By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The Fox River Open took place on Tuesday, June 13th at Judson University's Hoffer Field in Elgin, Illinois. The event featured over 40 prospects participating in a pro-style workout in front of the PBR Scouting Staff.

Today we look at the position players from the event. Patrick Keaty impressed with his defensive prowess and should be able to stick at shortstop at the next level. Keaty also ran a 6.87 60. 

POSITION PLAYER ANALYSIS

1. Patrick Keaty, INF, South Elgin, 2019
5-foot-10, 165-pound, athletic shortstop. Ran 6.87 laser-timed 60. Defensively, soft hands, short arm action from high-¾ slot. Quick, fluid footwork, quick, clean exchange. Accurate throws with some carry clocked at 83 mph across the infield. At the plate, crouched setup, short stride, long, uphill bat path, opposite field approach; 76 mph exit velocity.

2. Matt Mier, INF, Tri-Valley, 2018
6-foot-3, 210-pound, strong, athletically-built, left-handed hitting infielder. Showed athleticism by running 6.90 laser-timed 60. Balanced setup at the plate with slight arm bar load, minimal stride. Good balance, fluid rhythm, long bat path, present bat speed, tracks ball far through the zone. Pull approach with raw power; 97 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action from high ¾-slot, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Throws clocked at 79 mph across the infield.

3. Jimmy Friel, INF, Grant, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound, right-handed-hitting, athletic middle infielder. Started the day off running a 6.93 60, laser-timed. Offensively, athletic setup, smooth load, short stride, hits off back side. Good balance with present bat speed and fluid rhythm. Pull approach and flashes power potential; 91 mph exit velocity. Defensively, loose arm action from a high-3/4 slot, clean exchange. Soft hands, fluid footwork, showed the ability to make plays on the move and throw from multiple angles.

4. Dominic Listi, LHP/OF, Prairie Ridge, 2019
5-foot-11, 170-pound, athletic two-way prospect. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, works from third base side of the rubber, loose arm action from a high-¾ slot, easy, repeatable delivery. Directional delivery, square landing, athletic finish, smooth rhythm. Fastball sat 81-82, topped at 83, slight arm-side run, thrown for strikes at a higher frequency from the stretch. Curveball sat 61-65 with 2/8 shape, maintains similar arm speed, tendency to get under the ball. Changeup sat 66-68 with arm-side fade, maintains similar arm speed. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced setup, low hands, leg kick timing trigger. Present bat speed, level bat path, gap-to-gap approach, 91 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long arm action from high-¾ slot, soft hands, fluid footwork, plays thru the ball, quick, clean exchange, throws clocked at 85 mph from the outfield. Ran 7.43 laser-timed 60.

5. Parker Mathieson, INF, Normal University, 2019
5-foot-10, 165-pound, athletic, left-handed hitting middle infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, leg kick timing trigger, good balance, fluid rhythm, present bat speed, long, uphill bat path with high finish. Gap-to-gap approach; 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively, soft hands, long arm action from high-¾ slot. Fluid footwork, clean exchange, throws clocked at 75 mph from across the diamond.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Camden Begley, RHP/OF, McHenry, 2019
5-foot-10, 150-pound, athletic, two-way prospect. Ran a 7.11 60, laser-timed. In the outfield, short arm action from a high-¾ slot, quick, clean exchange, plays thru the ball, takes aggressive routes to the ball, throws clocked at 79 mph from the outfield. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg kick timing trigger, level bat path, 81 mph exit velocity. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, works from first base side of the rubber, short arm action from an over-the-top slot. Closed landing, in-line direction, soft front foot. Fastball, 74-75 mph, Curveball, 57-59 mph with 11-5 shape. Changeup sat 66-69 mph, maintains similar arm action as fastball.

Michael Botthof, 3B/RHP, St. Rita, 2018
6-foot-2, 210-pound, strong, athletic, right-handed two way prospect. At the plate, balanced setup smooth load, minimal, toe-tap stride. Fluid rhythm, long bat path, line-drive approach, 78 mph exit velocity. Defensively, soft hands, short arm action from a high-¾ slot, clean exchange. Throws clocked at 74 mph across the infield. On the mound, works from middle of the rubber, easy, repeatable delivery, loose arm action from high-¾ slot. Square, on-line landing, upright finish. Fastball sat 73-75 mph, topped out at 76 with arm-side run.  Curveball sat 64-67 mph with 11/5 shape, similar arm speed as fastball. Slider 67-68 mph. Ran a 8.08 laser-timed 60.

