2016 Ohio Scout Blog
August 10, 2016
The 2016 Ohio Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the PBR Scouting Staff during the season. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects, and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times, and more. Simply put, the Ohio Scout Blog is loaded with information ...
Agona Baseball Camps: Northern Ohio Showcase Camp Top Performers - 8/6/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
**All velocities, pop times, and 60-yard dash times were recorded and produced by the showcase staff.
Aaron Hoffman, SS/CF, St. Thomas Aquinas, 2017
Scouting Report: 5-foot-10, 165-pound athletic body frame. The infielder has good actions and footwork, with a strong enough arm to stay at the shortstop position at the next level. Reached a top velocity of 82 mph across the infield. Has impressed throughout the summer offensively showing the ability to produce line drive results, to all parts of the field. Recorded a top exit velocity of 83 mph and ran a 7.18 60-yard dash.
Ohio Elite/Ohio Longhorns Showcase - 8/4/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
**All velocities, pop times, and 60-yard dash times were recorded and produced by the showcase staff.
Andrew Funtash, RHP, Walsh Jesuit, 2018
Scouting Report: 5-foot-11, 185-pound athletic body frame. The right-handed pitcher throws with regular effort to his deliver, coming from a ¾ slot. His fastball was thrown between 81-86 mph and also featured a two-seam fastball, with arm-side run. His curveball has tight shape to it, with mostly gradual break at an 11/5 plane thrown at 74 mph. He uses fastball arm speed to throw his changeup at 78 mph.
Ed Santa Summer Showcase - 7/28/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
*All 60-yard dash times, exit velocities, position velocities, catcher pop times, and pitcher velocities were recorded and produced by the Ed Santa Showcase staff.
Brian D’Andrea, RHP/3B, Amherst Steele, 2017
Scouting Report: 6-foot-4, 190-pound athletic, projectable frame. Has hip load to initiate his bottom half into his delivery that requires regular, but not a lot of effort. Lands more closed at foot strike, finishing with his momentum carrying mostly toward home plate. Throws with a little bit of quickness to his arm speed through a ¾ slot. His fastball ranged from 85-89 mph. Breaking ball has sharp break with 11/5 tilt thrown between 75-78 mph. Throws his changeup near fastball arm speed, with run to it at 75-78 mph.
16U Diamond League All-Star Game - 7/28/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
Eli Blackledge, C, North Canton Hoover, 2018
Scouting Report: 6-foot-6, 220-pound physical body frame. Right-handed hitter starts from a closed stance, using a short stride to the baseball. Has a good, rhythmic weight shift with his lower half to his back leg to generate power. Uses a fluid load with his hands moving to his back shoulder. Swings with a level bat path through the zone, while showing the ability to use both sides of the field during his round of batting practice. During game play he walked, and squared up the baseball, showing strength by hitting a deep fly ball to left field.
Brownlee 17U - 7/24/16
By: Chris Check
PBR Ohio NE Scout
Vince Donato, 1B/3B, Mayfield, 2017 (Youngstown State commit)
Scouting Report: I watched Vince twice this weekend and was impressed with his approach at the plate. He gets into a wider more advanced launch position to attack the ball, which allows him to barrels most of the balls he hit over two days. He hits hard line drives from right center to the left field line with backspin. The 6’3” first baseman an also move well as he beat out an infield single running 4.35 to first base from the right hand box. Defensively, he should good footwork and athleticism at first base. The Youngstown State commit could develop into a prospect over time.
Diamond Boys Showcase 17U - 7/24/16
By: Chris Check
PBR Ohio NE Scout
Chad Szydlowski, C/P/3B, Twinsburg, 2017
Scouting Report: Chad is a talented but raw catcher. His arm works well behind the plate, but his footwork transfer and receiving all needs improvement. That being said, he has lots of upside behind the plate as he works on his fundamentals. First off his receiving stance is an exaggerated stagger, especially with runners on first base. This restricts his receiving ability on the glove side, also limits his ability to have good footwork to both batters boxes. His arm is a huge asset, he throws a 2.2 to 2B but that will improve as his footwork and transfer improves. At the plate, he has an up the middle approach, with exceptional skills. He ran a 4.14 from the right side on a bunt single. Great time for a catcher. His athleticism and speed will also play well at third base. This athlete will be a pleasant surprise for a college who takes the time to develop him
Buckeye Elite Tournament - 7/21/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
COLUMBUS COBRAS 17U
Clay Piatt, RHP, Granville, 2017
Scouting Report: 6-foot, 180-pound athletic body frame. He was the starting pitcher in the game, tossing five innings. On the mound he uses a full hands over head wind up, in a delivery in which he used regular, but not a lot of effort. He has good rhythm and tempo to his delivery and lands slightly closed at foot strike, finishing in a balanced position. Throws using average arm speed through an upper ¾ slot. Uses a three-pitch mix, with a good feel for all three pitches. Did a great job of spotting fastball in the lower half of the zone, with some arm-side run at times between 79-81 mph. His curveball has good depth with 11/5 tilt at 73-75 mph. He mixed in his changeup using fastball arm speed at 72-75 mph.
