Prep Baseball Report

Kenosha Preseason I.D.: Pitcher Analysis


By Wisconsin Scouting Staff

On Jan. 26, the PBR Wisconsin team held its first showcase of 2019, the Kenosha Preseason I.D., at Fielder’s Choice Training Academy, in Kenosha, Wis. For the past two years now, this event has been revealed to us some of the most talented prospects in the Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois areas, and this year might have yielded the showcase’s most talented crop yet.

Last week, we published both our Quick Hits story, as well as our Statistical Analysis from the Kenosha event. Today we’ll continue our position-by-position analysis by examining the day’s pitchers, after covering the showcase’s catchers, outfielders, and infielders earlier in the week.

Arguably the top storyline coming out of the Kenosha showcase was the revelation of the Illinois prospect Jacob Bimbi (Crystal Lake South, 2020; uncommitted). The southpaw was up to 88 mph with feel for his offspeed and showed best from the stretch. It was a strong PBR event debut for Bimbi and he’s entered the high-follow category ahead of the spring, as he prepares to help the Gators climb their way back to state from both the mound and the outfield.

From Wisconsin, the big righty from Wrightstown, Alex Windey (2021; uncommitted), crafted a compelling profile to follow moving forward. The sophomore showed a feel for three, including a live fastball that sat in the 82-85 mph range. His slider-curve combo are both thrown aggressively in and around the zone, giving him an advanced three-pitch mix to work with for his age.

The only freshman prospect to earn a spot on the rankings below was Ethan Clark (Lakes Community; uncommitted), another Illinois prospect. He’s a high ceiling righty with quick arm speed who’s still growing into his lanky 6-foot-2 frame.

Continue on below for full reports on each and every pitcher who came out to Fielder’s Choice to participate in the first showcase of the year. We’ll conclude our analysis tomorrow by ranking the top overall prospects, regardless of age or position, at the event.

TOP PROSPECTS

1. Jacob Bimbi, LHP/OF, Crystal Lake South (IL), 2020
5-foot-11, 148-pound two-way player, lean athletic frame. Showed best on the mound, full windup delivery, in rhythm, slightly across his body, showed best feel from the stretch. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run action, showed control, 85-87 mph, touched 88 mph. Slider showed best out of the stretch, 2/8 sweeping action, 73-76 mph. Changeup fades, near fastball arm speed, feel for the zone, 71-73 mph. Left-handed hitter, balanced stance, slightly open, loads hands back, short stride, good balance through contact. Flashed bat speed, line drive middle-opposite field contact. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Plus arm for age from the outfield, 91 mph, long high ¾ slot, showed carry. Plays through the baseball, crowhop to release. 4.23 runner home to first.

2. Alex Windey, RHP, Wrightstown, 2021
6-foot-4, 230-pound right-handed pitcher, extra large frame and build. Tall and fall delivery, smooth in rhythm, lands square, low effort. Clean arm action, loose, high ¾ slot, advanced arm speed for his age. Fastball is live, hard heavy feel, 82-85 mph, plays up. Slider thrown aggressively, 10/4 shape, misses were mostly down, 72-74 mph, upside. Changeup showed plus potential, aggressive fastball arm speed, 76-80 mph, hard arm side action.

3. Noah Reeves, RHP/1B, Indian Trail, 2021
6-foot-1, 145-pound right/right two-way prospect with a lanky, wiry frame, room for advanced projection. On the mound, tall-and-fall type, works in rhythm. Slight hip turn at balance point, shoulders stay level, works on line, lands square and in an athletic position. Arm action is loose and projects well, throws from high ¾ slot. Fastball, mostly straight with slight run, lived in the zone, 78-79 mph, topped 80 mph. Changeup, tendency to slow tempo down, kept it down, 67-69 mph. Curveball, slurve-like shape, 11/5 break and flashed sharp, 64-65 mph. In the batter’s box, tall setup with lots of pre-pitch movement, big load back, leg kick trigger. Bat path is long and level; 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, average hands, feet work, arm action is long from a high ¾ slot; 76 mph across the infield. Ran a 4.87 down the line.

4. Ethan Clark, OF/INF/RHP, Lakes Community (IL), 2022
6-foot-2, 150-pound two-way player, high ceiling prospect with long slender frame, loose lively levers. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, wide setup, leg lift trigger. Creates leverage and bat speed, loose aggressive swing with intent, path has some length, extension through contact, gap to gap contact. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.51 runner down the line. Defensively showed best in the outfield, long rangy footwork played through the baseball in stride. Arm played 84 mph from the outfield and 80 mph across the infield, loose high ¾ slot. Arm works well on the mound, easy arm speed, short draw, loose out front. Fastball showed feel for the zone, topped at 79 mph, sat 77-78 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 62-65 mph. Changeup sinks, 66-67 mph, thrown near fastball arm speed.