Nick Corlett, OF, Maine South, 2018
5-foot-11, 175-pound, athletically-built right-handed hitting outfielder. Ran 7.16 laser-timed 60. At the plate, open stance, slight arm bar load, short, toe tap stride. Present bat speed, line-drive approach, fluid rhythm, repeatable swing, 89 mph exit velocity. In the outfield, short arm action from ¾ slot, clean exchange, throws clocked at 73 mph from the outfield.

Adrian Del Valle, OF, Glenbard West, 2018
5-foot-10, 155-pound, athletically-built, right-handed hitting outfielder. Ran 7.15 laser-timed 60. At the plate, balanced setup, toe tap stride. Good balance, chokes up on the bat, present bat speed, level bat path, line-drive approach, 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action from high-¾ slot, clean exchange, takes aggressive routes to the ball, accurate throw clocked at 81 mph from the outfield.

Kyle Engstrom, INF, Glenbard West, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound, athletically-built middle infielder. Ran a 7.35 laser-timed 60. Balanced set-up at the plate, smooth load, long leg kick. Good balance, fluid rhythm, uphill bat path, sees ball deep into the zone. Line-drive approach with some looseness in swing; 83 mph exit velocity. Defensively, soft hands, long arm action from high-¾ slot. Throws clocked at 81 mph across the diamond.

Dayne Frederick, OF, Harvest Christian, 2018
5-foot-10, 125-pound, lanky, athletic right-handed hitting outfielder. Showed off athleticism by running 7.03 laser-timed 60. At the plate, tall setup, back load, hanging leg kick. Present bat speed, uphill bat path, pull-approach, fluid rhythm, 84 mph exit velocity. In the outfield, long arm action from ¾ slot, plays thru the ball, fluid footwork, quick exchange, throws clocked at 75 mph from the outfield.

Matt Howard, 1B, Dekalb, 2018
6-foot-2, 210-pound, right-handed first baseman. Balanced setup at the plate, no load, leg kick, short bat path, 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action from high-¾ slot, clean exchange, throws clocked at 71 mph from across the infield.

Matthew Hulsey, 1B/RHP, Homeschooled, 2018
6-foot-1, 189-pound, athletically-built, two way prospect. Balanced setup at the plate, minimal stride, short bat path, line-drive approach. Defensively, long arm action from high-¾ slot. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, works from the stretch exclusively and from the first base side of the rubber, square landing, over-the-top slot. Fastball sat at 58-61, Slider 52 mph, Changeup sat 53-55.

Tim Jean, INF, Libertyville, 2018
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed hitting third baseman. Ran a 7.26 laser-timed 60. Balanced set-up at the plate, smooth load, minimal leg kick. Good balance, fluid rhythm, sees ball deep into the zone. Line-drive approach with some looseness in swing; 89 mph exit velocity. Defensively, soft hands, short arm action from an over-the-top slot, quick, clean exchange. Fluid footwork, can play on the move and throw from multiple angles. Accurate throws clocked at 78 mph across the diamond.

Hunter Johnson, INF, St. Viator, 2018
6-foot-2, 175-pound, lanky, second basemen and outfielder. Ran 7.13 60, laser-timed. Defensively, soft hands, short, loose arm action from a high-¾ slot, quick exchange, accurate throws clocked at 79 mph across the infield. Offensively, tall, closed setup at the plate, smooth load, long stride. Fluid rhythm, good balance, level bat path. Line-drive approach, 86 mph exit velocity.

Doubah Joseph, OF, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2018
5-foot-7, 132-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Defensively, long arm action from high-¾ slot, plays thru the ball, throws clocked at 71 mph from the outfield. At the plate, balanced setup, back load, leg kick timing trigger, fluid rhythm, uphill bat path, 69 mph exit velocity. Ran 7.85 60, laser-timed.

Cy Kerber, C, Larkin, 2018
6-foot, 185-pound, right-handed hitting, athletically-built catcher. Behind the plate, short arm action from a high-¾ slot, fluid footwork, clean exchange, accurate throws clocked at 74 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 2.12-2.23. Offensively, tall stance, short leg kick, level bat path, line-drive approach, 84 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.47 60, laser-timed.

Connor Lay, OF, Normal Community, 2019
5-foot-8, 150-pound, athletic, left-handed hitting outfielder. Showed off athleticism by running 6.94 laser-timed 60. Defensively, loose arm action from a high-¾ slot, takes aggressive routes to the ball, fluid footowork, plays thru the ball, quick, clean exchange, throws clocked at 79 mph to the plate. At the plate, balanced setup, arm bar load, minimal stride. Fluid rhythm, level bat path, 87 mph exit velocity.

