Nine Baseball hosted its second annual MLK Pro Invitational for what has become an important proving grounds for some of the top prospects in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic regions. While January may not be the best month for optimum baseball performance, the timing of this event is key to get on the volatile spring schedule of MLB scouts in cold weather states. The event hosted 32 scouts from 18 MLB teams that came to evaluate 46 prospects from 8 states. Maplezone Sports Institute provided a great facility to evaluate the participants up close. Here is a individual look at some of the days performances from underclassmen and uncommitted players.
Chris Adams (MIF, State College, PA/Uncommitted) Ran 6.61 60 yard dash and arm up to 93 mph from the field at the MLK Pro event. #2 in Nine Combine testing in 2016 class Gaining muscle and athleticism, Adams is a steady, mature presence on and off the field.
Tommy Pellis (MIF, Greensburg, PA/Uncommitted) Ranked #1 in 2016 class in Nine Combine testing. Has posted a 96 mph ball exit speed, 90 mph arm speed and a 39 inch vertical leap. Lean and muscular, Pellis is among the top scoring players ever in our combine testing scoring system.
Brandon Raquet (OF, State College, PA/William & Mary) Plus speed and athleticism (6.57 60 yard dash at MLK Pro)
Anthony Felitti (LHP, Gaithersburg, MD/Virginia) Lightning quick arm from left side. Currently has a long and thin frame, but with room to fill out. Put himself in place to have a high profile summer at the MLK Pro event.
Connor WIlson (OF, Wayne, PA/Uncommitted) Strongly built and athletic. Currently #4 ranked 2016 in Nine Combine testing. Ran a 6.65 60 yard dash at MLK Pro.
Braxton Giavedoni (OF, Punxsutawney, PA/Uncommitted) All around athletic and skilled. Giavedoni has significant upside with some added strength. Posted at 90 mph ball exit speed and a 6.9 60 yard dash at the MLK Pro
Bailey Ishler (RHP, State College, PA/Air Force Academy) Added plenty of muscle since the fall and increased overall athleticism. Currently the #3 ranked 2016 player in Nine Combine testing. Ran his fastball up to 85 mph at MLK Pro. Ishler will be an interesting folllow into the spring and summer.
Nick Rowland (OF, Blue Bell, PA/Uncommitted) One of the fastest players in the east, posting a 6.56 60 yard dash at the MLK Pro. Has made significant gains in muscle and arm strength which should garner much more recruiting interest.
Ty Friedrich (C, Hummelstown, PA/Maryland) Friedrich could be one of the top 2016 Catchers in the East with his impact bat and strong skills behind the plate.
Micheal Bechtold (RHP, Garnet Valley, PA/Uncommitted) The 2017 Bechtold has the look of a future high level arm. Long frame and solidly built, Bechtold showed advanced mechanics with an easy arm action.
Zach Miller (C, Lincoln University, PA/Uncommitted) The 2017 grad, Miller stayed looked right at home with the 2015 draft prospects at the event. Posted a 1.97 pop time and a 90 mph ball exit speed at the MLK Pro.
Clayton Brooks (C, Walden, NY/ Uncommitted) Posted a very solid overall performance at the MLK Pro. Ran a 7.15 60 yard dash and consistent pop times at 2.0
Briar Lauer (Rhp, Red Lion, PA/Uncommitted) Lauer came into the event battling illness, but showed why he has been gaining attention from recruiters since the summer. Athletic and gaining strength he will be an interesting follow going forward with his past performances in the mid 80’s being a better indicator than the MLK Pro.
Justin Garcia (MIF, East Longmeadow, MA/Uncommitted) Garcia is well proportioned and showed emerging skills across the board with solid actions.
Matt Shato (C, Lancaster, PA/Uncommitted) Shato showed off his catch and throw skills with his 1.97 pop times. Has some bat speed with his 86 mph ball exit speed. Should be an interesting prospect as he gains athleticism.
