Underclass Invitational: Pitcher Analysis

It’s almost unfair to limit the rankings of the pitchers at Underclass Invitational to a list of 10 names for the 2020 class and five for 2021's. The event was stacked with quality, next-level arms throughout. There’s no doubt that more than just the top-10 ranked below will factor into the upcoming 2020 overall rankings update as well.

Two underclassmen recorded fastball velocities at 90 mph or above: Ben Wiegman (Carmel Catholic, 2020; Louisville) and Ben Hernandez (De La Salle, 2020; Illinois-Chicago). Both showed more than just velocity, too.

Freshman Vytas Valincius (St. Laurence) also reiterated why he’s becoming one of the best 2021 prospects across the Midwest. His performance on the mound at the invite-only event stood out and he easily recorded the highest fastball velocity among his freshmen peers.

Continue reading on to see how boldly this group of arms revealed their talents.

Top 2020 Pitching Prospects

1. Ben Wiegman, RHP/INF, Carmel Catholic, 2020
Louisville commit. 6-foot-3, 205-pound, two-way prospect; muscular frame, broad shoulders and barrel chest. One of the top right-handed pitcher in the 2020 class. Lightning quick arm, works short and from a high ¾ window. Uptempo, tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands square. Fastball jumps out of the hand, late run and sink action, life through the hitting zone, sat at 90 mph, touched 91 once. Curveball, thrown with conviction, late, sharp action, 11/5 shape, 81-82 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, mostly straight, occasional arm-side-run, thrown for strikes, 81-82 mph. Ran a 6.98 laser-timed 60. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load, toe-tap stride. Fast bat, strong contact; 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles at third base. Active feet, works through the baseball, reliable hands. Ability to throw from multiple angles, plus arm strength, clocked at 90 mph across the diamond.   

2. Ben Hernandez, RHP, De La Salle, 2020
Illinois-Chicago commit. 6-foot-2, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, large frame, build has leaned out. Easy delivery, tall and fall type, repeats delivery and stays on line and balanced. Arm action is loose and easy, quick arm out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball has easy velocity, arm side run, commands the zone, clean out of the hand, sat 87-89 mph, touched 90 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape and tight spin, 71-73 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm speed, fading action with feel, 79-80 mph.

3. Eben Heine, RHP/OF, Plainfield North, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound two-way player, athletic build, strong shoulders, lean waist. Premium pitching prospect in the 2020 class. Carries a ton of presence on the mound, exudes confidence throughout session. Side step rocker leads to athletic lift that keeps hands in rhythm, lands square, moves easy down the mound. Plus arm speed, clean regular arm circle, high ¾ slot, little effort. Fastball has easy life, showed ability to command, finishes hard through the zone at 85-87 mph, topped at 88 mph. Slider is sharp on 11/5 plane, occasional downer action showing depth, has feel, 71-73 mph. Straight changeup has feel, occasional fade, 71-76 mph. RIght-handed hitter, balanced stance with leg kick stride. Long path with bat speed, gap to gap approach. 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed arm strength, 88 mph from the outfield. Actions play through with athleticism, 7.35 runner in the 60.

4. Connor Gill, RHP/OF, Oswego East, 2020
6-foot, 150-pound two-way player, lean projectable frame, projects best on the mound. Tall and fall delivery, lifts to balance point loaded at top, works on line. Arm action is quick, long draw, plunges on back side, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, gets late life through the zone, sat 86-87 mph, touched 88 mph. Curveball plays 12/6, near fastball arm speed, 69-71 mph. Straight changeup occasionally cuts, showed feel, 75-77 mph. Left-handed hitter, slightly open setup, arm-bar load, short stride. Path has slight lift, 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long and over the top, 89 mph from the outfield. Plays through with clean exchange.

5. Drew Rudsinski, RHP, Tri-Valley, 2020
6-foot-3, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, long projectable frame, long legs, high upside pitcher. Confident presence on the mound, composed. Balanced and athletic delivery, works downhill on  a line, high front side, little effort. Clean upside arm action, long loose and live, easy plus arm speed for age. Fastball is live through the zone with hard arm side run, showed ability to command, 83-84 mph, touched 85 mph. Curveball plays on 11/5 plane, sharp action, thrown with confidence, 69-72 mph. Changeup has feel, loose fastball arm action, repeats it with confidence, 76-78 mph. High ceiling follow in the 2020 class.

