By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

The Prep Baseball Report’s Underclass Invitational for 2017 and 2018 prospects took place on Sunday January 18^th at the Max in McCook, IL. 98 underclass prospects completed a pro-style workout for the PBR Illinois Scouting Staff, several of whom were new to the PBR.

Click Here to view complete statistics from the event in PDF format.

Click Here to view Top Performers from the event based on standard scouting terminology in our “Top Tools Breakdown”.­­­

Over the next few days we will rank the prospects by position, culminating in the Top Overall Prospects from the event. Today we’ll take a look at the Top Outfield Prospects, headed by TCU commit Brad Czerniejewski, who set an Underclass Invitational record with 95 mph exit velocity. Czerniejewski’s ridiculous bat speed may be unmatched in the state of Illinois, regardless of graduating class.

Manteno’s Easton Bertrand is a strong and physical OF/3B that shows well at both positions. His simple approach at the plate bodes well as he make hard contact with minimal effort.

Jacobs’ Mike Addante has been touted as the top defender in the 2017 class’ outfielders, and did nothing to disappoint at the Underclass. Addante peppered the opposite field gap during batting practice, and doesn’t get to show off his best tool (playing the ball of the bat) in a showcase setting.

St. Laurence teammates Tommy Farrell and Jimmy Burnette impress both in the outfield and on the mound, though Farrell did not pitch at the Underclass. They should form a nucleus of three-year varsity starters for the Vikings starting this spring.

Let’s take a look at the Top Outfield Prospects from this January’s Underclass Invitational:

Top Outfield Prospects

1.Brad Czerniejewski, OF, Lake Forest, 2017
6-foot-1, 185-pound athletic, fast-twitch right-handed hitting outfielder currently ranked No. 2 in Illinois’ 2017 class, No. 23 overall, committed to TCU. Hits from an open setup, hands load back smoothly, utilizes a leg kick, bat speed is off the charts with 95 mph exit velocity off the tee. Impressive in that he can over swing but still make hard, solid contact off the barrel consistently, reminiscent of a young, right-handed Bryce Harper. Defensively, in the outfield threw 87 mph from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, effort present, soft hands, quick footwork, quick clean exchanges, throws can struggle with accuracy as he over throws, plenty of arm strength present. Ran a 6.84 60. Czernijewski would have fit in fine at this year’s Super 60 Pro Showcase among prospects two years older, where his bat speed along would have been at the top of all prospects. He’ll be watched closely over the next several years, and could see considerable draft interest in the spring of 2017.

2. Easton Bertrand, OF/3B, Manteno, 2017
6-foot-2, 170-pound strong and athletic right-handed hitting OF/3B hits from a balanced setup, hands load back smoothly, short stride, short, level bat path, barrel looks to stay level through the zone for a long time, 87 mph exit velocity with easy effort. Defensively, impresses both in the outfield and at third. Throws 84 mph from the outfield from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy and carry, soft hands fielding the ball, fluid footwork. At third, shows plus carry, shortens up arm action a bit, may profile better at third base, but versatility will be an asset. Ran a 7.22 60. Bertrand is one of the most physical athletes in the 2017 class and will be a high follow prospect over the next three seasons.

3. Mike Addante, OF, Jacobs, 2017
5-foot-10, 150-pound left-handed hitting outfielder hits from a balanced setup, slightly closed stance, high back elbow setup, short, level bat path produced line drives to left center field during batting practice. Fluid rhythm, above average bat speed, plus feel for barrel, 78 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 82 mph from the outfield from short, high ¾ arm slot with life and carry. Quick footwork, plays though the baseball aggressively. Ran a 7.07 laser timed 60, previously recorded 6.90 60 times. Addante is a high follow prospect in the 2017 class, and possibly the top defensive outfielder in the class.

