Gurnee Preseason I.D. Showcase: Pitching Analysis
March 20, 2015
By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director
The Prep Baseball Report’s Gurnee Preseason I.D. Showcase took place on Sunday February 22nd at Bat Speed Academy in Gurnee, IL. The showcase featured 105 prospects from the 2015-2018 classes who showcased their talents in front of our scouting staff.
CLICK HERE to view the Top Statistical Performers
CLICK HERE to view the Top Tools Breakdown
Over the next several days we will breakdown the top prospects from the event by position, culminating in the Top Overall Prospects.
Today we’ll take a look at the Top 10 Pitching Prospects split up into two categories: Upperclassmen (2015 and 2016 graduates) and Underclassmen (2017 and 2018 graduates).
Wauconda junior RHP Kevin Malisheski entered the Illinois Class of 2016 rankings at No. 57 thanks to his performance at Gurnee. He was joined by high school teammate, senior LHP Kyle Harmon, ranked No. 2 on this list, who also entered the state rankings at No. 254 in the 2015 class.
Bremen sophomore RHP Mike Fuentes stood out as the top underclass arm, impressing with three pitch feel from a projectable 6-foot-3 frame. Fuentes sat 80-82 mph.
Mundelein sophomore RHP Johnny Buckner showed the best fastball velocity of all the underclassmen sitting 82-84 mph with a quick arm and likely more in the tank.
Let’s take a look at the top pitching prospects from this year’s Gurnee Preseason I.D.
Top Upperclass Pitching Prospects
1. Kevin Malisheski, RHP, Wauconda, 2016
6-foot-3, 190-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a quick arm, and a short, loose arm action, comes out clean. Toe up balance point with easy effort. Tall and fall online delivery with smooth rhythm and level shoulders. Low hands thru delivery with a closed landing and an athletic finish. Fastball sat 85-86 mph. Threw curveball for strikes with 10-4 shape and late action sitting 70-72 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup with fade at 79-81 mph. Good projectability.
2. Kyle Harmon, LHP, Wauconda, 2015
6-foot, 185-pound, left-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a quick arm and a short, loose arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with regular effort. Level shoulders with a square landing and an athletic finish. Fastball showed some life at 80-82 mph. Curveball showed sharp, late action at 70-72 mph. Changeup with sink at 64-68 mph.
3. Sam LaMotte, RHP, Warren, 2016
6-foot, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher with a lanky frame. On the mound works from a side arm to low ¾ arm angle, quick arm, with a long arm action, wraps in back, with a slight hook. Full overhead tall and fall crossfire delivery with regular effort. Level shoulders with a square landing. Creates tough angle for hitters. Threw fastball for strikes down in the zone with sink at 80-81 topping out at 82 mph. Threw curveball for strikes at 67-68 mph. Changeup showed armside run at 73-74 mph.
4. Nick Cosentino, RHP, Carmel Catholic, 2016
6-foot-4, 230-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a quick arm a short, clean arm action. Drop and drive delivery with some rhythm. Uphill shoulders, online, with an open toed landing. Fastball sat 79-81 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape and gradual break at 67-69 mph. Plus changeup showed armside run and sinking action at 74-76 mph.
Top Underclass Pitching Prospects
1. Mike Fuentes, RHP/SS, Bremen, 2017
6-foot-3, 178-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/SS with a lanky, athletic build. In the field has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Carry on throws with average hands and slower actions. Threw 78 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a tall open stance heel turn load with a short stride. Opposite field hitter with stiff rhythm. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.86. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, clean arm action. Tall and fall online delivery. Uphill shoulders with an athletic finish. Threw fastball for strikes down in the zone with cut at 80-82 mph. Threw curveball for strikes with 11-5 to 12-6 shape at 66-69 mph. Straight changeup sat 70-72 mph.
