Back in January, we did the first part of this series. I promised there would be a Part 2, and here it is.
This is based off of my observations and the opinions of the local scouts.
Rob Andreoli (LIU Post)
The ECC Player of the Year was spectacular from day 1. He compiled 73 hits, walked more times (24) than he struck out (22) and was successful on 22 of 26 stolen base attempts. Despite hitting leadoff, he was able to drive in 44 runs and launch five home runs. He is 6’2″and plays a terrific center field as well–leading the team in outfield assists with six. He did battle an injury towards the end of the season that compromised his speed, but he continued to play at a high level.
Ben Brown (Ward Melville)
As I stated yesterday, Ben returned to the mound after a serious appendix injury and didn’t just pitch serviceable–he was lights-out this season. As soon as hit velocity jumped from 83 MPH to 92 MPH, he had all the local scouts interested. He has a dynamic breaking ball and generates plenty of strikeouts. His command can be refined, but that’s what the minor leagues are for. In my mind, he should be a lock to get drafted. He fits the exact profile of what you are looking for in a high school pitcher and he has plenty of big-game experience.
Chris Cappas (Kellenberg)
It’s hard to not love Cappas. He has a delivery similar to Cole Hamels and he treated the CHSAA like little league the past two seasons. His velocity was 85-87 MPH this year but he can touch 90 MPH. He has a fantastic curveball, as you can see in the above video. He possesses very strong character and he is extremely intelligent. If he’s not drafted this year, he will certainly go in three years when he is eligible again.
Mark and Michael Donadio (Fordham, St. John’s)
The twin brothers are both corner outfielders that raked for their college careers–each compiling over 200 hits for their respective programs. Neither put up eye-opening power numbers (five for Michael and four for Mark), but they have plus-hit tools and play strong defense. They both have great plate discipline, which is a very valued skill set in this era of baseball. Teams value advanced college hitters that possess high character (think of Michael Conforto). Both of them could be drafted.
Kenneth Gordon (Babylon)
His stock has risen since he was named Under Armor Pre-Season All-American. He followed that up with a dynamic year at the plate, the base paths and in the field. He committed zero errors playing a premium position (SS) and he was a virtual lock to steal second base every time he was on first. He has a plus-hit tool and an exit velocity of 96 MPH. Very intelligent and grounded individual. A complete package with a rare and valuable skill set for a prep shortstop in the northeast. If he’s not drafted, he will attend Flagler University, with the hopes of being selected in three years.
Frankie Moscatiello (St. Thomas Aquinas)
The 5’9″ RHP has a plus-fastball (touches 95 MPH) and a hammer curveball that allowed him to be named ECC Pitcher of the Year. I watched him pitch twice this year–once in the first week of the season and again in the ECC playoffs. He was much more efficient in the latter outing. You see many uncomfortable swings with him on the mound. He pitched 90.0 IP with 94 strikeouts and a record of 9-2. He allowed only 67 hits. He has been an impact player from the moment he stepped on a mound for the Spartans. His walk total was a bit high (39), but his stuff cannot be taught. Several teams are interested in him, I think he should sign if he gets drafted because it will be difficult to raise his stock any further after the success he had this year.
T.J. Santiago (Adelphi)
It’s amazing how far Santiago has come. He really struggled as a sophomore and turned into a new pitcher in 2016. That year, he compiled A 6-2 record with a 2.54 ERA. This year, he improved his numbers across the board including an 8-3 record with a 1.51 ERA and 81 strikeouts. He won virtually every accolade that you can win–including ECAC Pitcher of the Year and All-American. What makes him such an outstanding pitcher is that he not only throws consistently 89-91 MPH, but he does so with remarkable control (seven walks in 77.2 IP) and a devastating splitter that disappears and is responsible for many of his strikeouts. He had only one bad start this year. He will most likely become the latest Adelphi pitcher to get drafted–joining Jonathon Mulford, Dillon McNamara, Keith Couch, Robert Nixon and Bobby Lanigan in the past decade.
Matt Seelinger (Farmingdale State College)
Similar to Santiago, Seelinger really improved across the board over the past two seasons. He had a down year in 2015, but bounced back with two phenomenal seasons. He was the best pitcher in the conference for consecutive years. He pitches in the 87-89 MPH range but can tough 92. He has a devastating 80 MPH 12-6 curveball that gives batters fits. The RHP allowed only 28 hits on the season. He also became very economical with his pitch count, walking only 16 batters on the season against 69 strikeouts. Being that the Div-III season is shorter and Farmingdale did not qualify for the regionals for the past three seasons, he did not put many miles on his arm and it’s possible he can improve further.
Anthony Siroka (Sachem East)
Siroka endeared himself to the local scouts with a smooth lefty swing that produced terrific numbers in his senior year. He can drive the ball to all fields, and he smacked five home runs this year. He is currently a shortstop but projects to play third base at the next level.
Frank Valentino (NYIT)
The 6’3″ RHP was much better than his numbers would suggest. If he gets selected it will be based upon his 94 MPH heater and clean mechanics. He looks like a prototypical power pitcher. In his February start against Stony Brook, everyone in attendance was shocked that he wasn’t pitching for a Power 5 conference with his advanced pitchability. He was sitting in the low 90s in a cold, early-season start. He pitched very well in our Battle of the Border, fanning two in his scoreless inning of work. He is garnering interest from several teams.
Tommy Ziegen (SUNY Old Westbury)
Tommy came in as a defense-first SS and turned himself into the best hitter in the Skyline Conference. He compiled a terrific .692 SLG percentage and was successful on 19 of 20 stolen base attempts. Opposing teams considered him the most complete player in the league. In the field, he is silky smooth with a cannon arm from across the infield. He attended the Minnesota Twins pre-draft workout today. A couple other teams have expressed interest in him. He is a baseball rat that is truly dedicated. Possesses high baseball IQ and a strong character.