4. Thomas Farrell, OF/1B, St. Laurence, 2017
6-foot-2, 175-pound lanky and athletic left-handed hitting OF/1B hits from a crouched, open setup, hands load back smoothly, good rhythm in loading body backwards, minimal stride, left-centerfield approach during batting practice, 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 80 mph from the outfield from long, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy, soft hands fielding the baseball, quick, fluid footwork. At first base, shows soft hands fielding ground balls, long arm action turning the double play, feet work well around the bag. Farrell’s athleticism fits more in the outfield, but lefty/lefty first baseman are not easy to find either. Ran a 7.19 60, high follow prospect in the 2017 class.

5. Jimmy Burnette, OF/LHP, St. Laurence, 2017
6-foot, 155-pound lanky and athletic left-handed hitting OF/LHP hits from a wide base, crouch setup, hands don’t move in load, utilizes a weight shift backwards, no stride approach, short, level bat path, hit line drives from gap-to-gap during batting practice, fluid throughout, 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 84 mph from the outfield from a long, loose, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy and carry. Soft hands fielding, quick footwork, plays through the baseball. On the mound, Burnette impressed showing feel for three pitches from a tall/fall delivery, long, loose, high ¾ to ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, level shoulders, stride direction in line towards home plate, lands square. Fastball sat 77-80 mph, breaking ball flashed 2/8 slider shape in the 63-64 mph range, also threw a 75-76 mph changeup aggressively with cutting action.

6. Donivan Williams, 3B/OF, Morgan Park, 2017
5-foot-11, 176-pound athletic right-handed hitting 3B/OF ranked No. 27 in Illinois’ 2017 class, hits from a narrow, open setup, hands load back smoothly, short stride, loose wrists in swing, short, level bat path, impresses with feel for barrel, line drives with up the middle approach during batting practice, 81 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 83 mph in the outfield from short, quick, high ¾ arm slot with carry and accuracy. At third base, shows same arm strength, 81 mph across the diamond, middle infield actions at third base, soft hands, fields the ball out front, quick, athletic arm action, runs a 7.39 60. Williams’ infield actions could play in the middle of the diamond and his athleticism all over the field makes him a high follow prospect in the 2017 class.

7. Jake Ridgway, OF/C, Brother Rice, 2017
6-foot-1, 170-pound, lanky, athletic frame, right-handed hitting OF/C hits from a tall, open setup, hands held high, load back smoothly, long, slightly uphill bat path, strength in swing, feel for barrel, 83 mph exit velocity off the tee, shows power from gap-to-gap. Defensively, impresses in the outfield, threw 74 mph from the outfield from long, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Behind the plate, sat high in stance, pop times ranged from 2.11-2.26 with accuracy. Threw 71 mph out of the crouch, long arm action, takes some time to get rid of it, but puts the ball on the bag. Ran a 7.93 60.

8. Ashton Creal, OF, Metea Valley, 2017
6-foot, 173-pound lanky and athletic right-handed hitting outfielder hits from a balanced setup, hands load back significantly bars out, high back elbow, short stride, long, slightly uphill path, pull tendencies, 77 mph exit velocity. Defensively, impressed throwing 76 mph from a loose, athletic, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy and carry. Throws were online and arm strength appeared to be stronger than velocity indicates. Showcases soft hands fielding, aggressively plays through the baseball, natural, fluid outfield actions. Ran a 7.29 60.

9. Montreal Blade, OF, Marian Catholic, 2017
5-foot-11, 205-pound muscular right-handed hitting outfielder hits from a crouched, open setup, short, heel lift stride, stays open, hands load smoothly, short, level bat path, plus bat speed for age, up the middle line drives during batting practice with gap-to-gap power, 90 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 71 mph from short, stiff, over-the-top arm slot with some accuracy, fluid footwork, average hands fielding, ran a 7.62 60. Blade has some of the best bat speed we’ve seen in the 2017 class, and is a prospect to follow over the next three seasons.

