I attended the joint workout between Rocky Point and Newfield at Stony Brook University and here are some observations from it:
Rob Milopsky is a Div-I pitcher in my opinion. He does a number of things that jump out at me. First of all, he has extremely fluid mechanics. It looks like he is having a catch, but once he ramped up his effort he was sitting 85 and he touched 87 MPH. Additionally, he throws a very good slider that is a weapon. Last year, he pitched only briefly at the varsity level due to the upperclassmen that were in the rotation. Still, Coach Aschettino stated that he has already faced the most pressure-packed situation that he can possibly face–coming in with the bases loaded in the eighth inning against Brock Murtha with a one-run lead. He passed that test with flying colors. He is expected to pitch in the third game of series to allow him to play in the field early in each series. Milopsky will most likely add some more velocity; it’s only winter of his junior year. I imagine those 85-86s to turn into 87-89. He will be highly-sought after this summer.
Dylan Johnson has an unlimited ceiling. Only a 9th grader, he is mature beyond his years. He sits 80-81 MPH which is about a year ahead of schedule in terms of when pitchers start to jump into that 80 MPH range regularly. He broke off a few sliders that had everyone behind home plate reacting the same–in disbelief. That pitch was deadly. I hope he doesn’t fall in love with it, because at 14-15 years old it’s easy to see the results and think you’re invincible. His velocity is enough to get swings-and-misses as well. He also throws a knuckle-drop. He has a chance to crack the rotation as a freshman on a very pitching-heavy team. His brother Kyle is a great role model that will help his transition which brings us to his brother…
Kyle Johnson has a chance to win the Carl Yastrzemski Award this year. The Stony Brook-commit is a baseball junkie and is entering his third year on varsity. He’s a tremendous SS and handles the bat extremely well. On the mound, he will anchor their rotation and I expect him to go undefeated this season as his velocity has jumped into that 86-88 MPH range to go along with a great 12-6 curve and a level of focus that is rare.
Bobby Vath might give Kyle a run for his money for that Yaz Award. The Rhode Island-commit looked like he was toying with batters. When I watched his level of energy during this workout you can just see he is oozing with confidence. He is already an established pitcher having been on varsity the past two seasons. His delivery is just funky enough that he could win with lesser velocity, but he is mid-to-upper 80s as well. He adds in a tight 11-5 curve that will be deadly on right-handed batters. Offensively, I haven’t seen much of him but he did barrel one up that undoubtedly would’ve been an extra-base hit.
Chandler Giovinco is an uncommitted 2019 pitcher that could also be in the mix for the rotation. He was low-to-mid 80s and had great command. What makes Newfield dangerous is because they have a pitcher like him that could match up against opposing team’s No. 3 starters when he could be the ace of many teams. His delivery is violent which is very tough to pick up, some what reminiscent of Francisco Rodriguez (K-Rod).
Ryan Wappaus might wind up being the close this year. He is committed to St. Peter’s. He is well-built at 6’1″ 195 lbs. He has a thick build and very clean mechanics. He touches 86 MPH, he will play a crucial role, because will definitely rely on his presence in the late innings in those close games against tough teams.