2. Johnny Buckner, OF/IF/RHP, Mundelein, 2017
6-foot-2, 180-pound lanky and athletic OF/IF/RHP currently impresses most on the mound, fastballs at 82-84 mph from short, quick, high ¾ arm slot, level shoulders throughout delivery, stride direction is in line with home plate, lands slightly closed, spins off heel. Curveball was thrown 61-64 mph, up in the zone, erratic for strikes. Better feel for strike zone with 70-72 mph changeup, thrown with fastball arm speed, occasional sinking action. Hits from a tall, open setup, short stride, above average bat speed, 85 mph exit velocity. Defensively, profiles more as an outfielder, but shows arm strength all over the diamond: 83 mph in the infield, 86 mph from the outfield. Would like to see Buckner just pitch at an event so he doesn’t wear himself out throughout the day, expect more velocity on the mound in his future. Ran 5.01 from home to first.
3. Anthony Calarco, C/RHP, New Trier, 2018
6-foot-2, 175-pound, switch-hitting multi-positional player with a lanky, athletic build. Behind the plate has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with carry. Soft hands, with quick, fluid footwork. Popped 2.11-2.18 and threw 75 mph from the crouch. In the field has a long, loose arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Threw 82 mph across the infield. From the right side hits from a wide base with a linear lower half. Long swing path with extension and whip. Showed more pop from the right side. From the left side hits from a wide base with a heel lift stride. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee right-handed and 83 mph exit velocity from a tee left-handed. Home to first at 4.68. Showed projection on the mound working from a ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action, with a slight wrap. Slight drift to the plate with some rhythm and a closed landing. Fastball missed arm side and high showing arm side run sitting 79-82 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape at 60-63 mph. Changeup sat 70-73. High level prospect.
4. Jordan Litke, 1B/RHP, Warren, 2017
6-foot-2, 180-pound, right-handed hitting 1B/RHP with a thin lanky frame. In the field has a short, stiff arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws, turns double plays well at first. Threw 76 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced open stance, loads to backside with a long leg kick stride. Averge batspeed, flashes an explosive lower half. Uphill swing path with extension. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.66. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a quick arm, and a long arm action. Stab in back out of glove. Tall and fall online delivery with some rhythm. Square landing with an athletic finish. Fastball sat 77-79 topping out at 80 mph. Curveball has 12-6 shape at 65-69 mph. Changeup has sinking action at 70-72 mph.
5. Alex Williams, RHP, Warren, 2017
6-foot-2, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher with an athletic build. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a quick arm and a short, stiff arm action. Downhill angle. Drop and drive delivery with some effort. Rushes to the plate, crossfire delivery, and falls off to the first base side. Sneaky quick straight fastball sat 81-82 mph. Slider had sweeping action at 64-66 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup with arm side run at 72-73 mph. Projects on the mound.
6. Jack Warshawsky, RHP/3B, Highland Park, 2018
5-foot-100, 175-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/3B. In the field has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Threw 71 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a drop load and short stride. Average bat speed with an uphill swing path and stiff rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.83. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm slot with a long loose arm action. Slow paced tall and fall delivery. Fastball was sneaky quick at times sitting 79-80 topping out at 82 mph. Curveball showed sweeping slider action at 68-71 mph. Changeup flashed armside run at 71-73 mph.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Timmy Alfonso, RHP, Saint Viator, 2018
5-foot-8, 125-pound small and athletic RHP/MIF impressed on the mound with three-pitch feel and action on secondary pitches. Fastball sat 70-73 mph, downhill angle, from short, loose, clean, high ¾ arm slot. Curveball flashed 12/6 shape, late breaking action, future plus pitch in 64-66 mph range, can really spin it. Changeup thrown near fastball arm speed aggressively, 68-70 mph with fading action. Alfonso is only a freshman, if/when he grows his upside on the mound could be very good thanks to his current feel for pitching.
