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Underclass Invitational Showcase: Pitching Analysis

February 8, 2014

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Wisconsin/Illinois

The January Underclass Invitational Showcase was one of the best overall showings of young talent that this event has seen. After reviewing player videos, notes and stats we have compiled our lists of top positional players which we will unveil all week.

The pitchers were impressive to say the least, a trio of big arms highlight the top of the list. We’ve seen RHP Brenden Heiss three times over the span of a month and every time he has been equally impressive. This time Heiss reached his highest velocity touching 92 mph on his first pitch. Sitting 90-91 mph Heiss has incredible arm strength for his age with the potential to have a plus fastball. RHP Drake Fellows, who is the No.1 prospect in the state, showed how easily his arm works. In the middle of basketball season the 6-foot-5, 185-pound righty sat 85-86 mph with almost no effort. Notre Dame commit, RHP Anthony Holubecki, rounded out the trio of flame throwers sitting 89-90 mph every pitch.

Here’s a look at the top pitching prospects.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Brenden Heiss, RHP, Jacobs HS, 2016
One of the premier power arms in Midwest, if not nation. Athletic 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame, wide shoulders, proportional strength. Set Illinois Underclass Invitational five-year record by topping out at 92 mph. Fastball sat 90-91 mph throughout bullpen session with late arm-side life. Advanced arm speed, long, loose, athletic arm action, high ¾ slot, ball explodes out of hand. Achieves velocity without much effort; likely more in tank. Secondary stuff consists of palm ball and changeup. Palm ball has sharp, erratic action – some have more slider/slurve action, 11/5 steep break; others had late 12/6 dive – either way, pitch ranged between 70-72 mph and has true swing-and-miss potential at next level. Throws pitch with conviction. Changeup ranged between 76-78 mph, has tendency to slow down arm action and get underneath pitch. In all, Heiss should quickly become one of the most coveted right-handed pitching prospects in Midwest. Electric overall stuff.

2. Drake Fellows, RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2016
In basketball season, threw one of his first bullpens of the year, working at 70%. No. 1 2016 prospect in the state. Excellent frame, 6-foot-5, 185-pound frame, long limbs, highly projectable. Easy delivery, fluid, works online, front side coils, shoulders stay closed, athletic finish. Arm is loose, easy effort, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat easy 84-86 mph, heavy action, showed command, late finish. Slider has sweep, 10/4 action, excellent feel, 73-74 mph. Change up flashed sink, 72-76 mph. Fellows is a Vanderbilt commit. In one of his first preseason bullpens Fellows worked easily with little effort. There is a lot more in the tank for Fellows and we will be sure to follow his first varsity season this spring with the Hiltoppers.

3. Anthony Holubecki, RHP, Kaneland, 2016
Long thin athletic frame, long legs, 6-foot-3, 190-pound right handed pitcher, typical pitchers frame, projects well. Works from the stretch only, up tempo delivery, high ¾ arm slot, loose arm action advanced arm speed. Lively fastball sat 89-90 mph every pitch. Breaking ball showed signs of improvement, slider sat 67-69 mph, some decelerated arm action but increased action. Action worked between 11/5 and 10/4 tilt, occasionally showed well above average depth. Changeup flashed arm side run, 74-76 mph, looks to have more confidence. Notre Dame commit, one of the top prospects in the region, electric arm with high potential.

4. Brady Huffman, RHP, Genoa-Kingston HS, 2016
High-level right-handed pitching prospect. Highly projectable, wiry 6-foot-2, 160-pound frame, long legs and arms, plenty of room to physically develop. Arm works quickly and cleanly with little effort, high-3/4 slot, short arm action, athletic delivery, repeats well. Throws three pitches with confidence and for strikes. Fastball sat 85-86 mph, all strikes, with late life; more velocity to come as he physically develops. Curveball is advanced pitch; 71-73 mph with sharp, late 12/6 bite; throws pitch with conviction, commands pitch. Throws changeup in 73-75 range with similar arm action of fastball, keeps pitch knees and below. As Huffman grows into frame and physically develops, he has potential to become high-level pitching prospect in Midwest.

