Underclass Prospect Games: Top Overall Prospects
September 10, 2014
By Rob Allison
Iowa Scouting Director
The Underclass Prospect Games brought over 30 uncommitted prospects to showcase themselves to colleges in attendance in the one day event held at the University of Iowa.
The Underclass Prospect Games were the 1st event in the history of PBR Iowa. Launched in June; PBR Iowa strives to be the #1 resource of information in regards to high school baseball players in the state of Iowa. The top prospect for this year's event was 2017 Cedar Rapids Washington outfielder, Trey Leonard. Following Leonard closely were 2 way players, 2016 Javin Drake of Wilton and 2016 Brendan Dougherty of Dowling Catholic.
Overall this event had strong contenders at each position; and a large amount of prospects in the corner infield category. It wouldn't be a surprise to see many of these players begin to make their college commitments soon.
TOP overall prospects
1. Trey Leonard, OF, Cedar Rapids Washington, 2017
6-foot-0, 150-pound outfielder. 4.36 home to first time. Left handed hitter, pre-set load, tall to fall stride, aggressive swing, slight uphill plane, good hand eye coordination, consistently finds barrel, ball really jumps at contact. Very fluid swing with simple movement. 91 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively, very athletic fluid actions, short arm action from OF, takes ball directly to ear, 78 mph from OF, shows good accuracy and quick release to make up for average arm strength. Very eager to play. Plays hard consistently. His run, field, and hit tools are in upper echelon for his grad class. Division 1 and pro prospect. Very interesting follow over next 3 years.
2. Javin Drake, 3B/RHP, Wilton, 2016
6-foot-4, 190-pound third baseman- right handed pitcher. 4.78 home to first time. Long body with lean strength. Good projection with body. Front heel turn trigger. Mostly pre-set load with hands. Flat bat before swing. Line drive swing plane. Does show some uphill at times. Long levers help create above average bat speed. Drives through ball well with hands. Defensively plays low to ground, moves well for his size, shows ability with glove, short arm action producing 82 mph velocity across infield. On the mound, shows controlled delivery, dynamic leg kick, high hand set, long arm stroke, and ability to create arm speed out front. Fastball was 78-81 mph. Curveball showed average action at 64-67 mph. Slider was plus pitch with hard late action at 72-74 mph. Very projectable athlete as 2 way player.
3. Brendan Dougherty, 3B/RHP, Dowling Catholic, 2016
6-foot-1, 160-pound third baseman- right handed pitcher. 4.84 home to first time. Athletic balanced set-up offensively. Smooth load and stride. Cocks wrists before initiating swing. Creates some whip at contact. Very fluid swing, bat is long through hitting zone, line drive swing plane with some lift at the end, still head, solid contact with each swing. 88 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively shows proper mechanics, plays tall through ball, short arm action from high ¾ slot, arm works, shows carry and accuracy. 78 mph across infield. On the mound, simple balanced delivery. Controlled rhythm. Low effort mechanics. Short repeatable arm. Ability to play catch. Throws strikes with three pitches. Fastball ranged 77-79 mph. Curveball sat 64-66mph. Changeup was 69-70 mph.
4. Kyle Crowl, 3B, Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln, 2016
6-foot-2, 175-pound infielder. Lanky solid build. 4.59 home to first. Right handed hitter, slight hand load, close to pre-set, tends to drop hands when initiating swing, takes knob of bat to contact. Small uphill swing plane, high finish, level head, stays on baseballs through contact. Quality gap to gap approach. 84 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively shows good athleticism, feet and glove work well, and consistently makes routine plays. Arm is above average tool touching 86 mph across infield from high ¾ slot. Throws show carry and accuracy.
5. Connor Lindaman, 1B/RHP, Davenport Assumption, 2016
6-foot-4, 240-pound 2 way player. 5.0 home to first time. Right handed hitter, easy load and stride into contact, low hand set to start, line-drive swing plane with lift at finish. Upper and lower half sequence well. Gap to gap approach. Ball jumps well when Lindaman gets extended. Loud triple to right center gap in game. Projected middle of order bat. 89 mph exit velocity off tee. Probably needs to turn it loose little more for body type. At times can be contact oriented. Defensively, moves well at first base. Good awareness around bag to handle throws from across the diamond. Throws from over the top slot. Easily handles the position with ability to start double plays with quality glove and feet. On the mound, low hand set, stagnant hands, shoulder tilt in delivery, tends to miss up in zone, does have some arm speed which allows him to get out front. Arm works well, fluid stroke. Average breaking ball for strikes. Front side swings open causing him to fall off towards first base side. Fastball ranged 79-82. Curveball 61-64. With minor adjustments could be valuable arm on mound; upside and future though is as a middle of order bat who projects to hit with power and produce runs.
