Nicholas
Hess

Top Prospect Games East

Hess is 6-2 with a very lanky frame that has a lot of projection left to it. He hits from the right side from an open upright stance, strides on line, loads back into a wrap. Hips rotate completely and he maintains good lower half balance. Keeps hands inside, short swing, slightly uphill line drive swing, showed a slight pull preference, exit velocity was 84. In the infield, gets body behind the ball and fields with a wider base and with above average hands. Clean exchange, throws from a three-quarters arm slot, infield velocity was 73. Showed versatility taking balls in the outfield, where his velocity was 78. Ran a 7.19 60 yard dash. On the mound, throws from a three-quarters arm slot with a short free arm action and normal effort to his delivery. Shoulders are closed and level, lands square with an athletic finish. Fastball 76-78, touching 80 with some late run to it. Curveball was 63-66.

Preseason All-State II

Hess is 6-2 with a lanky frame that has a lot of projection left to it. He hits from the right side from a relaxed open upright athletic, strides on line, loads back to a wrap, hips rotate completely, has some balance during his swing. Takes hands straight to ball, strength at contact point, slightly uphilll path with loft built in, showed a pull preference, exit velocity was 82. At first, gets body behind ball and fields with a wider base and above average hands. Works through ball, throws from a three-quarters arm slot, free arm action, position velocity was 75. Home to first was 4.47. On the mound, he throws from a lower three-quarters arm slot with longer free arm action that is quick and easy effort to his delivery. Hunches at waist some, shoulders are closed and level, lands closed, crossfire delivery, fall off finish. Fastball was 75-77, touching 78, with late run to it and some depth as well. Curveball was 65-68 with late sharp hard 11/5 break and good armspeed, good shape to pitch, flashed swing and miss. Change-up was 69-73 with good armspeed and some sink.

Top Prospect Games II

Hess is 6-2 with a lanky frame that has plenty of projection left to it. He hits from the right side from an open athletic stance, short leg kick stride on line, loads back to a slight wrap, hips rotate completely with some violence, good balance to swing. Very quick to ball with some batspeed and extension through it, slightly uphill path, slight pull approach, strength at contact, exit velocity was 82. At first base, gets body behind ball and fields with average hands, three quarters arm slot, position velocity was 74. On the mound, he throws from a three-quarters arm slot with a short free arm action with normal effort. Shoulders uphill and closed, lands slightly closed with a fall off finish. Fastball was 74-78, touch 79, with some late run. Curveball was 66-69 with good armspeed and 11/5 break. Change-up was 71-73 with good armspeed and late sink.