On Monday, June 15, the PBR Illinois staff held its annual Fox River Open showcase at Boomers Stadium in Schaumburg, an open event primarily featuring 2021 and 2022 prospects from the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago.

We began the coverage of the event with a look at the statistical analysis. Today we conclude the coverage with scouting reports on each-and-every prospect from the day including a look at the Top-5 prospects.

At the top of the list is dynamic, C/INF Jayden Lobliner (St. Charles North, 2022). Lobliner used this event as a springboard to a successful summer, including an invitation to this year’s Future Games. Lobliner has emerged as one of the top uncommitted catchers in the class. 

Read on below to find out more about Lobliner and the rest of the participants from the Fox River Open. 

TOP OVERALL PROSPECTS

1. Jayden Lobliner, St. Charles North  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-9, 175-pounds. Athletic frame with strength in the lower half.
Defense: 1.97-2.08 pop times. Athletic actions behind the dish. Quick feet that work in line with the bag, soft hands, exceptionally quick to release, adept blocker with flexible hips. Will stick behind the plate moving forward.
Arm: RH. C - 80 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot. Above-average arm strength for age, accurate throws to the bag.
Hit: RHH. Athletic in the box, balanced setup, smooth load, aggressive lower half drive, balanced through contact.  Clear confidence and athletic look in the box. Loose hands with natural bat speed, level bat path, natural loft, knack for the barrel. Gap-to-gap approach, swings with intent, consistently hits in rhythm.
Power: 93 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.43 runner in the 60. 

2. John Ahler, Marian Central Catholic (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds. Athletic build.
Defense:  Athletic infield actions. Feet are fluid and work in rhythm, soft hands, clean funnels, quick to release. Showed controlled actions on his double play feed. Confident up-the-middle actions.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot. Quick arm for age.
Hit: RHH. Quiet in the box, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, some balance through contact.  Easy bat speed with quick-twitch in hands, short and uphill bat path, gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm throughout. Looks the part at the plate.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.05 runner in the 60. 

3. Erik Mitchell, St. Charles East (IL), 2021 
Positional Profile: OF/3B 
Body: 5-11, 175-pounds. Athletic, proportionally strong frame. 
Defense:  Steady outfield actions, works around the baseball at times, short to release. Corner outfield profile. 
Arm: RH. OF - 79 mph. Short arm action, that works from a high 3/4 slot. 
Hit: RHH. Quiet in the box, tall and open setup, long stride, stays balanced through contact.  Loose and aggressive bat speed, level path, natural gap-to-gap approach, knack for finding the barrel. Consistently hits in rhythm, clear confidence at the dish. 
Power: 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Run: 7.39 runner in the 60. 

4. Tony Rath, St. Rita (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-2, 175-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame that projects to add more muscle.
Defense:  Smooth overall infield actions, maintains body control on the move, plays through the baseball with fluid footwork, soft hands, and clean exchange.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Long arm action works from a clean high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws with carry across the diamond.
Hit: RHH. Quiet in the box, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride to even.  Simple, easy swing, strong hands, present bat speed for age. Uphill bat path, consistent hard contact and fluid rhythm throughout.
Power: 90 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.79 runner in the 60. 

5. Grant Vosburgh, Oswego (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/OF
Body: 6-3, 190-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame with athleticism throughout.
Defense:  Clean infield actions. Feet field in rhythm, confident up the middle. Soft hands, quick to release, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws played with carry to his target.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, hands start back and stay back, loud leg kick trigger.  Simple swing, strong hands, uphill bat path, gap-to-gap approach. Advanced raw power for age.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.30 runner in the 60. 

5. John Creviston, Brother Rice (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds. Athletic frame with room to fill out.
Defense:  Active feet that attack the baseball, clean transfer.
Arm: LH. OF - 77 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: LHH. Tall setup, minimal load, quick toe-tap trigger.  Short and uphill bat path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.39 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, closed-toe landing, works open to target, athletic finish through release.
Arm Action: LH. Compact arm circle, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 78-79 mph. Four-seam type, strikes.
CB: 68-70 mph. Thrown with fastball arm speed and intent. 1/7 shape, early break into the zone.
CH: 72-75 mph. Near fastball arm speed. Natural arm-side action and sink. 

