Recca's Fall Ball Notebook: Pt. 1

Fall ball has all but wrapped up for college baseball programs across the nation. With the holiday season upon us, now feels like a perfect time to empty out my notebook after checking out some fall ball action. As the 2024 college baseball season looms, the anticipation surrounding St. John's, Iona, and Seton Hall is discernable. This in-depth analysis offers a revealing glimpse into the rosters, prospects, and dynamics shaping these three programs. From potential breakout pitchers like Ryan Reich leading Seton Hall to the emerging talents of Jimmy Keenan and Adam Agresti at St. John's and the observable transformation within Iona's squad under Coach Conor Burke, each team brings a unique narrative to the field. Join me as I uncover the strengths, challenges, and top prospects of these cold-weather baseball programs, setting the stage for what should be a highly competitive season on the diamond.

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Conference: Big East

2023 Record: 28-25 | 4th in conference

Head Coach: Mike Hampton | 5th year

Top Prospect ‘24 Draft: Xavier Kolhosser, RHP

Top Prospect ‘25 Draft: Jimmy Keenan, C

The lineup for the Johnnies is projected to be veteran-laden until you reach the catcher and first base positions. Expect sophomore Jimmy Keenan and freshman Adam Agresti to hold down those two spots. To maximize the impact of their powerful bats, these underclassmen are likely to rotate between catcher and first base this spring. Keenan solidified his place in the everyday lineup during the 2023 spring, receiving 126 plate appearances and leading the team in OPS (1.067). His strong debut continued into the summer in the Futures League, where he finished second overall in home runs (9). Keenan's prowess was on full display in a scrimmage against Iona, hitting two home runs with exit velocities of 111 MPH and 106 MPH, showcasing his plus, all-fields power. His quick load, long stride, and strong rotational swing result in good angle and loft, allowing him to drive the ball in the air. Beyond the homers, Keenan's deep fly balls to his pull side hint at even more power potential. While his performance against higher-velocity arms remains to be seen, his current skill set is undeniably impressive. Defensively, Keenan has more than enough arm strength to stick at catcher, although his transfers on throws can stand to improve. Despite his substantial size at 6'3-225, he exhibits commendable mobility both at catcher and first base. The program likely hasn't seen an impact bat of this caliber since Mike Antico was with the team. Keenan is poised to play a crucial role in 2024 and could emerge as one of the top offensive catchers for the 2025 draft.

here’s jimmy!

The St. John’s offense will be powered by their sophomore catcher Jimmy Keenan, a rising star in the Big East.

Not content with just one standout catcher, the Red Storm secured a significant addition to their roster with Adam Agresti, a prized recruit from Kennedy Catholic High School in New York. A towering figure at 6'3-230, Agresti mirrors Keenan's profile remarkably closely. Both catchers boast impressive size and physicality, accompanied by clear plus grades in raw power and arm strength. I felt Keenan exhibited looser athleticism compared with Agresti, but Agresti had the quieter and more efficient swing and cleaner throws out of the crouch. Agresti's plate presence is marked by a keen sense for the barrel, consistently scorching balls located throughout the strike zone. While he faced challenges with breaking balls, an aspect worth monitoring, Agresti's offensive tools showcase remarkable advancement for a freshman catcher. Looking ahead, Agresti has the potential to accumulate a lengthy three-year track record of in-game performance by the time the 2026 draft rolls along.

Complementing the power duo of Keenan and Agresti, St. John's features a trio of speedsters with up-the-middle pedigree. Junior Luke Orbon will transition from second base to shortstop, and he looked comfortable there during my two observations. Orbon displayed athletic, confident actions and executed multiple tough throws while on the run. Offensively, Orbon serves as a table-setter with above-average speed, maintaining an impressive career triple slash line of .335/.395/.436.

Junior outfielder Jackson Tucker shares a similar profile with Orbon, featuring borderline plus speed and a contact-driven approach. Tucker, who accumulated 42 stolen bases in the past two years, added another 30 swiped bags during this summer in the Northwoods League. While Tucker has experience in center field, he may predominantly occupy a corner spot to accommodate DII transfer Garrett Scavelli. Scavelli, a standout at Molloy College, compiled an impressive .357/.458/.562 line as the team's everyday centerfielder for the past three years. His exceptional .391 batting average in 2023 ranked 2nd in the East Coast Conference. Demonstrating outstanding coverage in centerfield and 70-grade speed with a 4.07 home-to-first time, Scavelli brings an exciting toolset and a veteran presence to the lineup. Expect Orbon, Tucker, and Scavelli to reach base at a high rate and create havoc on the bases for opposing defenses. With this trio of seasoned players and the powerful duo behind the dish, St. John's has cultivated an impressive combination of talent and depth at crucial positions.