6. Ben Dotzler, RHP/SS, OA-BCIG, 2016
6-foot-2, 205-pound 2 way player. Thick powerful build. On the mound, high leg kick, good rhythm, lands online and closed. Arm works, creates good arm speed, strength in delivery, minimal front side, shows velocity with fastball and secondary pitches. High follow as a right handed pitcher. Fastball sat 83-85. Slider 74-77 mph. Also showed knuckleball ranging 64-67 mph. With simple adjustments to front side mechanics could see increase in velocity. . 4.53 home to first. Balanced set-up offensively. Straight back load with balanced stride. Choppy swing, very short in zone, short finish. Cuts off swing. Limited use of lower half. 82 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively projects as a third baseman. Average glove and feet. Opens front side early using mid ¾ arm action, 80 mph across infield.
7. Chili Moseley, SS, North Scott, 2016
5-foot-5, 130-pound shortstop. 4.16 home to first time. Switch hitter, right handed exit velocity 78 mph. Left handed velocity 73 mph. Left handed, simple easy load and stride, repeatable swing, line drive/ ground ball swing. Wants to put ball in play and get out of box and run. Right handed, some disconnect, creates better bat speed, has longer swing, more uphill, hits more fly balls. Does show ability to make consistent solid contact from both sides of plate and get on base. Defensively, works from ground up, good hands, big motor during games, plays with energy, ability to slow game down defensively, quiet easy approach with glove. Uses different throwing angles effectively depending on type of groundball. Routine high ¾ arm slot throwing 76 mph across diamond. Accurate throws. Overall proto leadoff hitter, with ability to get on base, become disruptive with speed, and score runs. Will make routine plays and more in field. Not tooled up or physical but can play.
8. Porter Hummel, LHP, West Sioux, 2016
6-foot-0, 160-pound left handed pitcher. On the mound, simple delivery, good balance point, tends to collapse towards home with upper half, eye level changes effecting command. Lands online and closed, hides ball well, hard for hitter to pick up. Stagnant hands, needs more rhythm, arm still works well, decent stroke. Quality fastball/ changeup mix. Maintains arm speed with changeup. Fastball topped at 79. Curveball was an average offering at 62-63. Changeup showed good action at 68-70. With some minor mechanical adjustments and physical maturity shows ability to be big surprise in 2016 class.
9. Parker Dondlinger, OF, Mason City Newman Catholic, 2016
6-foot-0, 175-pound outfielder. Very athletic solid build. 4.63 home to first time. Left handed hitter, good set-up, deep load, long stride, uphill swing plane. Balls jumps off bat. Pull approach. Quiet head, solid contact. Defensively has excellent actions in outfield. Looks very comfortable fielding position. Long arm action over the top. Plus accuracy with outfield velocity of 77 mph.
10. Jack Knutson, 3B/RHP, Blue Valley Northwest (KS), 2016
6-foot-0, 200-pound 2 way player from Kansas. 4.5 home to first time. Right handed hitter, pre-set load, balanced attacking stride to contact, aggressive and offensive to contact, stays through balls well. Does become disconnected, will arm bar at times. 90 mph exit velocity off tee. Overall above average hitting ability. Defensively moves well through ball while fielding. Does good job following throws across diamond. Average feet and hands. Tends to field tall. 84 mph across the diamond. On the mound, arm works ok. Balanced athletic delivery. Lands hard across body effecting fluidity and making mechanics somewhat hitchy. Does have arm strength. Throws consistent strikes with all pitches. Fastball ranged 77-82 mph and breaking ball was 71-72 mph.
11. Zeb Adreon, LHP/1B, Pleasantville, 2016
6-foot-1, 180-pound first baseman/ left handed pitcher. On the mound, controlled athletic delivery, good balance point, upper and low half work well together, ok extension to plate, loose arm with some quickness out front. Fastball sits 76-77 mph, touched 78mph. Curveball hovered at 67. Changeup was 684.53 home to first. Left handed hitter, small load, no stride, balanced swing, steady head throughout swing, consistent solid contact, flat bat plane through contact, 83 mph exit velocity from tee. Has fluid actions around first base, moves with rhythm, soft hands, accurate throws around infield. 79 mph across infield.
BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)
William Angstman, 3B/RHP, Linn-Mar, 2018
6-foot-0, 170-pound third baseman/ right handed pitcher. 5.1 home to first. Right handed hitter, wide stance, circular hand load, no stride. Path works uphill, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively in the infield uses long arm action from a mid ¾ slot, 72 mph across. On the mound, low hand set, falls towards home, lands open, minimal use of front side. Fastball sits 73-75 mph. Touched 76 mph. Curveball was 64-66 mph. Changeup ranged 66-67mph.
