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By Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

The summer rush of PBR events in Pennsylvania continued this week with the 2017 Eastern PA College Prospect Games on June 27. Fourty prospects from Pennsylvania and Delaware gathered to display their abilities at Cooper Park on the campus of Millersville University. Today we begin our analysis of the prospects in attendance by taking a look at those that participated as a member of the Class of 2018.

+ CLICK HERE for complete results for all prospects in attendance.

ANALYSIS SCHEDULE

June 28 - Sneak Peak 
June 29 - Complete results & top performers
June 30 - Class of 2018 analysis
July 1    - Class of 2019 pitcher & two-way prospect analysis
July 2    - Class of 2019 position player analysis
July 3    - Class of 2020 two-way prospect analysis
July 4    - Class of 2020 position player analysis

Class of 2018

TOP PROSPECT

Eric Holz, 2018, C/RHP, Loyalsock Township HS (PA)
6-foot, 200-pound right-handed hitter took one the top rounds of batting practice on the day.  He starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a heel-raise stride.  Launches barrel from a point of strength with little wasted movement during swing.  Strong lower half and good balance resulted in line drives to all fields with present gap power. Registered a bat exit velocity of 91 mph.

Also one of top defensive catchers at the event.  Showcased pop times of 2.10-2.20 on throws of 74 mph from the crouch.  Additional work to allow back side to get through throws would see those times come down quickly. Finished day by displaying a feel for three pitches on the mound sitting 76-78 with his fastball. 

Remainder of Roster: (in alphabetical order)

Ryan Aukamp, 2018, C/3B, Warwick HS (PA)
5-foot-8, 170-pound backstop impressed with the ability to place throw-after-throw on the bag during defensive evaluations.  Displayed pop times of 2.21-2.26 on throws of 70 mph from the crouch with a quick release and efficient foot work.  Right-handed hitter showcased an 80 mph bat exit velocity with a line drive approach.  Starts from a wide, slightly crouched stance and initiates his swing with little, to no stride.  Showcased a flat barrel path through the zone with a middle of the field approach.

Hunter Bruner, 2018, OF, Rocky Grove HS (PA)
6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a short, lift-and-replace stride to initiate his swing.  Some hitch in his load with an arm bar leads to some length in his swing, but strong wrists and long levers creates above solid barrel whip (85 mph bat exit velocity). Bruner ran a 7.63 60-yard dash and showcased 78 mph arm strength from the outfield while playing through the baseball with straight line carry to his throws.

Isaac Buterbaugh, 2018, C/3B, Derry Area HS (PA)
5-foot-11, 180-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a short, lift-and-replace stride.  A deep load and limited lower half action leads to some length in the swing and difficulties in routinely getting to the hitting zone on time.  Registered a 79 mph bat exit velocity.  Showcased pop times of 2.19-2.30 on throws of 65 mph from the crouch. Displayed quick feet and a quick transition.  Continued work to develop additional arm strength will be necessary as he moves towards the next level.

Seth Derugen, 2018, OF/2B, Juniata Valley HS (PA)
5-foot-9, 140-pound right-handed hitters displayed plenty of fast-twitch actions during the course of his workout.  Starts swing from an open stance and initiates the barrel with a heel-raise stride.  Stays on backside well and demonstrated a solid feel for the barrel with a bat exit velocity of 75 mph.  Ran a 6.87 60-yard dash and moved well at two defensive positions.  Displayed athletic actions with straight line carry on throws of 84 mph from the outfield.  Also flashed confidence in his glove hand with active feet and accurate 75 mph arm strength as a middle infielder.

Bryce Eberly, 2018, 1B, Manheim Central HS (PA)
6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a short, leg-hand stride to initiate his swing.  Starts hands high and drops them into a deep load position leading to some length in his swing.  Displayed strong wrists and a feel fro the barrel with a bat exit velocity of 80 mph.  Ran a 7.16 60-yard dash and moved well around the bag at first base.  Demonstrated a soft glove hand and accurate 75 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Ben Writer, 2018, RHP, Dallastown Area HS (PA)
Very projectable 6-foot-5, 200-pound frame.  Right-hander sat 77-78 with cut action out of a long armed, high 3/4 arm slot.  Works solely out of the stretch with a high-knee stack and good tempo to his delivery.  Appears to be significantly more in the tank.  Curveball showed tight 12-6 rotation at 65-67.  Displayed a tendency to get across his changeup while slowing his arm speed at 66-68.

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