6. Noah DeLuga, LHP/OF, Lake Zurich, 2020
6-foot, 175-pound left/left-two way player, solid broad shouldered build, projects best on the mound. Stretch only delivery, simply lift to squared landing, minimal moving parts. Arm action draws long on backside, plays out of tight high ¾ window, loose out front with arm speed. Fastball runs late to arm side, showed ability to command, sat 85-86 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape with feel and flashed sharp action, 72-73 mph. Changeup also controls the zone, slight fading action, 74-78 mph. Showed similar arm strength defensively, 88 mph from the outfield. Aggressive through the baseball, feet and hands worked together. 7.00 runner in the 60. Hits from a balanced stance, short stride, solid balance. Bat path is short, some uphill plane, occasional late timing. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.  

7. Drew Detmers, RHP, Chatham-Glenwood, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, average build, some lower half strength. Delivery repeats, stays on line, lands square on closed toe. Arm action is loose and live, advanced arm speed, ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball showed hard run to arm side, has ability to command, 84-86 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, slurve type, fastball arm speed, 68-71 mph. Changeup runs arm side, above average feel, deceptive arm action, 73-76 mph.  

8. Dylan Wolff, RHP, Joliet West, 2020
6-foot-3, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, lean athletic frame, projects well. Tall and fall delivery, simple rocker into loose leg lift, loads at the top of balance point. little effort, lands square. Arm action has length, works quick and loose, high ¾ slot, deceptive release tough to pick up, highly projectable arm action. Fastball  is mostly straight, four seam type, occasional run, feel for the zone, sat 84 mph, touched 86 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, loose fastball arm speed, slurve type action with feel, 65-68 mph. Above average fade action on changeup, fastball arm speed, 75-76 mph.

9. Jared Novak, RHP, Benet, 2020
6-foot-4, 190-pound, right-handed pitcher, long projectable build with wide-shoulders. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands square and finishes athletically. Arm works long, loose and quick, gets extension out front and regular effort throughout. Fastball, late run and finish through the zone, thrown for strikes, sat 82-84 mph. Changeup is currently his best secondary offering; maintains arm speed, feel for the bottom of the zone, sinking action, sat at 73 mph. Curveball, gets underneath it at times, works 11/5, 67-70 mph.

10. Zach Hise, RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2020
6-foot-1, 180-pound right-handed pitcher, lanky athletic frame, young build, highly projectable. Tall and fall delivery, stays level and on-line, strong front side, lands square, balanced finish. Arm action has length, easy fast arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball is straight, controls the zone, 84-86 mph. Slider is hard and thrown with confidence, fastball similar arm speed, 78-80 mph. Curveball played 74-77 mph, hard action. Changeup occasionally cut, 72-74 mph.

10. Cooper Herold, RHP, Minooka, 2020
5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic frame. Stretch only delivery, slight drop and drive type, uptempo rhythm. Arm action is loose and live, working from a ¾ slot, little effort. Fastball plays with lively arm side run, 87-88 mph, touched 89 mph. Curveball has slurve type action, occasional feel, 68-70 mph. Changeup played at 70-74 mph, missed up at times.

TOP 2021 PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Vytas Valincius, RHP/INF, St. Laurence, 2021
6-foot-3, 235-pound, extra-large, imposing, thick lower half, two-way prospect. One of the top 2021 prospects in the Midwest. Right-handed pitcher, highly-advanced on the mound for his age; all three pitches have plus potential. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, with rhythm and some effort throughout. Short, loose, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball jumps out of the hands, arm-side-run, occasionally gets underneath, sat 84-87 mph. Curveball, maintains arm speed, tight, sharp spin, 11/5 shape, depth, thrown for strikes, 75-78 mph. Changeup, gets sink and run, swing-and-miss type of offering, feel, 76-77 mph. Also, one of the top 2021 bats in the class. Right-handed hitter, has advanced pop in his bat; registered a 94 mph exit velocity from a tee. Creates well above-average bat speed for his age, flashed strong contact and pull power. Path has inconsistencies but seems to find the barrel often. Starts from a balanced, wide setup, smooth load and short stride. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder; moves well for size. Sure hands, plays through the baseball and shuffles through release. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws flashed carry at 82 mph. 7.71 runner in the 60.