After taking in two days of scrimmages, it became clear to me that the strength of this St. John’s roster is on the offensive side of the ball. I got a good look at several promising arms this fall, but the lack of experience and depth on the pitching side is unmistakable. This is especially true when projecting the weekend rotation for the spring, the success of which is going to be placed in the hands of talented but relatively unproven options. Xavier Kolhosser is a prime example of that phenomenon. A redshirt sophomore, Kolhosser has the goods to be a Friday night stud and rotation anchor. Listed at 6’5-190, Kolhosser was a revelation last spring, pitching to a 2.56 ERA across nine starts (31.2 IP). After missing his freshman season in 2022 recovering from Tommy John surgery, St. John’s was understandably cautious with Kolhosser, which may explain why he made just three appearances (11 IP) after March. The spectacular results in that 31.2-inning sample certainly inspire confidence for the 2024 season, as did his outing against Iona this fall.

The first thing you’ll notice about Kolhosser is how big and lean he is. The body has great length with long limbs and a projectable pitcher’s frame. Watching him throw a bit prior to the start of the game, I was impressed by how low-effort his actions were; everything looked loose and athletic. That carried over to game action, where Kolhosser’s looseness was on display with quick arm speed and a clean, repeatable delivery. Kolhosser attacks hitters from a high release point, which, combined with above-average extension in his delivery, makes for an uncomfortable at-bat. The fastball has unique characteristics with excellent carry through the zone from that high release point, giving hitters the perception that he’s throwing much harder than the 87-90 MPH velo range during this three-inning outing. While he didn’t miss many bats with this fastball, Kolhosser threw an exceptional amount of strikes (83% strikes) with his heater, five of which were called strikes. Kolhosser used a full four-pitch mix that included an 81 MPH slider, a slow curve in the 73-74 MPH range, and a 79-80 MPH changeup. There wasn’t a true standout pitch among the four, but Kolhosser commanded each offering well, stole strikes, and limited hard contact. Here’s a pitch breakdown I created following Kolhosser’s start.

As you can see, Kolhosser didn't show much fastball velocity (88.7 average), and that lines up with what we saw last spring. However, he's reportedly been up to 94 this fall and has shown 91+ MPH velo during starts in the past. Looking at the secondaries, the slider appears to be a new pitch. He only threw it four times, but all four were strikes, and he dotted one back door to a lefty for a backwards K. Clearly there are attractive elements here and given the projectable body and low-effort mechanics, it is highly likely that there's more gas left in the tank. With further growth and good health, Kolhosser could garner day two draft interest.

St. John's utilized the transfer portal to bring lefty Evan Chaffee back to his New York roots after his freshman year with Alabama, where he didn't see any game action. During my fall look, Chaffee stood out with his pitchability and feel for two quality secondaries. At 6’2-185, he offers significant projection, and I like how the arm works during his delivery. Chaffee's fastball was 87-89 MPH in his first inning of action, dipping slightly into the 86-88 MPH range for innings two and three. The fastball displayed sinker shape and flashed some good arm side run. For Chaffee to become a legitimate draft prospect in 2025, improvements in fastball command and velocity are essential. Nevertheless, his ability to execute his secondary pitches and keep hitters off balance is a current strength. His curveball and changeup, both in the 76-79 MPH range, exhibit distinct qualities. The curve showcases two-plane movement (2-7 or 2-8 shape) and proved a solid-average pitch, while the changeup, Chaffee's standout, flashed above-average grades. It displayed late arm side movement, with Chaffee effectively maintaining fastball arm speed. Anticipate Chaffee contributing to the weekend rotation, gaining valuable innings and game experience, crucial for someone with his limited game experience. 2024 promises to be a pivotal test for Chaffee, making him an arm worth monitoring in the months ahead.

