broad shoulders, lean body, looks even bigger with above average strength for the age, also showing some athleticism running 7.29 60-yard dash. Two-way player, multiple sport athlete that uses raw athleticism. Hits from a wide spread out base, using a small leg kick. Loads hands into a barrel tilt. Over swung at times in BP but has present pop, 85mph exit velocity. Natural arm strength in the OF, throwing 88mph. On the mound, Kalemera threw with a longer arm swing from a H ¾ arm slot. Logged the top velocity at 85mph, sitting 83-85mph. Showed us glimpses of an above average cut to change-up at 75-78mph.

Kobe Ladd RHP / 1B / Corona Del Sol, AZ / 2023 6-foot-1 230-pounds, broad shoulders, big body, strength & durability to build off. Raw delivery with some extra moving parts. Big leg kick, raising hands above his head. Drop & drive approach, front side opening up early, dragging back side. Creates extension with consistent release. Short arm stroke from ¾ arm slot. Flat FB sat 73-76mph with average spin of 19221rpm, cutting at times. Developing feel for his offspeed, currently throwing a CH & SL.

Austin Mittelstedt RHP / 3B / Horizon , AZ / 2023 5-foot-10 175-pounds, average proportionate frame, some strength in legs. Two-way player. Starts pre-loaded leaning on back leg. Uses a leg lift with little forward movement. Gets onto the swing plane quickly with high rotational acceleration. Works the whole field with LD approach, 83mph exit velocity. Showed some athleticism around the bag with usable hands, suggesting he can play some 3B. Average arm across the diamond at 78mph. Also worked out on the mound, Throwing with long over-top arm action with high release. Worked his FB 75-77mph with downhill movement. Mixed in a CV at  65-66mph with 10/4 shape.

 

Landon Penney LHP / 1B / Brophy College Prep, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 44 / POS: 5 6-foot 190-pound frame, physical body with broad shoulders, good strength for age, he’s listed at the same as back january but looks noticeably bigger. Two-way player currently. Left-handed hitter. Starts in a strong squared base with handle deep in hands, slight separation. Uses an explosive forward move into heel plant. Gets bat onto swing plane fast with high rotational acceleration and above average bat speed. Good time to contact and power potential. Aggressive pull approach at 90mph exit velocity. Hit some of the hardest hit balls of the day in our live game action. Ok hands at first base with raw footwork. Ran an 8.0 60-yard dash. Also worked out on the mound, throwing from a higher slot with short arm stroke. FB sat 74-77mph with some cutting action. Mixed in a slurvy breaking ball at 63-65mph. Left-handed power at the plate should be followed.

 

Payton Pudenz RHP / OF / Red Mountain , AZ / 2023 5-foot-7 135-pounds, young body, immature physically, some quick twitch athleticism & projectability. Worked out as a two-way player. Hits from a squared stance, rocking into back leg with a gathered leg kick. Low rotational acceleration with handsy swing, finishing low. Worked the whole field with LD/GB contact at 82mph. Easy footwork in the OF, showing some quickness with 75mph arm arm strength. Also worked out on the mound, showing significant upside. Athletic delivery with back foot coming off the ground at heel plant. Pudenz has a fast arm with short arm action, throwing from a lower slot. FB worked 78-81mph with 2064 avg rpm. Also threw a SL with average spin rate of 2380rpm. Development should be followed as he physically matures.

 

Linden Reaburn RHP / OF / Casteel, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 13 / POS: 3 5-foot-10 180-pounds, broad shoulders, strong physical build, power actions. Had one of his best performances he's had as a position player. Hits from a squared base, using a small pick up, opening up early with slight forward movement. Strong body gives him pop at 94mph which was an event high. Above average bat speed and hands for a high schooler. He’s a capable OF with a strong arm. He turned in a 7.29 60-yard dash. He had the top arm in the OF at 90mph. He also pitched on the day, where he typically outshines his position work. He missed up in zone a bit on the day but still shows upside. Powerful delivery. FB sat 80-84mph. He threw a CH & SL in warmup but didn’t get the chance to use it much in live game action. Two-way player that has upside on the mound.

 

Dillon Roberts 3B / RHP / Cactus Shadows, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 2 6-foot-1 200-pounds, broad shoulders, big legs, strong physical frame, above average strength. Two-way player, left-handed hitter. Starts from narrow upright base, uses a slightly gathered leg lift to transfer energy with some forward movement. Loads hands down & back into barrel tilt with high early connection. Above average bat speed for the age but takes longer to accelerate the barrel onto the swing plane. Aggressive pull approach, hit some ball in the low 90’s in live BP including a ball at 340ft. Showed decent footwork with sure hands in the infield with more quickness than 8.0 60-yard dash would suggest. Threw from the OF with good direction and above average arms strength at 86mph. Also worked out on the mound. Easy repeatable delivery, staying closed with tighter hips. Throwing with short arm action from H3/4 slot. Little erratic early before settling in. FB worked 79-83mph, mixing in a slurve.

