The Southern Wisconsin Open took place on Saturday, October 28th at STiKS Academy in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Yesterday we kicked off the player analysis with the position players and today we continue it with the pitching analysis.

Top Prospects

1. Arthur Liebau, RHP/1B, Homestead, 2020
6-foot-1, 180-pound two-way player, strong build with developed lower half. On the mound delivery is easy, tall and fall down the hill. Directional and over the top arm slot, long loose arm. Fastball is straight, four seam type, gets occasional tilt, sat 81-83 mph, mostly 83s. Curveball has 11/5 shape, thrown near fastball arm speed, 68-72 mph. Changeup sinks, fading action, 75-77 mph. Right-handed hitter, athletic setup, leg lift trigger, solid balance. Bat strength, works on top of the baseball, flashed hard contact. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm works long and high ¾, 80 mph across the diamond. First base profile, hands work well, showed feel around the bag. 7.49 runner in the 60.

2. Blake Read, LHP, Muskego, 2021
6-foot-1, 160-pound left-handed pitcher with a lanky, projectable frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose, quick arm action. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Smooth rhythm with a square landing. Fastball has running action at 76-78 topping out at 79 mph. Curveball has 1-7 shape at 63-64 mph. Changeup has fading action at 69-70 mph. Highly projectable 2021 arm to follow.

3. Brady Renfro, LHP/1B, Antigo, 2020
6-foot, 175-pound left-handed two-way player, solid build. On the mound arm works quick from a high ¾ slot, loose arm. Works fast, uptempo, stretch only. Fastball topped at 83 mph, 80-81 mph, flashed sinking action. Curveball has 12/6 shape, sharp action, 69-72 mph. Changeup is deceptive with fastball arm speed, 71-74 mph. Left-handed hitter, tall setup, leg kick trigger, good balance. Bat strength and bat speed, uphill path, pull side approach. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays short and loose, high ¾ slot, 78 mph across the diamond. Natural actions around the bag, shows athleticism and soft hands. 7.71 runner in the 60.

4. Riley Frey, LHP, Oshkosh West, 2020
5-foot-11, 150-pound left-handed pitcher with a wide shouldered frame. Works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose, live arm action. Tall and fall delivery, uptempo delivery working in line with home plate. Fastball has running action at 76-79 mph. Curveball has 1-7 shape at 58-61 mph, cast at times. Showed feel for changeup throwing it for strikes at 62-65 mph, sinking action, maintains arm speed.

5. Kyle McKinnon, RHP, Bradford, 2019
5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed pitcher. Work from an over the top arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall to balance point, drop and drive delivery. Short stride working in line with home plate, square landing. Solid Fastball/Changeup combo. Fastball sat 81-82 mph. Maintains arm speed on changeup at 72-75 mph, straight action. Curveball has 11-5 shape with short breaking action at 64-67 mph.

6. Isaac Engelbrecht, RHP/INF, Oak Creek, 2021
6-foot-2, 175-pound two-way player, long lean projectable frame. Projects best on the mound, balanced delivery, finishes slightly to first base side. Easy arm action long and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball topped at 77 mph, sat 74-75 mph, finishes in the zone. Curveball has 10/4 shape, 67-69 mph. Changeup has downer action 65-66 mph. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, slight drop of hands in to load. Projectable bat speed, path is long and works uphill. Defensively arm plays over the top, 71 mph across. Plays tall and works downhill. 7.54 runner in the 60.

7. Michael Schaefer, LHP, Riverdale, 2019
6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action and wrap on the backside. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Smooth rhythm, open toed landing. Fastball has running action at 79-80 mph. Curveball has 1-7 shape at 65-69 mph. Changeup sat 71-73 mph.

8. Marcus Cline, SS/OF/RHP, Fall Creek, 2019
5-foot-10, 150-pound left-handed hitting utility player with a thin, lanky frame. Had some of the best arm strength at the event throwing 87 mph from the outfield, 83 mph across the infield, and topped out at 82 mph on the mound. Loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Athletic defender with soft hands. Throws showed carry from the outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short, leg lift stride and good balance. Loose hands and fast bat, uphill swing path with fluid rhythm. 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.22. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm with some effort. Fastball has running action at 77-82 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 64-68 mph. Changeup has fading action at 71-74 mph.

9. Griffin Lietzau, LHP, Slinger, 2018
Currently ranked No. 117 in the PBR WIsconsin Class of 2018. 6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed pitcher. Works from a ¾ arm angle with a short, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Square landing with smooth rhythm. Fastball has running action at 79-81 mph for strikes. Curveball has 1-7 shape at 67-69 mph.