Cole Aughenbaugh, OF/RHP, Oswego, 2017
6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed hitting OF/RHP hits from an open setup, short stride, slight leg lift, hands held high, load back, short, slightly uphill bat path, occasional extension, 71 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 77 mph in the outfield from long, over-the-top arm slot, average hands fielding. Ran 4.69 from home to first. On the mound, works from long, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, lands open at foot strike, stride direction in line with home plate, fastball sat 69-72 mph. 56-60 mph curveball flashed 11/5 shape. Changeup flashed sink, 59-62 mph occasionally cuts it.
Chris Baumann, RHP, Carmel Catholic, 2016
6-foot-, 175-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Ball comes out clean. Tilt, topple delivery with uphill shoulders. Online delivery with a square landing and good balance. Lacks command of pitches. Fastball sat 79-80 mph. Curveball showed sweeping action at 61-64 mph. Maintained arm speed on changeup at 71-73 mph.
Casey Becker, 1B/RHP, Wheaton North, 2016
6-foot-1, 215-pound, left-handed hitting 1B/RHP. In the field has a long, stiff arm action. Average hands with slower actions. Threw 78 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced open setup with a short heel lift stride. Pull hitter with power, uphill swing path and a fast bat. Strong thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.80. On the mound works from a low ¾ to ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with level shoulders, some rhythm, and a square landing. Fastball showed heavy running action at 78-79 topping out at 80 mph. Curveball showed sweeping, slider action at 68-70 mph. Changeup flashes good action at times at 67-70 mph. Splitter at 70-72 mph.
Rich Campbell, RHP, Loyola, 2017
6-foot, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher with a projectable frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action, wraps in back. Tall and fall, online delivery, with uphill shoulders, and a closed landing. Glide step from the stretch with an athletic finish. Fastball sat 79-81 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape at 63-66 mph. Changeup sat 71-73 mph. Will continue to improve with maturity.
Jack Christensen, 1B/RHP, Lakes Community, 2017
6-foot-4, 185-pound lanky right-handed hitting OF/RHP hits from balanced setup, dives with towards plate with stride, over strides at times, cuts off swing slightly, opposite field tendencies, 83 mph exit velocity off the tee, future power potential at the plate with frame. Defensively, threw 71 mph across the diamond from long, high ¾ arm slot, some accuracy. Ran 4.75 from home to first. On the mound, fastball sat 72-74 mph from long, high ¾ arm slot, level shoulders throughout delivery, stride direction works across his body, lands square towards home plate at foot strike. Curveball showed gradual break, 11/5 shape, 60-64 mph, inconsistent for strikes. 64-67 mph changeup missed down in the zone.
Matt Croisant, OF/RHP, Lake Forest, 2018
6-foot-3, 165-pound lanky and athletic OF/RHP impressed with arm strength from the outfield, 84 mph from short, loose, high ¾ arm slot. Soft hands fielding the baseball, fluid footwork, clean exchanges. Arm strength currently doesn’t transfer to the mound, slows tempo in delivery, fastball sat 76-77 mph from tall/fall delivery, lands closed at foot strike. Slowed arm on 58-61 mph curveball with 10/4 shape. Also threw a 71-76 mph changeup. At the plate, hits from a balanced setup, hands load back, short, leg lift stride, loose swing, 82 mph exit velocity off the tee. Ran 4.51 from home to first.
Thomas Donnelly, RHP/OF, Notre Dame College Prep, 2018
6-foot, 160-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/OF with a lanky build. In the field has a long, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Some accuracy with carry on throws and average hands. Threw 82 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from an open stance with a leg kick stride and a linear lower half. Inside out swing with early rhythm. Showed some strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.42. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing. Fastball showed slight run and sat 75-77 mph. Curveball and slider blended together showing sweeping action at 61-63 mph. Changeup sat 68-71 mph.
Patrick Humphrey, RHP, McHenry, 2016
6-foot-3, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works form an over the top arm angle with a short, stiff 2-part arm action. Tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm. Falls off to first base side. Straight fastball sat 72-73 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape at 58-59 mph. Changeup sat 64-68 mph.