10. Kyler Kopacz, OF, Lincoln-Way West, 2017
5-foot-10, 175-pound outfielder, strong build, solid lower half, shows strength. Defensively plays with a long high ¾, firm arm action, showed the ability to throw accurately, 78 mph arm from the outfield. Deliberate approach to the baseball, ran the 60 at 7.65, average hands. Offensively hits from the right side, open stance, loads back, short stride. Strong swing makes hard impact flashed power. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.

10. Charlie Rodriguez, OF, St. Rita, 2017
5-foot-9, 160-pound outfielder, stocky build, some strength. Offensively hits from the right side, open stance, crouched, short stride, slightly dives, solid balance. Up the middle approach, strong hitter, line drive type, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played with a short high ¾ slot, accurate arm, 78 mph arm strength from the outfield. Played through the ball with clean actions, ran the 60 at 7.54 laser timed.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Andrew Bartholow, OF, Loyola Academy, 2017
5-foot-8, 150-pound outfielder, athletic build, showed strength. Offensively hits from the left side, slightly closed stance, short stride. Worked the middle of the field, gap to gap approach, short level path, showed occasional bat speed. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a long arm action, ¾ arm slot, slinging arm action. Fields with two hands, deliberate approach to the baseball. 7.24 runner in the 60.

Blake Begner, LHP/OF, Peoria Heights, 2017
5-foot-9, 140-pound left-handed hitting LHP/OF hits from a wide base, open stance, hands load back, short stride, long, level bat path, up the middle approach, 71 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 79 mph from short, loose, over-the-top arm slot with accuracy and carry. Plus arm for frame and age. Fluid footwork in the outfield, quick exchanges, attacks the baseball. Ran a 7.66 60. On the mound, fastball ranged from 77-79 mph, touching 80. Same straight over the top angle as in outfield, aggressive in delivery, shoulders work uphill, stride direction in line with home plate, falls towards third base due to aggressiveness. Throws 60-64 mph curveball aggressively with sharp bite, 1/7 shape. Slows arm slightly on 60-61 mph change. Due to his arm speed and clean arm action Begner is an prospect to watch as he continues to grow, especially on the mound.

Jalan Cruz, OF, Bolingbrook, 2017
Lanky frame, thin build, 5-foot-8, 130-pound switch hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a similar stance and load from both sides, slight crouched, balanced, arm bar load. Looked stronger from the right side, 72 mph exit velocity from the right, 71 mph exit velocity from the left. Defensively showed athletic actions in the outfield, plays through the ball well, clean exchange, attacks the baseball well, plays through in stride. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, showed accuracy, 69 mph from the outfield. 7.68 runner in the 60.

Jeremy Davis, OF, Geneva, 2017
5-foot-11, 152-pound left-handed hitting outfielder hits from a balanced setup, hands load smoothly, no stride, quiet approach, up the middle during batting practice, short, level bat path, repeats swing, 81 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 77 mph from the outfield from long, high ¾ arm slot with some accuracy, average hands fielding, ran a 7.21 60.

DJ Donofrio, OF/RHP, Plainfield East, 2017
5-foot-11, 190-pound right-handed hitting OF/RHP hits from wide base, choppy rhythm, feet are choppy pre-pitch, leg kick gets down late, long, uphill bat path, opposite field tendencies due to swinging late, bat speed and strength is present with 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 76 mph from the outfield from long, high ¾ arm slot, exaggerated crowhop before throwing. Ran a 7.26 60. On the mound fastball ranged from 74-78 mph, touching 81 mph on his final pitch. Utilizes a funky, stiff, overhead windup, short, straight-over-the-top arm slot, toe up at balance point, lands closed on heel of front foot, spinning off towards first base. 64-68 mph curveball flashes 12/6 shape, also threw a straight change from 67-72 mph.

Joshua Dyke, OF, Andrew, 2018
5-foot-6, 143-pound outfielder. Offensively hits from the right side, repeatable path and setup, little moving parts, open stance, slightly dives to the baseball, short stride. Right center to opposite field approach, average bat speed, 69 mph exit velocity from the tee. Outfielder uses a long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, 63 mph arm strength. Uses two hands in the outfield, infield similar actions. 7.69 runner in the 60.