 

Aidan Sandvik LHP / 1B / Desert Vista, AZ / 2023 6-foot-3 180-pounds, lanky frame, long limbs, high waisted, average athleticism. Left-handed, two-way player. Hits from a slight open stance with weight one outsides of his legs. Brings front foot in with slight leg lift, minimal weight transfer. Pull approach, trying to hit the ball in the air. 77mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 8.52 60-yard dash. Fielded balls cleanly. Goes and gets the ball. Arm strength is still developing. Also worked out on the mound with a drop and drive delivery. Throws with a long arm swing with high release point. Threw almost all FB’s in live game action at 72-74mph.

 

Derek Schaefer RHP / C / Cactus Shadows, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 36 / POS: 7 6-foot-1 160-pounds, young frame, long projectable body, strength looks to be coming. Looks like a ball player & athlete. Hits from an athletic squared base using a leg kick to transfer energy. Showed some bat speed with a high positive attack angle, looking to drive the ball in the air.  Gets into the hitting zone late with low rotational acceleration. Defensively, showed some versatility being able to play multiple positions. Hands & speed at SS might stick him behind the plate in the future, ran a 7.65 60-yard dash. Athleticism is good behind the plate with loose easy actions & flexibility, being able to get low in his stance effortlessly. Showing good direction with a quick release to 2B on throws, turning in the top pop times of the day at 1.95-2.05 at 71mph. Schaefer also pitched on the day showing upside on the mound. Easy delivery with short quick arm stroke. Worked his FB 80-83mph with 20in. of vertical movement. Threw 3 pitches for strikes. Projectability makes Schaefer a strong follow.

 

Will Shelor OF / RHP / Hamilton, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 14 / POS: 2 5-foot-10 180-pounds, strong frame, big forearms & lower half, shorter arms & legs, some present athleticism. Two-way player. Hits from narrow upright base, drifting into front foot strike with leg kick. Short load getting out of the zone early, cutting himself off at times. Hard contact to the middle of the field. 80mph exit velocity off a tee. Hit a GB in BP at 93mph.  Good footwork in the OF with some effort. Uses a step behind on throws with accuracy at 81mph, falling off to glove side at times. Also worked out on the mound, throwing with shorter OT arm action. Upright trunk throughout delivery with some tightness in the hips. Worked his FB 79-83mph with an avg spin rate of 1932rpm. Mixed in a SL at 69-71mph with 1765rpm.

 

Jace Smith RHP / 1B / Mountain Ridge, AZ / 2022 Rankings  StateRank: 68 / POS: 17 6-foot-2 185-pounds, broad shoulders, big strong legs, some strength & athleticism. Two-way player who has upside on the mound. Sets up in an upright base with feet shoulder width apart with slight knee bend. Uses a controlled knee turn leg kick before landing short strided. Showed some quick hands & potential with pull approach at 89mph exit velocity. Above average feet and glove at first base. Athleticism around the bag. Also worked out on the mound, throwing with long arm action from H3/4 arm slow. Some down hill movement to the FB with late life at 81-84mph at 1800 rpm. Mixed in a SL at 71-74mph at 2100rpm.

 

Owen Wade SS / RHP / Pinnacle, AZ / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 32 / POS: 9 6-foot 165-pounds, lean build, balanced frame, getting stronger, showing some definition. Hit from a relaxed open stance with easy leg lift, landing in line. Loads hands slightly back. Approach was more to the pull side at this event, showing some more pop and better timing. Hit a ball 93mph off the tee. Lighter footwork with some added quickness in the infield. Improved his 60-yard dash to 7.23. Fields ball deep at times. 75mph arm strength. Also threw to hitters in live game action. Pitches from the stretch. Simple delivery with some body control, staying connected to ground a front foot strike. Creates direction to the plate, gets tall on finish at times. Throws from a  ¾ arm slot. FB sat 78-80mp with some arm side run. Breaking ball was more SL this time out with gradual movement at 66-68mph. Also mixed in a low spin CH at around 1300rpm.

 

Robbie Welch RHP / OF / Desert Vista, AZ / 2023 6-foot-1 180-pounds, athletic balanced frame, some strength & athleticism. Threw predominantly from the stretch. Athletic delivery, repeating most of the time. Stays connect to the ground at front foots strike. Front shoulder opens up early. Fell off to the first base side with a bit of a recoil. Loose arm, throwing from a ¾ arm slot. Used mostly a Two-pitch combination. FB sat 78-81mph with armside movement, average velocity of 80.4mph, 1861rpm & 14.2in of horizontal movement. Little separation between his FB & CH, thrown at 70-72mph. Shows some projectability on the mound.

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