2. Adam Dowler, LHP/1B, Oswego East, 2021
6-foot-3, 200-pound, two-way prospect, strong, athletically built, two-way prospect. Emerged as a high-follow 2021 left-handed pitcher. Works from the stretch-only, smooth rhythm, strong front-side and repeats well given size and age. Short, quick arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed hard, late arm-side-run at times, thrown for strikes, sat 81-82 mph. Curveball, maintains arm speed, feel, sharp action, tight spin, worked 1/7, 71-73 mph. Changeup, inconsistent action, 74-78 mph. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced setup, loads hands, short heel-lift stride. Long, level bat path, strong contact at times; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, clean exchange, feel around the bag. Loose arm action, throws clocked at 77 mph across the diamond. 7.79 runner in the 60.

3. Nick Demarco, INF/RHP, St. Charles North, 2021
5-foot-10, 180-pound, strong build, wide-shouldered, two-way prospect. Emerged at the event as a high-follow 2021 two-way talent. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth knee-knock load and hits from a sturdy base. Simple swing and hands work well; loose, quick and strong, creates advanced bat speed for age. Path works uphill, consistently finds the barrel, mainly worked gap-to-gap but flashed pull power as well. 85 mph exit velocity. High-ceiling with the bat. Defensively, moves well for size; light on his feet at times. Soft hands, flashes actions, occasionally pats through release. Loose, strong arm from a high ¾, throws were accurate and topped at 83 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, athletic delivery, repeatable and works on-line. Clean, loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, works mostly straight, occasional cut, sat 81-83 mph, touched 84. Curveball, potential plus pitch in the future; thrown aggressively, good feel, 11/5 shape, depth and tight spin, 71-72 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, thrown for strikes, mostly straight, sink at times, 72-78 mph.

4. Daniel Flores, LHP, East Leyden, 2021
6-foot, 170-pound, loose-bodied, left-handed pitcher. Uptempo, full wind up, tall and fall delivery, works fast and with confidence, lands square and falls off towards third base side. Arm works loose and quick from a high ¾ slot with regular effort throughout. Fastball, thrown for strikes, flashed arm-side-run, sat 80-82 mph. Changeup is best secondary offering, maintains arm speed, feel, 70-74 mph. Slider sat 71-74 mph.  

5. Jack Bruington, LHP/1B, Plainfield South, 2021
6-foot, 180-pound, two-way prospect with a strong lower half. Left-handed pitcher, slight drop and drive delivery, stays closed down the mound, strong front side, lands square and on-line. Arm works loose and quick out of a high ¾ window with minimal effort throughout. Fastball, inconsistent action and command, 79-81 mph, touched 82. Curveball, short 12/6 break, sharp spin, 69-74 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, power, sinking action, 75-77 mph. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced setup, stride varied, mostly long, leg-lift trigger and fluid rhythm. Aggressive swing and long bat path; 84 mph exit velocity. At first base, sure hands, clean transfer, short, loose arm action and throws clocked at 79 mph across the infield. 7.94 runner in the 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Cole Anderson, LHP, St. Laurence, 2020
6-foot-1, 165 pound, athletic, long limbed left handed pitcher. Works only in stretch, tall and fall delivery, directionally in line with square landing towards home, smooth rhythm. High ¾ arm slot, long and loose arm action, quick out front, some effort involved. Fastball, slight run, sat 79-81 mph. Curveball, gradual 10/4 break, ranged 64-66 mph. Slider, 1/7 shape, ranged from 70-73 mph. Changeup, flashed some fade, ranged 67-70 mph.