5. Joe Santoro, OF/SHP, Carmel Catholic, 2016
5-foot-10, 165-pound, athletic, left handed hitting, two way player. He is a unique prospect who pitches effectively with both arms. Defensively showed athletic actions, solid hands, and quick, fluid footwork. Arm works long and loose, from a high ¾ slot with accuracy and solid carry at 87 mph. Ran a 7.26 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance with smooth loading action, short stride, and quality balance through contact. Swing is solid with above average bat speed and barrel whip. Showcased power from gap-to-gap. Exit velocity was 94 mph off a tee. On the mound he throws with both his left arm and right arm. As a LHP, his delivery has smooth rhythm and easy effort. Arm works long and loose from a high ¾ slot. Showed feel for his fastball, sitting 82-84 mph with running action. Throws a slider from a lower arm slot at 73-74 mph with soft action. Changeup was 70-72 mph with cut. As a RHP his delivery is rhythmic and easy. Arm works long and loose from a high ¾ slot. Showed feel for his fastball, sitting 82-83 mph with solid arm side run. Throws a true curveball with 11/5 shape, quality depth, and sharp bite at 64-71 mph. Changeup was 69-70 mph.

6. Austin Galindo, RHP/OF, Normal University, 2016
6-foot-6, 220-pound two-way player, advanced frame, broad shoulders, partially filled out. Galindo has a big arm making it hard not to project him on the mound. His delivery lacks some timing but arm is quick and long, working out of a ¾ arm slot. Fastball showed run, topped out at 88 mph, sat between 83-85 mph. Curveball shows sweeping action on 11/5 plane, flat action, 68-70 mph, could be better suited for a slider. Changeup sits 70-72 mph, touched 76, down in the zone, little action. Offensively hits out of a slightly crouched setup. Bat shows power, likes to lift the baseball, posted 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a long arm action from a ¾ slot, similar to that on the mound. Fields the ball deep with slight hesitations, 7.26 runner in the 60.

8. Brandon Petersen, LHP, Waubonsie Valley, 2016
Advanced physical make up for age, wide shoulders, strong lower half. 6-foot-2, 220-pound left handed pitcher. Athletic delivery, up tempo, works on line, athletic finish. Arm works quickly, loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball has finishes with a slightly heavy feel, 78-81 mph. Curveball shows excellent potential, tight hard action, thrown with conviction, highly aggressive, 70-72 mph, fastball arm action. Changeup also thrown aggressively with fastball arm action, sinking action thrown for strikes, advanced feel. Peterson’s secondary stuff has plus potential due to his aggressive arm action. One of the top left handed pitchers in the state Peterson should be a highly coveted prospect in his class.

7. Reese Dolan, RHP, Mundelein, 2016
Athletic build, some physicality, 6-foot-3, 175-pound right handed pitcher, excellent frame. Delivery is athletic, works with rhythm, some effort. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, regular action, quick arm speed, will develop more velocity. Fastball flashes sink, showed well above average control, 81-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, showed sharp biting action, thrown aggressively, showed control at 69-70 mph, advanced pitch for age. Straight changeup, at 75-78 mph, showed some control, lacks conviction. Dolan is a highly athletic right handed pitcher who should see steady growth over the next several years due to his athleticism and arm speed.

9. Jack Bellinger, RHP, Schaumburg, 2016
Advanced frame, athletic make up, 6-foot-4, 200-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery works well, on line and shows repeatability. Loose arm action with quickness, high ¾ arm slot, occasional short arm. Fastball velocity varied, pitched at 79-82 mph, touched both 85 and 86 mph once. Changeup has feel, above average sinking action, 70-73 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 66-69 mph. Also featured a slider, 69-74 mph. Bellinger has a high ceiling with above average arm speed and frame, improved timing in his delivery could see more 85-86 mph fastballs.

10. Jacob Nagel, RHP, Bolingbrook, 2016
Advanced frame, long limbs. 6-foot-4, 180-pound right handed pitcher with projection. Deliberate delivery, works directionally, high ¾ slot, long loose arm action, regular effort. Fastball has slight arm side run, 81-82 mph, shows control of the zone. Curveball has 11/5 shape, well above average feel for the zone, 69-70 mph. Changeup showcased fading action, near fastball arm speed. 70-72 mph. Nagel has solid feel for the strike zone. His delivery repeats himself well for his size, as he matures and gets more accustomed to his body a more athletic delivery and added velocity could be in his future.

