CORAM, NY–Today was the first day of the Elite College Recruiting Showcase (ECR) at Diamond in the Pines. The weather forced the afternoon to come to an early end, but there was three hours worth of action which included players running the 60, taking BP, infield/outfield and a showcase-style game.
Schools in attendance included St. John’s, Fordham, Stony Brook, Hofstra, Sacred Heart, George Washington, Penn State, Florida International, Kansas State, Boston College, among several others.
Below are some of my observations…
- Dillon Ristano (Hewlett 2019) He was very impressive behind the plate, with a pop time ranging between 1.95 and 2.02. Very quick, accurate throws. Also made solid contact with a single through the middle.
- Sean Coveny (Commack 2019) He came out of nowhere this year and wound up playing a critical role on Commack’s League 2 winning squad. His opposite-field game-winning pinch-hit HR back in April was a big moment in their season. He has a lean build, which has room to put on more muscle and can turn him into even more of power hitter. He was 80-82 MPH off the mound with command of a 12-6 curveball, but ran into some trouble with the long ball.
- Brian Delaney (Smithtown West 2019) His 6’4″ frame makes him look like the prototypical pitcher. His fastball topped at 81, and also mixed in a change up at 64 and a breaking ball at 60 MPH. Plenty of room for added velocity. Could change his outlook with a couple more ticks.
- Ryan Mahnke (Centereach 2019) Coming out of my alma mater, I noticed he was a player to watch coming into 2018 after talking to Coach Cammarata. He could play any position, as he possesses some plus athleticism. Has a division-I body, but has yet to realize potential. Could be a real diamond-in-the-rough once he develops the bat.
- Sal Carricato (Sachem East 2019) He was the first one I noticed due to the overwhelming size. At 6’2 225 lbs, he certainly looks the part of a middle-of-the-order first baseman. He turned some heads with his batting practice performance.
- Nick Gavilla (Hills East 2019) Last year at this time, he appeared he would be very close to committing to a Div-I school. It hasn’t happened, but he still has the foot speed and plays a premium position to CF. I like the left-handed swing. He puts the barrel on the ball, very smooth swing.
- Anthony Currao (William Floyd 2019) He looked very raw, but at 6’1, 165 lbs he certainly is only scratching the surface of his potential. Very good arm action, pretty clean delivery and showed a good feel for a 12-6 breaking ball.
- Lucas Quinlan and Peter Montana (Connetquot 2019) They hit back-to-back home runs just before the rain halted the action. Quinlan pulled on over the left-field fence and Montana crushed one into the trees in the center field–roughly 350 feet away.
- Patrick McNelis (Commack 2019) Commack has had a good run of middle infielders. He is smooth and fits the bill for a defensive-first shortstop.
