Nine Baseball hosted its second annual MLK Pro Invitational for what has become an important proving grounds for some of the top prospects in the Northeast & Mid-Atlantic regions. While January may not be the best month for optimum baseball performance, the timing of this event is key to get on the volatile spring schedule of MLB scouts in cold weather states. The event hosted 32 scouts from 18 MLB teams that came to evaluate 46 prospects from 8 states. Maplezone Sports Institute provided a great facility to evaluate the participants up close. Here is a individual look at some of the days performances from top prospects. (First of a series, check back in coming days for draft sleepers, uncommitted prospects and more.)
Top Prospects
Mike Nikorak (Rhp, Stroudsburg, PA/Alabama) Nikorak threw at the event for the first time in public since his appearances at the Under Armour and Perfect Game All-American games late last summer. The big right-hander showed up at the event in impressive shape and had visibly gained muscle, especially in his lower half. Nikorak did not open it up to throw live but gave scouts a taste with a 30 pitch session off flat ground and on the mound. Nikorak is projected by most experts to be taken in the first round of the upcoming draft and took a great first step of the draft season at the event.
Mike Nikorak throws for crowd of scouts at Nine Baseball MLK Pro
Garrett Whitley (OF, Niskayuna, NY/Wake Forest) Whitley continued his assent up draft boards with a strong performance at the MLK Pro. Garrett is the consensus #1 player in New York and MLB.com #35 ranked player overall. Whitley’s bat speed was on full display in his on field batting practice as well as his record breaking 100 mph ball exit speed from a tee.
Garrett Whitley takes batting practice at Nine Baseball MLK Pro
Travis Blankenhorn (INF, Pottsville, PA/Kentucky) Blankenhorn came into the event with a reputation of having an advanced bat that was proven against top pitching on the high profile showcase circuit last summer. The #49 ranked player in the US by Perfect Game, Travis came to the event in great shape with a stronger, leaner appearance than the fall.
Dan Maynard (C, Burnt Hills, NY/Notre Dame) Maynard is strongly built with very good catch and throw skills that showcase his strong arm. Moves well behind the plate with consistent 1.9 second pop times with strong accurate throws to second base.
Ryan January (C, Salisbury, MA/LSU) While not a stranger to high profile events. January made scouts bare down on him at the MLK Pro with fresh eyes. January recently reclassified to be a part of the 2015 class for the MLB Draft. January is athletic and projectable with his long, lean frame. A left-handed bat made more noise the deeper he went into batting practice, consistently driving ball to the opposite field.
Chad Leunsmann (Rhp, Altoona, PA/Nebraska) Leunsmann showcased added muscle from the summer showcase season as well at the MLK Pro. Luensmann has a strong pitcher’s body with a large frame, broad shoulders, high waist and short torso leading to a strong lower half. His large frame offers projection and room to get stronger. In his short bullpen session, Chad showed the heavy sink to his fastball and solid change that was his calling card in his breakout summer of 2014.
Aaron Coates (LHP, Newark, DE/Texas Tech) Coates is a loose left handed arm on a 6’0″ 200 lbs frame with a whippy arm action. Coates caught scouts attention with his easy actions and strong lower half that produced fastballs up to 87 mph at the MLK Pro. Currently ranked #2 in DE by Perfect Game, he is poised to move up draft boards and rankings this spring.
Domenic DeRenzo (C, Pittsburgh, PA/Oklahoma) DeRenzo is a very athletic all around catcher that posted a 6.82 60 yard dash. Displays that athleticism with fluid movements behind the plate and a solid arm that produces pop times in the 1.9 range.
Niko Hulsizer (OF, Shillington, PA/Moorehead St) Hulsizer may not have the recognition from the ranking services that some of his MLK Pro counterparts, MLB scouts are fully aware of his potential impact bat. Hulsizer has tremendous balance and instincts at the plate. He is athletic enough and his solid average pro arm will let him fit nicely in a corner outfield spot.
Brett Kinneman (OF, York, PA/NCSt) Kinneman’s calling card continues to be his knack for hard, consistent barrel contact. While his bat will find him room in lineups he has enough athletic ability and arm strength to play any spot in the outfield.
Ryan Shinn (OF, Jobstown, NY/FL Gulf Coast) Shinn’s power potential was evident at the MLK Pro. He has a smooth upper cut swing with great extension with above average bat speed. Moves well in the field with solid average arm speed.