11. Tyler Hankins, LHP, South Elgin, 2016
Extremely large frame, long limbs, lanky, slender build. 6-foot-8, 190-pound left handed pitcher, highly projectable frame. Delivery shows above average athleticism and coordination for size. Arm played long and loose, again with advanced athleticism and coordination. Works from a ¾ slot with little effort. Fastball featured sink with occasional run, found the zone regularly at 75-77 mph. Breaking ball flashed occasional sweep, tends to get underneath, creates side spin, 63-66 mph, arm slot suggest to be a slider guy. Throws straight changeup, showed well above average feel, flashed arm side action, showed control at 72-73 mph.

12. Jack Molnar, OF/RHP, Fremd HS, 2016
Athletic, projectable 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame, long limbs, plenty of room to physically develop. High-level tool set with considerable upside. Offensively, hits from balanced setup, advanced rhythm and timing for age. Loose, athletic hands, level path, bat stays flat through zone for long time, bat speed present, creates barrel whip and gets extension after contact. Maintains balance throughout, quiet, repeatable swing; should acquire more power as he physically develops. Has potential to become high-level right-handed hitter. Defensively, shows true outfield actions, moves with fluidity and purpose, fields ball in rhythm, works downhill, athletic footwork. Clocked at 86 mph from outfield, ball stays on line, accurate. Ran a 7.28 60. Also showed potential on mound. Athletic arm, works free and easily, high-3/4 slot, repeats delivery, three-pitch command.  Fastball ranged between 80-81 out of windup; 78-79 from stretch, all strikes. More velocity should come. Curveball has potential to be very good pitch. Throws pitch with conviction, tight spin, sharp downward action, commands pitch for strikes in 68-70 range. Changeup ranged between 73-74 mph, strikes, little action. 

13. Phillip Swartz, RHP/OF, Champaign Central, 2016
6-foot-1, 190-pound two-way player, build shows strength, projects better on the mound. Delivery is smooth with regular effort, high ¾ arm slot, long loose arm action. Shows feel for three pitches. Fastball features well above average run, showed the ability to command the pitch, 81-82 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, excellent action, flashed sharp bite, 69-72 mph. Changeup has advanced arm side action, throws with near fastball arm speed, 74-75 mph. Offensively hits from an athletic setup, short lift and replace stride, minimal action in lower half. Strong handed swing, bat path has some length, work uphill, strong swing with bat speed. 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. In the outfield uses a long high ¾ arm action, 78 mph from the crow hop. 7.62 runner.

14. Alec Barger, OF/RHP, Central, 2016
6-foot, 160-pound athletic two-way player who projects well. Showcased advanced foot speed, running a 7.06 60. Foot speed and athleticism translated well defensively as he showed quality footwork, soft hands and athletic movements to and through the baseball. Arm works long and loose from a high ¾ slot at 85 mph with accuracy and carry. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance, smooth loading action and a short stride. Showed an advanced approach at the plate. Swing is strong with advanced bat speed. Exit velocity was 84 mph off the tee. On the mound his delivery has some rhythm with clean lines and athletic finish. Arm works quick and loose from a high ¾ slot. Fastball 80-81 mph, flashing 82 mph with slight running action, for strikes. Showed advanced feel for his curveball. Has 11/5 shape, quality depth and late, sharp bite, sitting 64-67 mph. Changeup was 70-75 mph with arm side run.

15. Hank Christie, RHP/OF, Oak Park-River Forest, 2016
6-foot, 145-pound lanky, athletic, two-way player who projects well on the mound. On the mound his delivery has rhythm with regular effort. Arm works long, loose, and quick from a high ¾ slot. Fastball was 80-82 mph, touching 83 mph with late run, for strikes. Curveball showed as a solid pitch with 11/5 shape and sharp, late bite at 68-70 mph. Had feel for his changeup, throwing it 67-70 mph with flashes of quality action. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance with smooth loading action and short stride, quality lower half usage, and maintains balance through contact. Swing is long and flat through the zone and quality bat speed. Exit velocity was 83 mph off the tee. From the outfield showed solid hands and clean, quick exchanges. Arm works long, from a high ¾ slot at 82 mph with accuracy and carry. Ran a 7.48 60.

16. Aidan Cossio, 3B/RHP, Bloomington, 2016
5-foot-11, 195-pound third baseman. Thick build, solid lower half, shows strength. Defensively shows well above average arm strength across the diamond (80 mph), works from a high ¾ slot, loose action, showed accuracy and carry. Hands play out in front, show reliability. Runs an 8.12 60. Offensively hits from a wide, crouched setup, uses leg lift trigger. Shows bat speed on a slightly uphill path, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee, flashes pop. On the mound delivery has effort, high ¾ slot, occasional arm speed. Fastball flashes late action, 81-82 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 62-65 mph, thrown aggressively with arm speed. Also showed slider at 74-75 mph. Changeup had occasional action was able to keep down, 74-77 mph.

