Prep Baseball Report

Pitchers Could Steal the Show at the Preseason All-State Showcase



By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

The Preseason All-State Showcase is less than a week away and the anticipation has us beginning to look at potential break out performers. Following is a look at some of the top performers from a year ago and some prospects that are likely to shine at this year's event.

Looking Back

The 2013 event was highlighted by 2014 RHP Adam Seibert (Episcopal Academy) and 2014 LHP LaRon Mitchell (Susquehanna Township) both sitting upper 80s and flashing some fastball in the low 90s. Of the top 10 performers on the mound at last year's event, nine have gone on to announce their college commitments, including Seibert who signed with Hofstra University.

The class of 2015 was well represented last year by LHP Dylan Cyphert (Cranberry HS) and LHP Connor Higgins (Parkland HS). Both lefties flashed upper 80s fastballs and signs of continued growth. Cyphert has since committed to Penn State while Higgins gave his verbal to Indiana University.

what to look for this year

This year's event will showcase a very deep roster of uncommitted pitchers in the Class of 2015. RHP Jake Potock (Shaler Area), a 6-foot-5, 255-pound prospect with a fastball that sits 85-87, comes into the event with the highest current ranking at No. 14 in PA.  Others in the junior class that could see their stock rise are RHP Joe Molettiere (Pennridge), RHP  Noah Malone (Cedar Cliff), RHP John Bowman (Canton)  and LHP Jon Peterson (Hempfield) that all could have big performances.

At No. 69 in the current PA Class of 2015 rankings, Gabe Smith (Penn Charter) is one of the more intriguing pitchers on the roster. Smith went 3-1 as a freshman at Penn Charter, but was forced to miss his entire sophomore season after a torn ACL suffered in basketball. The primary outfielder could open eyes with his athleticism and potential as a two-way prospect.

Also likely to create a stir is 6-foot-6, 255-pound RHP Kyle Peterson (State College). Peterson really came on strong this past summer. The imposing righty appears to be adjusting to his frame and finding a consistent delivery that will make him a strong candidate for a move upwards in the rankings.

The Class of 2016 will also be represented well with RHP/SS Frankie Fraschetti (No. 15) and RHP Emmett Harkins (No. 16) heading the list of sophomore arms. LHP Luciano Besh (Franklin Regional) and RHP Bailey Ishler (State College) could also see their stock rise with solid performances.

A total of 50 pitchers will toe the rubber on the 2nd Day of the event (2/16/14).

Preseason All-State Showcase details

Day One Roster / Day One Itinerary / Day Two Roster / Day Two Itinerary / Master Check-in Times (Both Days)

additional pa news: