By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Illinois/Wisconsin

The Future Prospect Showcase and Educational Camp is a great event for seventh and eighth grade prospects to learn the recruiting process as well as getting their feet wet in a standard showcase setting. You will be hearing the names of many of these players at you favorite high schools in years to come and some even with the ability to play at the next level.

One of the more notable standouts was Anthony DeConcilis (Lake Park, 2018) who showed the best foot speed at 7.19 in the 60 as well as one of the strongest arms in attendance. DeConcilis is highly athletic and projectable and looks to have a bright future ahead of him. Tony Alesci (Catholic Memorial, WI, 2018) also impressed with his physical stature and big bat. Parker Aquino (St. Laurence, 2018) looked to be one of the top pitchers in attendance with a 72-75 mph fastball, with advanced feel for multiple pitches.

3B Zaid Walker (Homewood-Flossmoor, 2018) also made his presence felt with his bat and soft hands on the infield. Jalen Greer (St. Rita, 2019) and Malik Peters (2018) echoed Walker’s defensive abilities with soft hands and a quick arm of their own.

Here’s a look at all the prospects in attendance.

All Prospects (Listed Alphabetically)

Tony Alesci, RHP/3B, Catholic Memorial (WI), 2018
The 5-foot-11, 153-pound two way player stood out amongst his peers with both his physical frame and natural actions on the infield. Moves athletically in all directions with excellent range and body control. Hands work soft with easy exchanges. Throws from a high ¾ slot, short arm action, 68 mph with accuracy. Posted a 7.53 60 time. At the plate he has a wide set up, slightly opened. Uses a heel lift load and launch action with strong lower half involvement. Swing is strong and level with advanced bat speed. Advanced power tool for age. 82 mph exit velocity off tee. On the mound he showed intrigue as well. Delivery is simple and repeatable, with clean lines and regular effort. Showed above average arm strength with a fastball in the 71-73 mph range. Displayed quality feel for his off-speed offerings. Changeup was 64-67 mph with deceptive action. Curveball has 12/6 shape and solid breaking action, 60-61 mph. Throws a slider with soft action, 67-70 mph.

Timmy Alfonso, MIF, St. Viator, 2018
5-foot-6, 115-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from an open stance, shorter stride back to square, maintains balance. Path gets extension, flat through the baseball, produced line drives, finishes high with two hands. 68 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran the 60 in 8.08. Defensively uses a short over the top slot on the infield, 64 mph arm across the diamond.

Parker Aquino, MIF/RHP, St. Laurence, 2018
5-foot-8, 120-pound, lean and lanky athletic two-way player with strong projection. On the mound he has an athletic delivery with smooth rhythm and athletic finish. Clean arm action works long and loose from a high ¾ slot. Fastball was 73-75 mph with running action. Had advanced feel and command of his changeup, throwing it 69-70 mph with high quality arm speed, arm side run, consistent strikes. Curveball was advanced for age, sitting 62-65 mph, 11/5 shape and solid action, for strikes. On the infield he moves well and plays through balls athletically. Arm works the same as on the mound, 76 mph across the diamond with carry and accuracy. Ran an 8.26 60. Hits from a balanced stance with a toe tap load and launch sequence. Swing is slightly uphill with solid bat speed. Exit velocity was 73 mph off a tee.

Collin Brown, C, Bremen, 2018
5-foot-9, 160-pound catcher who projects well. Defensively, showed solid receiving skills, as well as the ability to move well out of the crouch. Arm works short, over the top slot, 65 mph with carry and accuracy out of the crouch. Pop times were in the 2.28-2.38 range with advanced catch and release skills for age. Demonstrated strong feel for handling pitchers in the bullpen, excellent blocker for his age. At the plate hits from a balanced setup, medium stride, aggressive backside, quality balance through contact. Swing is level, quality extension, above average bat speed. Exit velocity was 68 mph.