Shane Layshock, OF, Cary Grove, 2018
6-foot-1, 180-pound, lanky, right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, balanced setup, minimal stride with front foot never leaving the ground. Good balance, uphill bat path, sees the ball through the zone, gap-to-gap approach, 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long arm action from high-3/4 slot, clean exchange, throws clocked at 78 mph from the outfield. Ran 7.44 60, laser-timed.

Sam Mennella, C, Wheaton Academy, 2018
5-foot-9, 150-pound, right-handed hitting, catcher. Ran 7.00 laser-timed 60. At the plate, balanced setup, short, toe-tap stride, good balance, uphill bat path, line-drive approach, 81 mph exit velocity. Behind the plate, short arm action from an over-the-top slot, clean exchange, pop times varied between 2.22-2.43 from the crouch.

Eric Nelson, RHP/INF, Dekalb, 2018
6-foot-1, 180-pound, athletically-built two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, works from middle of the rubber,smooth, repeatable delivery, finishes across his body, closed landing. Loose arm action from a high-¾ slot. Fastball sat 80-81, topped at 82, arm-side finish. Curveball sat 70-72 with sharp, 12-6 movement, maintains similar arm speed, thrown for strikes. Slider, 69-73 mph, 11-5 shape. Offensively, closed setup from the right side of the plate, smooth load, leg kick timing trigger, uphill bat path, opposite-field approach, 90 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long arm action from high-¾ slot, throws clocked at 78 mph from across the infield. Ran a 7.42 laser-timed 60.

Logan Piercy, INF, Kaneland, 2018
5-foot-8, 138-pound frame, switch-hitting middle infielder, 7.13 60-time. Defensively, fluid footwork, aggressive to the ball, clean exchange, good instincts. High-3/4 arm slot, accurate throws clocked at 73 mph. At the plate, closed setup, low hands, short stride and high finish. Fluid rhythm throughout, uphill bat path and pull approach. 80 mph exit velocity.

Ryan Piontek, INF, St. Charles North, 2018
5-foot-11, 180-pound, wide-shouldered, right-handed hitting corner infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, back load, minimal stride with front foot never leaving the ground. Good balance, present bat speed, long, level bat path. Line-drive approach with power potential; 90 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long arm action from high-¾ slot. Plays ball aggressively, throws clocked at 74 mph across the diamond. Ran 7.61 60, laser-timed.

Jackson Reuter, OF, Larkin, 2018
5-foot-8, 140-pound, athletic, right-handed hitting outfielder. Showed off athleticism by running 6.83 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, slight arm bar load, short stride, long, uphill bat path, pull-approach, 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action from high-¾ slot, clean exchange, throw clocked at 73 mph from the outfield.

Tyler Roman, SS, Round Lake, 2018
5-foot-10, 140-pound, lanky, right-handed hitting shortstop. Ran a 7.55 laser-timed 60. Tall, balanced setup at the plate, short leg kick, lower half collapse. Uphill bat path and exit velocity clocked at 80 mph. Defensively, long arm action from a  ¾-slot, accurate throws clocked at 72 mph across the diamond.

Mason Runkel, OF, Westminster Christian, 2018
5-foot-7, 140-pound, athletic, right-handed hitting outfielder. Defensively, long arm action from high-¾ slot, clean exchange, throw clocked at 77 mph from the outfield. At the plate, tall, open stance, long stride. Fluid rhythm, level bat path, line-drive approach, 78 mph exit velocity. Ran 7.44 laser-timed 60.

Quinn Ryan, 1B/RHP, Hampshire, 2019
6-foot-3, 180-pound, lanky two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, back load, short stride. Good balance, long, uphill bat path, fluid rhythm, exit velocity 81 mph. Defensively, long arm action from a ¾ arm slot, fluid footwork, clean exchange, accurate throws clocked at 72 mph across the infield. On the mound,right-handed pitcher, works from middle of the rubber, long arm action from a high-¾ slot. Good balance, square landing, upright finish. Fastball sat 70-71 topping at 72, thrown for strikes. Curveball sat 63-65 with 11-5 shape, thrown for strikes. Changeup 65-67 mph, maintains similar arm speed as fastball, slight glove-side fade, thrown for strikes. Ran 8.15 laser-timed 60.

Dylan Schick, RHP/SS, Batavia, 2019
6-foot-2, 160-pound, lanky two-way prospect. Balanced setup at the plate, back load with slight arm bar, short stride, front foot does not leave ground. Level bat path, pull approach, 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long arm action from ¾ slot, throws clocked at 72 mph from across the infield. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow, controlled delivery, long arm action from high-¾ slot. Square landing, falls toward first base side. Fastball sat 74-75, topped out at 77 with arm-side run.  Curveball sat 65-66 with 11-5 movement, maintains similar arm speed as fastball, thrown for strikes. Changeup 63-64 mph, maintains similar arm speed, thrown for strikes. Ran 7.22 laser-timed 60.