Nathan Jacobson, SS/RHP, Crystal Lake, 2018
5-foot-6, 113-pound right-handed hitting SS/RHP hits from a balanced setup, short stride, minimal hand load, long, level bat path produced line drives during batting practice mostly to pull side, 63 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 70 mph across the diamond from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy, average hands fielding the baseball, plays through the ball. On the mound, fastball sat 72-74 mph for strikes from shorter arm than in the field, still high ¾, toe down at balance point, slow tempo, lands slightly open at foot strike. Slows arm on gradual breaking curveball, 54-58 mph, 11/5 shape. Also threw a 65-66 mph sinking changeup for strikes at the bottom of the zone, good feel for it out front.
Justin Kopech, RHP, Stevenson, 2016
6-foot-3, 205-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a slight cross fire and regular effort. Smooth, balanced delivery with a closed landing and athletic finish. Fastball flashed cutting action at 76-78 mph. Threw curveball for strikes with 12-6 shape and hard downer action at 66-67 mph. Maintained arm speed on changeup with sink at 70-73 mph. Threw all pitches for strikes.
Jeff Korus, C/RHP, Barrington, 2017
5-foot-10, 175-pound, right-handed hitting C/RHP with a strong frame. In the field has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Some accuracy with life on throws. Popped 2.00-2.08 and threw 76 mph from the crouch. At the plate hits from an open spread out stance. Short load with good balance and a fast bat. Opposite field hitter with a level swing plane. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.33. On the mound works form a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Short leg lift with toe up at balance. Level shoulders with an online delivery. Fastball showed slight run sitting 76-77 topping out at 78 mph. Curveball sat 61-63 mph. Slowed arm on changeup at 59-62 mph.
Ricky Lee, 1B/RHP, Warren, 2017
6-foot-3, 190-pound, right-handed hitting 1B/RHP, with a strong, athletic build. In the field has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with fluid footwork and a clean exchange. Threw 71 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a tall, open stance with a short stride. Gap to gap power hitter with a fast bat and fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the mound works from and over the top arm angle with a short, clean arm action. Tall and fall crossfire delivery with regular effort. Fastball sat 69-71 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape and sat 54-56 mph. Changeup flashed cutting action at 62-64 mph.
Ryan Lee, OF/RHP, Warren, 2017
5-foot-10, 145-pound, right-handed hitting OF/RHP. In the field has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot, with slow actions. Threw 70 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a tall, balanced setup, with a leg lift trigger and a linear lower half. Average balance with a level swing path. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.82. On the mound works from an over the top arm slot with a short arm action. Regular effort with a tall and fall online delivery and a closed landing. Fastball 69-70 topping out at 71 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape 61-63 mph. Straight changeup sat 65-66 mph.
Jack McCullough, LHP/OF, Warren, 2017
6-foot-3, 175-pound lanky and athletic left-handed hitting LHP/OF impressed with arm strength from the outfield, 84 mph, from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Soft hands fielding the baseball, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball. Hits from a tall setup, short stride, hands start high, load down slightly, uphill bat path, some fluidity to swing, 78 mph exit velocity off the tee. Ran 4.43 from home to first. On the mound, fastball sat 71-74 mph in the windup, 76-77 mph from the stretch as he got loose during pen possibly. Breaking ball has slider shape, late action, 67-69 mph, 2/8 shape. Changeup was thrown from 71-72 mph. McCullough is a lanky athlete to follow closely over the next three years.
Jake Motley, C/RHP, Wauconda, 2018
5-foot-10, 152-pound, right-handed hitting C/RHP with a lanky build. In the field has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Gains ground towards second and a quick release. Popped 2.18-2.26 and threw 67 mph from the crouch. At the plate hits from a wide base, arm bar on load, with a short stride. Long level swing path. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.53. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle. Tall and fall online, slow paced delivery. Threw fastball for strikes at 71-73 topping out at 74 mph. Curveball with slurve shape sat 64-67 mph. Changeup showed sink at 65 mph. Will continue to improve with maturity.