Ryan Auer, LHP, Neuqua Valley, 2020
6-foot-4, 165-pound left-handed pitcher, lean projectable frame. Delivery is easy with direction, short stride, smooth actions. Arm is long and loose, over the top slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 77-78 mph, showed feel. Curveball and slider have similar actions, curveball drops for strikes, 65-66 mph, slide expands zone at times, 67-68 mph.

Michael Bernas, LHP, Brother Rice, 2021
5-foot-7, 135 pound left handed pitcher, athletic build. Tall and fall delivery, with some effort and rhythm, finishes athletically, closed to the plate.  At a high ¾ arm slot, garners a short and loose arm action throughout. Fastball showed arm side sink, ranged from 71-73 mph. Curveball, 1/7 in shape, flashes sharp break when arm speed is maintained, ranged from 59-61 mph. Changeup, showed straight movement, ranged 61-65 mph.

Connor Best, RHP, Coal City, 2020
6-foot-2, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, large build, strong lower half. Short rocker step into leg lift, directional landing on closed toe. Arm action is short, over the top slot, some effort, above average arm strength. Fastball is straight, four seam type, worked top of zone, 84-86 mph, topped at 87 mph. Slider is near fastball arm speed, 11/5 shape, 70-77 mph. Straight changeup has feel , near fastball arm speed, 75-77 mph.

Mathew Birtman, LHP, Deerfield, 2020
5-foot-9, 145 pound left handed pitcher, small, lanky build. Tilt and topple delivery, crunches at balance point, maintains some rhythm, consistent landing and finishes square to the plate. High ¾ arm angle, quick arm speed and short arm action. Fastball sat at 81-82 mph, topped at 83 mph. Slider, showed sweeping action with 1/7 break, sat 73-74 mph. Changeup, showed sink and occasional cut, near fastball arm speed, at 72-75 mph.

Vince Borrelli, RHP, Andrew, 2020
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed pitcher. Delivery loads at top with slight hip turn, in rhythm, regular effort. Arm action is long, arm strength present, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed run to arm side, 83-85 mph. Curveball works 12/6, 62-65 mph, occasional deceleration. Changeup sinks, showed feel, 73-75 mph.

Parker Bradford, RHP, East Peoria, 2020
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, wide shoulder, lean athletic frame. Delivery starts in wide setup, forward rocker, loads top of balance point, rotational through release into tall finish, occasional recoil. Arm action is loose and short, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run to arm side, 80-83 mph. Curveball has gradual action on 11/5 plane, 64-67 mph. Changeup played 68-71 mph.

Mason Burns, RHP, Normal Community, 2020
6-foot-2, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, long lean frame, that projects, wide shoulders, thin waist through hips. Easy tall and fall delivery, works online, smooth in rhythm. Arm action is quick, high ¾ slot, easy arm speed projects. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam type, 81-84 mph. Curveball works sharply on 11/5 plane, fastball arm speed, has feel and depth, 68-70 mph. Changeup has arm side run and sink, 79-81 mph.

Cole Collander, RHP/1B, Oswego East, 2021
6-foot-1, 180 pound, strong two way prospect. On the mound, right handed thrower, tall and fall delivery, in line directionally, lands slightly closed to home. Short, loose arm action, quick arm speed, over the top lot, some effort involved. Fastball, slight run, ranged from 76-81 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, showed feel, ranged 65-68 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, sat 71-73. At the plate, balanced setup, short stride, long, slightly uphill bat path, exit velocity 85 mph off a tee. Defensively, short loose arm action, over the top slot, threw 73 mph across. Ran a 7.94 60.

Ernie Day, RHP/SS, Taft, 2020
5-foot-11, 178 pound, athletic, wide shouldered, two way prospect. On the mound, right handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, level shoulders, in line directionally, closed landing, athletic finish, smooth rhythm throughout. Loose, short arm action, quick arm speed, high ¾ arm slot, easy effort, repeatable. Fastball, straight, sat 81-83 mph. Slider, 1/7 in shape, fastball arm speed, flashed sharp break, 67-70 mph. Changeup, occasional cut, ranged from 73-76 mph. Offensively, right handed hitter, balanced, wide setup, short stride, back load. Long bat path, quick bat speed, pull side tendency, exit velocity topped 87 mph off a tee. Defensively, steady hands, loose arm action, high ¾ arm slot, accurate. Throws topped 82 mph across.  Ran a 7.72 60.

