Underclass Showcase: Infield Analysis
November 15, 2017
Continuing our analysis of the Underclass Showcase, we take a look at the top infield prospects. The top infielder from the event, 2020 Ben Vitas (Providence Catholic), is a well-rounded athlete who has advanced feel for the game. There are plenty of high-follow underclassmen and a number of left-handed bats in the rest of the top 10.
Here’s a look at our top 10 infielders:
Top Infield Prospects
1. Ben Vitas, INF/RHP, Providence Catholic, 2020
6-foot, 160-pound, athletically built, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. Right-handed hitter, athletic, slightly open setup, short on time stride. Separate hands from lower half and creates easy bat speed. Excellent hand eye, showed feel for the barrel, line drive middle of the field approach. Defensively moves easy and athletic, showed body control and range to both sides, soft hands and feet work together through the baseball. Arm action is easy, short high ¾ slot, carries well, 87 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.31 60, laser-timed. On the mound, advanced pitchability, feel for three and works fast. Tall and fall delivery, works with rhythm and easy effort throughout. Arm works long, loose and quick out of a ¾ window. Fastball showed feel for the zone, arm-side-run, sat 80-82 mph, touched 83; looks to have plenty more in the tank. Curveball, thrown for strikes,11/5 shape, depth, tight spin, ranged between 62-67 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, gets late run at times, feel for the bottom of the zone, 72-73 mph. High-follow 2020 prospect.
2. Jacob Mote, INF, Normal University, 2020
Large strong build, 6-foot-2, 180-pound infielder,strong lower half. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, open stance, short leg lift trigger, solid balance, presence in the box. Strong hands, makes easy hard contact, advanced bat speed, slight uphill stroke, favors pull side with power. 97 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively shows plus arm strength for his age, 87 mph across the diamond, long loose high ¾ arm action, strong carry. Plays with light feet for his size, profiles at a corner infield spot, enough foot project in the outfield as well. 6.99 runner in the 60.
3. Tre Hondras, 2B/OF, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2020
Highly athletic 6-foot, 175-pound right-handed hitting 2B/OF. Ran an event best 6.80 60-yard dash. At the plate hits from a crouched, open setup, short stride with good balance. Gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm and a fast bat. Short, uphill swing path. 93 mph exit velocity from a tee with wood. Defensively took drills in the both the infield and outfield. In the infield, fluid footwork with athletic actions and soft hands. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 78 mph across the infield. In the outfield plays thru the ball with solid footwork and hands, threw 83 mph.
4. Dylan Scafuri, 3B/1B, Romeoville, 2021
Large build, 6-foot-2, 210-pound left-handed hitting corner infielder. Explosive left-handed bat for his age, hits from a balanced setup, easy smooth loading action, strong balance. Path is short to the baseball, flat through contact, gets extension, advanced bat speed. Pull side power approach, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively shows reliable hands, corner infield profile, moves well enough to stick at third base, potential higher end defender at first base. Arm plays long from a high ¾ slot, 76 mph across the diamond. 7.92 runner in the 60.
5. Brandon Micetich, INF, Plainfield Central, 2020
6-foot, 165-pound, strong, well-proportioned left-handed hitting infielder. Looks more physical since our last look. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance throughout. Quick twitch, bat speed, stays short to the ball, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm throughout. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot, 73 mph across the diamond. 7.12 runner in the 60, laser-timed.
6. Danny Wuestenfeld, 1B, Joliet Catholic, 2020
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed hitting first baseman, long legs, carries some current strength. Open setup, long stride back to even, solid balance. Hands are loose, creates bat speed, path is short and level through contact, gap to gap type approach. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays strong from first base, 78 mph across the diamond, carries, high ¾ slot. Athletic defender, showed actions around the bag. 7.91 runner in the 60.
7. Michael Pawyza, INF, St. Laurence, 2020
5-foot-11, 175-pound, strong, left-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced, athletic setup, short stride and maintains good balance through contact. Fluid rhythm, present bat speed, quick hands, line-drive approach and gets extension through contact. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, long, firm arm action, over-the-top slot, 76 mph across the diamond. 7.42 runner in the 60, laser-timed.
