Waylon
Marko

+ C Waylon Marko (Hononegah, 2028) is another young backstop who showed well on the day. Having added noticeable strength to his 6-foot, 188-pound frame, Marko continues to raise his stock each time we see him. He took one of the loudest rounds of the day with exit velocities peaking around 101 mph, averaging 95 mph while also nearing 400’ for his max distance. He showed a mature ability to use the whole field, letting the ball travel and naturally lifting the ball to the biggest parts of the field. Marko made notable strides behind the plate as well. In nearly a year’s time, he has increased his velocity from the crouch by six mph (now 80 mph), as well as refined his pop time range (now 2.02-2.13). His arm works downhill out of the crouch, paired with some intent and carry to his throws. Marko presents a large target for his pitcher when receiving, operating from a relaxed one-knee stance, and working to present pitches.

Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-0, 190 pounds. Physical, high-waisted frame. Noticeable strength throughout.
Hit: RHH. Narrow setup, long stride, gains ground.  Bat-speed with intent, loud results to the whole field, intent to lift, stays through it up the middle and the other way with length through the zone.  74.8 mph bat speed with 11g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 102 mph max exit velocity (95.1 avg.); 398-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 80 mph. Strong arm with life, short to the ear into a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.02-2.13 pop time range; Sure-handed, clean glove-to-hand, deliberate footwork to his target, stays in-line, easy blocker and deadens the ball out front.
Athletic Testing: 7.45 runner in the 60-yard dash; 28.50-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 67.82 Edge Score.

Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 6-0, 183 pounds. Strong build, compact with proportionate strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, heavy leg kick, quiet pre pitch, balanced. Bat speed, strong hands, longer path through the zone, hands work on top of the ball at times, has jump off the barrel, uses the middle/opposite parts of the field. 69.7 mph bat speed with 13g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 99 mph max exit velocity (89.4 avg.); 309-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 79 mph. Plays with some carry, high 3/4 slot, uses one hop.
Defense: 2.14-2.20 pop time range; Works in line to second, transfers at ear, soft block.
Athletic Testing: 7.23 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Vizual Edge: 67.34 Edge Score.

C Waylon Marko (Hononegah, 2028) looked to be one of the top backstops in attendance after a loud showing on both sides of the ball. Standing at a strong 6-foot, 183-pounds, he showed bat speed, strong hands, and jump off the barrel to the middle and opposite parts of the field from the right side. He led the event in max EV (98.9 mph), was third in average EV (89.4 mph), tied for second in hard hit percentage (72%), and tied for third in average bat speed (69.7 mph). Defensively, he posted a pop time range of 2.14-2.20 and had the strongest arm for the event with his best bullet coming in at 79 mph.

Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 170 pounds. Strong and athletic.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, stiff front leg into stride, explosive, heavy hand load. Uphill path with intent to lift, long follow through. 68.6 mph bat speed with 10g of rotational acceleration.
Power: 94 mph max exit velocity (85.9 avg.); 354-foot max batted distance.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Short, over the top, full extension.
Defense: 2.00-2.19 pop time range; Low crouch, athletic, soft blocker, explosive during throw down.
Athletic Testing: 4.37 runner in the 30-yard dash; 24.60-inch max vertical jump.
Vizual Edge: 66.92 Edge Score.