Jordan Donato, C/RHP, Triad, 2021
5-foot-10, 150-pound, two-way prospect, athletic build. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, toe-tap stride and high back elbow. Long bat path, 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Behind the plate, quick feet, active out of the crouch, quick release and throws clocked at 71 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 2.18-2.37. 7.89 runner in the 60. On the mound, smooth delivery, works down the hill, stays on-line and lands square with regular effort throughout. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot and gets extension out front at times. Fastball arm-side action at times, thrown for strikes, 74-78 mph. Curveball, maintains arm speed, tight spin at times, some feel, 11/5 shape, 63-67 mph. Slider, similar action to curveball, 62-66 mph.

Blake Donnan, RHP, Taylorville, 2020
6-foot-4, 205-pound, right-handed pitcher, strong, wide-shouldered, powerful frame. Drop and drive delivery, lands closed with regular effort throughout. Short, loose and quick arm action from a high ¾ window. Fastball showed heavy run and sink action, sat 80-82 mph, touched 83. Cutter, thrown aggressively, short, tight break at times, 10/4 shape, ranged between 72-79 mph. Changeup sat 66-70 mph.

George Evangelopoulos, LHP/1B, Stagg, 2021
6-foot, 150 pound, long, athletically built, left handed hitting, two way prospect. On the mound, left handed thrower, tilt and topple delivery, good balance point, in line directionally, square landing, athletic finish. Short, loose arm action, quick arm speed, seamless effort, high ¾ arm slot. Three pitch feel; Fastball, showed run in the zone, ranged 77-78 mph, topped 80 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, sharp break, maintains arm speed, in the zone at 70-71 mph. Changeup, faded, ranged 70-72 mph. At the plate, athletic, crouched setup, back bar load, short stride. Level bat path, middle/opposite field approach, exit velocity topped 78 mph off a tee. Ran a 7.36 laser timed 60.

Nolan Fasel, RHP, Andrew, 2020
6-foot-5, 155-pound, extremely long and lean right-handed pitcher. Plenty of room for continued physical development. Slow, repeatable delivery, works on-line, lands square with some effort throughout. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball slight arm-side-run, 77-78 mph. Curveball, feel, 11/5 shape, sat 67-69 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed at times, flashed cut, 69-70 mph.

Jack Feely, RHP, Normal University, 2020
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall type delivery with minimal effort, works easily on line, little wasted movements, lands square. Arm action is long, works from a ¾ slot. Fastball showed slight arm side run, sat 84-85 mph, well above average arm strength for age, occasionally underneath the baseball. Curveball played 11/5, stayed mostly to arm side, 70-71 mph. Changeup sits 77-80 mph, arm side action with sink, above average feel.

Ben Gerl, LHP/1B, Lincoln-Way West, 2020
5-foot-11, 163 pound, two way prospect. On the mound, left handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, closed landing, finishes with slight recoil. Short, loose arm action, quick arm speed, high ¾ arm slot, regular effort throughout.  Fastball, late run, in the zone, ranged from 80-83 mph. Curveball, 12/6 early break, ranged 60-63 mph. Slider, 1/7 shape, sat 65-67 mph. Changeup, slight fade, shows feel, ranged 69-71 mph. At the plate, left handed hitter, wide, balanced setup, short stride. Level bat path, can get long, line drive type, exit velocity topped 93 mph off a tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, threw 78 mph acoss. Ran a 7.96 60.

Alec Gonzalez, INF/RHP, Mount Carmel, 2020
Recent Tennessee commit. 6-foot-1, 188-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect, strong lower half. One of the top 2020 prospects in Illinois. Defensively, plays with moxie and confidence; athletic actions, soft, sure hands, maintains body control on the move and plays through the baseball. Short, loose, strong arm, throws carry and topped at 88 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, athletic, balanced setup in the box, smooth load, leg-lift timing trigger and maintains balance through contact. Fluid rhythm, fast bat, gets extension through contact and works gap-to-gap. 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran a 7.34 laser-timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, short rocker step into drop and drive delivery, works on-line. Short, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, sat 84-86 mph, touched 87. Curveball 11/5 shape, slurve action at times, tight spin, 71-72 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, straight action, 74-79 mph.