Top Gun World Series - 7/21/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
STALLIONS BASEBALL CLUB 16U
Drew Wilson, INF/RHP, Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, 2018
Scouting Report: Two-way prospect, with a thinner, projectable body frame. He was the starting pitcher in the contest. On the mound he uses regular, but not much effort to his delivery. He uses a straight up and down, low leg kick, finishing with his momentum carrying toward home plate. He throws with a long arm action, with some quickness to his arm speed through a ¾ slot. His fastball has arm-side run, between 80-83 mph, and touched 84 mph once. His curveball projects, nicely at an 11/5 plane with some sharpness and late break to it, between 72-74 mph.
North Coast Elite: Laurie Mendenhall Memorial Tournament - 7/20/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
LAKE ERIE WARHAWKS 16U (MEZLAK)
Devan Nail, SS/RHP, Elyria High School, 2018
Scouting Report: 6-foot-3, 175-pound tall, thin, projectable body frame. Currently ranked #13 overall in Ohio’s class of 2018. Played shortstop and hit fifth in a very good lineup. The shortstop uses athletic footwork to approach ground balls, while continuing to play through the baseball. Fields with softer hands out in front of his body, then funnels them in toward his stomach. Throws with a clean arm action, through a lower ¾ slot, with the ball coming out with ease from his hand across the diamond. He made an athletic play, coming in to field a slow rolling ground ball, but did allow for a hard hit ground ball to roll under his glove. Right-handed hitter starts from a tall, slightly open stance getting himself squared back up to even. Brings his front leg back with his leg kick, loading nicely into his back leg. Uses a fluid, minimal load with his hands, swinging with a more level bat path through the zone, and finishes with a two-handed follow through. Catching the back end of the first game he played in, he hit a deep fly ball to left center field, just feet away from hitting a homerun. During game two he went 1-4 squaring a single up to left field, ground out to third, ground out to shortstop, and tried bunting for a hit ground out to pitcher. Ran a 4.28 out of the box.
Ethan St. Clair, OF, Avon, 2017
Scouting Report: 6-foot, 160-pound athletic body frame. Played center field and hit first in the lineup. In the outfield he uses good footwork to approach the baseball, fielding ground balls on his glove side, while gaining ground and continuing to play through the ball. Throws with a clean arm action through an upper ¾ slot. Right-handed hitter uses simple, repeatable mechanics. Starts from a tall stance, using a fluid, minimal load with his hands moving toward his back shoulder. Swings with his hands short to the ball, with a level bat path through the zone, and finishes with a two-handed follow through. He was 2-4 on the day with two singles to the left side, walk, strikeout, and two RBI’s.
Cincinnati Flames 16U vs Ohio Longhorns (Morgan) - 7/15/16
By: Chris Check
PBR Ohio NE Scout
Ohio Longhorns (Morgan)
Jacob Margroff, OF, Woodridge, 2017
Scouting Report: This is the second time I’ve seen Jacob and I’m impressed with the body control and speed in which he plays the game. In the outfield he shows good jumps on balls, coupled with his above average speed allows him to cover much ground and run down many balls in all directions. Will probably play well in center field, with an adequate arm. At the plate he has good bat speed and control out of a balanced stance. He has shown ability to barrel balls all over the field. The left-handed hitter got down the line in 4.03 seconds today. He is a definite DI prospect, because of his speed.