Two additional contenders for the weekend rotation include lefty  Joe Mascio and righty Mario Pesca. Mascio, a pitchability lefty, emerged as a reliable option last spring, leading the team in games started and innings pitched as a sophomore with a respectable 4.68 ERA. While not overpowering, Mascio's starting experience over a full season sets him apart from many on this staff. On the other hand, Mario Pesca, a 6’8-225 righty from the Bronx, is more of a "draft guy." Despite a challenging freshman season with a 6.65 ERA, Pesca's potential is considerable. While I didn’t get to see him this fall, I’m told his fastball sat in the 89-91 MPH fastball with a rapidly developing high-spin slider between 79-82 MPH. Pesca topped out at 94 MPH last spring, and the prospect of an eventual velocity boost is plausible. Pesca also threw a curveball and changeup last spring, both of which have some promise. The key for Pesca lies in refining his strike-throwing and sustaining the quality of his stuff throughout a game and the entire season. I can envision Pesca developing into a sinker-slider righty who leverages his size to induce groundball contact.

Beyond Agresti, several other freshmen showcased their talents during my two looks. Righties Brady Clark and TJ Winn may not have exhibited overwhelming velocity, but both presented themselves as potential building blocks for the team's future. Clark, standing at 6’3-205, offers an intriguing combination of size, funk, and deception in his delivery. Despite occasional repeatability issues, Clark demonstrated command with all three pitches. His fastball ranged from 84-86 MPH, topping out at 87 MPH. The slider displayed impressive sweeping movement in the mid-70s, and the changeup proved effective against left-handed hitters, occasionally flashing average. On the other hand, Winn, with a lean and lanky build, operates from a low, almost sidearm slot. His fastball, ranging from 84-86 MPH, showcased notable sinking action, complemented by a slurvy breaking ball with significant horizontal break. Both Clark and Winn seem poised to contribute immediately, offering diverse looks out of the bullpen.

Switching to the offensive front, Zaine Toneske left a lasting impression with a colossal home run during my initial look. Physically mature at 6’2-230, Toneske possesses the potential to be a valuable power bat off the bench in the near term. While addressing swing-and-miss concerns is crucial for his development, his raw power stands well above average. On the other hand, Jayder Raifstanger brings a more refined hitting approach. Sporting a line-drive stroke from the left side, Raifstanger showcases quick hands at the plate with at least solid-average bat speed. Primarily playing second base during the summer in the Futures League, Raifstanger’s tool set suggests he could handle multiple positions, providing St. John’s with some valuable flexibility on the defensive end.

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Conference: MAAC

2023 Record: 13-38 | 9th in conference

Head Coach: Conor Burle | 3rd year

Top Prospect ‘24 Draft: Michael Lorenzetti, RHP

Top Prospect ‘25 Draft: Josiah Ragsdale, OF

A palpable shift in energy resonates within this 2024 Gaels squad, marking a notable departure from their challenging past. My last encounter with Iona was in early March 2022 against Albany, and I won't sugarcoat it—the team was in disarray, finishing with a daunting 6-41 record. Head Coach Conor Burke navigated his inaugural year at the helm, and while 2023 posed its own set of difficulties (13-38), the team is undeniably on an upward trajectory. Burke has assembled a commendable coaching staff, and the talent on the current roster has undergone significant improvement in just two years. While there's still work to be done, the momentum suggests that, under Burke's guidance, Iona has the potential to emerge as a true contender in the MAAC in the near future.

Getting the start for Iona against St. John’s was righty Andrelys Payamps, a junior college transfer from Monroe College. Payamps possesses live stuff that promises to keep hitters on their toes this spring. His four-seam fastball consistently sat at 91 MPH, touching 93 early with riding action that induced whiffs. Additionally, Payamps spun several quality sliders with good depth at 80 MPH. While the quality of his arsenal isn't in question, Payamps will need to throw more strikes and maintain the quality of his arsenal over extended periods. Payamps seemed to hit a wall physically when some defensive miscues led to a long first inning, but to his credit, he rebounded after a brief respite between innings. Although the polish wasn't fully evident, there’s no question that Payamps has the raw stuff to go toe-to-toe with the other Friday night starters in the MAAC.

Payamps: Juco Bandit

Monroe College transfer Andrelys Payamps can rack up the whiffs in a hurry.

