By Steve Nielsen Scouting Director – Illinois/Wisconsin
Todays Unsigned Senior Games positional analysis breaks down the infielders. This group features a mixed bag of infielders, including athletic middle infielders like DJ Lee (Lincoln-Way North), Ryne Elvers (Sacred Heart Griffin), and David Dugger (Rich Central). It also features strong physical corner guys like Nate Stolte (Brookfield Academy, WI) and Roger Wilson (St. Laurence).
Here’s a look at how we broke down the group of infielders.
Top Infield Prospects
1. DJ Lee, SS, Lincoln-Way North, 2014 5-foot-11, 160-pound, left-handed hitting, athletic shortstop who showed well above average foot speed running a 6.75 60. In the field displayed quick footwork, soft hands with a quick exchange, and throws with a loose arm from a high ¾ slot with solid accuracy and carry at 81 mph.In game he showed natural baseball instincts and reads.At the plate has a tall, open setup with a short stride and excellent balance. Has a line drive swing that’s fluid with a short path and above average bat speed with an exit velocity of 86 mph off the tee.In game action he showed a disciplined approach, collecting a few walks and five base hits, including a triple and using his foot speed to record a bunt for a base hit.
2. Ryne Elvers, SS/3B, Sacred Heart-Griffin, 2014 6-foot, 170-pound, strong bodied infielder.In the infield, he showcased quality hands, and the ability to throw across the diamond with solid accuracy and average to above average carry at 78 mph.In game action he showed great feel for the game by making multiple heads up plays on defense.He ran a 7.18 60. Offensively, he had a balanced setup, smooth loading action, and a short stride, with solid use of his lower half in the swing.He had an uphill path and average to above average bat speed, producing an exit velocity of 78 mph.His ability to repeat his swing allowed him to make consistent, solid contact in game action, as he collected four hits in two games, including two doubles to the pull side.
3. David Dugger, MIF/OF, Rich Central, 2014 5-foot-9, 160-pound, athletic position player who ran a 7.00 60.Offensively, he uses a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride to create a solid line drive swing that makes hard contact on a consistent basis.The swing has quality extension and bat speed, producing an exit velocity of 79 mph.On the infield he showed athletic feet with clean hands, and threw it 81 mph across the diamond, also flashing some quick twitch actions. From the outfield he throws with a long arm action, from an over-the-top slot, at 78 mph.In two games worth of at-bats he showed a solid approach, collecting 2 walks and 3 base hits. Dugger plays the game with a high motor, his energy comes out in game play with constant hustle.
4. Joshua Meyers, SS/OF, Marmion, 2014 6-foot, 177-pound athletic, multi-positional player who ran a 7.00 60. Defensively, he throws with a loose arm at 81 mph with above average carry. At the plate he has an open stance with a toe tap load and launch mechanism with a fluid, balanced swing.His bat path is uphill, with solid bat speed.Exit velocity off the tee was 83 mph.During game action he showed the ability to drive the ball on a line, including one double to the pull side gap.
5. Nate Stolte, 3B/RHP, Brookefield Academy (WI), 2014 6-foot-3, 195-pound, athletic two way player.In the field he has a loose arm that throws from a ¾ slot with accuracy and solid carry at 76 mph. His 60 time was a 7.29. Offensively, he has an open stance with a long stride. He showed average to above average bat speed with an exit velocity of 85 mph off a tee.He has a gap-to-gap swing with pull side power. In game action he showed his power by hitting one homerun to the opposite field. On the mound he has a high ¾ arm slot and a tall and fall delivery with rhythm. His fastball was 76-80 mph, flashing 82 mph once. He threw a curveball with 11/5 tilt and gradual breaking action.He also threw a straight changeup that sat 67-68 mph.
