Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Illinois Mailbag: Top Questions of the Week

December 20, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin/Illinois

We started a new feature at the Prep Baseball Report which allows readers to ask our scouting directors any questions they wish about high school baseball in their state. Whether it’s about possible state title contenders, top prospects, recruiting, etc. your questions will get put into our “Mailbag” via the ask.fm app and our scouts will answer your questions through Twitter (@PBRIllinois) and Facebook.

This new feature has been so popular we are recapping some of the best questions of the week right here.

To submit a question about Illinois high school baseball to the PBR scouting staff simply follow the link HERE. Also if you have a burning question about the national landscape of high school baseball or draft specific questions you can send them to National Supervisor Nathan Rode HERE.

Top Questions of the Week

What do you look for in a catcher during a showcase?

Great question. Arm strength, quick, directional footwork, clean exchanges lead to good pop times - all of which are important. But catchers show their real colors during bullpens. I've seen many catchers who can really throw, but can't receive. If you're a poor receiver, you won't play. Receiving during games is probably the second most essential element to a team's success next to the strike pitch. Catchers in showcases have to know that they are not rented mules during pens. Bullpens are critical to the evaluation process of a catcher. To go even further, there are guys who don't throw especially well, but are advanced receivers, meaning they don't stab pitches out of the zone, handle breaking balls with ease, etc. You also get a good feel for the mentality of a catcher - if he gets after it or if he big-leagues it. At our events, we always have an evaluator breaking down the catchers during bullpens. Bottom line is, pop times are worthless if you can't receive well. Kind of like a 92 mph fastball is worthless if you can't throw a strike.

Who is better the 2014 or 2015 class?

The 2014 class currently has more higher-end draft prospects, but the 2015 class may feature more depth across the board. Of course, only time will tell.

Top breaking balls in 2015 class?

LHP Alex Weigand from Bradley-Bourbonnais HS flashed a big-time CB at the last 2015 showcase we had. RHP Mack Rosman has a highly effective upper-70s slider.

Godfrey vs. Skoug, best of three, who wins?

I'd pay a gate fee for that matchup. I always think dominant pitching will always come out on top. But I've seen Skoug do it big in Jupiter, Tournament of Stars, East Coast Pro - facing many of the nation's best. Flip a coin on that one.

Who do you think the most dominant pitching staff in the state is this year?

Great question. Off the top of my head, I'd have to say Sandburg with Bryan Pall, Sean Leland and Matthias Dietz. I'm sure they have several more arms too. Plus they'll look good coming off the bus!

Most underrated player in 2014?

There are so many to mention, can't do this question justice. But here are a few uncommitted 2014’s that have flown under the radar: 3B Kevin Biondic (Brother Rice), MIF Nate Tholl (St. Laurence), C Seth Dvorak (York), OF Chris Baker (Marian Catholic), OF Jack Holden (Schaumburg), MIF Ryan Haff (Hinsdale Central), to name a few.

Who do you favor in the Upstate Eight Conference? Pretty strong showing last year with two teams in the state semi-finals.

Upstate 8 is always strong from top to bottom. Since they split into divisions, I forget who's in what division, but Neuqua Valley usually is good for 30 wins every year, and a perennial powerhouse. St. Charles East took the playoffs by storm last year; look for Batavia to make some noise this year - they have a lot of talented position players; St. Charles North, Geneva, Waubonsie and Lake Park all should be solid. Oh, and South Elgin will be tough with Ryan Nutof on the mound.

For position players, does size matter?

Great question. The short answer is NO. However, smaller guys typically have to be good - or prove themselves more consistently - more often than that projectable, athlete body-type guy. But the bottom line is, if a guy can play, he can play, no matter what size he is. Just look at Pedroia. Or in Illinois, Ronell Coleman last year.

What players are you most excited to see at the Underclass Invitational in January?