10. Parker Schaefer, LHP, Homestead, 2020
6-foot-2, 185-pound left-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with easy effort. Square landing, spins off after release. Fastball has running action at 72-74 mph. Curveball has 1-7 shape at 62-66 mph. Changeup has fading action at 68-71 mph. Projects well.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Zach Asik, OF/LHP, Wisconsin Lutheran, 2018
5-foot-11, 175-pound left-handed hitting OF/LHP with a strong frame. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, simple heel lift stride with fair balance. Line drive gap to gap approach. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively has a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Plays thru the ball with fluid footwork. Threw 83 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a high ¾ slot with a short, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with easy effort. Smooth rhythm works in line with home plate. Fastball has running action at 76-77 topping out at 78 mph. Curveball has 1-7 shape at 63-65 mph. Changeup is straight at 68-73 mph.

Collin Callahan, 1B/OF/RHP, Lake Zurich (IL), 2021
Plus frame at 6-foot-4, 200-pounds. Offensively open setup, leg lift stride with average balance. Opposite field hitter with a short, uphill swing path. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.47. Defensively took drills in both the infield and the outfield. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Profiles best at first base. Threw 75 mph across the infield and 79 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall  and fall delivery, loses front side early. Slower paced delivery with good balance throughout. Fastball sat 73-76 topping out at 77 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 60-63 mph. Changeup sat 67 mph. Will continue to improve with coordination.

Simon Dembiec, RHP/INF, Lake Country Lutheran, 2019
6-foot-3, 205-pound two-way player, large frame, strong build. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride to even, average balance. Flashed hard contact showing bat strength, path has length, works flat to pull side. 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles best at a corner. Arm action is long, loose, high ¾ slot, 78 mph across the diamond. 7.87 runner in the 60. On the mound fastball topped at 78 mph, sat 76-78 mph. Curveball has 10/4 shape, gradual action 59-61 mph. Changeup consistent at 65 mph.

Mitchell Drenzek, INF/RHP, Waterford, 2019
5-foot-10, 150-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, reverse toe tap stride. Path has length, opposite field approach, hits off front foot. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long and firm, 74 mph across the diamond. Deliberate footwork, works bent at the waist. 8.00 runner in the 60. Tall and fall delivery, high ¾ slot. Fastball topped at 74 mph, sat 73-74 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action 62-63 mph. Changeup is firm at 68-70 mph.

Hunter Durbin, LHP, Slinger, 2019
6-foot-3, 160-pound left-handed pitcher with a lanky, thin frame. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Drop and drive delivery with a long stride and square landing. Fastball sat 72-73 topping out at 75 mph. Curveball has 12-6 to 1-7 shape at 61-64 mph. Showed feel for changeup with fading action at 66-67 mph for strikes. Projects well with added strength and coordination.

Jacob Fischer, RHP/OF, Watertown Luther, 2020
5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from a low ¾ arm angle with a long arm action and long draw out of the glove. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing. Fastball sat 74-77 mph. Curveball has 10-4 to sweeping action at 63-65 mph. Maintains arm speed on changeup at 67-70 mph, straight action. At the plate hits from a crouched setup, leg lift stride with fair balance. Short, uphill swing path. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.69. Defensively threw 76 mph from the outfield.

Connor Handel, UTL, Monona Grove, 2019
6-foot-1, 195-pound right-handed hitter with a strong frame. Worked out at every position. At the plate hits from a tall, open stance. Arm bar load with a short stride and average balance. Line drive hitter works gap to gap. Uphill swing path with extension and a fast bat. 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.44. Projects best behind the plate. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Accurate throws with carry out of the crouch. Soft hands receiving with a long transfer. Popped 2.12-2.22 and threw 77 mph out of the crouch. Showed off raw arm strength from the OF and IF throwing 88 mph from the outfield and 81 mph across the infield. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall delivery with some effort. Square landing working in line with home plate. Fastball sat 80-82 mph for strikes. Curveball showed no action at 64-68 mph. Changeup has slight running action at 71-73 mph for strikes.

Phillip Harper, RHP, Wauwatosa East, 2020
6-foot-4, 170-pound right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Some rhythm, works in line with home plate, square landing. Fastball has sinking action at 79-80 mph working downhill for strikes. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 65-67 mph. Changeup sat 68-71 mph. Projects well on the mound. 

George Henkel, RHP/3B, Appleton West, 2021
6-foot-2, 185-pound two-way player, athletic and projectable build. Right-handed hitter, slight open stance, short stride. Flashes bat speed on uphill path. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action plays from a high ¾ slot, 72 mph across the diamond. Deliberate transfer, sits and fields. 8.13 runner in the 60. On the mound arm works long from a ¾ slot. Fastball topped at 76 mph, sat 73-75 mph. Slider is 64-65 mph, slight lateral action. Changeup is 66-68 mph, occasional sink.