Austin Greco, RHP/OF, Mundelein, 2020
5-foot-10, 160-pound two-way player, strong muscular build. On the mound delivery is simple and repeatable, balanced finish. Arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed ability to control the zone, late run to arm side at times, 83-85 mph. Curveball plays 11/5 shape, 70-73 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, near fastball arm speed, 74-78 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short lift stride, good balance. Strong quick twitch actions at the plate, compact simple swing, little effort, level path. Contact worked the middle of the field, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively shows plus arm strength for age, 90 mph from the outfield. 7.02 runner in the 60.

Tommy Heideman, LHP, Normal Community, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound left-handed pitcher, average build some strength. Uptempo delivery with direction, regular effort. Arm action is loose and clean, high ¾ slot. Fastball slightly runs arm side, 78-80 mph. Curveball rolls on 1/7 plane, 61-65 mph. Changeup has slight fade action, occasional arm decel, 68-71 mph.

Drew Henrikson, RHP, Rochester, 2020
5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, solid build, strong lower half. Tall and fall delivery works slightly to the open side. Slinging arm action plays from a ¾ slot. Fastball runs and sinks to arm side, 81-82 mph, touches 83 mph. Showed two breaking balls, curveball has feel for the zone, 70-73 mph. Slider is more slurve type action, 73-75 mph, ¾ slot.   

Johnny Kubin, RHP, Marist, 2020
6-foot-1, 205-pound right-handed pitcher, solid build. Drop and drive style delivery, works in line with effort, finishes first base side. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot. Fastball worked 82-83 mph. Slider plays 11/5, flashed sharp action, fastball arm speed, 66-70 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm speed, 70-73 mph.

William Le Pretre, RHP, De La Salle, 2020
5-foot-10, 130 pound, small, athletic, right handed pitcher. Repeatable, tall and fall delivery, shoulders level, in line directionally and lands square to the plate. Short arm action with a high ¾ slot, regular effort throughout. Fastball, showed some run, ranged from 77-80 mph, topped at 81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 in shape, gradual action, ranged 69-72 mph. Changeup, maintains fastball arm speed, sat 74-76 mph.  

Pedro Martinez, RHP, Minooka, 2020
5-foot-11, 143 pound, lanky right handed pitcher. Drop and drive delivery, shoulders slightly uphill, directionally in line towards home, occasionally falls off at finish. Throws with some rhythm and regular effort, over the top arm slot, quick arm, can be long at times. Fastball has slight run, sat 78-79 mph, topped at 80. Curveball has 12/6 shape, maintains arm speed, sat 70-71 mph. Changeup, slight sink, sat 68-70 mph.

Dax Meyer, RHP, Willowbrook, 2020
6-foot-2, 205-pound right-handed pitcher, sloped shoulders, thick build. Drop and drive rotational delivery, lands closed on flexed front side. Arm action is long and loose, quick arm, ¾ slot. Fastball plays heavy with arm side run and sink, 81-83 mph. Slider plays 10/4, 69-71 mph. Fastball arm action on changeup, fades to arm side, 76-77 mph.  

Emmett Olson, LHP, Maine West, 2020
6-foot-4, 210-pound, extra-large, left-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands square and recoils on finish. Short, loose, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, straight action, sat 81-82 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, depth at times, 61-67 mph. Changeup, lowers arm slot, 70-73 mph.