Justin Cappis, SS, Undecided, 2020
5-foot-3, 105-pound left handed hitting infielder. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, no stride approach, heel lift trigger. Hands worked well, above average bat speed for his age. Showed the ability to make hard contact, slightly uphill path, hits with rhythm. 69 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a short arm action across the infield, actions are present, 57 mph arm across the diamond. Ran the 60 in 9.83

Brooks Coetzee, OF/RHP, Mahomet-Seymour, 2018
5-foot-11, 160-pound two-way player with long limbs who projects well. On the mound he has a smooth delivery, strong direction, regular effort. Arm works long and rigid, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed high grade late run and sink action, 73-75 mph, consistent strikes. Curveball was best off speed pitch. True 12/6 shape and late bite, 61-63 mph and in the zone. Throws a straight changeup at 66-69 mph. In the outfield he showed athletic movements, and worked through balls aggressively. Arm works long, over the top, 83 mph with above average carry. Ran a 7.51 60. Hits from a wide, balanced stance, heel lift stride technique, strong lower half usage. Has a gap-to-gap, line drive swing with an uphill path and quick bat speed. Exit velocity was 82 mph off a tee.

Anthony DeConcilis, SS/RHP, Lake Park, 2018
5-foot-8, 145-pound two way prospect with a strong frame and tons of upside. Posted the fastest 60 time at the event, running a 7.19. Defensively, his quick feet played well as he showed athletic actions and soft hands. Arm action is short and athletic, high ¾ slot, 74 mph across the diamond with carry. Offensively he showed the ability to make consistent, strong contact. Hits from a balanced stance, short stride, strong lower half usage, balance through contact. Line drive type swing with fluid rhythm, short bat path, quick bat speed. Exit velocity was 78 mph off a tee. He showed just as strongly on the mound. Delivery is smooth with regular effort. Arm works short and quick from high ¾ slot. Commanded his fastball in the zone, 71-74 mph with advanced arm side run. Had advanced feel for his changeup, throwing it for strikes at 64-70 mph with arm side run. Curveball was 61-65 mph with an 11/5 shape.

Hunter De La Rosa, 3B/RHP, Moline, 2018
5-foot-4, 120-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from a taller setup, short stride to the baseball, minimal lower half involvement. Hands drop at swing, slightly uphill path. Posted a 69 mph exit velocity from the tee. At third base uses a long arm action across the diamond, high ¾ slot, 60 mph across the diamond. Ran the 60 at 7.76. On the mound arm plays similar to that at third base, regular effort. Fastball has slight run, 63-64 mph, touched 65 mph. Changeup sat at 57-58 mph. Threw a slip pitch at 55-56 mph and cutter at 60 mph. Pitches should gain more identity with maturity and arm strength.

Jeremy Fischer, RHP/SS/C, Normal West, 2018
5-foot-7, 130-pound multi-positional player. At the plate he showed a strong hit tool. Wide stance, short stride, some lower half involvement, solid balance through contact. Swing showed solid bat speed. Exit velocity off a tee was 63 mph. Behind the plate he showed sound hands. Arm worked at 60 mph from a crouch with pop times in the 2.59-2.62 range. Across the infield his arm works stiff, at 62 mph with accuracy. Ran an 8.04 60. On the mound his delivery uses regular effort. Arm works long and stiff, high ¾ slot. Fastball was straight, sitting 63-65 mph. Throws a curveball with true 12/6 shape, some depth, rolling break, 46-50 mph. Showed feel for his changeup, throwing it with flashes of sink at 56-57 mph, for strikes. Also throws a slider, same shape and action as the curveball, 52-53 mph.

Niles Gall, OF, Richards, 2018
5-foot-6, 125-pound left handed hitting outfielder. Defensively, played through balls and showed proper crow hop mechanics. Arm works clean at 67 mph with standard carry. Ran a 7.79 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced, closed off stance, short stride to contact. Swing path is long and uphill. Exit velocity was 71 mph off a tee.

Simon Grashoff, C, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2018
5-foot-8, 155-pound catcher with a strong frame. Behind the dish he showed solid receiving skills. Arm worked at 64 mph out of the crouch. Pop times were in the 2.47-2.68 range. At the plate he hits from a wide stance, short stride, balance through contact. Swing was long and uphill with above average bat speed. Exit velocity was 75 mph off a tee. Ran a 7.97 60.

Jalen Greer, SS, St. Rita, 2019
5-foot-7, 125-pound middle infielder. Athletic defender, plays the position with ease, hands work well with a soft touch. Natural infield actions, plays through the baseball well for his age. Arm plays well across the diamond, gets carry and is accurate, short arm action, 61 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from a tall open stance, short stride. Hands are loose, good balance through contact, path shows occasional length, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Greer shows natural baseball actions all over the field and plays the game with little effort making him an intriguing follow.

Dominic Hall, MIF, Benet, 2018
5-foot-7, 135-pound lanky left handed hitting infielder. At the plate hits from a balanced stance with short stride to contact and solid balance. Has a short, gap-to-gap swing with above average bat speed. Exit velocity was 71 mph. On the infield he moves with choppy footwork and rhythm. Arm works long, at 65 mph with accuracy. Ran an 8.7 60.

Brendan Johnson, RHP, Frankfurt, 2019
5-foot-7, 128-pound two way player. On the mound his delivery is smooth with regular effort and throws slightly across body. Arm works short, high ¾ slot. Fastball was 65-69 mph with run and sink. Curveball works on an 11/5 plane with sweeping break, 50-54 mph, better action when thrown harder. Changeup flashed some sink, sitting 54-61 mph, touching 63 mph once. At the plate hits from an open stance, short stride, low hands. Swing has late rhythm and solid bat speed. Exit velocity off the tee was 65 mph. Ran an 8.51 60.

Pierce Jones, RHP/OF, East Richland, 2018
5-foot-9, 122-pound lanky, two way player. On the mound he has a tall and fall style delivery with some rhythm, regular effort. Arm works loose, from a ¾ slot. Fastball was straight, 67-69 mph, consistent strikes. Throws a curveball at 54-57 mph with 11/5 shape and loose action. From the outfield he showed soft hands while playing through the ball. Arm works short and loose, ¾ slot, at 67 mph with some accuracy. Ran an 8.2 60. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup, short stride, solid balance. Has a line drive swing that is long, slightly uphill. Exit velocity was 70 mph off a tee.

Simon Lane, 3B/RHP, Hinsdale Central, 2019
5-foot-6, 140-pound two-way player. On the mound arm plays from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 68-70 mph, minimal action. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, range from 53-60 mph. Changeup sat 59-61 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Bat path has length, works slightly uphill. Posted exit velocity of 74 mph from the tee. Defensively arm played at 70 mph across the diamond, short over the top slot. Ran an 8.12 in the 60.

Brandon Mahoney, 1B/RHP, Brother Rice, 2018
6-foot-1, 185-pound two way player with physical strength. At the plate he has an open stance, short stride, maintains balance through contact. Swing is uphill, with pull side tendencies. Makes consistently strong contact with solid bat speed. Exit velocity was 79 mph off a tee. At first base showed feel around the bag with solid hands and foot work. Arm works at 60 mph across the infield with accuracy. On the mound he repeats his delivery well, throws slightly across his body. Arm works long, ¾ slot. Fastball was straight, sitting 64-66 mph, flashing 67 mph once. Throws a breaking ball with slurve shape and action, 51-56 mph. Changeup showed sinking action at 58-63 mph. Posted an 8.4 60 yard dash time.