Iona's pitching staff features two towering sophomores in Michael Lorenzetti and Andrew Gaines, standing at an impressive 6’9-220 and 6'5-240, respectively. Lorenzetti, a draft-eligible sophomore, possesses a lanky and projectable build that hints at further physical and strength gains. Despite struggles with the consistency of his delivery, marked by some inherent violence, Lorenzetti compensates by getting good extension down the mound. He also has a deceptive arm action and release, which allows his stuff to play up when he’s in sync mechanically. Lorenzetti's fastball ranged from 88-91 MPH (he was up to 94 last spring) and displayed occasional riding and running action. For the secondary offerings, Lorenzetti utilized a slurve that flashed average in the 74-77 MPH range and a developing, below-average changeup in the low 80s. Lorenzetti's slurve has some further potential with its heavy two-plane movement from a tough angle. However, he had a tendency to alter his mechanics when throwing the breaker, which is something experienced hitters are going to exploit. Despite his current rawness, Lorenzetti exhibits promising traits for Iona's coaching staff to refine.

Mt. Lorenzetti

Michael Lorenzetti is a mountain on the mound at 6 feet 9 inches. The draft-eligible sophomore’s development will be vital for this Iona pitching staff.

In contrast, Andrew Gaines has a thicker, more filled-out frame. Gaines entered the game and went straight at hitters with a firm 91-92 MPH heater before settling into the 88-90 MPH range during his second inning of work. Gaines paired the fastball with a sweeping curve in the 73-75 range, which has some positive traits but will need further refinement. While there's noticeable effort in his operation, Gaines excels in spinning the baseball, and there are swing-and-miss elements to his fastball. Gaines is someone to watch in the months ahead, especially if he shows more control in his second year with the Gaels.

Closing out games for the Gaels, junior Matt Zguro is what I like to call a "slider monster." Zguro throws his 60-grade slider early and often to opposing hitters with good reason. In 2023, Zguro threw his slider over 55% of the time, leading to an excellent whiff rate slightly above 50%. His fastball operates in the upper 80s, and he exhibits less feel for locating it compared to his slider. If Zguro's fastball takes a step forward this spring, he stands poised to become one of the premier stoppers in the MAAC.

On the positional side, 4th-year shortstop Jayson Gonzalez had some hard-line drive contact and displayed a solid plate approach. With a lean, lanky build and athletic actions at shortstop, Gonzalez, a transfer from Maine, appears primed for an everyday role after limited playing time in recent years. Joining Gonzalez on the left side of the infield is sophomore Anthony Zollo. The last time I saw Zollo, he was playing with current Angels prospect Caden Dana at Don Bosco Prep. Zollo earned a spot on the MAAC All-Rookie team last spring with a .301/.373/.341 line over 194 plate appearances. Although lacking a standout tool presently, Zollo is a reliable defender at the hot corner and consistently puts the ball in play.

Another notable sophomore emerging during the scrimmage was outfielder Josiah Ragsdale. Battling through the harsh sun in right field, Ragsdale tracked the ball well, looking smooth in the process. He’s a solid athlete with some length to the frame and physical projection remaining. While I wasn’t able to get a home-to-first time, Ragsdale has at least solid-average speed, and that might be selling him short. He has some sneaky pop from the left side, but his plate approach seemed geared towards a quick, slappy swing that enables him to hit line drives from pole to pole. With a freshman-year batting line of .282/.391/.459, expect Ragsdale to make significant strides in his sophomore campaign.

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Conference: Big East

2023 Record: 31-24 | 3rd in Conference

Head Coach: Rob Sheppard | 19th year

Top Prospect ‘24 Draft: Pat D’Amico, 3B

Top Prospect ‘25 Draft: Ryan Reich, RHP

I’ve been able to get a live look at Seton Hall three falls in a row now. In the fall of 2021, I remember thinking, “This doesn’t look like a Rob Sheppard-led team.” Something was off, and unsurprisingly, that 2022 team went 18-35. The team lost a substantial amount of talent to the transfer portal following the 2022 season. Four-year starter at third base Casey Dana left for rival UConn while promising underclass arms Zane Probst, Chris Lotito, and Drew Conover transferred to Alabama, Jacksonville, and Rutgers, respectively. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into fall ball last year, but it wasn’t long before I realized that the ship was back on course. Sure enough, the Pirates went 31-24 last spring, finishing 3rd overall in the Big East. 

A major catalyst for Seton Hall's resurgence was the addition of Giuseppe Papaccio to the coaching staff. The former Seton Hall shortstop and associate head coach played a pivotal role in NJIT's 2021 squad, orchestrating a memorable regional victory in Fayetteville. Despite losing notable pieces like elite defensive catcher Jedier Hernandez to the transfer portal once again in 2023, Sheppard and Papaccio demonstrated their adeptness at assembling a competitive team that should compete at a high level in the Big East. The coaching duo's ability to nurture developing talent suggests that the program is not just aiming for success in the present but is strategically building for sustained competitiveness in the years ahead.