Cincinnati Flames 17U - 7/14/16
By: Chris Check
PBR Ohio NE Scout
Jared Kauffman, SS/OF, Bishop Fenwick, 2017
Scouting Report: Jared is a solid 5’10” 170-pound shortstop who plays with a hop to his step. He displayed good hands and footwork on various ground balls on both backhand and glove side plays. He also showed good transfer skills and a solid enough arm for the position. Batting clean-up, was very selective at the plate, walking his first two appearances. He then lashed a triple into the left center gap, his third time up. He has a slight tendency to pull of the the ball bat the gap to gap approach and good bat speed will allow him to make those adjustments. Would like to see him again against high velocity.
Ohio Elite (McNerney) - 7/14/16
By: Chris Check
PBR Ohio NE Scout
Jeff Petkac, RHP, Berea-Midpark, 2017
Scouting Report: Jeff is a big body 6’4” 220, and has some good things to interest some colleges off the mound. His fastball out of a 3/4 arm slot. His fastball comes in at 80-82 mph, though it looks quicker as he uses his 11/5 curveball comes in at 60-64 mph. The curveball has some decent depth at times and is often thrown early in the count for strikes as well as late in the count as an out pitch. He could probably get more velocity on his fastball and rotation if he used his lower half a little more effectively, as he tends to open his front knee early. The big body offers interesting upside as he works on his development as a pitcher. Could be a sleeper.
Brownlee (Burick) - Buckeye Elite 16U - 7/8/16
By: Chris Check
PBR Ohio NE Scout
Eli Blackledge, C, North Canton Hoover, 2018
Scouting Report: Eli was impressive today. The tall catcher displayed great feel with his hands receiving the ball. Balls to both sides of the plate were handled well as well as balls in the dirt. He has a strong arm to second base as the ball comes out of his hand easily. He showed a 2.10-2.19 pop to second base. At the plate his swing was surprisingly short and quick. He also has power, just missing a home run on a double to left field. Eli is obviously an athlete that has above average body control and awareness with a lean 6’6” frame. If he pursues baseball, he will be a scholarship player.
Force Baseball: 2016 College Prospects Camp (Top Performers) - 7/4/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
*** Exit velocities and 60-yard dash times were produced by the Force Baseball Staff
Alec Bradbury, C/1B, Pickerington North, 2017
Scouting Report: 6-foot-1, 210 pound athletic, stronger looking build. From the crouch he does a good job of replacing his feet, getting turned, and in line on his throws to second base. Throws with a short, clean arm action through a high-¾ slot, helping him produce pop times between 2.18-2.19. Does an adequate job at first base, and can be another position for him to play to keep his bat in the lineup. Right-handed hitter, with strength. Starts from an open stance, getting himself squared back up to even before he swings. Uses a fluid load with his hands moving toward his back shoulder. Swings with a more level bat path through the zone, finishing with a two-handed follow through. Really got through a couple of balls nicely, during his round of batting practice, and showed the ability to use both sides of the field. During game play squared up a ball, hitting a deeper fly ball to center field, while he just got underneath the baseball. Reached a top exit velocity of 87 mph and ran a respectable 7.28 60-yard dash for his positions.
Worthington Wood Bat Tournament - Top Performers
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
DIAMOND HIT CLUB 16U (KIMMICK)
Julian Mangelluzzi, C, Notre Dame Cathedral Latin, 2018
Scouting Report: 6-foot, 185-pound thick, strong body frame, with thick lower half. Played catcher and hit fourth in the lineup. From behind the plate he moves well with athletic footwork, blocking baseballs in the dirt. He gets good direction and momentum on his throws to second base, throwing with a clean, short arm action through a high ¾ slot. Produced a 2.18 pop time in the game. Right-handed hitter starts from a very open stance, not quite getting himself squared back up to even. Loads with his hands moving, fluidly to his back shoulder. Bat stays through the zone pretty much throughout his swing. This is the second occasion we saw Mangelluzzi in a game and he has shown some strength in both games, while going 5-7 with four doubles, one hitting the bottom of the fence in left center, and another was a ground rule double to left field. In this game we saw him go 2-3 with two doubles to left center field, and grounded out to the second baseman.
