The Prep Baseball Report Open I.D. Showcase on December 6 yielded an impressive list of prospects. While there were several standout performances, New Palestine’s right-handed pitcher Derek Higgins clearly earned the top prospect honors among the seniors in attendance.
Below we highlight the top players at the event:
2010 Top Overall Prospects
1. Derek Higgins, RHP, New Palestine HS: Higgins (right) proved without a doubt that he is one of the top unsigned arms in the state. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Higgins showed an 87 mph fastball with little effort, clean mechanics, and a hard sharp breaking ball that registered 72-73 mph. With a quick arm like Higgins, looks for him to be on committed list soon. 2. Ryan Black, SS, Lafayette Harrison HS: The 5-foot-8, 175-pound Black was one of the top athletes at the event and the best defensive infielder. A quick-twitch athlete, Black ran a 6.93 60. Defensively, he showed impressive lateral quickness, advanced defensive actions and solid arm strength (79 mph) across the infield. Recently committed to Danville CC.
3. Ron Shelton Jr., 2B, Decatur Central HS: The right-handed hitting second baseman showcased advanced bat speed at the plate to go along with a quiet compact swing. Defensively, the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Shelton is a smooth infielder with top-level hands and solid arm strength. Also ran a 7.16 60.
4. Shane Muse, LHP, Decatur Central HS: Muse is a physically mature left-hander who showed the potential to be one of the more dominant pitchers in the 2010 class. At 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Muse has an explosive arm, which topped 87 mph with plus run on his fastball.
5. Eric Hess, C, Penn HS: The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Hess demonstrated a strong arm (77 mph) along with quick feet and transfer. An accurate thrower, his 1.97 pop time was the best at the event. Hess was also one of the top 5 hitters at the event, as he showcased the ability to drive the ball to all fields with some pop.
6. Cody Jones, LHP, Blackford HS: Jones (right) proved that he could be a top-level left-handed prospect. At 6-foot-4, 180-pounds Jones showcased a good feel for all three pitches and an extremely fluid, easy arm action. Jones topped out at 81 mph while his 67-71 curveball showed the potential to be his out pitch.7. Zach Weldon, RHP, Decatur Central HS: Weldon should give high school hitters fits, as all three of his pitches have excellent movement. His 82 mph fastball has some arm-side run, while his changeup has late fade. With a loose arm action, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-hander also showcased a 70 mph breaking ball.
7. Travis Powers, OF, Decatur Central HS: The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Powers is a rock solid athletic outfielder with plus speed (6.75-60) and raw right-handed power potential. As the event’s top outfield prospect, Powers showcased a strong arm (83 mph) with good carry on his throws.
8. Cory Sears, C/3B/OF, Brownsburg HS: Sears (right) was equally impressive catching as he was in the outfield and third base. The 5-foot-8, 155-pound Sears possesses a solid arm (81 mph) from wherever he is at, to go along with lateral quickness and overall athleticism. At the plate he demonstrated sound hitting mechanics and a line drive-producing swing. 9. John Ripke, LHP, Lafayette Jefferson HS: With his size and athletic frame, the 6-foot-5, 205-pound left-hander is a projectable prospect. Ripke should see a jump in velocity this spring. A strike-thrower, he showed command for his fading change-up and 79 mph fastball.
10. Colin Brooke, OF/1B, Fishers HS: The 6-foot-3, 165-pound Brooke has a projectable athletic body with upside. He showcased fast hands at the plate with good hitting mechanics and a solid arm in the field.
2011 Top Overall Prospects
1. Tyler Nichols, RHP, Castle HS: Castle high school keeps producing impressive prospects, and Nichols (right) appears to be the next in line. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-hander possesses a strong, athletic frame and a fast arm. He showed excellent feel for three pitches, including 64 mph curveball that has good 12/6 break. Once Nichols physically gets back into baseball shape, his 83 mph fastball should climb significantly.2. Noah Patten, RHP, Norwell HS: Patten is a wiry right-hander who showed the potential to be one of the more dominant pitchers in Fort Wayne. At 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, Patten has nearly flawless mechanics. He commanded three pitches, including an 81 mph fastball, which will undoubtedly climb in the next two years. His 73 mph curveball was hard and sharp, and his change had late fade.
3. Sam Sweeden, SS, Penn HS: The right-handed hitting Sweeden swung a hot bat. He possesses a pure stroke with excellent hand eye coordination and extension upon contact. Defensively, Sweeden has soft hands and natural middle infield actions to go with his strong arm (82).
4. Andrew Eiler, 2B, Avon HS: The 6-foot, 165-pound Eiler (right) is a quick-twitch athlete that can flat out run. Eiler posted a showcase best 6.65 60, that had all college coaches double checking their watches. Eiler was also the top ranked Class of 2011 hitter as he showcased bat speed and fast hands at the plate.5. Kyle Schneider, 3B, Penn HS: Physically strong, the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Schneider demonstrated very soft hands at third base, along with arm strength (82) and lateral movement. At the plate he showed gap-to-gap power potential.
6. John Robertson, C, Bloomington South HS: The 6-foot, 175-pound backstop showcased a balanced swing with the ability to drive the ball. Robertson has arm strength, as his best pop time registered at a 2.04.
6. Tyler Hampton, C, Brownsburg HS: The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Hampton demonstrated excellent receiving skills, along with quick feet and transfer. An accurate thrower, his 2.05 pop time and overall catching ability earned him the top Class of 2011 catcher at the event.
7. Danny West, RHP/3B, Southport HS: West showed well in all facets of the game. Defensively, he moves fluidly, while demonstrating a strong arm. At the plate, he is quick to the ball and a line-drive hitter. On the mound, the right-hander showed an 80 mph fastball and a tight curve.
8. Jake Luebbe, RHP, Castle HS: With a sturdy, wide-shouldered frame, the 6-foot-4 right-hander featured late sinking action on his change, along with a 80 mph fastball and good command of the strike zone.
9. Ryan McPike, 3B/1B, Avon HS: At 6-foot-2, 205 pounds, McPike is a physically mature right-handed hitter with a mechanically sound swing. McPike showed solid arm acceleration (83) across the infield with infield actions from third and first base.10. Kyle Norris, C, Decatur Central HS: The 5-foot-8, 150-pound Norris (right) is an athletic catcher with solid arm strength. Norris was one of the top athletes at the event, as he ran a 6.93 60. His top pop time was a 2.09. Look for Norris to jump up the rankings once he physically matures.
2012-2014 Top Overall Prospects
1. Joey Mulinaro, OF/RHP, Roncalli HS, 2012: An all-around performer, Mulinaro (right) showed well in all facets of the game. The 6-foot-1, 175-pounder demonstrated arm strength in the outfield (79 mph) and a short quick bat. On the mound, he showcased a fluid arm, topping out at 78 mph.2. Adam Mosier, RHP/OF, Boone Grove HS, 2012: On the mound, the young right-hander showed a feel for three pitches, including a 78 mph fastball and a tight curve. At the plate, he is quick to the ball and a line-drive hitter with power potential.
3. Cole Keeley, 1B, Decatur Central HS, 2012: At 6-foot-1, 208 pounds, Keeley is a physically mature right-hander hitter with a strong lower half and power.