Dayton transfer Nate Espelin and sophomore Ryan Reich received the starting nods in the intrasquad scrimmage. Reich is one of my breakout picks for the 2024 season. The 6’2-215 righty proved his mettle as an integral late-inning arm for the Pirates in his freshman year, continuing his success as a starter in the Cal Ripken Collegiate League over the summer. Reich compiled a 2.56 ERA, 83 strikeouts (14.2/9), and allowed only 30 hits (5.1/9) in 52.2 innings. During the scrimmage, Reich showcased a fastball ranging from 88-91 MPH, touching 92 twice and 93 once. The unique shape and angle of his fastball elevate its effectiveness beyond its velocity. Reich also introduced a 79-81 MPH slider and an 82-83 MPH splitter as new secondary pitches. While their consistency needs refinement, both secondary offerings exhibited potential and should play well off of his unique fastball. I plan on diving deeper into Reich’s profile later this winter, so stay tuned for that. Transitioning from the bullpen to the weekend rotation is no small feat for an underclassman, but Reich's performance suggests he could eventually be a Friday night starter and potentially Seton Hall's most promising pitching prospect since David Festa.

Lefty Nate Espelin wasn’t able to put it all together at Dayton after being selected in the 35th round out of high school by the Yankees back in 2019. Espelin only received 41 innings during his time at Dayton with a bloated ERA of 10.76. Despite his previous struggles, Espelin, with a medium, thick build, displayed an intriguing four-pitch mix. His repertoire includes a four-seam fastball in the 87-90 MPH range (touching 91), a mid-70s curveball that was mostly fringe-average, a low-80s changeup with occasional quality arm-side fade, and a high-80s cutter that appeared to be his best pitch. Espelin's cutter usage was limited to less than 10% in the spring of 2023, but he threw it for strikes at a very high rate, and the late break on the pitch helps avoid barrels. Dropping the four-seam usage for more cutters might be worth exploring. There were inconsistencies in the delivery and with keeping his arm on time, but Espelin's cutter-curve-changeup combo showed promise when he was in sync mechanically. Anticipate Espelin getting a shot at the weekend rotation, aiming for a resurgence in his collegiate pitching career.

A few underclassmen of note made appearances in this one. This was my first look at sophomore righty Colin Dowlen in a Seton Hall uniform after seeing him pitch a controversial gem to win a state title in 2022. He lacks height but has a stout frame and attacks hitters from a low, deceptive arm slot. The fastball sat in the 86-88 MPH range with a lot of running action to his arm side. His high spin curveball was slurvy at times but was solid-average when thrown in the upper end of his 73-77 MPH velocity range. Dowlen didn’t show much present feel for a changeup and was tiring by his third inning of work. That likely means a bullpen role for Dowlen in 2024, which gives him the opportunity to refine his promising fastball-curveball combination.

Cody Sharman is a freshman southpaw who looked particularly crisp on this day. He makes up for his lack of present fastball velocity (83-84 MPH) with advanced pitchability and poise on the mound. Sharman had no issues executing his three-pitch mix, highlighted by a 73-74 MPH changeup that dropped off the table. Another freshman, Joey Calabretti, listed as a two-way player, took the mound late in the scrimmage. Calabretti's pro-level physique and agile movements on the mound were particularly impressive. While still raw as a pitcher, the righty from P27 Academy exhibited intriguing long-term potential. Employing a crossfire finish, Calabretti shifted between arm slots, primarily throwing from a low 3/4 slot and occasionally an over-the-top angle that gave his 87-88 MPH fastball more riding life. Although he struggled to throw competitive breakers, Calabretti spun one nasty 76 MPH sweeper that resulted in a zone whiff. Calabretti is undoubtedly raw, but there’s legitimate potential on both sides of the ball. I look forward to seeing how coach Rob Sheppard and Co. choose to deploy him moving forward.

Joey Calabretti

Two-way freshman Joey Calabretti could be a unique weapon for coach Rob Sheppard.