North Coast Elite - Laurie Mendenhall Tournament - 6/25/16
By: Chris Check
PBR Ohio NE Scout
Ohio Elite (McNerney)
Jace Burke, RHP, Walsh Jesuit, 2017
Scouting Report: Jace has a good starters body at 6-foot-2 180-pounds, he throws out of a 3/4 to high-3/4 arm slot which has some variance because of slightly exaggerated head tilt which leads him to drag his arm a tad and leave pitches high and losing some velocity. His fastball sat 84-85 mph, but was harder and more consistent out of the stretch. Often the fastball had some run towards left-handers. His off speed appears to be a slider or a scurvy curveball at 70-74 mph. It was inconsistent in the early innings but improved as the game wore on as he commanded lower in the zone for strikes and swings and misses. The arm works and looks like the velocity and off speed can be improved with work. Good possibility of being a scholarship player soon.
North Coast Elite - Laurie Mendenhall Tournament - 6/23/16
By: Chris Check
PBR Ohio NE Scout
17U Longhorns
Luke Correia, C, Copley, 2017
Scouting Report: Big strong catcher, with a strong arm. He has good athleticism and balance behind the plate. He looks like he has an idea on footwork on throws to second on steals and he was a consistent 2.0-2.1 to second base. He is a hustle guy with good demeanor behind the plate. The left -handed hitter looks like he has some hook to his swing but the minimal at bats didn't give a good sample as he was hit by a pitch and walked in a run rule game. Could progress into a solid college catcher with middle of the order potential.
Ohio Crossroads Select Baseball Series (Top Position Players) - 6/23/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
*** All 60 times, pop times, and position player velos were recorded and produced by the Ohio Crossroads Staff.
Brett Lowther, 2B/SS, Cuyahoga Heights, 2017
Scouting Report: 6-foot-2, 175-pound thinner, athletic body frame. In the infield he uses good footwork to approach ground balls, while continuing to play through the baseball. He fields with softer hands out in front of his body. He throws with a clean, short arm action, through a lower ¾ slot, while reaching a top velocity of 77 mph. Right-handed hitter starts from a balanced stance, using simple and repeatable mechanics. He uses minimal load with his hands moving short to the ball, swinging with a level bat path through the zone. He ran a 7.15 60-yard dash.
Ohio Crossroads Select Baseball Series (Top Arms) - 6/20/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
Andrew Russell, RHP/SS, Champion, 2019
Scouting Report: 5-foot-10, 166 pound thinner, projectable body frame. The only 2019 graduate invited to the event. Apparently, his arm wasn’t ready yet when we last saw him on the mound in January. On this occasion he threw with regular effort to his delivery, using quick arm speed, coming through a ¾ slot. He lands more closed at foot strike. His fastball was between 81-84 mph, but consistently 82-84 mph. Threw a tight breaking, curveball with 11/5 tilt, that he needs to stay on top of and finish out front consistently.
Ohio Crossroads Select Baseball Series (Top Arms) - 6/20/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
Andrew Russell, RHP/SS, Champion, 2019
Scouting Report: 5-foot-10, 166 pound thinner, projectable body frame. The only 2019 graduate invited to the event. Apparently, his arm wasn’t ready yet when we last saw him on the mound in January. On this occasion he threw with regular effort to his delivery, using quick arm speed, coming through a ¾ slot. He lands more closed at foot strike. His fastball was between 81-84 mph, but consistently 82-84 mph. Threw a tight breaking, curveball with 11/5 tilt, that he needs to stay on top of and finish out front consistently.
Battle of the 330/Midwest Challenge - 6/15/16
By: Chris Check
PBR Ohio NE Scout
Release Baseball
Braydon Nelson, RHP, St. Ignatius, 2017
Scouting Report: Braydon is an interesting 6-foot-4, 210-pound rising senior with a big projectable body. It is obvious that he works on getting some tilt as part of his load, which has some pause on the reach back. He delivers his fastball at 84-87 MPH out of a 3/4 arm slot. His off speed seems to have less shoulder tilt, which leads to a 74 mph curveball and a slightly faster 76-78 mph slider. Both pitches need some work but show some flashes of rotation and downward bite. Could be an interesting scholarship type guy if he syncs up his lower and upper half during both the wind-up and stretch positions.
Great Lakes Shootout Tournament - 6/1/16
By: Dan Machovina
PBR Ohio Assistant Scouting Director
North Royalton Bears 18u
Brandon Kinsey, 2B/OF, North Royalton, 2017
Scouting Report: 5-foot-11, 135-pound thin, projectable body frame, with room to fill out with. Kinsey was the leadoff hitter and played center field. In the outfield, he gets pretty good reads on balls off the bat. Throws with a clean arm action, with decent arm strength. Only player to record two hits in the game. Right-handed hitter starts from a tall stance and uses simple, repeatable swing mechanics. Swings level through the zone with a two-handed finish. Showed the ability to use both sides of the field. He finished 2-4 with an infield single, single to right field, GO-3, and another ground out. Additional power will come if he fills out frame.