Brady Bunten, 2B, Cedar Rapids Washington, 2018
5-foot-8, 145-pound infielder. 4.63 home to first time. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Right handed hitter, drop hands to create rhythm with load, front foot turn- no stride, over rotates on back foot through contact, short to contact, shows good hand eye coordination, long finish after contact. Defensively in infield shows above average feet and hands, good angles to balls, plays with some rhythm. Drops elbow creating low ¾ arm angle, 73 mph across. Interesting follow once he begins to mature physically.
Brock Busick, OF, Pleasantville, 2016
5-foot-8, 170-pound outfielder. 4.4 home to first. Right handed hitter, balanced stance, minimal stride. High front elbow, short slashy swing, flat bat plane, short finish. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses long arm action, side arm slot, 72 mph from the outfield. Average actions on ground balls and fly balls.
Jacob Conley, SS, Durant, 2017
5-foot-9, 155-pound shortstop. 4.59 home to first. Right handed hitter, smooth load, wraps bat behind head, small leg kick trigger. Uphill path, pull side approach, 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a short arm action, high ¾ slot, 67 mph across infield.
Peyton Crawford, OF, Sigourney, 2016
5-foot-8, 175-pound outfielder. Physical build. 4.5 home to first. Right handed hitter, balanced aggressive swing, pre-set hand load, aggressive stride, stays behind ball, tends to pull off baseball at contact. Best when stays in middle of field. Defensively ok actions to ball. Short arm action, 82 mph from OF, good accuracy to base, would benefit from better use of lower half in throws.
Ketzalli Dondiego, SS, Northeast Goose Lake, 2016
6-foot-0, 180 pound infielder. Solid athletic build. 4.89 home to first. Right handed hitter, high back elbow, loads with shoulders, strides closed, tends to open early at contact, uses hands well in swing, short in hitting zone. 87 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively has average rhythm, throws from ¾ slot. 79 mph across infield. Projects to be a third baseman.
Brady Donohue, RHP, Marion, 2017
6-foot-3, 155-pound right handed pitcher. Long lanky build. Short arm action from over the top slot. Low hand set, simple step and turn to balance point delivery. Fall delivery, lands open, tends to fall to first base side. Fastball ranged 75-77. Curveball sat 64-66 with late action. Change up was 69.
Derek Dreller, LHP/1B, Dowling Catholic, 2016
6-foot-2, 170-pound left handed pitcher- first baseman. 4.79 home to first. Left handed hitter, high hands, high back elbow, narrow stance, short stride, simple mechanics, easy swing. Downhill swing plane, short to ball. 79 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively, easy actions at first base. Ability to make routine plays. Shows proper angles with good glove and feet. On the mound, balanced delivery, upper and lower half work well together. Lands hard across body. Effects fluidity of arm. Arms starts long, quickly shortens to high ¾ action. Average action on all pitches. Fastball ranged 75-78 mph. Curveball had sweeping action at 61-64 mph. Changeup was 62-63 mph.
Brady Harpenau, C, Remsen St. Mary’s, 2016
5-foot-10, 160-pound catcher. 4.69 home to first time. Left handed hitter, heel lift trigger, bat wrap behind head, circular swing, all pull approach, flat line drive swing plane. 83 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively, shows some strength in receiving, ok exchanges, and a 2.25-2.37 pop time with 68 mph velocity.
Brayden Logan, C, Sioux City Heelan, 2018
5-foot-4, 125-pound catcher. 4.86 home to first time. Right handed hitter, deep load, easy stride, strides slightly across body, uphill swing plane, makes solid contact. Lacks present strength. 71 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively, good flexibility behind plate, feet move well, quality glove to throwing hand exchange. Needs to mature physically and tools will continue to progress with body. 2.4-2.6 pop time with velocity of 65 mph.
Walker McDonald, 2B, Waukee, 2016
5-foot-10, 150-pound second baseman. 4.66 home to first time. Right handed hitter, both elbows high and bowed out, weight shift into load, no stride, needs to get loaded and set, right now is one continuous action. Glides to contact. Makes consistent solid contact. Flat level swing plane. Exit velocity off tee 78 mph. Defensively, shows above average first step, good angles to balls, has energy at position, glove works. High ¾ arm slot throwing 77 mph across diamond.