5. Jack Heiring, OF/LHP, Christian Life, 2020
6-foot-4, 180-pound outfielder, highly projectable frame, lean build, trim waist, loose live levers. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, crouched setup, short stride, solid balance through contact. Confident presence in the box, hitterish approach, path is short and quick to the baseball, gap to gap contact, hard off the bat. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Loose light footed defender, attacks the baseball and plays through in stride, natural actions. Arm is short and loose, over the top slot, 89 mph from the outfield. Delivery works slightly across his body, lands closed, athletic finish. Arm action is loose and over the top. Throws a four seam and two seam fastball, both ranged similar velocity, 78-82 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, 67-70 mph.

6. Ayden Spykstra, LHP, Cedarburg, 2020
6-foot, 168-pound left-handed pitcher. Delivery works rotational, lands slightly open. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed slight run to arm side, topped at 82 mph, sat 80-81 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, 61-63 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, near fastball arm speed, 71-74 mph.

7. Adam Pottinger, OF/LHP, Deerfield (IL), 2020
6-foot, 170-pound left/left two-way player, lean strength. Hits from a slightly open stance, loads hands back, strides back to even, good balance. Showed bat speed and athleticism, hard contact at times. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively attacks the baseball, plays through well with fluid footwork. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 89 mph from the outfield, showed carry. 4.19 runner home to first. On the mound arm plays long from a high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed run and sink, 78-80 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, occasionally sharp, 71-72 mph. Changeup sinks, near fastball arm speed, 72-75 mph.

8. Tyler Chron, RHP/OF, Glenbrook North (IL), 2020
6-foot-3, 165-pound two-way player, lean build. On the mound delivery is deliberate, one piece, lands squared and on line, rotational finish. Arm action is long and firm, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed run to arm side, sat 82-83 mph. Curveball has gradual 11/5 shape, 61-64 mph. Straight changeup plays 70-74 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup with quick leg kick trigger. Slight pull side approach, level swing, front foot hitter at times. 95 mph exit velocity form the tee. Defensively arm action is long, high ¾ slot, plays through the baseball, 84 mph arm from the outfield. 4.47 runner home to first.

9. Kyle Mitchell, RHP/OF, Westosha Central, 2021
5-foot-9, 165-pound two-way player, average build. On the mound delivery is easy and low effort, tall and fall type, lands square, closed toe, in rhythm. Arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball is straight, 78-81 mph, topped at 82 mph. Curveball has gradual 11/5 shape, 65-67 mph. Changeup sinks to arm side, 69-72 mph. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short lifted stride, repeatable swing. Path is short and level through contact, line drive type. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long out of high ¾ slot, 85 mph from the outfield. Actions play through the baseball, fluid footwork, 4.58 runner home to first.

10. Logan Hanson, INF/RHP, Lakes Community (IL), 2020
6-foot, 180-pound two-way player with lanky frame. A left-handed hitter, wide and balanced setup, reverse leg lift stride. Long bat path off an uphill plane, above-average bat strength, maintains balance throughout, 90 mph off the tee. On defense, long draw from glove, arm action is short from a low ¾ slot, 81 mph across the infield. A 4.72 runner to first. On the mound, works on line, heel lift at balance point, toe open landing with some rhythm. High ¾ arm slot with long arm action, some effort involved. Fastball, straight, 80-81 mph. Curveball, gradual 12/6 break, 69-73 mph. Changeup, sinking action, 75-76 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

John Ahler, INF/RHP, Marian Central (IL), 2022
5-foot-8, 130-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, tall narrow stance, smooth load of hands back and down. Hands work to create moderate bat speed, path is short slightly uphill, will benefit from added strength. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed above average actions at his age, flashed ability to play with bounce. Arm plays long and high 3/4 , 73 mph across the diamond. Arm played similar on the mound, fastball is mostly straight, 68-71 mph. Curveball has gradual 12/6 shape, 55-60 mph. Straight changeup sat 60-63 mph.

Sam Arnold, OF/RHP, Maine West (IL), 2020
6-foot-2, 165-pound two-way player, proportional build, sloped shoulders. Right-handed hitter, open stance, long stride. Path flattens out and stays level, some length. 68 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action plays long, over the top slot, 83 mph from the outfield. Step behind transfer, long level exchange. 4.55 runner in the 60. On the mound arm action is long and works over the top. Fastball is mostly straight, 77-78 mph , touched 79 mph. Slider worked 64-68 mph, downer shape. Changeup has slight sink, 69-71 mph.