6. Roger Wilson, 1B/RHP, St. Laurence, 2014 6-foot-4, 195-pound, lanky, athletic, two way player. At the plate he has a slightly open stance with a short stride. The swing has rhythm and quality extension, with a pull approach, and above average bat speed, with an exit velocity of 87 mph. Defensively, he showed plus actions with soft hands and fluid feet around the bag. He throws with a long arm action, from a ¾ slot and showed accurate throws at 73 mph. On the mound he throws with the same long, ¾ arm action. The fastball was 81-83 mph, flashing 84 mph with occasional sinking action.His curveball was 72-74 mph, with 11/5 tilt.The changeup was 71-73 mph, with occasional sink and run.
7. Kevin Kordik, 3B/RHP, Johnsburg, 2014 6-foot-3, 195-pound, left hand hitting, athletically strong, two-way player. Defensively, he throws from an over-the-top slot, with a long arm action and solid carry at 76 mph with standard defensive actions.At the plate, he has a wide, closed off stance, with a smooth load and no stride.He showed average to above average bat speed with an exit velocity of 86 mph off a tee, as well as a swing that has quality extension. He also ran a 7.33 60. On the mound he throws with the same over-the-top arm action as in the field.He threw a straight fastball in the 75-78 mph range. His curveball was 67-71 mph with a side spinning action. The changeup he showed was 70-74 mph, with the ability to become an out pitch as he struck one hitter out with it in an inning of work.
8. Joey Holtz, MIF, Lake Zurich, 2014 Holtz is a 5-foot-9, 175-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, smooth load and short stride, showed excellent balance through contact. Showed above average bat speed, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Short path to the baseball generating some extension. Defensively showed solid infield actions, funnels the baseball to throwing hand. 72 mph arm across the diamond. Also ran the 60 in 7.16
9. Dan Brokop, 1B, Lincoln-Way West, 2014 Big bodied first baseman, 6-foot-4, 240-pounds. Showed natural actions around the bag, showed soft hands for his size, above average footwork. Arm played at 71 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride with some leg kick. Made consistent hard contact, pull side approach with lift. Well above average strength at the plate, 91 mph exit velocity from the tee.7.93 runner in the 60.
10. Joey Kukla, OF/INF, Notre Dame College Prep, 2014 Stronger build, 6-foot, 170-pound multi positional player. Showed above average foot speed running a 6.95 60. Defensively uses a long arm action, over the top slot, clocked at 78 mph from the outfield and 76 mph across the infield. Offensively hits with a toe tap stride, minimal load. Swings hard, shows effort, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Emmanuel Kwesi Amoah, MIF, Springfield, 2014 6-foot-1, 180-pound, lanky infielder.Offensively, he had a tall, open stance with a leg-kick trigger. Had an exit velocity of 63 mph off a tee. Defensively he has average actions to go along with a 72 mph arm across the diamond.He ran a 7.6 60.
Peter Angelos, SS/C, Stagg, 2014 5-foot-9, 165-pound player. On the infield he throws with a long arm, from a ¾ slot at 70 mph.Showed standard actions.At the plate he has an open stance with a short stride.His swing has solid extension with an uphill path and produced an exit velocity of 75 mph.He ran a 7.69 60.
Kyle Clark, 1B, Grayslake Central, 2014 6-foot-3, 205-pound first baseman.In the field he showed standard actions.Has a long arm with average arm strength at 73 mph.Offensively, he has a tall setup with a small leg kick and short stride.Had an uphill bat path and looks to pull the ball. Showed above average bat speed and had an exit velocity of 78 mph off a tee.He ran a 7.69 60.
Nolan Gavin, RHP/1B, Palatine, 2014 6-foot-2, 195-pound two way player. On the mound he throws from a high ¾ slot with a short arm action. Throws a straight fastball, for strikes, at 78-80 mph and touched 81 mph. His curveball has an 11/5 tilt and is 65-66 mph. His changeup was 70-71 mph. In the field, he throws with the same arm action as on the mound, with a velocity of 76 mph. At the plate he has a balanced setup with a short stride that produces a swing with average to above average bat speed.Off the tee, his exit velocity was 78 mph.He ran a 7.71 60.