17. Michael Oh, 3B/RHP, Glenbrook South, 2016
Large frame, 6-foot-4, 265-pound two way player. Defensively shows nimble feet, fields the baseball out in front, soft hands, shows the ability to play through the baseball. Arm works loosely, high ¾ slot, with accuracy, 77 mph across the diamond. Hits from a balanced setup, smooth load. Simple approach, attacks the baseball, some lift, excellent bat speed. 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound fastball is mostly straight, 80-82 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, flashes above average action and feel, showed control, 67-68 mph. Changeup sits 74-76 mph with fastball arm speed.

18. Cameron Hupe, RHP/3B, 2017
6-foot-1, 170-pound right handed pitcher. Athletic build, frame has projection. Tall and fall delivery, short stride, shows little effort, stays tall and on top of the baseball. Arm works out of a high ¾ arm slot, short arm action. Fastball is mostly straight, pulls to glove side, 80-81 mph, touched 82 mph. Secondary stuff still in developmental stages. Curveball shows 12/6 shape, lacks conviction, decelerated arm action 57-61 mph. Changeup has slight sink, 64-65 mph, shows occasional feel. Defensively shows arm strength across the diamond (72 mph). At the plate hits from a balanced stance, flat path, 78 mph exit velocity. Hupe shows promise on the mound, secondary stuff shows upside, has potential for big 12/6 curveball, high follow in Illinois’ 2017 class.

19. Trey Riley, SS/RHP, Edwardsville, 2016
5-foot-10, 150-pound left-handed hitting two way player. Has physically developed and showed significant gains since the last time we saw him. Defensively, showed soft hands, clean exchanges, and plays through the ball athletically. Arm works loose, from a ¾ slot with accuracy and carry at 78 mph. Ran a 7.65 60. At the plate he hits from a tall, narrow stance with a solid lower half and maintains excellent balance through contact. Swing has a flat path and solid pop. Exit velocity off the tee was 82 mph. On the mound his delivery has smooth rhythm and easy effort that allows him to repeat and have three pitch feel. Arm works short and quick from a high ¾ slot. Fastball was 79-81 mph, touching 83 mph, with run. Curveball has 11/5 shape with sharp breaking action at 67-70 mph, for strikes. Throws his changeup with fastball arm speed at 70-73 mph, with fading action and advanced feel.

20. Sam Fradin, 3B/RHP, Deerfield, 2017
5-foot-11, 165-pound athletic, lanky, two-way player. Defensively, who showed fluid footwork and above average body control. Arm works short and loose, from a high ¾ slot with solid carry at 75 mph with accuracy. Ran a 7.69 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance and maintains solid balance through contact. Swing is long, with an uphill path and generates quality lift. Exit velocity off the tee was 80 mph. On the mound he has a tall and fall delivery with rushed rhythm, clean lines and a square finish. Arm works short, from over-the-top. Fastball was 75-79 mph, flashing 80 mph, with slight run. Curveball was above average, with 12/6 shape and sharp action, sitting 64-66 mph. Showed advanced feel for his changeup, throwing it with fastball arm speed and sinking action at 71-72 mph.

Best of the Rest

Jay Benard, 3B/RHP, Massac County, 2016
6-foot-1, 180-pound two way player, stronger build. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, strong hands, simple approach. Creates whip through the zone, bat speed present, some power potential. Defensively showed mechanically sound actions, fields out in front, typical hands. Arm action is long with occasional carry, 74 mph across the diamond. On the mound works from a full windup, high ¾ slot. Fastball has control, mostly straight, 75-76 mph. Curveball has action, above average depth, 64-66 mph, 12/6 shape. Straight changeup has occasional sink, 70-75 mph.

Parker Bogdan, RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2017
5-foot-9, 140-pound pitcher. Delivery has smooth rhythm, level shoulders, square landing and regular effort. Arm works loose from a high ¾ slot. Showed feel for the fastball, throwing it 71-72 mph with flashes of run and sink. Curveball has 11/5 shape with gradual break, sitting 64-65 mph for consistent strikes. Throws a changeup with fastball arm speed at 68-69 mph with arm side run.