Not to give you a fluff answer, but I'm excited to see them all. The Underclass Invite is one of my favorite events of the year, every year. Lots of really good young players together in one place. Next to the Midwest Future Games and Super 60, I look forward to this event the most in Illinois.

Who to keep an eye on in the 2016 class?

We just released the updated top 100 2016 rankings. Here's the story > http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/news/IL/Updated-and-Expanded-2016-Player-Rankings-4527396081

Thoughts on Sandburg baseball this year?

Eagles have arguably the most dominant staff in the state. That's always a great start. Someone also asked about their offense, now that Cangelosi is at Indiana. I guess that's the big question. I'd imagine if they score runs consistently, they have to be one of the best teams in the state. Even if they don't score a lot of runs, they should be one of the best teams in the state. Like I said in a previous post, Pall and Leland should be a dominant duo. I can't imagine many hitters doing anything with Pall's slider.

Who do you think will get drafted the highest if the draft was tomorrow?

Jake Godfrey.

Thoughts on Brenden Spillane?

Illinois got a good one. Big, physical, runs really well for his size, big arm, and power potential at the plate. Certainly the best prospect to come out of Wheeling HS in a long, long time.

Who was the biggest shock into playoffs last year?

Great question - I'd have to say I never saw Libertyville making a run to the 4A title game coming. St. Charles East was another eye-opener. Those are two off the top of my head.

What percentage of kids that go to the identification showcases get ranked?

A good player is a good player, no matter what event he is at. Over the years, we've found some of the class's best players at open events. Everyone is evaluated the same, no matter the event.

Homewood-Flossmoor with pitching staff of Jeremy Orbik, Malcolm Grady, Mike Shereyk and Jameson Lamb, along with catcher Jesse Forestell, SS Kendal King, Bryce Gray and Cobi Sabo could surprise a lot this and next year.

Totally agree. H-F will be one of the year's biggest sleepers to begin the season; by late May, everyone should know about them. In 2015, they should be a powerhouse.

How do you think Lake Park will do in the DVC this year after switching from the Upstate 8?

Lake Park is perennially strong, so the Lancers will certainly hold their own. Of course life without Christian Taugner, a first-team PBR All-Stater, will make their plight significantly more difficult next season.

Do you think Oak Park is ready for another state championship run? And who will help them the most

Oak Park looks like it will definitely have the pitching depth to make another serious run this season. Huskies are extremely deep on the mound, led by Cottingham-Beard, Rice, and a host of others. A lot of depth, with a tradition of winning there. Oak Park has to be up there in contenders next spring.

What do you think about Lockport?

Lost a lot from last year, but there's always so much talent walking the hallways at Lockport that they should not see a significant fall-off. Look for Cole Bellair to open a lot of eyes next spring.

How good is Kyle Ostrowski?

He's ranked No. 4 in Illinois' loaded 2015 class, so we clearly think he is very good currently with an upside to be exceptional in the future.

Keep an eye out for the Big 12 and Champaign Central. Lots of talent, what do you think?

Keep seeing more and more talented players coming out of Champaign Central, especially underclassmen. Also have a legit 2014 arm on the mound with Altmyer. In retrospect, I should've included Central in my Big 12 answer previously.

Thoughts on Lincoln-Way North this year?

I know LWN graduated a lot of high-level players, and have a new coach. But they also have plenty of talented players in the program - Ostrowski, Lee, Eggers, etc. Also, Marian Catholic transfer David Calderon will definitely help. Good young talent coming up the ranks as well. So ... in summary, the Phoenix will still be legit.

Who are the top ten 2015’s In the Peoria area?

The Peoria area is especially strong in the 2015 class. Metamora has three good ones in Johnson, Skender and Fairfield. Peoria Notre Dame has Shadid and Hurst. Princeville has one of the best arms in the class with Mitchell Janssen. Certainly looks like there will be plenty of excitement over the next couple years in Peoria.

Could this year’s Mount Carmel team be better than last year’s?