Nathan Beneke, OF/RHP, Geneseo (IL), 2021
6-foot-2, 150-pound two-way player, lean frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, wide setup, toe tap stride, average balance. Flashed hard contact, path has some length and extension. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 79 mph from the outfield. Defensive actions play methodical through the baseball. 4.93 runner home to first. Tal and fall delivery, regular effort, closed toe landing. Arm action is long and firm, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, 73-75 mph, touched 76 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, 64-66 mph. Changeup flashed sink, 68-73 mph.

Dominic Goodenough, C/RHP, South Milwaukee, 2021
5-foot-7, 180-pound two-way player, strong barrelled build. Arm action is short, over the top slot, flashed carry, above average arm strength for his age, 77 mph out of the crouch. 2.37-2.43 pop times, clean exchange with length. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, lower half collapses, average balance. Path is long and uphill, slight pull side approach, showed ability to hit in rhythm. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.76 runner down the line. On the mound arm action plays longer, slight drop and drive type delivery, high ¾ slot. Fastball ranged 79-81 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, near fastball arm speed, 61-64 mph. Changeup thrown with near fastball arm speed, fades at times, 74-77 mph.

Blake Gould, 3B/1B/RHP, Warren Township (IL), 2020
6-foot, 195-pound right/right two-way player. In the batter’s box, balanced stance, light load back, small leg lift stride. Simple swing off a slight uphill path, some with power potential, 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively, projects best in a corner spot on the infield, long arm action from a high ¾ slot, 81 mph across the diamond. Ran a 4.97 down the line. On the mound, down tempo, tall-and-fall type, level shoulders, works on line, lands closed. Fastball, some arm-side run, 74-77 mph. Changeup, thrown near-fastball arm speed, similar run, fade, 73-74 mph. Slider, sweeping action, 68-72 mph.

Nolan Hodgins, INF/RHP, Case, 2021
6-foot-2, 195-pound two-way prospect with a lanky, projectable build with high waist. A left-handed hitter, tall/open setup, arm bar load back into short toe-tap stride. Aggressive approach, above-average bat strength, uphill bat path with rhythm; 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, projects best at a corner spot on the infield, long but clean exchanges, long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Ran a 4.70 down the line. On the mound, tall-and-fall type, works on line, level shoulders, lands square. Arm action is long and from high ¾, occasionally over the top. Fastball, straight, 76-77 mph. Changeup, mostly maintains arm speed, some fade, 66-68 mph. Curveball, gradual 11/5 break, 57-59 mph.

Tanner Johnson, INF/RHP, Indian Trail, 2022
5-foot-8, 140-pound two-way player, slender frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, wide stance, short lifted stride with slight bat wrap. Path is long and level, showed ability to create occasional whip through the zone. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long out of a high ¾ slot, 73 mph across the diamond. Hands play out front, actions work with long levers. 4.82 runner home to first. On the mound delivery works with regular effort, lands square, follows his finish. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed slight arm side run, 71-73 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, above average action for age, 59-61 mph. Knuckleball sat 60-62 mph.

Blake Julian, INF/RHP, Iron Mountain (MI), 2021
5-foot-10, 190-pound right/right two-way player with wide shoulders and proportional strength in upper and lower halves. In the batter’s box, balanced and open setup, minimal load, short stride. Bat path is long on a slight uphill plane, showed some power to the pull-side; 76 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, tends to field it deep, long arm action from high ¾ slot, 74 mph throws to first. A 4.70 runner down the line. On the mound, uptempo tall-and-fall delivery, works on line, lands closed. Throws from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, straight, 75-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Changeup, thrown at arm speed, straight, 70-72 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape with gradual break, 67 mph.

Kaleb Kinna, OF/LHP, Janesville Craig, 2020
6-foot-3, 195-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, tall open stance, strides to even. Path work with some length, pull side approach, 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles at a corner outfield spot, deliberate exchange into a long over the top arm action, 71 mph from the outfield. 4.58 runner home to first. On the mound delivery works slightly to open side, finishes third base side. Long arm action, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, 70-72 mph, touched 73 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, 61-62 mph. Changeup sinks, near fastball arm speed, 64-66 mph.

Cody Kleiman, RHP, Muskego, 2021
5-foot-11, 200-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery works slightly across body, regular effort. Full circle arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball ranged 72-76 mph, mostly straight, four seam type. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 60-62 mph. Changeup sinks, ranged 63-68 mph.

Nolan Lemke, INF/RHP, Peshtigo, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound right/right two-way prospect, some strength in frame, especially lower half. In the batter’s box, tall, open setup, short stride back square. Bat path is straight uphill, looking to pull. Swings aggressively, above-average bat strength, 82 mph exit velo from the tee. On defense, projects best in a corner infield spot, long, high ¾ arm action, 73 mph across the diamond. 4.68 runner from home to first. On the mound, down tempo, tall and fall delivery, shoulders level, lands closed. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot, some recoil in finish. Fastball, some slight sink, 79-80 mph, touched 81 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 68 mph. Changeup, firm, straight, 78 mph.