Corey Graham, OF/MIF, Crete Monee, 2018
5-foot-10, 150-pound right-handed hitting OF/MIF hits from a balanced setup, slightly open stance, short, quiet stride, hands load smoothly, fluid rhythm, short, level bat path produced 80 mph exit velocity, impressive bat speed for current size/strength. Defensively, threw 69 mph from the outfield from long, ¾ arm slot. Arm plays more in the infield, threw 70 mph from shorter, ¾ slot, soft hands fielding the baseball. Ran a 7.23 60.

Brian Heidbreder, OF, Lake Forest, 2017
5-foot-11, 160-pound lanky and athletic right-handed hitting outfielder hits from an open stance, hands load back smoothly, short stride, bat speed present, barrel whips through the zone, 80 mph exit velocity off the tee, short, fluid path, pull tendencies during batting practice. Defensively, threw 73 mph from the outfield from long, sweepy, high ¾ arm slot. Ran a 7.64 60.

William Jackson, OF/RHP, Loyola, 2018
5-foot-10, 140-pound right-handed hitting OF/RHP hits from a balanced setup, hands start high, short stride (toe taps backwards), average bat speed, level path, up the middle approach during batting practice, 76 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 73 mph from the outfield from short, loose, over-the-top arm slot with accuracy and carry. Athletically fields position, plays through the baseball. Ran a 7.50 60. On the mound fastball sat 75-77 mph from short, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, level shoulders, lands in line with home plate. 63-65 mph curveball flashed 11/5 shape, showed good feel for 68-69 mph change, throwing it consistently at the bottom of the strike zone with sink.

Thomas Larson, OF/3B/RHP, Families of Faith Christian Academy, 2017
6-foot-1, 180-pound right-handed hitting OF/3B/RHP hits from an open setup, hands move back to load, arm bars slightly, long, uphill bat path, plus bat speed for age with 89 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 76 mph from the outfield from long, over-the-top arm slot, head pull off, effort present during throws. Threw 79 mph across the diamond from third base, over throws at times, shorter arm arch in the infield, effort/head snap evident here as well. On the mound, fastball sat 74-76 mph from long, high ¾ slot, wraps slightly in back, toe up at balance point, drifts across body with stride direction, but lands slightly open. 61-64 mph curveball flashed gradual, 11/5 shape. Also threw a 68-71 mph changeup.

Seamus Sjostrom, OF/LHP, Mount Carmel, 2017
5-foot-11, 155-pound lanky, left-handed hitting outfielder hits from a crouched setup, hands load smoothly, short stride, up the middle approach during batting batting practice, short, level bat path, feel for the barrel, 74 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 73 mph from the outfield from long, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Ran a 7.65 60. On the mound fastball sat 66-70 mph from long, high ¾ arm slot, tall/fall delivery, smooth rhythm throughout delivery, level shoulders, stride direction stays in line with home plate. Also threw a 56-60 mph curveball with 1/7 shape, and a 61-63 mph changeup with cutting action.

Bryan Truitt, RHP/OF, Rockford Christian, 2017
6-foot-2, 160-pound lanky and athletic right-handed hitting RHP/OF hits from an open setup, hands load back, arm bars out, short stride, double taps stride at times, showed a right-centerfield approach during batting practice, long, level bat path, 71 mph exit velocity. Defensively, impressed with outfield arm strength, throwing 81 mph from a long, loose, easy, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Truitt’s future may be on the mound, where he take the same loose arm action to the hill, delivering 77-79 mph fastballs with minimal effort. Tall/fall type delivery, smooth rhythm, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, stride direction stays in line with home plate, lands square and athletic. 68-70 mph curveball flashes 11/5 shape, 71-74 mph slider flashes similar shape to curveball, thrown a bit harder. Did not throw a changeup.

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