8. Dominick Angellotti, INF, Marian Catholic, 2020
6-foot, 155-pound, long and lean, infielder with plenty of room for continued physical development. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open, tall setup, smooth load, short stride, fluid rhythm and maintains balance through contact. Creates easy bat speed, gets extension through contact and gap-to-gap approach. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, sure hands, fluid footwork, clean transfer. Short, quick arm action, high ¾ slot, throws flashed carry, 81 mph across the diamond. 7.83 runner in the 60.
9. Davey Fitzpatrick, INF/RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2020
6-foot-2, 165-pound, athletically built, projectable, two-way prospect. Projects well on the mound. Right-handed pitcher, long, loose arm from an over-the-top slot and looks to have a lot left in the tank. Smooth tall and fall delivery, high front side, works online, lands square with regular effort throughout. Fastball creates angle at times, sat 79-80 mph, touched 81. Curveball works 12/6, depth, feel, 64-69 mph. Changeup, worked 71-73 mph. At the plate, balanced, athletic setup, smooth load, short stride and fluid rhythm throughout. Loose, easy swing, creates whip at times, long, uphill bat path. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, long, loose arm action, accurate throws, carries across the diamond at 79 mph. 7.57 runner in the 60.
10. Jaylon Nauden, INF, Marian Catholic, 2021
5-foot-8, 150-pound, well-proportioned, infielder. At the plate, athletic setup, open with a slight crouch. Subtle smooth load and short leg-lift trigger. Compact swing, stays short and quick to the ball, fluid rhythm and uses the whole field. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, natural infield actions, clean transfer, short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, 71 mph. 8.05 runner in the 60.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Alex Barrera, INF/RHP, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2021
5-foot-11, 170-pound, two-way prospect, strong, athletic build. Offensively, right-handed hitter, open setup, loads hands and stride gets back to even. Path works uphill at times, gets extension occasionally, gap-to-gap approach and 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, reliable hands, throws from a high ¾ slot and clocked at 73 mph. Ran an 8.31 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, tucked at balance point and lands closed. Arm works short and out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 70-72 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, 60-63 mph. Curveball works more 11/5, ranged between 58-62 mph.
Carter Berg, INF, St. Rita, 2020
6-foot-1, 155-pound, athletically built, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, open setup, stride works back to even and maintains balance through contact at times. Long bat path through the zone, backspins baseballs at times. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, long, firm arm action, ¾ to high ¾ slot, 70 mph across the diamond. 7.42 runner in the 60.
Alan Brown, C/INF/OF, Oak Park-River Forest, 2020
5-foot-6, 155-pound utility player, strong compact build. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride. Spray type hitter, loose hands, presence in the box, some effort. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed above average athleticism and versatility, 6.97 runner in the 60. Profiled best behind the plate and in the outfield, arm played at 72 mph out of the crouch, 80 mph from the outfield, 73 mph across the infield, longer over the top slot. Pop times ranged, 2.19-2.32. Outfield actions play through the baseball on line, true to target.
Sam Buduris, OF/3B, Minooka, 2020
5-foot-11, 150-pound right-handed hitting OF/3B with an athletic frame. Offensively hits from a open stance, hands load to backside, short even stride. Line drive hitter with a short, level swing path and fluid rhythm. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.53. Defensively took drills in both the infield and the outfield. Loose, athletic arm action. In the outfield fluid footwork, plays thru the ball with solid actions. Soft hands in the infield with quick footwork. Threw 79 mph from the outfield and 75 mph across the infield.
Zachary Burhans, C/INF/RHP, DePaul College Prep, 2020
6-foot, 140-pound utility player, slender build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, loads hands down and back, leg lift stride. Path has length, uphill path. 70 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played from a high ¾ slot, 70 mph across the infield, 64 mph out of the crouch. Pop times ranged 2.51-2.63. 8.59 runner in the 60. On the mound fastball topped at 70 mph, sat 66-69 mph. Curveball sat 56-61 mph, 11/5 type. Changeup is 59-64 mph.
Camden Cowger, INF, Edwards County, 2020
5-foot-11, 170-pound, strong, defined, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, short stride and hits off his front foot at times. Simple swing with present bat strength. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fields in the middle of the body, funnels on transfer, short arm action, high ¾ slot, 68 mph across the diamond. 7.54 runner in the 60.
