Underclass Games: Outfielder Analysis
August 28, 2018
On July 23, we hosted one of the summer’s most high-profile 2021 showcases, Underclass Games at the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Les Miller Field at Curtis Granderson Stadium.
We previously published our Statistical Analysis from the event as well as our Quick Hits post, but today we’ll turn our attention to the day’s outfielders in attendance.
Two Wisconsin outfielders emerged from this group as some of the most highly-skilled of the bunch: Tanner Marsh (Mondovi) Q Phillips (Brookfield East). While both were talented and gifted athletically, the two carried with them slightly different offensive profiles. Marsh is a lefty in the batter’s box and makes it look easy – he swings fast and loose, generating bat speed and hard pull-side contact. His bat stood out in BP and he corroborated our initial thoughts by launching a triple in the simulated game.
With Phillips, the Brookfield East outfielder is a switch-hitter but is equally threatening from both sides of the plate. His versatility in the box, speed out of the box and down the first-base line, make him a perfect top-of-the-order candidate. Phillips recorded the quickest home-to-first time at Underclass Games and it played just as effectively in centerfield, too, where he chased down a deep fly ball with natural instincts and actions.
From Illinois, Julian Jimenez (Romeoville) went into the event flying under the radar and left Chicago as one of the top outfielders at the entire event. His projectable frame and smooth left-handed swing raise his offensive ceiling, which neatly complements his natural defensive work.
Below, we have detailed reports on each and every one of the outfielders who made it out to Underclass Games last month. Tomorrow, we’ll examine the infielders who attended the showcase with pitchers to come on Thursday.
TOP PROSPECTS
1. Tanner Marsh, OF, Mondovi (WI), 2021
5-foot-10, 170-pound left/left outfielder, athletic build with strength. One of the better offensive threats of the event, hits from an open setup, leg kick trigger, good balance through contact. Loose hands, work to create bat speed and hard contact, mostly hard pull side contact, confident presence in the box. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. 1-for-3 with a triple in game. Defensively arm action is loose and plays with carry and accuracy, 84 mph from the outfield. Actions are easy and play smooth through the baseball, quick fluid footwork, natural defender.
2. Q Phillips, OF, Brookfield East (WI), 2021
5-foot-10, 160-pound switch-hitting outfielder. Showed similar abilities from both sides of the plate, balanced and compact approach that can spray line drives. Easy bat speed, short level path, barrel aware. 83 mph exit velocity from the right side, 84 mph exit velocity from the left side. Defensively moves easy in the outfield, glides with above average actions. Showed above average routes in game. Arm played long from a high ¾ slot, accurate to target, 79 mph from the outfield. 4.29 runner down the line.
3. Julian Jimenez, OF, Romeoville (IL), 2021
6-foot-1, 160-pound left-handed hitting outfielder, long lean frame with projection. Upside left-handed bat, hits from a balanced stance, short stride, smooth load, is on time. Hands play loose, creates short path, some effort, slight pull side approach. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is loose, ¾ slot, plays with run to arm side, 84 mph. Actions play through the baseball. 4.91 runner home to first.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Cameron Hill, OF, Kenwood (IL), 2021
6-foot-2, 172-pound outfielder, lean athletic frame that projects. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, short stride. Loose athletic levers, path works slightly uphill, hits in rhythm with bat speed. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long, over the top slot, 84 mph from the outfield, flashed carry. Plays through the baseball aggressively, clean exchange. 4.88 runner down the line.
Ryan McGonegle, OF, Kenosha Tremper (WI), 2021
6-foot, 165-pound outfielder, lean lanky frame, long lower half. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, loads hands back. Flashed loose in swing, path is level with occasional uphill. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long out of a high ¾ slot, 76 mph. Actions play through, crowhop to release. 4.61 runner down the line.
Ryan St. Ledger, OF, Edwards County (IL), 2021
6-foot-1, 170-pound outfielder, lean strength, athletic build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Path is short and level, made line drive contact to the middle of the field. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.36 runner home to first. Defensively arm action is short, and over the top, 84 mph from the outfield.
Liam Stumpf, OF/RHP, Mineral Point (WI), 2021
6-foot, 159-pound two-way player, lean build. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short leg lift stride, path is level with some length. 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 84 mph from the outfield, arm action is long, high ¾ slot. Feet play through the baseball in stride, 5.05 run down the line. On the mound arm plays long and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball played 78-80 mph, touched 81 mph, arm side run. Curveball has 10/4 shape, decelerated arm action, 66 mph.
Chris Rooney, OF/RHP, Mundelein (IL), 2021
6-foot, 152-pound two-way player, lean build. Right-handed hitter, open stance, loads hands back, altered stride between toe tap and leg kick, average balance. Path plays slightly uphill, line drive contact in BP, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. 2-for-4 in game play with a pair of singles. On the mound arm action is full, high ¾ slot, little effort. Fastball played 72-73 mph. Curveball sat 60-61 mph. Flashed changeup at 63 mph.