Ryan Miller, RHP/1B, North Scott, 2016
6-foot-3, 175-pound frame. 4.85 home to first time. Right handed hitter, no load, no stride, uses all upper half, minimal energy from lower half. Line-drive swing plane, tends to hit bottom half of ball. 84 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively, good fielding position, active feet, field routine balls, works to get around balls and be active. On the mound, simple delivery, upper and lower half work together, swings front leg open, lands open, arm is left behind. Catapult arm action at times. Loses arm speed. Fastball was 75-77 mph. Curveball ranged 65- 67 mph. Changeup was 63-67 mph.
Colton Mills, 1B/RHP, Johnston, 2016
6-foot-3, 200-pound 2 way player. 5.12 home to first time. Right handed hitter, inverted C load, toe tap stride. Swings from back leg, uphill swing plane, short in zone, short finish, lacks extension through contact. Hips spin through contact. Defensively, active feet, fields routine, shows ability to handle position. Throws from high ¾ slot, 74 mph across infield. On the mound, simple delivery to balance point, collapses and rushes ball to plate, big should tilt, front leg swings open, lands open, uses primarily upper half only in release. Fastball ranged 73-76 mph. Curveball was 54-56 mph.
Michael Olesen, 1B/RHP, Linn Mar, 2017
6-foot-1, 175-pound first baseman and right handed pitcher. Home to first time of 5.28. Right handed hitter, very active load and stride, strides across body, cuts off swing, minimal use of top hand in swing. Exit velocity off tee 77 mph. ¾ arm slot across infield. Fields tall at position. 69 mph across diamond. On the mound, stagnant hand, mid-level hand set, arm works ok, lacks arm speed, lands hard across body. Fastball ranged 67-69. Curveball was 57-60.
Jordan Reid, 3B, Fairfield, 2016
5-foot-11, 170-pound third baseman. 4.66 home to first time. Right handed hitter, slight shoulder turn load, strides into plate, flat swing producing solid contact, tends to get around baseballs. Exit velocity off tee 81 mph. Defensively, works ground to up, has energy, glove works well. Average actions but has athleticism to make plays. Low ¾ arm slot producing top velocity across diamond of 71 mph. Consistently makes above average plays in infield.
Maxwell Ridenour, SS/RHP, West Delaware, 2016
5-foot-11, 175-pound 2 way player. 4.75 home to first time. Righthanded hitter, very low hand set/load, arm bar, front heel turn trigger, strides across body. Swings up through ball. Makes consistent contact. Exit velocity off tee 83 mph. Defensively, moves very well, quiet actions, fields ground up, soft hands, better infield arm in event, over top slot, 83 mph across with accuracy and carry. On the mound, simple balanced delivery, stays tall, upper and lower half work well together, land across body, forces arm and body to catapult towards home. Shows athleticism and ability to throw strikes with two pitches. Fastball ranged 76-79. Curveball was 70-71.
Zachary Scott, C, Northeast Goose Lake, 2016
5-foot-7, 120-pound catcher. 4.97 home to first time. Right handed hitter, no load, no stride, swings with upper half only. Flat bat path. Makes consistent contact. 74 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively, shows flexibility and quickness, blocks well, has strength receiving, quick exchanges, good accuracy to bag on throws, interesting catching prospect if matures physically. Pop times 2.22-2.53 with velocity of 71 mph.
Cooper Siebrecht, 2B, Alta-Aurelia, 2018
5-foot-5, 110-pound infielder. 5.08 home to first time. Left handed hitter, wraps bat for load, leg kick and stride to swing, lacks strength, swings mostly upper body. 61 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively, showed a high ¾ arm slot with 72 mph velocity across infield.
Jalen Stafford, C, Albia, 2017
6-foot-3, 160-pound catcher. 5.57 home to first time. Right handed hitter, long swing, arm bar, swings upper half only. Makes consistent contact. Defensively, throwing velocity of 62 mph and pop times of 2.44-2.8.
Max Stark, RHP/OF, Cedar Rapids Washington, 2018
6-foot-1, 145- pound 2 way player. 5.34 home to first. Right handed hitter, arm bar, long swing, flat swing plane, makes solid BP contact. 73 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively, average routes to ball, stays back on ground balls, low ¾ arm slot, 67 mph velocity from outfield.
Jordan Wendel, C, Alta-Aurelia, 2017
6-foot-0, 180-pound catcher. 5.1 home to first time. Left handed hitter, flat bat to start, minimal stride, creates bat speed, pull approach, hard pull side contact, level swing, quiet head, took good swings throughout day. 78 mph exit velocity off tee. Defensively, good flexibility, strength in glove receiving, moves well with pitches. Has blocking ability. Tries to load too much while throwing. Pop times of 2.25-2.4 and velocity of 75 mph. Release becomes slow and long. Interesting prospect with small refinement in hitting and throwing.
