LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2016 Midwest Top Prospect Showcase
Michael Van Riessen is a 2017 3B/SS/RHP with a 6-0 160 lb. frame from Urbandale, IA who attends Urbandale HS. Medium frame with a lean, athletic build. Projects for additional size with strength. Ran a 7.45 sixty yard dash. Primary right handed pitcher with a large rock step delivery to waist high leg kick. Works quickly through delivery with uptempo actions. Utilizes lower half well while driving to the plate. Lands in line to the plate while easily clearing hips and carrying momentum through finish. Smooth, extended arm circle back at separation and releases from a three-quarters slot. Fastball has good life through the sink with solid running action to arm side in the low to mid 80's, topped at 85 mph. Commands fastball offering well with the ability to spot up to glove side consistently. Curveball had 9/4 shape with solid sweeping action and some depth. Tends to slow arm speed slight with curveball offering creating softer spin. Also flashed a changeup up with slink sinking action down in the zone. Maintains arm speed with changeup offering creating good deception at release. Fills the strike zone with fastball well and keeps hitters off balance late in counts with off speed pitches. Also worked out defensively from the infield deliberate footwork while surrounding the baseball. Flashed good range to each side with athletic actions while funneling the baseball. Flashed fluid, athletic actions while working through backhand and slow roller. Showed a high energy, three-quarters arm slot topping at 84 mph across the infield. Throws generated good carry to the bag with accuracy. Right handed hitter with a slightly crouched, open stance and high back elbow set. Lower half launches to contact with rotational actions producing some shift. Has a mid-field approach with an uphill swing plane through extension. Some jump off the barrel when squaring contact, creates solid back spin and carry when working to the pull side gap. Repeats swing plane well on pitches middle in, shows developing feel for the barrel with pitches on the outer half of the plate. Very good student as well.