I didn’t see righties Daniel Frontera, Cole Hansen, Jay Allmer, or Michael Gillen during the scrimmage, but all four will be important members of the Seton Hall pitching staff. Daniel Frontera’s ERA is above 6.00 after two seasons and 86.2 innings at Seton Hall. He’s better than that but is still searching for an effective secondary pitch to compliment his solid 89-92 MPH fastball that topped out at 95 last spring. Frontera, who made 14 starts last year, could find success in a swing-type role. Redshirt sophomore Cole Hansen didn’t pitch at all as a freshman for Rutgers but earned himself a spot in the weekend rotation for the Pirates by the end of 2023. Hansen made 12 appearances, half of which were starts, and finished with a 3.75 ERA. He isn’t flashy, but he mixes and locates three pitches well, with a low 80s slider functioning as his putaway pitch. Allmer is your typical sidewinding reliever with a sinker-sweeper combo. He led the team in saves last spring after transferring from UNC Asheville. The senior righty was excellent this summer in the NECBL, racking up ten saves and a minuscule 0.60 ERA. Last but not least, Michael Gillen emerged as one of the most dominant relievers in the Big East as a freshman in 2023. His stat line was remarkable, posting a 0.34 ERA and a K-to-BB ratio of 27:5 in 26.2 innings. With advanced control of his 88-91 MPH riding fastball and a high spin slider in the upper 70s/low 80s featuring ample lateral movement, Gillen's two-pitch combination makes him an ideal fit for the bullpen. However, his immediate dominance suggests that a larger role may be worth exploring down the road.

hack man

Expect veteran outfielder and on-base machine Devin Hack to provide a spark atop the Pirates lineup in 2024.

The position player group is veteran-heavy with a mix of returnees and transfers. Leading the veteran charge is 5th-year senior Staus Pokrovsky, who was one of my picks to click after watching him mash last fall. He’ll likely split time at catcher and designated hitter while serving as a formidable power threat in the heart of the order. Pokrovsky hit eleven long balls last spring, and his top-end exit velos were in the top 5% among D1 hitters. Senior Max Viera had the bounceback season the Pirates were hoping for, boosting his OPS to .858 after a disappointing .562 OPS in 2022 with Northeastern. Viera makes a lot of line-drive contact and uses his 50-to-55-grade speed well on the bases. He played shortstop last year and has the ability to play multiple positions, though he didn’t play the field during this look. Jonathan Luders and Devin Hack are two more 5th-year seniors who are coming off successful 2023 seasons. Neither offers much in the power department, but both vets recorded OBPs over .400 last year, and they rarely swing and miss. Hack is a great runner who covers ground in center and can play all three outfield positions, while Luders looked comfortable at shortstop and has experience at multiple infield spots.

The Pirates also brought in some notable transfers this offseason. After putting up a .344/.423/.656 with Quinnipiac in 2022, Danny Melnick didn’t get much playing time at Rutgers in 2023. The 5th-year senior offers some versatility with his ability to rotate between catcher, first base, and the outfield. I wouldn’t be surprised if he experienced a bounceback year similar to what we saw with Viera. Kyle Lyons, a graduate transfer from Bucknell, brings a potent combination of contact hitting and robust outfield defense. First baseman Andrew Bianco is a grad transfer from DII New Haven with a lot of physicality and an imposing presence in the box. Bianco adds some much-needed power potential and some lineup protection for Pokrovsky.

Among the group of freshmen, Kevin Milewski, Ryan Frontera, and Casey Cumiskey stood out to me. Milewski is a gigantic 6’4-230 catcher from Connecticut with well above-average bat speed and present over-the-fence power. His size may push him to first base down the road, but the power ceiling is huge. Daniel Frontera’s younger brother, Ryan Frontera, battled during a strong at-bat that led to a hard-hit double down the left-field line. He manned left field during the scrimmage but played a lot of second base during summer ball. No high school hitter in the state of New Jersey had more base hits than Casey Cumiskey last year. But it was Cumiskey’s glove at shortstop that caught my attention. Cumiskey showed impressive polish and smoothness for a freshman and looks like the heir apparent at the position. He’s a good athlete with above-average speed, at least, and there’s some projection remaining in his 6’3-190 frame.

The most intriguing player on Seton Hall’s roster from a 2024 draft perspective, in my opinion, is junior third-baseman Pat D’Amico. D’Amico had a rough freshman year (156 PA, .584 OPS), but he took a major step forward last spring, boosting his OPS over 200 points to .810. He looks more physical this fall and is filling out his favorable 6’1-185 build nicely. D’Amico had some quality rounds during BP, showed off a strong, disciplined approach, and was sound defensively at third. If D’Amico experiences another boost in production and in-game power, he’ll certainly put himself on the draft radar.

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On deck. . .

The fall ball coverage continues with Saint Joseph’s and Vanderbilt!