Today we covered the Elite College Recruiting (ECR) Showcase at Baseball Heaven. There was a bevy of high-end players being analyzed and observed by coaches representing some of the best baseball programs in the country.
Through out the afternoon, I took notes and videos on some of the players that stood out to me. Below you will find notes about the best of the bunch.
Matt Brown-Eiring (RHP, Connetquot 2020)
Matt Brown (Connetquot 2020) throwing 82-83 MPH, 71 MPH slider and 73 MPH change up. Command of all three, consistent delivery pic.twitter.com/q0oGkI4hf5
— Axcess Baseball (@axcessbaseball) August 23, 2017
Wow. What a pitcher he can be. He checks off all the boxes. The first thing you notice is the compact, clean mechanics from the classic high 3/4 arm slot. He is not the tallest, but has great genes and could possibly shoot up in the next year or so. If that’s the case, his ceiling increases exponentially. At the current time, he already looks like a college pitcher. He worked in the 82-83 MPH range but topped at 85, so the velocity is already there. What really struck me, was his remarkable command of three pitches. He threw an 11-5 slider at 71 MPH and a change up at 73 MPH. He had no difference in the delivery or arm speed in any of the pitches and threw them all for strikes. He just looked like an ace; great body language, great pace on the mound. He was the pitcher that was the most polished at the current time.
Alex Ungar (RHP/SS Connetquot 2020)
Alex Ungar (2019) showing a compact delivery with great arm action. Tight 12-6 curve at 71 MPH pic.twitter.com/3FvNoDif1M
— Axcess Baseball (@axcessbaseball) August 23, 2017
It was apparent as soon as he took the mound that Ungar will soon be a household name within the baseball circle. The 6’2″ RHP has a slender frame, which is a scary thought considering what he already brings to the table. He has a delivery reminiscent of current minor leaguer and former Dowling All-American Tyler Badamo. He throws from a straight over-the-top release point with a lightning-quick arm action. He worked in the 82-83 MPH range, but at his age there is no question that he can gain plenty of velocity as he fills out. He flashed an elite curveball, but he did show a penchant to fall in love with it. In his first inning of work, it was almost cruel to expect a high school batter to hit it. In second inning of work, however, it flattened out a bit and he gave up a hit. In the field, he shows great athleticism and he can handle the bat, but there is no question (in my opinion) that he is a pitcher at the next level.
To become a Black Diamond call 631-942-2542
Andrew Ciufo (SS, 2B Pat Med ’18, Phillips Academy ’19)
Net is in the way but Andrew Ciufo smokes his second extra base hit of the afternoon. This one a ground-rule double to left center pic.twitter.com/vBkiZ2uaDs
— Axcess Baseball (@axcessbaseball) August 23, 2017
What a remarkable transformation Ciufo has undergone over the past year. Once a defense-first second baseman, he has now developed into a potent offensive player as well. I watched him perform extremely well in the Dominican Republic against elite competition and he put that offense on display this afternoon against some of the best talent on the island. He ripped two doubles; one down the left-field line and his second was launched for a ground-rule double to left-center field. Having re-classified, Ciufo has made himself into a more appealing player as well because he has another year of development before he will head to college. Defensively, he is sound and aggressive. He runs very well. Just an all-around quality player.
James Myler (1B, LHP, Longwood 2020)
Everyone that has watched him play has been blown away by his ability to adapt to elite competition. Both his school coach and summer coaches have raved about not only his performance but his potential to get even better. He has a classic left-handed power stroke with his 6’2″ frame. He didn’t show it in the brief game opportunity today, but that does not negate what he has shown in the past. He also throws in the 78-81 MPH range on the hill. He has a legitimate chance to be a two-way player at the next level. He will be with us at the Home Run Derby.
Logan Koester (RHP Chaminade ’19)
6’3 Logan Koester (Chaminade ’19) touching 85 MPH with devastating 70 MPH slider pic.twitter.com/83r7FIAMwj
— Axcess Baseball (@axcessbaseball) August 23, 2017
Koester has the arm action that translates to the next level that college coaches and scouts drool over. He has the low 3/4 arm slot that drives hitters in fits and he has the height that can make him an uncomfortable at bat for anyone. He hit 85 MPH, he threw strikes and was just overall impressive. I am very intrigued to see the numbers he can put up in a wood bat league.
Nick Gavilla (LHP, Hills East ’19)
Nick Gavilla (Hills East ’19) sitting 82-83 with great armside tail on two-seam pic.twitter.com/9TeLWEJWqt
— Axcess Baseball (@axcessbaseball) August 23, 2017
I was very impressed with his composure and pitchability. He hit 83 MPH, which typically puts southpaws in another category from the highly-populated 78-81 MPH territory. He had great balance, tempo and direction which really allowed him to pound the strike zone. He’s only 5’9″ 150 lbs as well, which puts him in line to develop more velocity as he physically matures. He has a very high ceiling. He’s just the latest in a long line of talented Hills East pitchers.