On paper, yes. But you never know about the unquantifiable factors, like senior leadership, team chemistry, etc. But on paper, the Caravan look awfully tough.

Thoughts on Joliet Catholic this year?

Well, JCA has the top-ranked prospects in the 2015 and 2016 classes with Nick Dalesandro and Drake Fellows, so that's a good start. Defending 3A champ. Lots of pitching. Tradition of winning. I'd say the 'Toppers are in for another run at the trophy. Unfortunately, probably the top two 3A teams will be in the same regional, along with Lemont.

Best conference in Illinois?

Chicago Catholic Blue. It's the SEC of Illinois HS baseball

What area in Illinois would you say has the most talent?

South suburbs of Chicago probably has the most.

How do you think Carmel Catholic will do in the ESCC this year? Playoff thoughts?

Should be really good. Lots of returning position players, pitchers and a trio of extremely talented 2016’s. The Corsairs have to be one of, if not the favorite, to win the ESCC. On paper, that is.

How do you think Br. Rice will do this year? They have 7 returning starters and the No. 1, No. 2 and closing pitchers. Also have the addition of sophomore transfer Mike Massey who is committed to the University of Illinois.

Brother Rice will be fun to watch. Looks like the Crusaders have an exciting mix of returners and young players. They will be competitive in the Blue, to be sure, but couldn't call them the favorite coming in. Maybe next year and the following year, as they are loaded in the 2016 and 2017 classes.

Lemont's chances in 3A tourney this year? Lots of returning starters.

Lemont will be extremely dangerous. Big-time talent all over the field to go along with good pitching, led by Latz and Wright. Papierski, Wisz and Terrazas power a potent offense.

Who is the fastest runner in the 2014 class?

As far as I've seen, Laren Eustace (Batavia HS) is the fastest baseball player in the 2014 class.

Any way you could add the capability to advanced search by college commitment?

That's a great suggestion guy. We definitely need to get that done. Glad you're using the Advanced Search functionality to begin with.

Who's your top 5 lefty bats in the 2014 class?

Wow, that's a good question. Evan Skoug (Libertyville HS) has to be the top LHH in the state, and quite possibly the Midwest. Other top LHHs are Chad Spanberger (Granite City HS), Darius Day (Simeon HS), Mike Papierski (Lemont HS; switch hitter), and I personally really like Alex Troop (Marmion HS), who is also a pitcher.

Thoughts on the Mid Illini conference?

Metamora should be the heavy favorite coming in. Then again, Metamora was the heavy favorite last year and Limestone shared the conference crown on the final game. (Great game, btw - we were there). Washington, too, has a solid nucleus of players. Overall, strong and vastly under-rated conference.

Who are the top catchers in the 2015 class?

The 2015 class is especially deep behind the dish. To name a few, in no specific order, there's Krennrich, Forestell, Craan, Isaacson, Rumoro, Mascarella, Shadid, Kelly. All D1 caliber catchers. There are more, too, but that would require me to work, and I'm feeling a little lazy right now.

Best defensive SS in the 2015 class?

Charlie Donovan.

Top Outfielders in 2015 class?

Chris Botsoe (Hinsdale Central) and Josh Stowers (Mount Carmel).

What do you think about Lyons Township this year?‎  

They will miss all-everything Keith Lehmann, to be sure. But the Lions are always one of the deepest teams in the state. They have a lot of team speed and they will always been in the thick of the rankings.

With such a strong 2014 catching class and Skoug obviously being the best hitter of them. Who would you say is the best defensive catcher in the class?

Mitch Trees.

Who will win the CCL blue?

That's the million-dollar question. Can't answer that now, but rest assured it will come down to the final conference series of the season. The Blue should be as tough as ever.

If you have a question about Illinois high school baseball, ask the PBR scouting staff about it through the ask.fm app HERE.

More Illinois News

http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/illinois-store/unsigned-senior-showcase-1-12-14.html