Brian Rapanan, C/INF/RHP, Warren, 2021
5-foot-7, 150-pound, multi-positional prospect. Highly-advanced defensive catcher. Athletic, quick footwork, clean transfer, works on-line and repeatable. Soft hands, flexible and agile behind the plate. Strong arm for age; 76 mph from the crouch. Accurate throws consistently around the bag and pop times ranged between 1.97-2.05. Also, worked out on the infield. Athletic actions, sure hands, ranges well to both sides, maintains body control. Athletic, loose arm action and throws topped at 80 mph across the diamond. 8.00 runner in the 60. At the plate, right-handed hitter, loose, athletic swing. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance throughout. Stays short the baseball, feel for the barrel and line-drive approach; 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, fluid rhythm, highly repeatable and works on-line. Loose arm action, clean arm swing and comes out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball thrown for strikes, arm-side-run at times, sat 78-80 mph. Cutter, fastball arm speed, 10/4 action, 74-76 mph. Changeup, feel, down in the zone, 71-73 mph. Also, featured a curveball, 11/5 shape, 66-70 mph.

Alex Rodriguez, RHP, Bradley-Bourbonnais, 2020
6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, lean frame, long legs, slender build. Delivery is athletic, squared landing, level shoulders. Arm action is short and loose, clean path, high ¾ slot. Fastball is straight, above average control of the zone, 80-82 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, fastball arm speed, has feel, 67-71 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, 69-72 mph.

Alex Rohrer, RHP, Andrew, 2020
6-foot-4, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, long and lean. Stretch only delivery, deliberate actions, loads at top, swings into open toe landing. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, showed control, 79-82 mph. Curveball plays 11/5 gradual action, 71-74 mph. Changeup 73-74 mph.

Joel Sarver, RHP/INF, Champaign Central, 2020
6-foot-1, 160-pound, athletically built, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. Right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, works on-line, lands square with regular effort throughout. Arm short and quick out of a high ¾ window. Fastball thrown for strikes, flashed late run, sat 82-84 mph. Changeup, sink and fade action, 73-75 mph. Curveball, thrown aggressively, flashed sharp biting action, especially from the stretch, 11/5 shape, 73-74 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open, narrow setup, long stride and average balance through contact. Long, level bat path, flashed bat strength and line-drive approach; 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, fluid footwork, can play on the move, fundamentally sound on the backhand and flashed soft hands. Short arm action, throws carry at times, 79 mph across the diamond. 7.51 runner in the 60.

Christopher Seropian, LHP/OF, St. Laurence, 2020
6-foot, 165-pound left/left two-way player, lean slender build, profiles best on the mound. Delivery has some rhythm, hands work together with leg lift, loads balance position works directional to closed toe landing. Arm action is long, over the top slot. Fastball plays with slight arm side run, showed some feel around the zone, 76-77 mph, touched 78 mph. Curveball has feel, 12/6 action 63-65 mph. Slider is similar to curveball in action and velocity, 64-65 mph. Straight changeup has control, 72-74 mph. Hits from a wide setup, long stride. Path is long and fluid, opposite field contact. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long, 79 mph from the outfield, actions played through the baseball at times. 7.53 runner in the 60.

Rohan B Shah, RHP/INF, Lyons Township, 2020
6-foot-2, 165 pound, lanky, athletically built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right handed pitcher, stretch only, drop and drive delivery, good balance, in line directionally, lands slightly closed, athletic finish, smooth rhythm. Long, loose, quick arm action, ¾ arm slot, some effort involved. Fastball, showed run, sat 83-85 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, ranged 67-70 mph. Changeup, slight fade, ranged 70-74 mph. At the plate, right handed hitter, balanced setup, short leg kick, pre-pitch load, maintains balance throughout. Short, slightly uphill bat path, fluid rhythm, flashed bat speed, exit velocity 89 mph off tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, steady hands, loose arm action, throws topped 83 mph across. Ran a 7.12 laser timed 60.

Eddie Spoelman, RHP, Illiana Christian, 2020
6-foot-3, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, long lean frame, , loose live body, projectable build. Delivery is smooth, tall and fall type, easy effort. Arm action is short and loose, quick arm, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, 82-84 mph. Curveball plays 12/6, sharp action, fastball arm speed, showed feel for the zone, 67-70 mph with depth. Straight changeup, 75-78 mph.