Aaron Hammond, SS/RHP, Brookfield Central (WI), 2014 5-foot-11, 185-pound, two-way player.In the infield he throws from an over-the-top arm slot with a short arm action at 75 mph across the diamond.All throws were accurate, and his ball showed flashes of carry.Offensively, he had an open stance setup, smooth backward style load, with a short stride, and a balanced swing.Has a line drive type swing with average bat speed, and had an exit velocity of 83 mph off the tee.On the mound, he threw from an over-the-top slot with the same short arm action as on the infield.He threw a straight fastball at 75-76 mph.He also threw a curveball with an 11/5 tilt at 64-65 mph.
Will Heins, MIF, Maine East, 2014 Smaller build, 5-foot-9, 160-pound infielder. Offensively hits from an open setup, narrow stance, short stride. Uphill bat path, low hand position, 67 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a high ¾ arm action across the diamond, occasionally accurate, 66 mph across the diamond.
Evan Ketterhagen, OF/INF, Wilmot (WI), 2014 Lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot, 140-pound multi-positional player. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, slightly open, short stride. 71 mph exit velocity from the tee, above average bat path, short to the baseball. Defensively in the outfield used a crow hop through the baseball, set himself up well behind the ball. On the infield showed some softness in his hands. Used a long over the top arm action at 76 mph across the diamond.
Simon Leclair, 1B, Plainfield Central, 2014 6-foot, 235-pound, strong, left-handed hitting first baseman.Offensively he has an open stance, smooth load, and short stride.Uses his lower half well, maintains quality balance with a loose swing and has a pull side approach that showed the ability to create lift. Has average bat speed as evidenced by his exit velocity off the tee at 84 mph. Showed off his power in game by hitting a homerun.At first base he showed average defensive actions to go along with a 75 mph arm.In the 60 he was clocked at 7.76.
Teddy Mills, MIF, Wilmington, 2014 6-foot-1, 160-pound, lanky infielder.Offensively, he has an open stance with a leg-kick trigger and maintained balance through the entire swing.He had an exit velocity of 68 mph off the tee, and showed the ability to make consistent contact in game action. He ran a 7.34 60. Defensively, he showcased average hands and feet. He has a loose arm action, from a ¾ slot, and throws 66 mph across the diamond.
Austin Mullins, 1B/3B, Appelton West (WI), 2014 5-foot-11, 175-pound, corner infielder.Defensively he has a long arm action, from a ¾ slot, at 72 mph.Showed typical defensive actions at both positions.He ran a 7.66 60.At the plate he had an open stance and a long stride.Showed a level to slightly uphill bat path with average bat speed, producing an exit velocity of 79 mph. During game action he showed the ability to make consistently strong contact, collecting three base hits with one double.He also swiped one bag in game action.
Brandon Popp, LHP/1B, Lake Park, 2014 5-foot-11, 170-pound two way player. Offensively hits from the left side, slightly open stance, short stride. Shows occasional whip, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 70 mph from first base. On the mound works out of a full windup, stays online with square landing. Arm action is short and loose, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball featured arm side run, showed control at 75-78 mph. Breaking ball had 11/5 tilt, 64-68 mph with the ability to throw for strikes.
Kanon Saavedra, MIF/RHP, Tinley Park, 2014 5-foot-10, 160-pound, two-way player.Offensively, he has a wide, slightly open stance with zero stride.He has a level swing that produced multiple line drive singles in the games.Off the tee he had an exit velocity of 76 mph.In the field he showed average defensive actions, and threw it 75 mph across the diamond.He also ran a 7.25 60.On the mound he threw a straight fastball in the 72-74 mph range.His slider ranged from 62-65 mph with side-spinning action.His changeup was 69-71 mph.
Matthew Saltess, INF, Palatine, 2014 5-foot-10, 180-pound infielder. Arm played at 77 mph across the diamond, above average hands, third base type. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Moderate bat speed, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee, showed some strength. 7.43 runner in the 60.