Dillan Chamness, OF/RHP, Benton, 2016
5-foot-5, 155-pound, left-handed hitting, two-way player. From the outfield he throws with a long arm, from ¾ slot at 76 mph and some accuracy. Ran a 7.5 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance with a smooth loading action. Swing is handsy, short and flat path, some extension. Exit velocity of a tee was 75 mph. On the mound his delivery has smooth rhythm and regular effort. Arm works short, from a ¾ slot. Showed feel for the fastball, throwing it 71-73 mph, touching 74 mph, with arm side run. Changeup was 65-67 mph with advanced feel and sink. Throws a curveball with 10/4 shape and sweeping action, 63-66 mph. Slider had slurve action, 63-65 mph.

Jack Coney, MIF/ RHP, St. Viator, 2016
6-foot, 160-pound athletic two-way player with advanced foot speed. Ran a 6.94 60. Foot speed translates well on defense as he plays through the ball with athletic feet, soft hands, and quick, clean exchanges. Arm works loose, from a high ¾ slot with accuracy and carry at 78 mph. Offensively, hits from a balanced stance, smooth loading action, short stride, and excellent balance through contact. Swing is free and loose with solid extension. Exit velocity off the tee was 71 mph off a tee. On the mound his delivery has smooth rhythm, clean lines, and regular effort. Filled up the strike zone with his straight fastball, sitting 77-79 mph. Had feel for his curveball, throwing it with 11/5 shape at 61-64 mph. Had advanced feel for his changeup, throwing it 65-68 mph with arm side run and fading action.

Jacob Diaz, OF/RHP, Brother Rice, 2016
5-foot-11, 180-pound physical, two-way player. Defensively, he plays through the ball athletically with soft hands. Arm works long, from a ¾ slot at 85 mph. Ran a 7.37 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced setup with a short stride. Has pull side tendencies and a flat path that flashes some pop at times. Exit velocity was 87 mph off a tee. On the mound he uses a drop and drive delivery with choppy rhythm and high effort. Arm works long and quick from a low ¾ slot. Fastball was 80-81 mph, flashing 82 mph, with late sink for strikes. Breaking ball shows solid action with inconsistent shape at 63-65 mph. With his arm slot the pitch projects as slider with solid bite in the future. His changeup was 67-70 mph with sinking action.

Dylan Dodd, OF/LHP, Bismark-Henning, 2016
6-foot, 180-pound two way player. Athletic delivery on the mound, arm works from a high ¾ slot, loose arm action, easy effort. Fastball has slight run, showed control of the zone, pitched at 75-77 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, occasional slurve action. 60-63 mph. Changeup has sink, 68-71 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, smooth loading action. Bat path stays flat through the zone, gets extension. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively shuffles through the baseball, short high ¾ arm action, 77 mph arm from the outfield. Runs an 8.02 60.

Colin Fowich, SS/RHP, Lake Park, 2016
Lanky build, 6-foot-2, 160-pound two-way player, projectable long athletic frame. Offensively hits from the left side, slightly closed stance, shorter leg kick stride. Longer path, occasionally lunges, athletic hands, loose swing with whip, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively shows long athletic actions on the infield, arm shows some effort, 71 mph across the diamond, some body control, clean exchange. 71 mph across the diamond. On the mound fastball is mostly straight, showed control of the zone, 76-78 mph. Shows advanced feel for his curveball, 11/5 shape with above average action, with added velocity has high level potential, 61-66 mph. Changeup has sink, 62-64 mph, shows some control.

Michael Fuentes, RHP, Bremen, 2017
6-foot-3, 165-pound right handed pitcher. Longer frame with projection, young build, still has strength to add. Delivery is simple and direct, shows some rhythm, lacks use of lower half. Arm plays from a ¾ slot, long arm action in front, shorter backswing. Fastball has occasional arm side run, shows control, 76-79 mph. Curveball flashed occasional bite, works on 11/5 plane, 64-66 mph. Changeup thrown aggressively, near fastball arm speed, showed sinking action, 69-72 mph. As a 2017 graduate showed above average projection with a higher ceiling than most. Maturity and more use of lower half will see numbers increase.

