On Sunday, Aug. 26, Triton JC played host to the annual Chicagoland Open. The Chicagoland Open was the final summer showcase of 2018 and has a rich history of unveiling top prospects from around the state. This year’s event was no different, as a number of players emerged as high follows in their respective classes.

Today, we conclude the positional breakdown with a look at the pitcher's in attendance. The arms, which may have been the deepest position at the event, were led by a pair of left-handed underclassman; 2021 Cory Ronan (Routt Catholic) and 2022 Shane Curtin (Mount Carmel). Ronan oozes upside with his high-waisted 6-foot, 147-pound frame and projectable long, loose and quick arm action. Curtin has a live body, athletic arm action/delivery and showed the potential for an above-average three-pitch mix. 

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Cory Ronan, LHP, Routt Catholic, 2021
6-foot, 147-pound, left-handed pitcher, wiry frame with plenty of room for continued physical development. Pitches with tempo, sturdy balance point, leg kicks out to a closed toe landing, works in-line to home, gets extension down the mound, smooth and athletic finish out front. Arm plays long and loose, full, clean arm swing, generates quick arm speed, high ¾ slot. Distinct two-seam/four-seam fastball mix, 4-seam played straight in the zone; 2-seam, late run at the bottom of the zone, worked both sides of the plate, 82-84 mph, 85 mph. Curveball, tight 2/8 break, maintains arm speed, 69-71 mph.

2. Shane Curtin, LHP/OF, Mount Carmel, 2022
5-foot-9, 155-pound, live-bodied, two-way prospect. Put himself on the map as a high-follow 2022 left-handed pitcher. Highly-athletic delivery, repeatable, works with rhythm, stays on-line and lands square. Arm action projects for more velocity in the future. Works clean, loose and quick out of a ¾ slot. Fastball, clean out of the hand, slight arm-side-run, thrown for strikes, sat 78-81 mph, touched 82. Curveball, thrown aggressively, 1/7 plane, tigh spin, sharp action, feel, 68-71 mph. Changeup, sink and fade action, feel, 72-74 mph. Potential for three above-average offerings on the mound. 7.43 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger, long, level bat path and 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, athletic outfield actions, plays with bounce, fluid footwork, soft hands, plays through the baseball and quick, clean release. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws, topped at 81 mph. High-follow 2022 left-handed pitcher.

3. Tom Egan, RHP/OF, Mount Carmel, 2021
5-foot-11, 170-pound, two-way prospect, athletic, well-proportioned buld. Ran a 7.19 laser-timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, lands square and stays on-line. Slight plunge out of the glove, arm works loose and fast out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, thrown for strikes, works mostly straight, finishes through the zone, 81-82 mph. Slider is a swing and miss offering; late, sharp, tight action, 72-73 mph. Changeup, projects, flashed advanced sink and fade action at times, 68-73 mph. Curveball 12/6 plane, 64-66 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, pre-pitch movement, toe-tap stride. Loose, twitchy hands, creates bat speed. Ball jumps off the bat at times; registered an 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, steady hands, short loose arm action, throws carry and topped at 84 mph. Follow 2021 right-handed arm.

4. Braden Highley, OF/RHP, Mt. Zion, 2020
6-foot-1, 185-pound, strong, athletically-built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth, methodical delivery, works on-line and lands square. Long, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, straight action, tilt when down in the zone, sat 82-83 mph. Curveball is best secondary offering, flashed hard, downer action, tight spin, feel, 72-74 mph. Changeup, mostly straight action, fade action at times, 73-75 mph. Slider 10/4 shape, 72-73 mph. Also, threw two knuckleballs at 70-74 mph. 7.26 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, left-handed hitter, taller setup, toe-tap stride and utilizes lower half. Quick twitch hands, creates bat speed, short level bat path, gap-to-gap, pull approach. 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, steady hands, plays through the baseball, clean transfer. Long arm action, over-the-top slot, throws carry at 85 mph.  

5. Julius Sanchez, RHP/INF, LaSalle Peru, 2022
5-foot-10, 165-pound, two-way prospect, well-proportioned build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, coiled, rotational delivery, works with rhythm at times, works on-line and lands square. Long arm action, slight plunging action, over-the-top slot; easy and loose out front. Fastball works mostly straight, occasional arm-side-run out of the stretch, sat 79-81 mph, touched 82. Curveball, 11/5 shape, sweeping action at times, 65-71 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, 73-75 mph. 7.13 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, level bat path, line-drive approach and worked the middle of the field. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, long, easy arm action, changes angles, clocked at 81 mph.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

David Andolina, RHP/C, Oak Park-River Forest, 2022
5-foot-10, 170-pound, strong, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, methodical, repeatable, drop and drive delivery, rides his front hip down the mound. Delivery works on-line, lands square and regular effort throughout. Long, loose arm action, out of a ¾ window. Fastball, slight arm-side-run action, thrown for strikes, sat 77-78 mph, touched 80. Curveball, 11/5 shape, tight spin at times, 66-67 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, arm-side-run and fade action, feel, 71-74 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, long, uphill bat path; 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, open setup behind the plate, long arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws, topped at 73 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 2.29-2.36. Ran the 60 in 8.45.