Guiseppe Mattera, OF/LHP, Pleasant Plains, 2018
5-foot-7, 125-pound two way player. On the mound he works with a longer arm action from a high ¾ slot, delivery has a tendency to work on an open path. Fastball has finish , sat 72-74 mph, showed feel for the zone, with late action for his age. Breaking ball has 11/5 shape, 54-56 mph. Changeup sits 59-60 mph, slower arm action. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced stance, slight leg lift trigger, good balance through contact. Regularly barreled the baseball, hard consistent contact, hits with good rhythm, pull side approach. 72 mph exit velocity. Defensively played the outfield with above average actions, used a crowhop through the baseball, played in stride. 7.94 runner in the 60.

Austin Matuszewski, 3B/RHP, Lake Zurich, 2018
5-foot-8, 150-pound two way player. Defensively he plays with firm hands, arm works long and firm from an over the top slot, 68 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.55 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced setup, short stride to contact. Swing is long and level with solid bat speed. Exit velocity was 75 mph off a tee. On the mound his delivery has choppy rhythm. Arm works long and stiff from high ¾ slot. Fastball was 67-69 mph, touching 72 mph, with sink, for strikes. Curveball was 59-61 with 12/6 shape. Changeup was 63-64 mph with fading action.

Jadd Oweimrin, LHP/OF, Northside College Prep, 2018
5-foot-7, 135-pound left handed, two way player with wide shoulders. In the outfield he played through the ball athletically at times, with solid hands. Arm works with length, rigid action from an over the top slot at 75 mph with some carry. Showed advanced foot speed for his age, running a 7.61 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance with a lengthy stride. Lower half collapses some and maintains balance through. Swing has choppy rhythm and above average bat speed. Exit velocity was 74 mph off a tee. On the mound he

Malik Peters, MIF/RHP, 2018
5-foot-7, 135-pound athletic two-way player with long limbs, and projects well. On the infield he shows advanced actions and feel for and infielder. Plays through the ball with athletic feet, soft hands, and quick exchanges. Arm works short and loose from a high ¾ slot at 66 mph with high quality accuracy and solid carry. Showcased excellent body control playing on the run as well. Ran an 8.21 60. At the plate he hits from an open stance, short stride, solid balance through contact. Has a line drive swing with fluid rhythm, short, level path with extension, and quality bat speed. Exit velocity was 66 mph off a tee. On the mound he showed feel for three pitches, and the ability to repeat his delivery. Arm works quick, from a high ¾ slot. Filled the zone up with his fastball, sitting 69-71 mph, touching 72 mph, with slight sink at times. Showed advanced feel for his changeup, throwing it for strikes with strong arm side run at 62-65 mph. Throws his curveball on an 11/5 plane at 61-62 mph, for consistent strikes.

Eric Rapanan, MIF/RHP, Warren, 2018
5-foot-6, 130-pound two-way player. Showed an above average skill set defensively, excellent range for his age, hands played well, showed the ability to play through the baseball. Ran a 7.50 in the 60. Short arm action across the diamond (68 mph), showed carry to his target. On the mound arm works from a high ¾ slot, loose arm action with little effort. Fastball is straight, 69-70 mph, touched 71 mph. Curveball works with occasional 11/5 shape, 60-61 mph. Straight change flashed occasional sink at 64-65 mph.

Cory Ronan, OF, N/A, 2021
5-foot, 8-pound left handed outfielder. Showed natural actions in the outfield, moved well, showed the ability to play the baseball in stride, played well on the move. Arm topped out at 62 mph from a loose over the top slot, typical outfield arm action. Ran the 60 in 8.71. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, short stride approach. Line drive type hitter with a short path. The youngest participant in the showcase, Ronan showed excellent baseball actions and a natural feel for the game. Game should progress well with standard size and strength progression.

Alex Runge, RHP, Joliet Catholic Academy, 2018
5-foot-9, 140-pound pitcher with feel for three pitches. Delivery has choppy rhythm with a quick leg kick and regular effort. Arm works short and loose from a ¾ slot. Fastball sat 67-68 mph with quality run action, for strikes. Feel for his changeup, sitting 59-62 mph with arm side run. Curveball was 54-59 mph on an 11/5 axis with solid action. Throws a knuckle ball 56-57 mph. Ran a 7.65 60.

