Prep Baseball Report

Open ID Results-The Yard in Lee's Summit



The Prep Baseball Report Open I.D. Showcase at The Yard in Lee?s Summit featured some high-level prospects on February 19th. While there were several strong performances, junior Blake McFadden received top honors with a fastball topping 87 mph and a powerful swing at the plate.

A look at the top performers at the event:

""1. Blake McFadden, RHP/SS, Savannah HS, 2012 ? This 6-foot-2, 195-pound right-hander definitely made a strong impression with his quick arm action and heavy 84-86 mph fastball, topping out at 87 mph. McFadden has a deceptive delivery and hides the ball well on all pitches. His breaking ball (67-69 mph) displayed good depth and was consistently in the strike zone, and his changeup (77-80 mph) had late downward movement. McFadden didn?t disappoint at the plate either: a physical presence in the box and showed power potential with excellent extension after contact driving the ball to all fields.  In the field, McFadden showed a good approach to the ball with soft hands and an accurate arm.

""2. Caleb Baker, OF/RHP, St. Pius X, 2011 ? The athletic 6-foot-1, 170-pound athlete showed off his tools in the field and at the plate. Baker displayed the strongest outfield arm at the showcase with throws coming in at 84 mph with accuracy and carry. At the plate, the right-handed hitter showcased good bat speed and pop with a short, quick swing driving the ball to all fields. Baker also ran a 7.7 from home to second. On the mound, Baker has a smooth delivery and showed the ability to throw his fastball, change up, and curveball for strikes. Baker has the tools to be successful at the next level.

""3. Jordan Witcig, RHP, Staley HS, 2012- Witcig shows tons of upside with his 6-foot-3, 175-pound frame. His smooth, deceptive delivery and good extension created a lot of late movement on his fastball (81-83 mph, topping at 84 mph). With some more use of his lower half, there is no doubt that Witcig will gain velocity on his fastball.  He demonstrated good command of a sharp curveball and change-up with late sink.

4. Colby Fitch, C/OF, Hickman HS, 2014- As the only freshman at the event, Fitch performed like a seasoned veteran. This multi-talented prospect has impressive versatility on the field, showing equally well behind the plate and as an outfielder. The 5-foot-10 Fitch displayed an accurate arm wherever he plays. As a catcher, he showed quick feet and recorded an impressive pop time of 1.91, with above average receiving and blocking skills. In the field, Fitch showed athletic movements to the ball and an accurate arm (81 mph) from the outfield. Offensively, the left handed hitting Fitch displayed good rhythm and balance while showing some bat speed. Fitch has the baseball ability and swagger that will continue to get him noticed as possibly one of the top prospects in the Class of 2014.

5. Jacob Boylan, OF/1B, Ray-Pec HS 2012-Don?t let the lanky 6-foot-1 inch, 170 pound frame deceive you, Boylan showed quick hands and a strong lower half to show above average gap-to-gap power. Very quiet in the box, Boylan has a smooth, level swing that produced consistent line drives.  In the field, Boylan has smooth mechanics at first base and very sure hands.  His throws (66-68 mph, 72 mph) were very accurate to both second and third base. In the outfield, Boylan showed good control of his body and the ability to come through the ball consistently, delivering throws on a line at 81 mph.

6. Gage Jacobs, RHP, Bolivar, 2011-The wiry 6-foot-3, 175-pound Jacobs has great frame for a pitcher. He has a smooth and simple delivery and has a great feel for his pitches.  His late moving fastball sits 79-82 mph, topping at 83 mph. More impressive than his fastball is his tight curveball with good depth (68-70 mph), a legitimate out pitch. Jacobs also demonstrated good control for a change-up (72-75 mph) he just started throwing, which is impressive for a new pitch.  With some more work and a few pounds, Jacobs has tremendous upside and will develop more arm strength to be a consistently effective pitcher.

7. Christian Arce-Toledo, MIF, Winnetonka, 2012-New to Missouri, Arce-Toledo demonstrated smooth fielding motions as the top fielder of the showcase. The 6-foot-1, 168-pound Arce-Toledo showed quick hands and fast release (75 mph) with accuracy across the diamond. At the plate, the right-hand hitter was one of the top hitters at the event, displaying a short, level stroke while staying balanced and showing the ability to use the whole field.

8. Garrett Cleavinger, LHP, Lawerence (KS), 2012- Cleavinger showed a loose arm and smooth delivery, registering at 79-83 mph and some late movement. His slider (69-73 mph) displayed hard break and was consistently in the strike zone.

9. Luke Burnidge, LHP, Park Hill, 2011- The 6-foot, 185 Burnidge consistently threw a late moving fastball (77-81 mph, 82 mph) with good arm side run. Burnidge also showed very good feel for a tight 71 mph breaking ball with good depth and break.

10. Jake Alexander, SS, Hickman, 2012 ? The left handed hitting Alexander showed a good approach, smooth level swing, and strong lower half to consistently drive the ball hard to gap to gap. In the field, the 5-foot-10, 165 pound Alexander displayed fluid actions and soft hands as a sure handed fielder. His throws across the diamond were an accurate 75 mph.

Click here for complete showcase results.