Prep Baseball Report

Western PA Future Prospects Instructional Showcase: Pitcher Analysis



By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

AlbertRHP/SS Brian Albert was ranked No. 24 in the PA Class of 2015 coming into the Western PA Open ID Showcase on January 5 at All*American Baseball Center in Trafford, PA. The Plum HS sophomore left the event with a top ten ranking. Albert had an electric bullpen session that saw him top out at 87 mph with a two seam fastball that has plus arm side run to it. The 6-foot-2, 165-pound prospect sat 85-86 with his four seam fastball out of a high 3/4 delivery, but actually showcased better velocity and plus movement with the two-seamer. He also commanded a plus curveball at 73 mph and an 80 mph changeup that he kept down in the zone. Albert has a free and easy delivery and a frame that suggests additional gains in velocity are inevitable. As a result of his performance, Albert jumped from No. 24 to No. 5 in the PA Class of 2015 rankings.

JessellC/RHP Jake Jessell was the top all-around performer at the event. The 6-foot, 220-pound Class of 2016 prospect from Woodland Hills HS impressed with the bat and behind the plate, but also showed promise on the mound. Jessell stood out during the early portion of the event showcasing 1.97-2.05 pop times and an 89 mph bat exit velocity. He then took the mound in the afternoon and finished his day by topping at 85 mph during his bullpen session. Throwing from a high 3/4 arm slot, he also commanded a 71 mph curveball, a 72 mph slider and 75 mph changeup with good arm side run. Jessell solidified a spot as one of the top prospects in the PA Class of 2016.

RHP/1B Noah Lolley is a 6-foot-1, 215-pound prospect from Trinity HS. The big Class of 2014 RHP exhibited promise during his bullpen session throwing out of a high 3/4 arm slot. Lolley showcased a fastball that topped out at 79 mph with some arm side run. He also showed command of an 11/5 breaking curveball at 71 mph and a 70 mph spike knuckle changeup that he threw at near fastball arm speed. With a few mechanical adjustments Lolley should see spikes in velocity over the next two years.

RHP/OF Brandon Dinely is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound unsigned senior from Ford City HS. Dineley is an athletic prospect with raw skills. He ran a 4.62 home-to-1B time, threw 72 mph from the outfield and displayed a 79 mph bat exit velocity. Dineley showcased command of a 73 mph fastball, a 62 mph curveball and a 64 mph changeup. His 11/5 breaking curveball showed tight rotation and is his best pitch.

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