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Topeka Prospect ID: Class of 2017 Pitching Analysis

December 6, 2014

By Sean McCann
Prep Baseball Report Kansas

In our final position-by-position feature covering the November 2nd Topeka Prospect ID event we take a look at the class of 2017 pitchers. This was an open event for uncommitted high school baseball players - all grades.

Below are the scouting reports on the class of 2017 pitchers that participated in the event. Two-way players have also appeared in one of the position-by-position articles already posted. 

When considering long-term projection its quite possible that Nate Postlethwait (Valley Center HS) was the top pitching prospect at this event, all ages. The physical 6-foot-4, 195-pound right-hander showed easy, clean arm action and a sound delivery - all indicators of a prospect that could throw very hard in the future. Jonathan McIntyre (Maize HS), a tall, athletic-framed right-hander, has command of a fastball with run and sink that was difficult to catch in broad daylight and likely even more difficult for a hitter to square up.

Another class of 2017 right-hander from Central Kansas Coleton Crisp (Remington HS) showed a simple, repeatable delivery and threw his fastball (up to 81 mph) in the strike zone at a clip higher than any other pitcher at the event.

To see a complete list of stats from this event click here.

Click on the player's headline link to be directed to their profile with video from their performance.

Top Prospects

1. Nate Postlethwait, RHP/3B, Valley Center HS, KS (2017)
Postlethwait is a physically impressive 6-foot-4, 195-pound right-handed pitcher and right-hand hitting corner infielder. Balanced set-up at the plate, leg kick, minimal hand load, inline stride, works middle-oppo, 77 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.78 60-yard dash. During defensive work fielded the ball cleanly, three quarters arm slot, easy arm, 80 mph throwing velocity. Strong, accurate throws. On the mound starts deliberate and under control. Tall balance point, picks up tempo, slight drop/drive, three-quarters arm action, easy arm, arm works, excellent body control throughout delivery. Gets out front and works the bottom of the zone. Fastball with sinking action down, 77-79 mph, topped out at 81. Breaking ball with 11/5 shape, 68-71 mph. Feel for change-up with arm side run, 73-74 mph. Highly projectable class of 2017 pitching prospect with body control, an easy arm and much more in the tank velocity wise.

2. Jonathan McIntyre, RHP, Maize HS, KS (2017)
McIntyre is an athletic-framed 6-foot-2, 165-pound right-handed pitcher. Deliberate early in delivery, turns at balance, hides ball, stays closed during stride, high three quarters arm action, some effort, athletic finish. Fastball with late sinking action, strikes, 79-81 mph, good pitch. Breaking ball with 12/6 spin, gradual break, 62-66 mph. Change-up with bottoming out sinking action, keeps below the zone, 71-73 mph. Projectable class of 2017 pitching prospect. 

best of the rest (alphabetical order)

Zachery Baxley, RHP/C, Haysville Campus HS, KS (2017)
Baxley is an athletic-framed 5-foot-11, 155-pound catcher and right-handed pitcher. Hits right-handed, balanced set-up, open stance, strides inline, no wasted movement in load, short bat path, maintains balance throughout. Stays tall on backside, downward approach. Line drive, gap-to-gap hitter. Exit velocity 72 mph. Ran a 7.71 60-yard dash. Behind the plate made accurate throws using short high three-quarters arm action, 74 mph throwing velocity, pop times 2.13-2.19. On the mound starts under control, tall balance point, aggressive drop/drive, strides open, three-quarters slot, arm works, some effort, athletic finish, excellent body control throughout delivery. Fastball with arm side run, 75-77 mph. Breaking ball has 11/5 shape, 66-67 mph. Change-up with sinking action down in zone, 70-71 mph. 

Coleton Crisp, RHP/OF, Remington HS, KS (2017)
Crisp is a 6-foot, 175-pound right-hand hitting outfielder and right-handed pitcher. Stands up to hit, open stance, toe tap stride, smooth load, level path, some bat sped, line drive approach, 82 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.63 60-yard dash. In the outfield showed athletic footwork, clean exchanges, high three-quarters arm action, arm works, throws had carry, played through, 82 mph throwing velocity. Strong, accurate throws. On the mound simple early, tall balance point, three-quarters arm action, arm works, athletic finish, repeats. Fastball with arm-side run, also firmed up on glove side black, very high percentage strikes, 78-80 mph, 81 tops. Breaking ball has gradual 11/5 action, 66-70 mph. Change-up with downward sinking action at bottom of the zone, 69-70 mph.

Jackson Flynn, RHP, Lawrence Free State HS, KS (2017)
Flynn is a thin, athletic 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher. Methodical pace to tall balance point. Lowers shoulders and closes off as hands separate, three-quarters arm action. Fastball with arm side run, occasional downward sinking action below the zone, 77-79 mph. Breaking ball with 10/4 shape, some gradual, some short, 62-67 mph. Change-up with arm side run, near fastball arm speed, 66-67 mph. Projectable class of 2017 righty that works in and around the strike zone with all pitches.

Tanner Morris, SS/RHP, Pleasant Ridge HS, KS (2017)
Morris is a 5-foot-9, 170-pound right-hand hitting shortstop and right-handed pitcher. Athletic set-up at the plate. Early load and stride. Worked middle-oppo in batting practice, maintains balance, exit velocity 75 mph. Ran a 7.75 60-yard dash. Average hands and feet in the infield, high three-quarters arm action, 66 mph throwing velocity, mostly accurate throws. On the mound showed a very simple, easy delivery with rhythm. Repeats. Three-quarters arm slot, some looseness. Fastball with occasional arm side run, 73-74 mph, topped out at 75. Breaking ball with 12/6 to 11/5 shape, gradual action, 67-68 mph. Command of straight change-up with near fastball arm speed 70-71 mph.

Kade Short, RHP, Goddard Eisenhower HS, KS (2016)
Short is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound right-handed pitcher. Ideal pitchers body. Works on far right side of rubber, tall balance point, stays tall during stride, picks up tempo during delivery, high three-quarters slot, some effort. Fastball with arm side run, at times late, 77-79 mph, 80 tops. Breaking ball has 11/5 shape, 65-67 mph. Change-up at 66-67 mph with variable movement. Tall, projectable class of 2017 right-hander.

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