Ryan Antrim, RHP, Lake Forest, 2020
5-foot-11, 150-pound, right-handed pitcher, thin frame. Coiled at balance point, works in-line to home, short stride, lands square. Long arm action, slight wrap on back side, high ¾ arm slot, regular effort. Fastball worked straight, in the zone, 72-74 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, early break out of the hand, some depth for strikes, 59-63 mph. Changeup played straight, occasional cut, 64-65 mph.

Matt Boyajian, RHP, Barrington, 2019
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned frame. Tall and fall style, sturdy balance point, works in-line, hip open early and toe lands open, shoulders uphill. Arm plays short, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, effort involved. Fastball, some sink, 82-84 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, sharp at times with fastball arm speed, 69-70 mph. Changeup played 74-76 mph.

Michael Carvatta, OF/RHP, Maine South, 2019
5-foot-10, 161-pound, right-handed hitting, two-way prospect. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth loading action, long leg-lift trigger. Long bat path, works level through the zone and 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, plays through the baseball, long arm action from a high ¾ to over-the-top arm action. Throws clocked at 78 mph from the outfield. 7.85 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works on-line and lands square. Arm works long and out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, thrown for strikes, sat 71-73 mph. Curveball, best secondary offering, 11/5 action, short, tight break, feel, 68-70 mph. Changeup, arm-side-run and occasional sinking action, 66-70 mph.

Justin Chapa, RHP, Morton East, 2020
6-foot-1, 230-pound, right-handed pitcher, thick frame, present lower half strength. SHort side step to sturdy balance point, tall and fall style, works in-line with finish towards first base, short stride, squared to home with toe landing closed. Short arm swing, high ¾ slot, some rhythm throughout. Fastball, run to the arm side, down in the zone, 78-80 mph, 81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, flashed depth, 68-70 mph. Changeup played with arm speed, 74-76 mph.

Ben Croci, RHP, Geneva, 2019
6-foot-1, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, athleticism in frame. Repeatable delivery to home, works in tempo to a sturdy balance point, lands slightly across body, foot lands open, easy and athletic finish out front. Arm plays long and loose, full swing, high ¾ slot, super easy effort and rhythm throughout. Showed feel for a four pitch mix all with fastball arm speed. Fastball worked straight at the bottom of the strike zone, 79-82 mph. Two distinct breaking balls, curveball, 12/6 shape with depth, sharp break late in the zone, 66-68 mph. Slider, 10/4 break at the bottom of the zone, late break, 71-73 mph. Changeup, faded at 76-78 mph.

Patrick Dosen, RHP/OF, Wheaton North, 2019
5-foot-10, 160-pound, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. 7.23 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, long, uphill bat path and loose hands at times; 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, steady hands, plays through the baseball. Loose arm action, ability to throw from multiple arm angles and clocked at 77 mph across the diamond. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, works on-line, lands square and finishes athletically. Short arm action, from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, occasional cutting action, sat 76-77 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, sat 63-64 mph. Changeup, 61-63 mph.

Jay Gail, OF/RHP, Wheaton North, 2019
5-foot-9, 160-pound, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. 7.27 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Right-handed hitter, balanced, tall setup, short leg-kick trigger, short bat path, stays inside the baseball and opposite field approach; 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, in the outfield, aggressively attacks the baseball, quick footwork, plays through the baseball and reliable hands. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws with carry; topped at 83 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, works quick and throws a high-volume of strikes. Delivery works with rhythm, stays on-line and lands front-toe closed. Short arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works mostly straight, occasional arm-side-run, thrown for strikes, sat 79-80 mph, touched 81. Changeup, maintains arm speed, feel, fade action, 69-71 mph. Curveball, depth at times, mostly 11/5 plane, 63-65 mph. Slider, thrown with conviction, 10/4 shape, short break, 68-69 mph.

Tyler Johnson, RHP/INF, Lake Zurich, 2021
6-foot-3, 182-pound, two-way prospect with a long, projectable, high-waisted frame. Right-handed hitter, tall, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, short stride, long, uphill bat path and 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long, firm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 64 mph across the infield. 8.13 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, stretch-only delivery, works slightly across his body at times. Long arm action from a high ¾ window. Fastball, straight action, 68-70 mph, touched 71. Curveball 11/5 shape, 54-63 mph. Changeup, ranged between 55-62 mph.

Ethan Laria, LHP, St. Charles North, 2019
6-foot, 155-pound, left-handed pitcher, thin frame. Maintains tempo through delivery, crunched  at balance point, toe lands closed and direction is in-line, high front side, athletic finish. Short, loose arm action, hides ball on the back side, arm speeds through a high ¾ window, regular effort. Showed feel for all three pitches. Fastball played straight in the zone and just underneath, 77-78 mph. Curveball, 1/7 break with depth in the zone, plus feel for, 65-67 mph. Changeup, late arm side run, 74-75 mph.