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Jason Akers, Schaumburg (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-6, 135-pounds. Athletic frame, compact strength.
Defense:  Easy outfield actions, attacks the baseball with intent, clean exchange, quick to release, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. OF - 79 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, short stride to even.  Long and uphill bat path, creates loft at times, pull-side tendency.
Power: 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.46 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Steady drop and drive delivery, shoulders stay level, short stride downhill. Closed-toe landing, works direct to target.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T75, 74-74 mph. Slight cut to it at times, strikes to the glove-side.
CB: 66-67 mph. 11/5 shape. 
CH: 70-70 mph. Flashed occasional arm-side run and downward actions.

Jude Allen, Providence Catholic (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 5-11, 185-pounds.
Defense: Active feet, steady hands that work out in front, secures the baseball. Corner infield profile.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride.  Present bat speed, uphill path with natural lift and pull-side pop, showed some feel for the barrel.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.18 runner in the 60. 

Trey Braun, North Boone (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-9, 170-pounds. Proportionally strong frame.
Defense: Sits back on the baseball, quick transfer to release.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, simple load, short stride.  Simple swing, uphill bat path, peppers the pull-side.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.56 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Stretch only, tempo'd tall/fall type delivery with a slight lead leg swing, level front side, upright through release.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T74, 72-73 mph. Plays with slight arm-side run.
CB: 56-63 mph. Thrown with a shorter arm action than fastball. 12/6 shape, breaks early.
SL: 61-65 mph.
CH: 60-65 mph. 

Erik Carlson, Oak Park River Forest (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 5-7, 125-pounds. Proportionally strong, broad-shouldered frame.
Defense: Two-hand gather at times, length to release.
Arm: RH. OF - 81 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, closed front foot, narrow base, steady leg kick trigger.  Level bat path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.34 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Side-step starts a tall/fall type delivery, lands open to target, upright finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 78-79 mph. Works down in the zone, showed sinking action to arm-side.
CB: 57-59 mph. Decelerates arm action. 12/6 shape with some depth.
SL: 66-66 mph. Tighter 11/5 shape than curveball. Late break at times.
CH: 66-67 mph. Near fastball arm speed, slight cutting action at times. 

Cole Collins, Libertyville  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Lean build that projects.
Defense:  Fluid footwork around the bag, steady two-hand gather, clean to release.
Arm: LH. INF - 75 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, slightly open setup, quick leg lift trigger.  Short and level bat path, line drive approach, sprayed to all fields.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.56 runner in the 60. 

Trevor Connors, Stillman Valley  (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 190-pounds. Proportionally strong, broad-shouldered build.
Defense: Clean and quick transfer from glove to hand, upright through release.
Arm: RH. OF - 72 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup with a short stride.  Level bat path, favors his pull-side.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.75 runner in the 60. 

Joey Gaskill, Elk Grove (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-7, 165-pounds. Strong, compact frame.
Defense: Active feet, hands work under center of body.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot
Hit: RHH. Starts open with balance in the lower half, active pre-pitch bat waggle, steady leg lift trigger.  Quick hands with some raw strength, long and level bat path, favored the pull side.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.58 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, lead leg swings over back knee, falls towards first base side at times, upright finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm path, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 76-76 mph. Straight action, strikes.
CB: 64-66 mph. 11/5 shape. Flashed sharp action at times, some feel to spin. 
CH: 68-70 mph. Near fastball arm speed. 

Christian Green, Crete Monee  (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-1, 230-pounds.
Defense: Patient to the baseball, length to release.
Arm: LH. INF - 70 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, quick leg lift trigger.  Strong hands with raw bat strength, long and level bat path, favored his pull-side.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.61 runner in the 60. 

Micah Johnson, Stillman Valley  (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 155-pounds. Lean and lanky frame that projects.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, short stride.  Level bat path, line drive type approach to all fields, fluid rhythm at times.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, upright at balance point, lands square to target.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 76-77 mph. Four-seam type, plays up in the zone.
CB: 60-62 mph. Decelerates arm action. 12/6 shape, high release point. 