Ernie Day, RHP/INF, Taft, 2020
5-foot-11, 178-pound, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, works online, lands square with some effort throughout. Short, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot; drops down on offspeed offerings. Fastball, late life and finish, 81-83 mph, touched 84. Curveball, sharp action, 10/4 shape, 64-67 mph. Changeup worked 68-71 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, early load, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Path stays level through the hitting zone, line-drive approach and worked the middle of the field. 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder, reliable, sure hands at times, occasionally winds up on transfer, athletic arm action, throws carry across the diamond at 79 mph. 7.83 runner in the 60.
Dylan Engel, INF, Lake Central (IN), 2020
5-foot-6, 125-pound, wiry, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, open setup, slight load, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Quick hands, short bat path and 71 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, Steady sure hands, quick feet, ranges well while maintaining body control, clean exchange. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws clocked at 73 mph across the diamond. 7.69 runner in the 60.
George Evangelopoulos, LHP/INF, Stagg, 2021
6-foot, 150-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, drop and drive uptempo delivery and stays on-line. Long, loose, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 77-78 mph. Curveball, advanced pitch, 2/8 shape, sharp action, tight spin, feel, 68-71 mph. Changeup, arm-side-run, 70-73 mph. At the plate, left-handed hitter, crouched setup, short leg-kick trigger. Pull approach and 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, athletic fielding position, clean transfer, loose arm, throws clocked at 74 mph across the diamond. 7.40 runner in the 60, laser-timed.
Charlie Evans, 3B, St. Rita, 2021
5-foot-10, 147-pound right-handed hitting 3B/OF. Balanced setup at the plate, short stride, with a long, level swing path. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.99. Defensively took drills in both the infield and the outfield. Threw 62 mph across the infield and 64 mph from the outfield.
Patrick Faith, INF, St. Charles North, 2021
5-foot-11, 125-pound, projectable switch-hitting infielder with plenty of room for continued physical development. At the plate, looks more natural from the right side of the plate. Balanced, static setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Handsy swing at times, path works uphill, looks to lift the baseball. 71 mph exit velocity from the right side and 67 mph from the left. Defensively, reliable hands, steady defender, natural infield actions. Fluid footwork, short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate arm, throws topped at 67 mph. 7.63 runner in the 60.
Chase Gil, 1B/RHP, Minooka, 2020
6-foot-3, 175-pound two-way player, extremely long and lanky frame. Right-handed hitter, tall upright setup, narrow and open stance. Pull side approach in BP, works slightly uphill, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short and works from a high ¾ slot, 73 mph across the diamond. Long limbed target at first base, showed feel for the bag. 8.18 runner in the 60. On the mound fastball is straight, 72-74 mph, touched 76 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 62-64 mph. Straight changeup showed slight fade, 66-69 mph.
Johnny Gonsalves, INF, Tinley Park, 2020
6-foot-2, 170-pound, left-handed hitting infielder with a highly-athletic, projectable build. At the plate, balanced setup, short stride and average balance throughout. Loose hands, creates bat speed at times, uphill bat path and 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, quick transfer, ability to throw from multiple arm angles, clocked at 74 mph across the diamond. 7.59 runner in the 60.
John Hanson, INF/LHP, Neuqua Valley, 2020
5-foot-11, 145-pound, two-way prospect with a lanky, athletic build. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger. Flashed loose hands, lifts the baseball and 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, at first base, quick feet, comfortable working around the bag, clean transfer. Arm works long, high ¾ slot, topped at 65 mph across the diamond. 7.98 runner in the 60. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, slow paced, tall and fall delivery, works on-line and easy effort throughout. Same arm action as he showed in the field. Fastball sat 65-67 mph, topped at 69. Curveball worked 1/7, distinct shape, depth, 57-60 mph. Changeup, fastball arm action, 62-64 mph.
Brady Hartman, INF, Sherrard, 2021
5-foot-10, 150-pound, athletically built, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall, open setup, leg-kick timing trigger and good balance through contact. Flashed bat speed, long, uphill path, gap-to-gap approach. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, projects as a possible corner infielder. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws clocked at 73 mph. 7.78 runner in the 60.