Joseph Seegers, MIF/C, Oconomowoc (WI), 2014 5-foot-8, 150-pound multi-positional player who ran a 7.12 60.In game action he used that speed to steal one base.From behind the dish he showed a clean exchange, with pop times in the 2.23-2.36 range with a velocity of 73 mph.As an infielder he showed a short arm action with an over-the-top slot.He throws across the diamond with a velocity of 75 mph.Offensively, he has a balanced setup with a short stride, and maintains balance through the swing.He showcased average bat speed and had an exit velocity of 78 mph off the tee.Swing has fluid rhythm to it and played as a contact style swing, collecting two base hits during the games.
Tanner Spoden, 1B/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2014 6-foot-1, 200-pound, strong bodied position player.Defensively, he showcased average actions, with a ¾ arm slot, and threw 76 mph.Offensively, he had a wide setup with a slight crouch, and no stride.Has average bat speed that produced an exit velocity of 85 mph.In game action he had one hit that went for extra bases.
Jake Stewart, OF/SS, St. Joseph-Ogden, 2014 5-foot-9, 140-pound, lanky, multi-positional player.On the infield he throws with a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Showed the ability to make accurate throws at 81 mph, with solid hands.He ran a 7.18 60. At the plate he has a balanced setup with a toe tap load/launch mechanism. Swing has fluid rhythm, a level and extended path, with average to above average bat speed, producing an exit velocity of 80 mph off a tee.
Michael Stone, SS, Grayslake Central, 2014 6-foot-3, 170-pound multi-positional player who ran a 6.95 60. He showcased his speed by stealing one base in game action. Offensively, he had a balanced setup with a short stride and line drive swing that made consistent contact, collecting three hits in the games.Showed above average bat speed with quality extension and produced an exit velocity of 78 mph off a tee.He showed average defensive actions in the games.He threw 66 mph across the diamond.
John Sykora, LHP/1B, St. Charles North, 2014 6-foot-1, 186-pound, left-handed two way player.Offensively, as a left-handed hitter, he showed a balanced setup with a short stride.Showed average bat speed with an exit velocity of 80 mph off the tee.Defensively he threw the ball across the diamond at 67 mph from a high ¾ arm slot.He had a 60 time of 8.06. On the mound he throws with a loose arm, from a high ¾ slot with a tall and fall delivery, with minimal effort.His fastball was 68-72 mph, touching 73 mph.
Javier Tinoco, INF, Kennedy, 2014 5-foot-8, 165-pound right handed hitting infielder. Offensively hit from an open stance, taller setup, uses short stride. Two piece swing, hits off front foot. 61 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed a 69 mph arm across the diamond with occasional accuracy. Ran an 8.04 60.
Brian Wells, RHP/SS, Richmond Burton, 2014 5-foot-11, 145-pound two way player. On the mound he works slightly across his body with a high ¾ arm slot. His fastball touched 80 mph while sitting 76-78 mph with mostly straight action. Curveball played at 63 mph while he also showed a changeup at 69-70 with slight sink. Offensively hit from an open stance, short stride. Showed occasional bat speed, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively his arm action is long from the middle of the infield and played at 71 mph.
Tyler Zunkel, SS/RHP, York, 2014 5-foot-10, 155-pound, two way player.On the infield he displayed a strong arm, throwing 80 mph with average to above average carry.He showed standard actions as a defender and ran a 7.14 60.At the plate he has an open stance with a short stride, and quality balance through the swing.The swing path was slightly uphill with solid extension and average bat speed, producing an exit velocity of 78 mph.On the mound he throws with the same long arm as in the infield, from a high ¾ slot, with a tall and fall style delivery.He showcased solid feel for his fastball, throwing it 77-80 mph, flashing 81, with sink and run action.His breaking ball had an 11/5 tilt to it in the 61-66 mph range.The changeup sat 65-68 mph.In one inning of work he had a quick 1-2-3 inning.
By Steve Nielsen Scouting Director – Illinois/Wisconsin
Todays Unsigned Senior Games positional analysis breaks down the infielders. This group features a mixed bag of infielders, including athletic middle infielders like DJ Lee (Lincoln-Way North), Ryne Elvers (Sacred Heart Griffin), and David Dugger (Rich Central). It also features strong physical corner guys like Nate Stolte (Brookfield Academy, WI) and Roger Wilson (St. Laurence).