Tyler Garrity, 1B/LHP, Plainfield North, 2016
6-foot-1, 170-pound left handed throwing two way player. Solid build shows some physical development. On the mound works from a ¾ slot, long arm action. Fastball has occasional run, showed control of the zone, 74-77 mph. Curveball has sweeping action, 10/4 plane, showed feel, 62-63 mph. Changeup has above average feel, showed command, flashed sink, 62-66 mph. Offensively hits from the right side, balanced setup, no stride approach. Hands work, above average bat speed, occasional lift, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed solid actions around the bag, 70 mph arm across the diamond.

Colin Gibson, MIF/RHP, Marmion, 2017
5-foot-9, 140-pound two way player. On the infield showed solid hands. Arm works short, from over-the-top at 65 mph with some accuracy. Ran an 8.58 60. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup with a diving stride. Bat path is long and flat. Exit velocity was 66 mph off a tee. On the mound his arm works short and loose from a high ¾ slot. Fastball was 69-70 mph, flashing some run. Curveball has quality 12/6 shape and solid action at 61-62 mph. Showed feel for the changeup, throwing it 64-65 mph with sinking action. Slider was 61-63 mph.

Jake Gilhaus, 1B/RHP, Normal Community, 2016
6-foot-1, 210-pound two way player. On the mound delivery shows balance and works online. Arm plays from a high ¾ slot, shorter loose arm action. Fastball is mostly straight, shows control, 78-79 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, some depth, 62-68 mph. Throws straight change, slightly decelerated arm action, 62-63 mph. Offensively showed some pop, 81 mph exit velocity. Showed natural actions around the bag, loose arm action, showed some soft hands, fluid footwork around the bag.

Joe Gleeson, OF/RHP, Downers Grove South, 2016
Athletic frame with length, 6-foot-1, 165-pound two way player. In the outfield uses a long arm action, over the top slot, some carry, 78 mph. Feet move athletically, 7.08 runner. Hits from the left side, tall setup, short stride. Lower half lacks involvement, hands work loosely. 75 mph exit velocity. On the mound arm works over the top, loose arm action, short stride. Fastball has slight run, showed above average control of the zone, 77-78 mph, topped out at 80 mph. Curveball has 12/6 action, showed feel, 68-69 mph. Straight changeup, 72-75 mph, fastball arm speed, down in the zone.

Austin Gusewelle, RHP/OF, Staunton, 2016
Athletic build, some physicality, 6-foot-1, 170-pound two way player. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced stance, smooth loading action maintains balance through contact. Hands work loosely; path has uphill tendencies, smooth swing. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed athletic actions from the outfield. Arm action is long and over the top, accurate arm with carry, 82 mph. On the mound arm action was similar to that in the outfield. Fastball is mostly straight, showed control of the zone; 77-79 mph. Curveball sat 64-65 mph, loose action. Changeup was mostly down, decelerated arm action, 67-70 mph.

Colton Johnson, LHP, Kewanee, 2016
Athletic frame with potential. 6-foot-3, 190-pound left handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, clean athletic actions, regular effort, works slightly across his body. Arm operates from a high ¾ slot, loose arm action with athleticism. Fastball pitched at 77-80 mph, works downhill. Curveball lacks depth, 66-68 mph, flat path. Splitter sat 70-75 mph.

Jared Jones, MIF/RHP, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2016
6-foot-1, 150-pound two way player. On the mound arm plays out of a ¾ slot, short arm action, works out of the stretch. Fastball is mostly straight, 77-78 mph. Showed a curveball and slider. Curveball sat 64-65 mph, slurve action. Slider is 68-69 mph, showed better control. Changeup has fade, 62-63 mph. Defensively showed average hands, arm played at 71 mph across the diamond. Hits from a slightly open stance, short stride. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Also ran an 8.09 60.

Hunter Keim, SS/RHP, Rock Island, 2017
5-foot-11, 145-pound lanky, two-way player.  On the mound his delivery has some rhythm and regular effort. Arm works loose from a ¾ slot. Fastball was 74-77 mph with sink when located down in the zone. Curveball has 11/5 shape, sitting 63-65 mph. Showed advanced feel for his changeup, throwing 68-70 mph with arm side run and fastball arm speed. Offensively, hits from a balanced stance with a long, diving stride. Exit velocity was 76 mph off a tee. Defensively, showed solid hands. Arm works loose, from high ¾ slot with some carry, at 73 mph. Ran an 8.26 60.

