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Underclass Invitational Preview Story: Roster and Check-In Times

January 12, 2016

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The Prep Baseball Report Underclass Invitational at The MAX in McCook, IL will take place on Sunday, January 17, 2016. The invite only event is geared towards the best 2018 and 2019 graduates in Illinois.

Spots are limited, but there is still time to request an invite for this Sunday’s event. CLICK HERE to request an invite for the Underclass Invitational.

Last year’s event featured a number of interesting prospects in the 2017 and 2018 class and nine of them have already committed to Division I programs.

As of right now, this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the best Underclass Invitationals we have held. Out of the 35 players ranked in the 2018 class, 28 of them are currently registered to attend the event this Sunday. Four of the top five players in the 2018 class are attending. Listed below are a select few that we are excited to see this Sunday.

INF Branden Comia (Sandburg, 2018) ranked No. 3 in the class is the top uncommitted prospect scheduled to participate. He was one of the few 2018’s to participate in the PBR Future Games this past summer. Comia more than held his own at the event and looks to be one of the top offensive infielders in the Midwest. CLICK HERE to see the position player write-ups from the event.

OF/3B Zaid Walker (Homewood-Flossmoor, 2018) ranked No. 6 in Illinois is another uncommitted prospect that should be on everyone’s radar. Walker has shown well at multiple events this winter. He is a physical athlete with big bat speed, runs a 7.01 and has a strong arm defensively.

There are a number of 2018 and 2019 arms that are poised to impress as well. 6-foot-7 LHP Steven Sanchez (Mundelein, 2018) sits in the Top 10 of the class. Features a clean arm, fastball up to 83 mph and a breaking ball with sharp action and depth. Long and lean RHP Ricky Castro (Neuqua Valley, 2018) is a very interesting arm who will be attending his first PBR event. We saw Castro this summer working with a three-pitch repertoire and an 81-84 mph fastball.

Of the 2019 arms scheduled to be there you have to start with undersized RHP Grant Leader (Lyons Township, 2019). Leader still a bit raw on the mound, possesses plus arm strength for his size and age. We have seen him routinely sit 83-86 mph with his fastball and he can really spin the baseball. Throws a curveball and a slider that have two distinct shapes and velocities. He also has feel for a changeup.

RHP Nathan Rintz (Schaumburg, 2019) is another arm worth noting. The long and lean 6-foot, 150-pound freshman features a quick arm and we have seen his fastball up to 81 mph. He also throws a firm breaking ball for his age at 70-73 mph.  

One of the more intriguing 2019’s that will be there Sunday is 6-foot-2, 170-pound SS/RHP Andrew Wiegman Carmel Catholic, 2019). A legitimate two-way prospect, he was one of the top 2019 prospects at the Underclass Showcase in October. On the mound Wiegman flashed a three pitch mix and sat 80-81 mph with his fastball. As a position player the projectable bodied shortstop ran a 7.26 60, registered an 86 mph exit velocity, showed fluid footwork on the infield and was clocked at 76 mph across the diamond.

The Underclass Invitational never disappoints in prospects establishing and emerging as the better players in their respective classes and this year should be no different.

CLICK HERE for the current roster.

 

Check-In times for the Underclass Invitational are as follows:

Position Players:
7:15-7:45 AM

Pitcher Only:
11:00 AM-11:20 AM

Catchers will stay for both sessions as they will also be evaluated while catching bullpens.

The event should end around 12:00 pm for position players. The last pitcher should conclude around 3:00 pm

**The MAX (McCook Athletic and Exposition Center) is located at 4750 S. Vernon Ave, McCook, IL, 60525.**

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