Aidan Stewart, 3B/RHP, Marian Catholic, 2020
6-foot-4, 164-pound, highly-projectable, long limbed, two-way prospect; plenty of room for continued physical development. High-ceiling 2020 prospect on the mound and as an infielder. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open, balanced setup, smooth load and stride gets back to even. Fluid rhythm, loose, athletic hands, creates easy bat speed. Repeatable swing, level bat path through the zone, worked the middle of the field and 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, easy, fluid, athletic actions. Maintains body control on the move, soft hands and clean release. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped at 82 mph across the diamond. 7.68 runner in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, slow paced delivery, works on-line and finishes athletically. Projectable arm action; works long, loose with some quickness out front. Fastball, arm-side-run, sat 83-84 mph. Slider had curveball action, 11/5 shape, sat 67-69 mph.

Jacob Sullivan, RHP, Brother Rice, 2020
6-foot-1, 160 pound right handed pitcher, average, lanky build. Tall and fall delivery, some rhythm, cross bodied landing, tends to fall off at finish. High ¾ arm slot, loose arm action, quick arm speed, some effort involved. Fastball, showed slight run, sat 77-80 mph. Slider, 10/4 in shape, pulls to glove side, ranged from 70-73 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, sat 72-74 mph.

Logan Tabeling, RHP, Tuscola, 2020
5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, average build. Delivery works from glove side of the mound, loads into balance point, lands square. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, little effort. Fastball runs well to arm side, 82-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, occasionally sharp, throws with confidence and feel, 72-74 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, ranged 73-78 mph.

Will Tenuta, RHP, Sandburg, 2020
6-foot, 155 pound, athletically built, projectable right handed pitcher. Repeatable, tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm,  shoulders slightly uphill, works in line directionally, square landing and athletic finish. Over the top arm angle, quick and fluid arm speed, short and loose arm action, easy effort, good tempo throughout. Fastball, straight, in the zone, sat 80-81 mph. Curveball, 10/4 in shape, gradual movement, ranged 66-70 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, in the zone with sink, ranged 74-77 mph.

Kyle Walter, RHP, Minooka, 2021
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, long gangly frame, large hands. Drop and drive type delivery, regular effort. Arm action is long and loose, ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, has feel for zone with ability to control, 81-82 mph. Curveball played 64-67 mph, 11/5 shape. Changeup is thrown with some arm speed, 69-70 mph.

Kyle Washington, SS/RHP, Jacobs, 2021
5-foot-9, 130 pound, switch hitting, right handed throwing, two way prospect. At the plate, showed better from the right side; tall, balanced setup, smooth load, leg kick trigger. Short, loose swing, level bat path, good extension and present bat speed. Exit velocity 78 mph off a tee from the right side. From the left side, path works longer and more uphill, exit velocity topped 70 mph off a tee. Defensively, clean exchange, long, loose arm action, high ¾ arm slot, showed some accuracy, throws topped 76 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.46 60 yard dash. On the mound, tall and fall delivery, directionally in line, slightly open landing, smooth rhythm throughout. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot; Fastball, straight, sat 79-81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, maintains arm speed, ranged 64-67 mph. Changeup ranged from 63-69 mph.

Ryan Weaver, P/INF, Cary Grove, 2021
6-foot-1, 165 pound, lanky, two way prospect. On the mound, left handed thrower, tall and fall delivery, directionally in line, square landing, some rhythm involved. Long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, regular effort throughout. Fastball, slight run, sat 75-77 mph. Curveball, 1/7 in shape, sat 65-67 mph. Changeup ranged 65-68 mph. At the plate, left handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth back load, short toe tap trigger. Long bat path, slightly uphill, exit velocity topped 82 mph off a tee. Defensively, left handed first baseman, fluid hands, high ¾ arm slot, threw 78 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.81 60 yard dash.

John Zimmermann, LHP/OF, Metea Valley, 2021
5-foot-11, 175-pound left-handed throwing two-way player, strong lower half. Tall and fall type delivery with little effort and balanced finish. Arm action is loose and clean, short draw, high ¾ slot. Fastball runs on occasion, 75-76 mph, topped at 78 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, 61-63 mph. Changeup fades, 71-73 mph. Right-handed hitter, open setup, leg kick trigger, short path, 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm works at 79 mph from the outfield, high ¾. 7.61 runner in the 60, showed ability to play through the baseball.

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