Jordan Libman, OF/LHP, Glenbrook South, 2016
5-foot-11, 180-pound left handed hitting first baseman. Defensively, showed solid hands and quality footwork around the bag. Arm works long, from a high ¾ slot with some accuracy and carry at 72 mph. Ran a 7.64 60. Offensively, he hits from a balanced stance with smooth loading action. Swing has some rhythm and a slightly uphill path. Makes strong contact with above average bat speed. Exit velocity was 81 mph off a tee.

Justin Machado, INF/RHP, Glenbrook South, 2016
6-foot, 175-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, short stride. Shows bat speed, solid contact out in front, creates whip. Defensively shows solid hands, deliberate footwork, 7.38 runner in the 60. Arm plays at 76 mph across the diamond, high ¾ slot, shows some ability to release on the move. On the mound, fastball is mostly straight 76-77 mph touched 78 mph. Curveball flashed 12/6 shape with bite, showed control in the zone, 62-66 mph. Changeup has slight arm side action, showed control and feel, near fastball arm speed, 64-67 mph.

Connor McCormick, C/OF/RHP, Manteno, 2017
5-foot-10, 135-pound athletic, multi-positional player. Behind the plate has an athletic setup and showed quality receiving skills. Arm works loose, from a high ¾ slot at 74 mph with carry. Pop times were 2.26-2.32. In the outfield showed athletic actions. Arm works loose at 80 mph with solid carry. Ran a 7.44 60. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup and maintains balance through contact. Has a flat bat path with solid bat speed. Exit velocity was 83 mph off a tee. On the mound the delivery has some rhythm, level shoulders and is max effort. Arm works quick, from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 75-76 mph, flashing 78 mph, with running action. Throws a sweeping curveball at 62-66 mph. Changeup is thrown with fastball arm speed at 63-66 mph, with arm side run, for strikes.

Tyler Peterson, SS/RHP, Lake Zurich, 2016
5-foot-10, 160-pound, left handed hitting two way player. Defensively showed quality actions and soft hands. Arm works long and loose from over the top, with solid carry at 79 mph. Ran a 7.29 60. At the plate hits from a balanced stance with a toe tap load and launch mechanism. Swing is short with hands working from inside the ball on a slight uphill path, gets quality extension. Showed solid barrel whip and bat speed. Exit velocity was 90 mph off a tee. On the mound his delivery has some rhythm with regular effort. Arm works quick, from a high ¾ slot. Showed feel for the fastball, sitting 78-80 mph, touching 81 mph with slight running action. Showed advanced feel for his changeup, throwing it with fastball arm speed at 71-74 mph and sinking action. Curveball has 11/5 shape, sitting 63-68 mph.

John Rugen, 3B/RHP, La Salle Peru, 2016
6-foot, 200-pound two-way player. On the mound arm works cleanly from a high ¾ slot, long arm action, little effort. Fastball flashed running action, 77-78 mph. Changeup has sink, deceptive arm action, 70-73 mph. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, 64-66 mph, shows feel for the pitch. Defensively arm played at 73 mph across the diamond, shorter arm action, hands played well. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short heel lift stride. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Ryan Schefske, SS/RHP, Glenbard East, 2016
5-foot-11, 155-pound athletic two way player. On the infield he plays through the ball athletically with soft hands and quick exchanges. Arm works loose, from a ¾ slot, at 68 mph. Ran a 7.4 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced setup and short stride. Bat path is slightly up hill with quality extension. Showed above average bat speed. Exit velocity was 75 mph off the tee. On the mound he throws with a rhythmic delivery, regular effort and has an athletic finish. Arm works short, from a high ¾ slot. Had feel for his fastball, sitting 74-76 mph, touching 77 mph, with late arm side run. His curveball has 11/5 shape and was 64-66 mph. Had feel for his changeup, throwing it 64-67 mph with arm side run.

Spencer Wright, OF/RHP, Lake Zurich, 2016
5-foot9, 165-pound two way player. Offensively, hits from a tall balanced setup with a leg kick trigger and diving stride. Swing has solid rhythm, maintains balance through contact, creates quality leverage and extension. Exit velocity off a tee was 80 mph. From the outfield his arm works long and stiff, from a high ¾ slot with accuracy at 75 mph. On the mound his delivery shows some effort and the arm works long and stiff from the same high ¾ slot. Fastball was 73-75 mph, flashing 76 mph. Showed feel for his changeup, throwing it 64-67 mph with sinking action. Curveball was 58-61 mph with 12/6 shape and gradual break, for strikes.

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