Alejandro Holguin, 1B, St. Rita, 2021
6-foot-2, 213-pound left/left first baseman, large build, carries strength for age. Slight open stance, reverse toe tap stride, lower half collapses at times. Strong swing, creates hard contact, path is level and gets extension, bat speed present. 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Savvy defender around first base, showed easy actions and feel for the bag, soft hands. Arm played loose and athletic when on the move, flashed carry, 79 mph across the diamond. 7.87 runner in the 60.
Tyler Jones, 2B/OF, Streamwood, 2020
5-foot-8, 170-pound right-handed hitting 2B/OF. Balanced setup at the plate. Long stride with a collapse on the backside. Mex effort, pull approach with a long, uphill swing path. 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.72. Defensively took drills in the both the infield and the outfield. Grades out better in the outfield, long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 78 mph from the outfield and 75 mph across the infield.
Tom Jurack, OF/3B, Hinsdale Central, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed hitting OF/3B with a strong, athletic frame. Offensively, tall, open setup. Drop load with a short leg lift stride. Good balance. Short, uphill swing path. Pull hitter with fluid rhythm. 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.32. Defensively has a strong arm in both the infield and the outfield. Threw 87 mph from the outfield and 81 mph across the infield. Loose arm action working from an over the top slot. Actions more natural in the infield, plays tall with a clean exchange.
Tommy Kelly, INF/RHP, Peoria Notre Dame, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound, athletically built, strong, two-way prospect. Ran a 6.97 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, lands open with regular effort throughout. Long, loose arm action, comes out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, slight arm-side-run, occasionally gets underneath, 78-79 mph. Curveball 11/5 shape, 63-65 mph. Changeup works mostly straight, down in the zone, 68-69 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, quiet setup, strides closed and long bat path through the zone. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action, winds up on transfer, throws clocked at 78 mph.
Alex Kelsch. INF, Oswego East, 2020
5-foot-6, 145-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, open setup, smooth load and stride gets back to even. Aggressive swing, long bat path, extension through contact at times and pull approach, 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, flashed quick feet, funnels to exchange. Long, loose arm action, ¾ slot, throws clocked at 74 mph. 7.86 runner in the 60.
Noah Manning, INF/RHP, Minooka, 2020
5-foot-11, 140-pound, long and lean, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow paced, repeatable, tall and fall delivery, works on-line with home plate. Fastball thrown for strikes, 74-76 mph. Curveball worked 12/6, gradual action, ranged between 63-67 mph. Changeup, worked 66-71 mph. At the plate, open, narrow setup, stride gets to even. Uphill bat path, looks to lift the baseball and 72 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, arm is long and firm, high ¾ slot, throws clocked at 71 mph. 7.56 runner in the 60.
Marcus Maristela, INF, Grayslake Central, 2020
5-foot-7, 135-pound, slim build, right-handed hitting infielder. 7.22 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, balanced, open setup, smooth load, short leg-lift trigger. Flashed loose hands, long, uphill bat path and worked the whole field. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, quick feet, plays with bounce, reliable hands and quick, clean transfer. Long arm action, ¾ slot and throws clocked at 77 mph across the diamond.
Sean McDevitt, INF, St. Rita, 2020
5-foot-9, 134-pound, lanky, long-limbed, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced slightly open setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Flashed looseness in swing, fluid rhythm and uphill bat path; 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, quick release, tendency to play tall. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped at 72 mph across the infield.
Alec McGinnis, INF, Normal West, 2020
5-foot-9, 150-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, tall setup, hands load and short stride. Long bat path and 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, quick footwork, long arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws, topped at 65 mph across the infield. 7.52 runner in the 60, laser-timed.
Anthony Mondt, INF/RHP, St. Rita, 2021
5-foot-8, 145-pound, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, minimal load and short stride. Long bat path through the zone, opposite field approach. 71 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, winds up on exchange, long arm action, high ¾ slot, clocked at 68 mph. 8.40 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, works from the stretch only. Delivery stays on-line, lands closed and works from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 64-66 mph, topped at 69. Knuckleball ranged between 56-59 mph.
Frankie Morales, INF, Roberto Clemente, 2020
5-foot-7, 122-pound, lean, right-handed hitting infielder. Defensively, quick, fluid footwork, ranges well to both sides, maintains body control. Steady hands, fields deep at times, clean transfer, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 73 mph. Offensively, narrow, open setup, leg-lift trigger. Handsy swing, middle of the field approach at times; 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. 7.39 runner in the 60.