Here’s a look at how we broke down the group of infielders.
Top Infield Prospects
1. DJ Lee, SS, Lincoln-Way North, 2014 5-foot-11, 160-pound, left-handed hitting, athletic shortstop who showed well above average foot speed running a 6.75 60. In the field displayed quick footwork, soft hands with a quick exchange, and throws with a loose arm from a high ¾ slot with solid accuracy and carry at 81 mph.In game he showed natural baseball instincts and reads.At the plate has a tall, open setup with a short stride and excellent balance. Has a line drive swing that’s fluid with a short path and above average bat speed with an exit velocity of 86 mph off the tee.In game action he showed a disciplined approach, collecting a few walks and five base hits, including a triple and using his foot speed to record a bunt for a base hit.
2. Ryne Elvers, SS/3B, Sacred Heart-Griffin, 2014 6-foot, 170-pound, strong bodied infielder.In the infield, he showcased quality hands, and the ability to throw across the diamond with solid accuracy and average to above average carry at 78 mph.In game action he showed great feel for the game by making multiple heads up plays on defense.He ran a 7.18 60. Offensively, he had a balanced setup, smooth loading action, and a short stride, with solid use of his lower half in the swing.He had an uphill path and average to above average bat speed, producing an exit velocity of 78 mph.His ability to repeat his swing allowed him to make consistent, solid contact in game action, as he collected four hits in two games, including two doubles to the pull side.
3. David Dugger, MIF/OF, Rich Central, 2014 5-foot-9, 160-pound, athletic position player who ran a 7.00 60.Offensively, he uses a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride to create a solid line drive swing that makes hard contact on a consistent basis.The swing has quality extension and bat speed, producing an exit velocity of 79 mph.On the infield he showed athletic feet with clean hands, and threw it 81 mph across the diamond, also flashing some quick twitch actions. From the outfield he throws with a long arm action, from an over-the-top slot, at 78 mph.In two games worth of at-bats he showed a solid approach, collecting 2 walks and 3 base hits. Dugger plays the game with a high motor, his energy comes out in game play with constant hustle.
4. Joshua Meyers, SS/OF, Marmion, 2014 6-foot, 177-pound athletic, multi-positional player who ran a 7.00 60. Defensively, he throws with a loose arm at 81 mph with above average carry. At the plate he has an open stance with a toe tap load and launch mechanism with a fluid, balanced swing.His bat path is uphill, with solid bat speed.Exit velocity off the tee was 83 mph.During game action he showed the ability to drive the ball on a line, including one double to the pull side gap.
5. Nate Stolte, 3B/RHP, Brookefield Academy (WI), 2014 6-foot-3, 195-pound, athletic two way player.In the field he has a loose arm that throws from a ¾ slot with accuracy and solid carry at 76 mph. His 60 time was a 7.29. Offensively, he has an open stance with a long stride. He showed average to above average bat speed with an exit velocity of 85 mph off a tee.He has a gap-to-gap swing with pull side power. In game action he showed his power by hitting one homerun to the opposite field. On the mound he has a high ¾ arm slot and a tall and fall delivery with rhythm. His fastball was 76-80 mph, flashing 82 mph once. He threw a curveball with 11/5 tilt and gradual breaking action.He also threw a straight changeup that sat 67-68 mph.
6. Roger Wilson, 1B/RHP, St. Laurence, 2014 6-foot-4, 195-pound, lanky, athletic, two way player. At the plate he has a slightly open stance with a short stride. The swing has rhythm and quality extension, with a pull approach, and above average bat speed, with an exit velocity of 87 mph. Defensively, he showed plus actions with soft hands and fluid feet around the bag. He throws with a long arm action, from a ¾ slot and showed accurate throws at 73 mph. On the mound he throws with the same long, ¾ arm action. The fastball was 81-83 mph, flashing 84 mph with occasional sinking action.His curveball was 72-74 mph, with 11/5 tilt.The changeup was 71-73 mph, with occasional sink and run.
