By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

Good middle infielders are hard to find. But in Illinois, there are still several high-quality 2015 prospects on the board. Here’s an in-depth look at eight of the top uncommitted middle infielders in Illinois’ 2015 class:

1. Jordan Hovey, MIF, Edwardsville HS
6-foot, 175-pound middle infielder currently ranked No. 55 in Illinois’ class of 2015. Impressed at the PBR Illinois Top Prospect Showcase in June with bat and defensive skills at shortstop.  Hits from a left-handed, balanced setup with a short stride, hitting off his backside with a gap-to-gap approach, producing 84 mph exit velocity.  Defensively plays through the baseball with soft hands and average carry across the infield with accuracy up to 82 mph.  Lacks elite side-to-side quickness, but surprised in running a 6.95 60, so does not lack for athleticism.  On the mound, utilizes a slow, deliberate delivery firing fastballs from 81-84 with a long high ¾ arm action.  74-77 mph slider backed up at times, and also showed sweeping action.  74 mph changeup was best secondary offering, with late action and arm side run thrown at fastball arm speed.

2. Dylan Grady, INF, Champaign Centennial HS
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder impressed at the PBR Illinois Top Prospect Showcase in June during on-field batting practice, back-spinning line drives from a wide balanced setup with a short stride and short level bat path, producing exit velocity up to 87 mph.  Defensively, showed quality middle infield actions playing through the baseball with soft hands.  Threw 85 across the diamond from long, loose high ¾ arm action, winding up at times.  Ran a 7.12 60. Currently ranked No. 56 in Illinois’ 2015 class. ...