Alec Mallinder, RHP/INF, Plainfield North, 2021
6-foot-1, 155-pound, athletically-built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tilt and topple delivery, smooth rhythm, directional, lands square and finishes athletically. Long, loose, projectable arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, slight run, sat 76-77 mph. Changeup, looks to be best secondary, sinking action, 65-67 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape at times, underneath at times, 65-67 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, quiet setup, smooth load, toe-tap stride. Level bat path, stays through the zone, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, clean actions, steady hands. Long arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 73 mph. 7.44 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Armando Marmolejo, RHP, Riverside-Brookfield, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound, right-handed pitcher, athleticism in frame. Full, over the head windup, tall and fall style, sturdy balance, works in line, lands square, easy effort finish. Long arm action with deception, lower ¾ slot. Fastball, slight run down in the zone, 75-77 mph, topped 78 mph Curveball, 10/4 shape, sweeps across with gradual break, occasionally around it, 67-70 mph. Changeup, faded, 69-71 mph.

Garrett Moran, RHP, Glenbrook South, 2019
6-foot-3, 190-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted frame. Quick side step to sturdy balance point, tilt and topple style with sit on back side, uphill shouldered, lands cross bodied, athletic finish. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball, straight with occasional cut, 80-82 mph, topped 83 mph. Curveball, gradual 11/5 break, 64-69 mph. Changeup faded, 71-75 mph.

Jimmy Moylan, RHP/OF, St. Rita, 2020
5-foot-10, 155-pound, two-way prospect. Right-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm, slightly across his body, lands closed and easy effort throughout. Short, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works mostly straight, occasional cutting action, thrown for strikes, 80-83 mph, touched 84. Curveball, sharp action, 11/5 plane, maintains arm speed, feel, 65-69 mph. Changeup, arm-side-run, ranged between, 70-73 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open setup, stride gets back to even, uphill path at times; 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, plays tall through the baseball, short arm action, throws clocked at 79 mph. 7.32 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Luke Pell, OF/RHP, Providence Catholic, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound, athletically-built, two-way prospect. 7.22 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Offensively, right-handed hitter, tall setup, pre-pitch load and toe-tap stride. Long bat path, pull approach and 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, athletic outfield actions, fluid quick footwork, concise routes, plays through the baseball and clean transfer. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws carrry; clocked at 83 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, coiled at balance point, rotational delivery, lands square. Long arm action, high ¾ window. Fastball, straight action, 76-78 mph. Curveball, 11/5 plane, ranged between 64-68 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, works straight, 65-69 mph.

Casey Pickering, INF/RHP, Neuqua Valley, 2019
6-foot, 165-pound, athletically-built, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, filled up the zone with three-pitch mix. Slight drop and drive delivery, works on-line, lands square and works with rhythm. Clean arm action, out of a high ¾ slot, quick out front. Fastball, thrown for strikes, works mostly straight, down in the zone, late run at times, sat 80-82 mph, touched 83. Curveball, thrown aggressively, feel, 11/5 to 12/6 shape, depth, 68-72 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, fade action, 74-75 mph. Offensively, left-handed hitter, wide setup, slightly open, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Quiet swing, long, level bat path, line-drive, spray approach with fluid rhythm throughout. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, clean, easy actions, fluid footwork, steady hands and plays through the baseball. Clean arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 80 mph across the diamond. 7.55 runner in the 60.

Drew Robinson, OF/RHP, New Trier, 2020
6-foot-2, 170-pound, long-limbed, projecably-built, two-way prospect. 7.23 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, minimal hand load and short stride. Simple swing, long level bat path, pull approach and registered an 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, in the outfield, works through the baseball at times, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 80 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm, lands square and on-line. Long arm action, ¾ slot. Fastball, cutting action, 75-79 mph, touched 80. Curveball, 11/5 plane, depth, 62-66 mph. Changeup, feel for the zone, fade action, 71-73 mph.

Mitchell Sampson, RHP, Galesburg, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound, right-handed pitcher, strong, athletic frame, projects. Short side step to tall, sturdy balance point, utilizes his frame, slight sit on back side, some extension down the mound, lands cross bodied, toe lands open, spins to first at finish. Long and loose arm action, quick arm speed, high ¾ slot, smooth rhythm in delivery. Fastball played straight with occasional cut, came out firm, 79-84 mph. Curveball, sharp depth at times, inconsistent shape, 61-67 mph. Changeup, faded hard at times, 70-75 mph.

Jeremy Strohl, RHP, Lemont, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher. Works solely out of the stretch, tall and fall style with slight sit on back side, up/down/out to home, works in-line, lands square, low effort. Short arm action, high front side, over the top arm slot. Fastball, ran early out of the hand, 80-81 mph. Curveball, gradual 12/6 break, 70-73 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, faded early, 70-72 mph.

Trevor Young, LHP/1B, Normal U-High, 2021
6-foot, 146-pound, long and lean, two-way prospect. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, on-line delivery, lands square and regular effort throughout. Short arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, sat 75-77 mph, touched 78. Changeup, maintains arm speed, late fade action at times, ranged between 63-68 mph. Slider, 2/8 shape, occasional depth, 61-65 mph. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced, narrow setup, short stride, long bat path and registered a 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands at first base. Throws from a ¾ slot and topped at 77 mph across the infield. 8.14 runner in the 60.

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