7. Kevin Kordik, 3B/RHP, Johnsburg, 2014 6-foot-3, 195-pound, left hand hitting, athletically strong, two-way player. Defensively, he throws from an over-the-top slot, with a long arm action and solid carry at 76 mph with standard defensive actions.At the plate, he has a wide, closed off stance, with a smooth load and no stride.He showed average to above average bat speed with an exit velocity of 86 mph off a tee, as well as a swing that has quality extension. He also ran a 7.33 60. On the mound he throws with the same over-the-top arm action as in the field.He threw a straight fastball in the 75-78 mph range. His curveball was 67-71 mph with a side spinning action. The changeup he showed was 70-74 mph, with the ability to become an out pitch as he struck one hitter out with it in an inning of work.
8. Joey Holtz, MIF, Lake Zurich, 2014 Holtz is a 5-foot-9, 175-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, smooth load and short stride, showed excellent balance through contact. Showed above average bat speed, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Short path to the baseball generating some extension. Defensively showed solid infield actions, funnels the baseball to throwing hand. 72 mph arm across the diamond. Also ran the 60 in 7.16
9. Dan Brokop, 1B, Lincoln-Way West, 2014 Big bodied first baseman, 6-foot-4, 240-pounds. Showed natural actions around the bag, showed soft hands for his size, above average footwork. Arm played at 71 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride with some leg kick. Made consistent hard contact, pull side approach with lift. Well above average strength at the plate, 91 mph exit velocity from the tee.7.93 runner in the 60.
10. Joey Kukla, OF/INF, Notre Dame College Prep, 2014 Stronger build, 6-foot, 170-pound multi positional player. Showed above average foot speed running a 6.95 60. Defensively uses a long arm action, over the top slot, clocked at 78 mph from the outfield and 76 mph across the infield. Offensively hits with a toe tap stride, minimal load. Swings hard, shows effort, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Emmanuel Kwesi Amoah, MIF, Springfield, 2014 6-foot-1, 180-pound, lanky infielder.Offensively, he had a tall, open stance with a leg-kick trigger. Had an exit velocity of 63 mph off a tee. Defensively he has average actions to go along with a 72 mph arm across the diamond.He ran a 7.6 60.
Peter Angelos, SS/C, Stagg, 2014 5-foot-9, 165-pound player. On the infield he throws with a long arm, from a ¾ slot at 70 mph.Showed standard actions.At the plate he has an open stance with a short stride.His swing has solid extension with an uphill path and produced an exit velocity of 75 mph.He ran a 7.69 60.
Kyle Clark, 1B, Grayslake Central, 2014 6-foot-3, 205-pound first baseman.In the field he showed standard actions.Has a long arm with average arm strength at 73 mph.Offensively, he has a tall setup with a small leg kick and short stride.Had an uphill bat path and looks to pull the ball. Showed above average bat speed and had an exit velocity of 78 mph off a tee.He ran a 7.69 60.
Nolan Gavin, RHP/1B, Palatine, 2014 6-foot-2, 195-pound two way player. On the mound he throws from a high ¾ slot with a short arm action. Throws a straight fastball, for strikes, at 78-80 mph and touched 81 mph. His curveball has an 11/5 tilt and is 65-66 mph. His changeup was 70-71 mph. In the field, he throws with the same arm action as on the mound, with a velocity of 76 mph. At the plate he has a balanced setup with a short stride that produces a swing with average to above average bat speed.Off the tee, his exit velocity was 78 mph.He ran a 7.71 60.
Aaron Hammond, SS/RHP, Brookfield Central (WI), 2014 5-foot-11, 185-pound, two-way player.In the infield he throws from an over-the-top arm slot with a short arm action at 75 mph across the diamond.All throws were accurate, and his ball showed flashes of carry.Offensively, he had an open stance setup, smooth backward style load, with a short stride, and a balanced swing.Has a line drive type swing with average bat speed, and had an exit velocity of 83 mph off the tee.On the mound, he threw from an over-the-top slot with the same short arm action as on the infield.He threw a straight fastball at 75-76 mph.He also threw a curveball with an 11/5 tilt at 64-65 mph.