Eric Kohnert, INF/RHP, Menomonee Falls, 2020
5-foot-7, 131-pound infielder, lean frame. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, leg lift stride. Path is long, works slightly uphill, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.35 runner in the 60. Defensively arm action is long, ¾ slot, 75 mph across the diamond. On the mound, fastball has slight sink, 74-76 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, showed feel and depth, 64-65 mph. Changeup sinks, 66-69 mph. 

Anthony Labrec, INF/RHP, Cary Grove, 2020
5-foot-8, 130-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, open stance, lift and replace stride, minimal lower half. Timing delayed at times, path works up and through the baseball. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays high ¾, 69 mph across the infield. 7.62 runner in the 60. On the mound fastball showed occasional sink, 72-74 mph. Curveball works 11/5 58-63 mph. Knuckleball sits 56-58 mph.

Nikolas Ostrowski, RHP/INF/OF, Lake Zurich (IL), 2022
5-foot-9, 165-pound right-handed hitting utility player. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Fastball sat 65-67 topping out at 69 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with gradual action at 57-59 mph. Changeup worked 62-63 mph. At the plate hits from a balanced setup, short stride, minimal lower half involvement. Level swing path. 71 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 9.70. Defensively took drills in the infield and outfield. Threw 67 mph across the infield and 70 mph from the outfield.

Reno Povolo, LHP/OF, Cudahy, 2020
5-foot-5, 135-pound left-handed hitting LHP/OF. On the mound works from a ¾ arm arm angle with a short loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Square landing with good balance throughout delivery. Fastball sat 70-72 mph. Slider has 2-8 shape at 65-67 mph. Changeup worked 66-69 mph. Offensively hits from a narrow, tall setup. Short leg lift stride with fair balance. Middle of the field approach with an uphill swing path. 70 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.42. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Short, quick footwork, plays thru the ball. Threw 73 mph from the outfield.

Dayne Sebranek, 3B/RHP, Fort Atkinson, 2019
5-foot-10, 215-pound right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery, works in line with home plate. Slide step delivery from the stretch, lands closed. Fastball sat 76-78 topping out at 79 mph. Curveball has between 11-5 and 10-4 shape at 60-62 mph. Changeup was straight at 62-64 mph.

Kellan Short, RHP/C/INF, Catholic Memorial, 2021
5-foot-7, 140-pound right-handed hitting utility player. Showcased best on the mound. Works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Square landing with some rhythm. Fastball works downhill at 73-76 mph. Curveball is best offering at 60-63 mph, 12-6 shape with depth and good rotation. Changeup is straight, works mostly glove side at 63-66 mph. At the plate balanced setup, short leg lift stride with average balance and late rhythm. Opposite field hitter with a short, uphill swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.86. Defensively took drills both behind the plate and in the infield. Short arm action from an over the top slot. Popped 2.25-2.35 and threw 70 mph out of the crouch. Threw 76 mph across the infield.

Alec Strupp, RHP, Slinger, 2019
6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action, hard draw out of the glove. Drop and drive delivery with some effort. Fastball sat 74-76 mph. Threw a curveball and slider, same shape. Slider sat 66-67 mph. Curveball hit 58-62 mph.

Ethan Taylor, LHP/1B, Tremper, 2020
5-foot-9, 225-pound left-handed two-way player. On the mound arm plays from a high ¾ slot, long loose arm action, easy effort. Fastball runs to arm side, 76-77 mph, touched 78 mph. Curveball has 2/8 shape, ranged 60-63 mph. Changeup showed sink, 65-69 mph. Hits from a tall open setup, short stride to even. Pull side approach, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 75 mph across the diamond. Ran the 60 at 8.14.

Wolfy Waldron, 1B/RHP, Stevenson (IL), 2021
6-foot-3, 235-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, balanced feet, stride is short, static setup. Opposite field contact, two-piece approach, 70 mph exit velocity from the tee. 9.20 runner in the 60. Defensively arm played at 62 mph across the diamond, high ¾ slot. On the mound arm works similar. Fastball sat 65-66 mph. Changeup at 58-60 mph, sinks. Showed knuckleball at 51-54 mph.

Hruz Wagner, RHP, Slinger, 2019
6-foot, 175-pound right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall, slow paced delivery working in line with home plate. Showed balance throughout delivery. Solid pen, filled up the zone. Fastball worked downhill at 77-78 topping out at 80 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 61-64 mph, flashed occasional depth. Changeup sat 67-70 mph. 

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