Kaileb Lyon, OF/RHP, Tremper, 2021
6-foot-2, 175-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, reverse toe tap stride, linear lower half. Long levers creates bat speed, slightly uphill with extension, front foot hitter at times. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.76 runner home to first. Defensive actions attack the baseball, aggressive through the baseball, quick actions. Arm action plays over the top, long and loose, 83 mph from the outfield. On the mound delivery has deception, straight back rocker, tucked balance position. Arm action plays over the top. Fastball played 77-78 mph, showed tilt working bottom of the zone. Curveball has 11/5 shape, occasional late action, 67-71 mph. Changeup played firm, 72-73 mph.

Isaiah Malison, 1B/RHP, St. Thomas More, 2022
6-foot-4, 170-pound two-way player, projectable lean frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, long stride, hands load back, bat wrap, good balance. Long levered swing, gets short to the baseball, line drive contact. 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Large target around the bag, rangy. Arm action is short and loose, high ¾ slot, 68 mph across the diamond. 4.86 runner home to first. On the mound arm works similar, fastball showed some run, 68-69 mph. Changeup 63-65 mph, fade action. Sinker played at 68 mph.

Ben Massoglia, OF/RHP, Bradford, 2021
6-foot-1, 175-pound two-way player, lean build. Right-handed hitter, tall open stance, short stride, loads hands back into arm bar. Path sweeps uphill, some length. 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm plays long from the outfield, high ¾ slot, 79 mph. 4.61 runner home to first. On the mound works uptempo and on line. Arm plays similar, long and high ¾. Fastball topped at 79 mph, sat 77-78 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 70-71 mph. Changeup showed fade, 73-76 mph, near fastball arm speed.

Corey Plahuta, LHP/1B, Muskego, 2021
6-foot, 175-pound left/left two-way prospect with strength in frame. At the plate, balanced/crouched setup, big leg kick trigger with arm bar load. Aggressive approach, looking to pull the ball, uphill bat path with power potential, occasional jump off the barrel; 87 mph exit velocity. Defensively, fluid and active feet, long arm action from high ¾ slot; topped 79 mph across the infield. Ran a 4.88 down the line. On the mound, rocks into drop-and-drive delivery, slight heel lift at balance point, lands open. Throws with long arm action from high ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, 77-79 mph. Slider, gradual 11/5 break, 65-70 mph. Changeup, some sink/fade, 63-67 mph.

Tyler Schulz, INF/RHP, Tremper, 2020
5-foot-7, 140-pound two-way player. On defense, profiles best at second base, some rhythm in footwork. Arm action is short from a high ¾ slot, topped 72 mph to first. Right-handed hitter, tall and open setup, loads back, short stride even. Short path to the ball on a level plane, 67 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.69 runner to first. On the mound, works in line, level shoulders, lands square. High ¾ arm slot with long arm action. Fastball, slight cut action, 69-71 mph. Curveball, 10/4 plane with gradual break, 63-66 mph. Changeup, thrown at arm speed, straight, 69 mph.

Jeffery Stanish, OF/RHP, Prairie Ridge (IL), 2020
6-foot, 160-pound two-way player, lean build. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride. Path has length, gets extension, slight pull side approach. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensive actions work with deliberate crohop through the baseball. Arm action is long and over the top, 78 mph from the outfield. 4.87 runner home to first. On the mound arm works long, high ¾ slot. Fastball played 77-78 mph, mostly straight. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 68-69 mph. Changeup played with fade and sink, 74 mph.

Charles Stenson, RHP, Oshkosh North, 2020
5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed pitcher. Delivery is directional, uptempo, some recoil finish. Arm action is long and over the top. Fastball played down, topped at 81 mph, sat 78-80 mph. Slider is 10/4 shape, 71-73 mph. Changeup had fade, decelerated arm action, 70-71 mph.

Jacob Shippee, RHP, Indian Trail, 2020
5-foot-11, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, wide shouldered, sturdy build. Tall and fall delivery, closed landing, regular effort. Long arm action, over the top slot. Fastball showed cut action, 74-75 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, 54-56 mph. Changeup flashed sink, 56-60 mph.

Ethan Taylor, LHP, Tremper, 2020
5-foot-11, 215-pound left-handed pitcher, sturdy frame. Delivery works with tempo, high front side, lands square. Arm action is long, ¾ slot. Fastball is straight, flashed occasional run, 76-79 mph. Curveball plays 1/7 with gradual action, 60-63 mph. Changeup showed fade action, 67-71 mph.

RELATED CONTENT