Ernesto Moreno, INF, Depaul, 2020
5-foot-8, 135-pound, well-proportioned, infielder. At the plate, right-handed hitter, wide, slightly open setup, stays quiet, short stride and average balance. Repeatable swing, flashed bat speed and uphill bat path. 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively, natural infield actions, hands works out front, receptive. Clean transfer, throws from a high ¾ slot, 78 mph across the diamond. 7.38 runner in the 60, laser-timed.
Mitchell Murphy, OF/3B, Normal Community, 2021
5-foot-8, 150-pound right-handed hitting OF/3B. Offensively hits from a balanced, slightly open setup. Short leg lift stride with a linear lower half and fair balance. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.70. Defensively took drills in both the infield and the outfield. Threw both 72 mph from the outfield and across the infield.
Raymond Nepras, INF/RHP, Wheaton Warrenville South, 2020
6-foot-2, 155-pound, long and lean two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, early load, hands and front foot work together and average balance through contact. Long, uphill bat path and 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, loose arm action, from a ¾ to low ¾ slot, 72 mph across the infield. 7.51 runner in the 60.
Donavan Noble, INF, Brooks College Prep, 2020
5-foot-8, 150-pound, high-waisted, right-handed hitting infielder. 7.32 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, open, wide setup, short stride and maintains good balance through contact. Loose hands, flashed quick twitch, fluid rhythm and used the middle of the field; 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, athletic actions, maintains body control and sure hands. Long, firm arm action, high ¾ slot, throws clocked at 75 mph across the diamond.
William O’Boyle, INF, Marist, 2020
5-foot-10, 140-pound, wiry, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, loads into backside, slight leg-lift trigger. Uphill bat path, loose hands, creates whip at times and 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, plays through the baseball, clean release, short arm action, high ¾ slot, topped at 71 mph across the diamond. 7.39 runner in the 60.
Michael Orozco, INF/RHP, Stagg, 2020
6-foot, 155-pound, lanky, athletically built, two-way prospect. Ran a 7.32 60, laser-timed. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced, closed setup, short stride and average balance through contact. Quick hands, uphill bat path and 72 mph exit velocity. Defensively, arm works short and loose, high ¾ slot, accurate throws, clocked at 73 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, short arm action from a ¾ window and easy effort throughout. Fastball sat 70-73 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, 62-64 mph. Changeup worked 63-65 mph.
Zach Pawlak, INF, Plainfield South, 2020
6-foot-1, 165-pound, long-limbed, left-handed hitting infielder with a highly-projectable frame. At the plate, wide setup, toe-tap stride and hits off his backside. Creates bat speed at times, uphill bat path and pull approach; 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively, works through the baseball, steady hands, firm arm action from a high ¾ slot, throws clocked at 78 mph across the diamond. 7.59 runner in the 60.
Austin Pullara, INF, Coal City, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound infielder, large strong build with physical make-up. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, slightly crouched, reverse toe tap stride, average balance. Strong swing, present bat speed, uphill path, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm action is long, 74 mph across the diamond. Average hands, profiles at a corner infield or outfield spot. 7.37 runner in the 60.
Alexander Reyno, LHP/1B, N/A, 2023
5-foot-2, 120-pound, two-way prospect. Worked out as a left-handed pitcher and first baseman. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, average balance. Uphill swing plane and pull approach; 61 mph exit velocity. Defensively at first base, short arm action, high ¾ slot, clocked at 54 mph across the diamond. On the mound, tall and fall delivery, lands slightly closed, short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 50-52 mph, touched 53. Changeup sat 50-52 mph.
Sam Sanchez, INF, Geneva, 2020
5-foot-8, 130-pound, lean, wiry, two-way prospect. Offensively, balanced setup, pre-pitch rhythm, short stride and average balance through contact. Simple swing, uphill bat path, flashed bat speed. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, long, firm arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 74 mph. Ran a 7.31 laser-timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands square. Long arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 72-74 mph, touched 75. Curveball gradual action, 56-59 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes, 66-68 mph.