Casey Seeley, LHP/OF, Lockport East, 2017
5-foot-9, 170-foot two-way prospect. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced setup, arm bar load, big leck kick, uphill bat path, opposite-field approach, 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long arm action from a high-¾ slot, throws clocked at 75 mph from the outfield. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, works from first base side of the rubber, long delivery from ¾ slot, square landing, falls toward third base, athletic finish, minimal effort. Fastball sat 74-76 with arm-side run, thrown for strikes. Curveball, 55-58 mph, 2-8 movement. Changeup sat 63-65 mph, arm speed similar to fastball, slight arm-side fade. Ran 7.78 laser-timed 60.

Michael Singley, 3B/RHP, Forresto, 2018
6-foot-2, 205-pound, strong, right-handed two way prospect. At the plate, balanced setup, back load, minimal stride, keeps front foot on ground throughout the swing. Good balance, uphill bat path, fast bat speed, 79 mph exit velocity. On the mound, works very quickly from the first base side of the rubber, repeatable delivery, short arm action from high-¾ slot, closed landing, falls toward first base. Tendency to get underneath fastball from the windup, sat 78-79. Curveball 70-72 mph, 11-5 shape, maintains similar arm speed, thrown for strikes. Changeup sat 75-78 with fade, maintains similar arm speed. Defensively, long arm action from a high-¾ slot. Throws clocked at 81 mph from across the infield. Ran a 7.34 laser-timed 60.

Kenneth Slepicka, RHP/OF, Fenwick, 2018
6-foot, 155-pound, lanky two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, works from first base side of the rubber, short arm action from high-¾ slot. Square landing, soft front foot, in-line direction, athletic finish. Fastball sat 77-78, topped at 79, thrown for strikes. Curveball sat 77-78, 11-5 shape, maintains similar arm speed, thrown for strikes. Changeup, 68-70 mph with arm-side fade, maintains similar arm speed.  In the outfield, short arm action from a high-¾ slot, fluid footwork, plays thru the ball, quick, clean exchange. Accurate throws clocked at 77 mph from across the outfield. At the plate, balanced setup, minimal stride, uphill bat path, line-drive approach, 83 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.28 60, laser-timed.

Nathan Smith, INF, South Elgin, 2018
6-foot-2. 192-pound right-handed hitting corner infielder. At the plate, wide stance, smooth load, minimal stride. Good balance, fluid rhythm, bat speed, good barrel coverage, tracks ball deep into the zone. Gap-to-gap approach, 88 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action from ¾ slot. Fluid footwork, clean exchange. Accurate throws clocked at 79 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.46 laser-timed 60.

Matthew Sweitzer, INF, South Elgin, 2018
5-foot-8, 150-pound, athletically-built middle infielder. Ran a 7.25 laser-timed 60. Defensively, short arm action from an over –the-top slot, accurate throws clocked at 76 mph across the diamond. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced stance, leg kick timing trigger. Uphill bat path and exit velocity clocked at 71 mph.

Benjamin Taczy, 1B, Cary Grove, 2019
6-foot-3, 160-pound, lanky first baseman. At the plate,right-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg kick timing trigger, long, uphill bat path. Opposite-field approach, exit velocity 81 mph. Defensively, long arm action from high-¾ slot, clean exchange, throws clocked at 69 mph across the diamond. Ran 7.80 60, laser-timed.

LJ Waco. SS/2B, Cary Grove, 2019
5-foot-11, 165-pound, athletically-built, right-handed hitting middle infielder. Open stance at the plate, back load, long leg kick. Good balance, level bat path, fluid rhythm. Line-drive approach, 86 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long arm action from a ¾ slot, clean exchange, accurate throw clocked at 76 mph across the infield. Ran 7.45 laser-timed 60.

Joseph Walsh, RHP/3B, Crystal Lake South, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound, strong two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed batter, open setup, toe-tap stride, long, uphill bat path. Line-drive approach, 80 mph exit velocity. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth, repeatable delivery. Loose arm action from over-the-top slot, good balance, minimal effort involved, soft front foot, square landing. Fastball 73-75 mph, Curveball sat 60-64, arm speed near fastball, 12-6 shape, thrown for strikes. Changeup sat 66-69 with arm-side fade, maintains similar arm speed. Defensively, throws from high-¾ slot, accurate throws clocked at 70 mph from across the diamond. Ran 7.74 60, laser-timed.

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