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 players that may have been under the radar but might find their way onto a MLB draft board. (Second of a series of player reports from the Nine Baseball MLK Pro Invitational. Check back for uncommitted prospects that attended the event.)
Nick Dunn (MIF, Sunbury, PA/Maryland) Dunn was a sleeper in the college recruiting process as well until Maryland saw his skills and potential. His frame is on the smaller size (5’10” 175lbs) but Dunn does everything well on the diamond with easy actions that seems effortless. Dunn posted scores near the top of the event for arm speed and bat speed (95 & 94 mph) with a 6.7 60 yard dash time.
Frankie Jezioro (OF, Peters Twp, PA/Slippery Rock) Jezioro is a more muscular version of Dunn with a similar story. While he does not have the smooth all around actions his ability is substantial. A switch hitter, but much better from the left side, posted a 97 mph ball exit speed. Runs a consistent 6.6 60 yard dash and has enough arm speed to stay in center-field at higher levels.
CJ Pruitt (RHP, Aston, PA/LaSalle) Pruitt showed a three-quarter arm slot with a fast arm and smooth and repeatable delivery. While he sat consistently in the 86-87 mph range at the MLK Pro, he projects to have more in the tank when spring rolls around.
Joey Baran (LHP, West Hazelton, PA/Stony Brook) Baran is smaller framed (5’11” 170 lbs) but very athletic and showcased well in the position player portion of the event as well. His highest potential is on the mound where he shows a short, quick arm action. He sat at 86-87 mph at the MLK Pro, but has touched 90 mph this past summer. Increasing interest in his future on the mound was his 95 mph posting on the “run & gun” arm speed.
Elijah Connell (LHP, New York, NY/Penn) Connell has a large and athletic frame that is developing nicely, with more room to grow. Shows a clean, easy 3/4 delivery getting on top of the ball and working on a down hill plane.
Caleb Walls (OF, State College, PA/George Mason) Walls has performed well recently in heavily scouted events (had a break through performance at MLB Scouting Bureau workout) after being under the radar for most of his career. Made consistent hard contact with authoritative swings in batting practice. His calling card is his speed with posting many times in the 6.6 range.
Ben Dum (Rhp, Elliotsburg, PA/VCU) Solidly built, average sized frame that produces excellent arm speed from a 3/4 arm slot. Ran his fastball up to 88mph that is impressive for January and displayed solid off-season offerings.
Zach Duff (C, Bedford, VA/Radford) Another player that came to the event looking much stronger than the previous season. Very smooth transfers, nice footwork and quick release behind the plate. Solid contact with flat swing plane with good extension.
Vincent Augustine (OF, Cranberry Twp, PA/Cincinnati) Very impressive frame with broad shoulders and long limbs. Solid numbers across the board with 93 mph ball exit speed and 90 mph arm speed while running a sub 7.0 60 yard dash.
Zachary Skrtich (RHP, Blanchard, PA/George Mason) Skrtich added significant muscle to his formally very lean frame. Very strong with broad shoulders. Ran his fastball up to 86 at the MLK event and flashed solid off-speed offerings.
Rayne Supple (RHP, Shelburne, VT/Wake Forest) Supple is the top ranked player in the state of Vermont by Perfect Game. Large, athletic build with broad shoulders and a lean, projectable build. Throws from a high 3/4 arm slot with an easy and loose arm action. Topped out at 85 mph at the MLK Pro event with short, quick arm side life.
Cameron Enck (RHP, Strasburg, PA/Maryland) Very long and solidly built frame (6’4″ 225 lbs) with great extension with his delivery. Ran his fastball up to 86 mph at the MLK Pro event.
Charlie Concannon (OF, West Chester, PA/ St. Josephs) Creates very good bat speed from the left side as shown with his 93 mph ball exit speed. Mature frame and shows quality athleticism.
