The Prep Baseball Report Underclass I.D. Showcase on June 16 at OaktonCommunity College yielded several prospects who demonstrated the talent and upside to be impact players in the coming years. While there were several standouts at the event, Patrick Kenney from Warren HS in Gurnee solidified himself as one of the best Class of 2012 prospects in the state with his size, athleticism and arm strength...
A look at the top performers at the event:
Patrick Kenney, RHP/INF/OF, Warren HS, 2012: At 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, Kenney established himself as one of the premier Class of 2012 prospects in the state. It seemed where ever Kenney was on the field, he shined. But make no mistake, the athletically gifted Kenney really stole the show with his performance on the mound. The right-hander pitched at 79-81 mph and topped out at 82 mph. He also featured a splitter with good downward movement. Although he has the ability to play multiple positions at a high level, his skills play best in the outfield. Should be a strong middle of the line-up type hitter, displaying big power potential. Also the starting quarterback on the varsity football team.
Josh Perlmutter, OF/3B, New Trier HS, 2012: Perlmutter has a good, strong body which translates well on the field. His athleticism shined in the 60, as he ran 7.15. He showed power at the plate and demonstrated quick hands and excellent hand speed.Showed well in the outfield and his arm translated on the mound, topping out at 77 mph, even though he doesn’t pitch regularly. Should be an impact performer for the defending Class 4A state champions in years to come.
Sam Handler, INF, Barrington HS, 2012.: An impressive looking athlete, Handler is physically strong and athletically gifted: He ran an event-best 7.13 60. Handler has quiet hands and a quick bat at the plate. He demonstrated to be a line-drive hitter with the ability to go gap-to-gap.
Matthew James, SS/RHP/C, Normal West HS, 2013: The top 2013 prospect at the event, James does everything well on the field – now he has to decide what he’s best at. Off the mound James is as smooth as they come, demonstrating clean mechanics and solid arm action. James is a mechanically sound player in all facets of the game. Defensively, he’s solid at shortstop and as a catcher. At the plate he has a compact left-handed stroke and good bat control. Once he matures physically in the coming years, you should be hearing a lot about Matthew James.
Kyle Colletta, SS/RHP/C, Niles West HS, 2013: Another versatile player who showed well at three positions. The left-handed hitting Colletta possesses a clean and mechanically sound swing, and has excellent hand-eye coordination. Also demonstrated the ability to hit to all fields. Colletta is the type of player that loves the game of baseball – and it clearly showed during the workout. He has a strong presence on the field and has the talent to make play after play at shortstop. He also showed he has the skills to be a solid defensive catcher, as he demonstrated good feet and a quick transfer.
Alexander Doty, RHP, Elgin HS, 2012.: Doty has a very projectable frame and a strong, loose arm off the mound (75-77mph). His long body, free and easy arm action, and natural movement on his pitches should prove tough for hitters over the next couple of years. A pitcher to keep close tabs on in the coming years.
Jack Granath, RHP, Rockton Hononegh HS, 2013.: Tall, lean right-hander who projects well in the future once he gains more strength. Was able to command the change-up. Has a loose arm and ability to throw from different angles.
Christian Rodriguez, OF/1B, Whitney Young HS, 2013.: Rodriguez has excellent hands at the plate, showing a compact, line-drive-producing swing from the left-side of the plate. Defensively, he has good outfield instincts with a solid arm. Plays the game hard and it’s easy to see he enjoys being on the field.
Frankie Perrone, OF/INF/RHP, Maine South HS, 2013: Tough player, knows how to play the game. All around solid athlete and a type of hitter that knows how to get on base. Wherever you throw him in the field, he’ll make the plays.
Alec Semersky, RHP/1B/OF, Libertyville HS, 2013: An impressive-looking athlete, Semersky has a projectable frame, size and quick-twitch athleticism.
Patrick McGuire, LHP/1B, Whitney Young HS, 2012: Tall left-hander with a loose arm; has good run on the fastball. McGuire has the ability to throw three pitches for strikes and knows how to get hitters out.