#2 Poland Seminary vs Chagrin Falls - 5/27/16
By: Chris Check
PBR Ohio NE Scout
Matt Baker, OF/P, Poland Seminary, 2016
Scouting Report: The tall lanky left-handed hitting right fielder consistently put the barrel on the ball over the last two days. In going 3-3 on this day he uses a mostly pull approach to right as he hooks the ball with a wrist snap that has some pop. He moves well in the outfield with an adequate arm, to go along with some speed as he is able to steal some bases and move first to third. Interesting senior that may be a late bloomer with great size.
#5 CHCA vs #7 Versailles - 5/26/16
By: Luke Wolford
PBR Ohio Scout
Clay Brock, P, CHCA, 2019
Scouting Report: Brock stands at an athletic 6-foot-1, 185-pounds. On the mound, the right-handed pitcher showed good tempo and command of his pitches. With a ¾ arm slot, Brock was effective and able to keep hitters off balance throughout the day. His fastball sat 80-84 mph with a curveball at 66-69 mph and a changeup at 76 mph.
#3 Kalida vs #19 Miller City - 5/18/16
By: Dylan Hefflinger
Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout
Austin Swift, LHP/OF, Kalida, 2016 (Indiana Wesleyan University commit)
Scouting Report: The 5-foot-11, 195-pound athletically built southpaw has been flat-out dominant all year and in our first time seeing him this spring, he did not disappoint. A 3-pitch lefty with command of all 3. Compact delivery with good tempo and easy lift with good direction at foot strike. Easy arm action with his fastball consistanly sitting 86-87, touching 89 mph. The breaking ball has 12/6 action with depth at 71-73 mph. Also featured a solid changeup at 77-80 mph. The southpaw has all the potential with an electric arm, athletic body and good head on his shoulders. Swift will be one we watch over the next few years at Indiana Wesleyan as if the work ethic is there at the next level, who knows where Swift could end up. Great follow. On the day went the distance allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out 11. Threw 72-of-112 pitches for strike. This outing comes off a 5-inning 15 strikeout perfect game.
#13 Walsh Jesuit vs #29 Strongsville - 5/10/16
By: Chris Check
PBR Ohio NE Scout
Dan Mendenhall, RHP, Walsh Jesuit, 2016
Scouting Report: Dan has an athletic frame with big shoulders, strong legs. He uses a somewhat closed stride to deliver an 81-84 mph fastball. His curve ball is somewhat loopy and comes in at 70-71 mph. His ability to stay focused and battle was significant in keeping his team in the game over seven innings.
#24 Paulding vs Allen East - 5/9/16
By: Dylan Hefflinger
Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout
Damon Egnor, RHP, Paulding, 2016 (BGSU commit)
Scouting Report: This righty was flat-out dominant in less than ideal playing conditions. With a strong 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame, Egnor pounded the zone the entire night, while needing just 75 pitches in a 1-hit shutout. Throwing through a 3/4 arm slot with long arm action, Egnor threw 60 of the 75 pitches for strikes, striking out 11 without issuing a walk. The heavy fastball showed some natural move, both in and out, while sitting 87-89 mph, touching 90 three times and 91 once. To go along with his fastball, Egnor showcased a sharp 11/5 curveball that sat 72-75 mph. Damon did not need to feature any other pitches on the day, but at previous showcases has shown a changeup, slider and splitter. All three have potential, but all still works in progress.
#1 Defiance vs Shawnee - 5/5/16
By: Dylan Hefflinger
Ohio Editor in Chief/NW Scout
Jacob Jimenez, C, Defiance, 2016
Scouting Report: The 6-foot, 165-pound catcher has been Defiance's rock behind the plate. Jimenez has seen all types of pitches from his staff and has done a great job behind the dish. The pop times have ranged from 2.05-2.10 while showcases a strong arm. Hitting wise, the right-handed hitter stands tall and slightly open. Uses a toe tap to get back to even and for is load. Short, compact swing that gets in and out of the zone. Against Shawnee, Jimenez went 2-2 with a single, double, two runs, two RBIs and a walk. Good late add.