Brandt King, Stillman Valley (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-1, 190-pounds. Strong, compact build.
Defense: 2.29-2.44 pop times. Worked out behind the plate and in the infield. Two-hand gather under center of body in the field, corner infield profile. Athletic setup beind the plate, feet work in line to the bag, quick to release.
Arm: RH. C - 65 mph. INF - 70 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: LHH. Stands tall in the box, slight hand drop, short stride.  Bat stays level through the zone.
Power: 73 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.88 runner in the 60. 

James Linn, North Boone (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 156-pounds. Athletic build.
Defense: 2.41-2.44 pop times. Worked out behind the plate and in the outfield. Attacks the ball in the outfield. Some length to release behind the dish.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. OF - 76 mph. Short arm action that works from a high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws to his target.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride to even.  Short bat path, line drive type approach, gets on top of the baseball.
Power: 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. 

Brendan Meyers, Palatine (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds. Athletic frame.
Defense: Patient to the baseball, feet work in rhythm at times, clean exchange.
Arm: LH. INF - 75 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
Hit: LHH. Slightly crouched setup, weight shifts onto back leg, quick leg kick trigger.  Long bat path, pull-side approach.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.65 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, short strider, upright finish.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T75, 71-73 mph. Flashed late arm-side action, occasional strikes.
CB: 58-59 mph. Elevates arm to a high 3/4 slot, 12/6 shape, gradual action.
SL: 59-61 mph. Same arm slot as fastball. 1/7 shape with sweeping actions.
CH: 58-63 mph. Decelerated arm speed, plays with sink. 

Jace Phelan, Lane Tech (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 155-pounds. Lean, high-waisted build that projects.
Defense:  Active feet that attack the ball. Proper routes working around on an angle, clean outfield actions, steady hands. 
Arm: RH. OF - 81 mph. Short and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, quick leg kick trigger.  Simple swing, level bat path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.38 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Backwards rocker-step initiates a tall/fall type delivery, slight hitch prior to footstrike, high front side, short stride downhill. Works in rhythm on the hill.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Clean out the hand, plays straight and up in the zone.
CB: 68-69 mph. Showed some feel to spin. 12/6 shape with depth.
CH: 65-68 mph. Near fastball arm speed. Natural arm-side action and fade. 

Colin Reilly, Metea Valley (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Athletic, long-levered build.
Defense: Attacks the baseball, steady hands, upright through release.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Long and loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, hands load back, toe-tap trigger.  Level bat path, middle-in approach at the plate.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.41 runner in the 60. 

Matthew Robertson, Libertyville (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-2, 175-pounds. Lean and lanky frame, room for projection.
Defense:  Worked out in the infield and at first base. Corner infield profile, two-hand gather, long to release at times.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot. Throws showed carry to the bag.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, quick leg lift trigger.  Simple swing, uphill bat path with natural loft, consistent hard contact, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.38 runner in the 60. 

Drew Seidel, Fremd (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-8, 135-pounds. Lean, wiry frame.
Defense:  Attacks the baseball, quick feet, works low to the ground, hands play out in front.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Short and quick arm works from a high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, maintains balance through contact.  Loose hands, uphill swing path, gap-to-gap tendencies, fluid rhythm throughout swing.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.48 runner in the 60. 

Lucas Waunn, Fenwick (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Lean, wiry frame.
Defense: 2.18-2.29 pop times. Athletic setup, soft hands, clean exchange, feet play through the baseball.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot. Arm plays true, accurate throws around the bag.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, short stride.  Quick-twitch in hands, short and uphill path.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.63 runner in the 60. 

Kai Yau, Loyola Academy  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 6-0, 160-pounds. Lean, high-waisted frame.
Defense: Patient to the baseball.
Arm: LH. OF - 73 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Crouched setup, short stride.  Uphill bat path, pull-side tendencies.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.48 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Slight drop and drive delivery, closed front side, lands square and in line to target.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T73, 71-73 mph. Plays straight with occasional arm-side action. Works around the zone.
CB: 60-64 mph. 12/6 shape with some depth to it. Gradual action.
CH: 63-66 mph. Flashed arm-side run, worked up in the zone. 

Travis Zdanowski, Grand Rapids West Catholic (MI), 2021
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Defense: 2.03-2.19 pop times. Athletic setup behind the plate, quick transfer, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot. Arm plays true.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, rocks onto back leg pre-load, short stride.  Raw bat strength, level path, consistent gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.60 runner in the 60.

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