Jon Runquist, MIF, Shephard, 2018
5-foot-6, 120-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from a closed stance, short toe tap stride, inconsistent stride at times. One piece swing, occasionally lunges, 64 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a short arm action, over the top slot, 60 mph across the infield with some accuracy. Ran the 60 at 8.90.

Addison Ruot, OF/3B, Pleasant Plains, 2018
5-foot-6, 150-pound outfield/third baseman. Versatile defender, in the outfield showed the ability to the play the baseball in stride, plays through it with active feet, short arm action, 71 mph from the outfield. On the infield displayed well above average hands, arm played at 67 across the diamond. Offensively hits from an open stance, slight leg lift stride. Setup can improve, hands are loose, front side stays open, high finish. Showed the ability to spray line drives, 71 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Ben Schuler, SS, Pontiac, 2019
5-foot-2, 120 pound shortstop. Defensively carries himself well for his age, active defender, feet move, showed soft hands for his age, gets rid of the ball efficiently. Arm plays short and loose, 62 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from a closed stance, short stride, lower half is partially involved. Bat path works for his age, line drive type hitter, pre pitch bat waggle showed tendency to lead to late timing. 65 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Nathan Shapiro, MIF, New Trier, 2018
5-foot-4, 105-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from a tall setup, short stride, good balance throughout. Well above average bat path for age, short to the baseball, hits with rhythm, fluid approach. 59 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively hands play for the middle of the infield, footwork is active and shows the ability to play through the baseball. Arm plays at 57 mph across the diamond. Ran an 8.57 in the 60.

Michael Skoraczewski, MIF, St. Laurence, 2018
5-foot-4, 115-pound quick twitch athlete. On the infield he showed soft hands, high quality footwork, and played through balls athletically. Athletic arm action, works short and loose from a high ¾ slot, 64 mph across the diamond with accuracy. Posted a 7.47 60 time. Offensively, hits from an open stance, leg kick trigger, solid balance through contact. Swing is level with above average bat speed. Exit velocity was 70 mph off a tee.

Zaid Walker, INF/RHP, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2018
5-foot-8, 160-pound athletic, well built two way player with strong legs. On the infield he showed extremely well. Looked natural at 3B and SS, moving with fluid feet, fielding with soft hands that work out in front, clean exchanges, plays through balls athletically. Arm works well, short and loose from a high ¾ slot at 76 mph across the diamond with carry and accuracy. Posted a 7.73 60 time. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance, short stride, quality balance through contact. Showed swagger when standing in the box. Swing is simple and repeatable, short to the ball with gap-to-gap barrel control and advanced bat speed, strong contact. Exit velocity off the tee was 78 mph. On the mound his delivery has regular effort, arm works the same as on the infield. Fastball was straight, 70-73 mph. Throws a slider with soft action, 59-63 mph. Also throws a knuckle ball at 56-57 mph.

Andrew Wilhite, SS/SHP, Stillman Valley, 2018
5-foot-8, 145-pound left handed hitting two-way player with the unique ability to pitch with both arms. On the infield he plays through balls athletically, hands work soft and out in front. Arm works short, from over the top at 77 mph with accuracy and above average carry. Ran a 7.63 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance, smooth backward loading action, short stride, solid balance through contact. Has a swing that plays from gap-to-gap with advanced bat speed for his age. Exit velocity was 81 mph off a tee. On the mound he demonstrated the unique ability to throw with both arms. As a right handed pitcher his delivery uses regular effort and throws from an over the top slot. His fastball was 73-77 mph for strikes. Showed feel for an aggressive curveball with 12/6 shape and sharp action at 61-63 mph. Changeup was 68-71 mph with quality fading action. As a left handed pitcher the delivery is the same with a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball sits 64-67 mph with arm side run. Changeup was 61-64 mph with sink and cut.

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