Current Section
Three Blizzard Alum named Top Prospects in top collegiate league in country
10/08/2015, 3:45pm CDT
By Adam Barta, Owner
Matt Fiedler (RHP, Minnesota) Zach Muckenhirn (LHP, North Dakota-above), Max Knutson (LHP, Nebraska)
Three Blizzard Alumni in top 40 prospects in Northwoods League
Matt Fiedler
#12. Zach Muckenhirn, lhp, Alexandria (North Dakota/JR in 2016)
Area scouts covering the league noted that they would have to make seeing Muckenhirn a priority this coming spring after an impressive summer performance. While he pitched in the league's showcase event – and was the only pitcher to throw more than one inning – he didn't get many looks outside of that appearance considering that he played for Alexandria in the North Division. Muckenhirn uses his modest 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame to create downhilll plane, generating an upper-80s fastball that peaked as high as 91. He pounded the strike zone and really made the most out of his second inning at the showcase event, unleashing a changeup that mimicked his fastball out of his hand that caused hitters to swing over the top of it. He works quickly and commands all quadrants of the strike zone, leading to a 3.68 ERA in 10 appearances (7 starts) this summer with a 34-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 36 2/3 innings. Muckenhirn's pitchability makes up for what he lacks in upside. (Report by Perfect Game)
Has ability to play all three infield positions in college primarily shortstop. His first step quickness and his range to both his left and right are above average. His instincts, feet and hands have given him the ability to make all the routine plays (2 errors entire season) while making difficult plays look easy. 87mph across the diamond with good carry. PITCHING
With a mid-high ¾ arm slot, clean arm action, and a repeatable delivery, Fiedler was the Varsity's #1 pitcher this year, Highlighted by a CG, 10K performance in the championship game in the MLK Classic in San Diego and a 15K, 2-hit shutout in Vero Beach, FL in February. Matt locates four pitches and lives with a FB that sits between 84-87 and will run it up to 88. His two-seam FB shows sink and arm-side run with late life. His CH is above-average with good deception, arm speed and command. His best secondary pitch is a CV with a hard break. A winner, stopper, his own closer, Matt is a guy that you want in a win or go home game.
Area scouts covering the league noted that they would have to make seeing Muckenhirn a priority this coming spring after an impressive summer performance. While he pitched in the league's showcase event – and was the only pitcher to throw more than one inning – he didn't get many looks outside of that appearance considering that he played for Alexandria in the North Division. Muckenhirn uses his modest 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame to create downhilll plane, generating an upper-80s fastball that peaked as high as 91. He pounded the strike zone and really made the most out of his second inning at the showcase event, unleashing a changeup that mimicked his fastball out of his hand that caused hitters to swing over the top of it. He works quickly and commands all quadrants of the strike zone, leading to a 3.68 ERA in 10 appearances (7 starts) this summer with a 34-to-15 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 36 2/3 innings. Muckenhirn's pitchability makes up for what he lacks in upside. (Report by Perfect Game)
#30 Max Knutson (LHP, Nebraska)
#32 Matt Fiedler (RHP, Minnesota)
*report from Blizzard 2013
Has ability to play all three infield positions in college primarily shortstop. His first step quickness and his range to both his left and right are above average. His instincts, feet and hands have given him the ability to make all the routine plays (2 errors entire season) while making difficult plays look easy. 87mph across the diamond with good carry. PITCHING
With a mid-high ¾ arm slot, clean arm action, and a repeatable delivery, Fiedler was the Varsity's #1 pitcher this year, Highlighted by a CG, 10K performance in the championship game in the MLK Classic in San Diego and a 15K, 2-hit shutout in Vero Beach, FL in February. Matt locates four pitches and lives with a FB that sits between 84-87 and will run it up to 88. His two-seam FB shows sink and arm-side run with late life. His CH is above-average with good deception, arm speed and command. His best secondary pitch is a CV with a hard break. A winner, stopper, his own closer, Matt is a guy that you want in a win or go home game.
Tag(s): Test