Luke Sefcik, INF, Marist, 2021
5-foot-5, 110-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Ran a 7.66 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, toe-tap stride and fluid rhythm throughout. Loose hands, repeatable swing, lift in swing and 72 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, natural infield actions, sure hands, occasionally fields into body, clean transfer. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot, clocked at 68 mph across the infield.
Cade Sharp, 3B/RHP, Mercer County, 2020
6-foot-1, 210-pound two-way player. On the mound works from a deliberate rocker step to balance point, stays tall and direct. Arm action is loose and aggressive through release, shows arm speed and loose wrist out front, over the top slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 75-77 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, drops in at 59-64 mph. Changeup is thrown with fastball arm speed, 68-71 mph. Right-handed hitter, closed setup, short stride. Shows bat strength, path works long at times with pull side approach. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively hands funnelled to release, works tall at times, arm played at 69 mph across the diamond. 8.32 runner in the 60.
Ryan St. Ledger, OF/2B, Edwards County, 2021
6-foot, 160-pound right-handed hitting OF/2B. Intriguing athleticism, ran the 60 at 7.05. At the plate plate hits from a balanced, slightly open setup. Long, leg lift stride with average balance. Line drive hitter with a level swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Took drills in both the infield and the outfield, projects best in the outfield. Long arm action from an over the top slot. Plays thru the ball with average arm strength, threw 79 mph from the outfield. Threw 72 mph across the infield.
Adrian Swiech, INF, Andrew, 2020
5-foot-6, 150-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, open, slightly open setup, short stride and uphill bat path at times. 72 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws at times, topped at 72 mph. Ran a 7.73 60.
Trevor Thurston, C/INF, Marian Catholic, 2020
5-foot-9, 145-pound catcher, solid build. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup with short slightly lifted stride, solid balance. Line drive hitter to the middle of the field, loose quick hands. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiled best behind the plate, showed soft hands and natural actions, willing and sound blocker, second base projection on the infield. Arm action is short and over the top, accurate, 71 mph out of the crouch, 74 mph across the diamond. Pop times ranged 2.29-2.37. 7.56 runner in the 60.
Ryan Tribe, INF/RHP, St. Rita, 2020
5-foot-10, 155-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, slightly open stance, leg lift stride. Path is uphill, slight pull side approach, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.67 runner in the 60. Defensively arm action is loose, 75 mph across the diamond. Second base profile, shows some lateral range. Delivery has little effort, squared landing. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball is straight, 70-72 mph. Slider has slight sweep, 10/4 shape, 63-66 mph. Straight changeup sits 67-70 mph.
Cade Turner, C/INF, Lincoln-Way East, 2020
5-foot-11, 150-pound catcher/infielder, lean lanky frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, toe tap stride, minimal lower half. Path is long and level, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short, ¾ slot, 72 mph out of the crouch, 75 mph across the infield. Pop times ranged 2.41-2.61, long actions. Infield actions profile at a corner spot. 8.44 runner in the 60.
Zachary Ward, RHP/INF, Lincoln-Way Central, 2020
6-foot-1, 145-pound, long, lean, two-way prospect, with plenty of room for continued physical development. Right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, stays online and easy effort. Long, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball thrown for strikes, occasional arm-side-run, 78-79 mph, touched 80. Curveball, 12/6 shape, short break, feel, 70-72 mph. Changeup works straight, 69-71 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, tall setup, separates and drops hands and short stride. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, long arm action, high ¾ slot, 78 mph across the diamond. 7.65 runner in the 60.
Sean Wepfer, INF, Oswego East, 2020
5-foot-10, 155-pound, well-proportioned, switch-hitting infielder. 7.19 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, looked more natural from the left-side of the plate. Balanced setup, stays quiet, short stride and average balance through contact. Stays short to the ball, quick hands and flashed bat speed. 82 mph exit velocity from both side of the plate. Defensively, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and topped at 69 mph across the infield.
Dylan Whitney, INF, Oak Park-River Forest, 2020
5-foot-11, 145-pound, wiry, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, athletic, open setup, leg-kick trigger and maintains balance throughout. Loose hands, fluid rhythm, line-drive approach and works the middle of the field; 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, soft hands and gets rid of the ball in a hurry. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws clocked at 75 mph. 7.63 runner in the 60, laser-timed.