Dylan Murillo, LHP, Bolingbrook, 2017
5-foot-10, 160-pound, left-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle, stab in back with a short arm action. Drop and drive delivery, gets to balance point, slight turn before driving to the plate. Uphill shoulders with some rhythm. Square landing with an athletic finish. Straight fastball sat 69-70 mph. Curveball has 12-6 shape at 58-60 mph. Changeup sat 60-64 mph.
Porter Olson, RHP/OF, Cary Grove, 2018
5-foot-11, 145-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/OF. In the field has a long, sweepy arm action from a low ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws with soft hands. Threw 78 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a wide, balanced setup with a back, arm bar load. Short stride with a long, level swing path and some fluid rhythm. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.75. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Slow paced, drop and dive delivery. Fastball sat 69-72 mph. Curveball showed 10-4 shape with late action that sat 59-62 mph.
James Owens, RHP/OF, Cary Grove, 2018
5-foot-11, 155-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/OF with a lanky, athletic build. In the field has a short, loose arm action from an over the top arm slot. Flashed fluid footwork with a clean exchange. Threw 80 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short, heel lift stride and average balance. Hard line drive contact with extension. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.32. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm slot with a short arm action. Level shoulders with an online delivery and an open landing. Fastball sat 75 mph. Hard curveball showed 12-6 shape at 66-67 mph. Threw changeup for strikes at 66-68 mph. Will continue to improve with maturity.
Austin Pilaski, MIF/RHP, Wauconda, 2018
5-foot-6, 150-pound right-handed hitting MIF/RHP hits from balanced setup, hands load back, short stride, 67 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 63 mph across the diamond from long, high ¾ arm slot. Ran 5.33 from home to first. On the mound, fastball sat 62-65 mph from same arm slot, toe down at balance point, slow tempo, shoulders close off at balance point, lands closed, across body delivery. Also threw a 55-56 mph curveball and a 54-56 mph changeup that blended together, lacked shape, not thrown for strikes.
Joe Prestamer, RHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2017
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed pitcher with a lanky build. On the mound works from a low ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Drop and drive, online delivery with an open toed landing. Level shoulders with some rhythm, falls off to first base side. Fastball flashed run at 76-78 mph. Curveball has 1-4 shape at 63-65 mph. Changeup showed armside run at 69-71 mph.
Matthew Rozsypal, SS/RHP, Lake Forest Academy, 2018
5-foot-7, 120-pound right-handed hitting SS/RHP this from a balanced setup, short stride, hands load back smoothly, above average bat speed for age/size, 72 mph exit velocity off the tee, impressed during batting practice with short, level path, loose wrists, line drives from gap-to-gap, consistently finds barrel. Defensively, threw 71 mph across the diamond from short, loose, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy, plus hands fielding the baseball, profiles at second base, lots of room for physical growth. Ran 4.57 from home to first. On the mound, works from same arm slot, 69-72 mph fastball with arm side run. Curveball flashed 10/4 shape, lacked action on the pitch, 63-65 mph. 65-69 mph changeup blended with fastball, needs more separation, stride direction is in line with home plate.
Justin Ruehl, C/RHP, Notre Dame College, 2018
5-foot-9, 160-pound, right-handed hitting C/RHP. Behind the plate has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Popped 2.26-2.43 and threw 70 mph from the crouch. At the plate hits from a tall, open stance, with a short stride and average balance. Long swing path with average bat speed. 70 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.82. On the mound Works from a ¾ to high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action and regular effort. Tall and fall, online delivery with a closed landing. Fastball showed some run at 77-79 mph. Curveball with sweeping action at 65 mph. Changeup with cutting action at 69-71 mph.
Ryan Selig, 1B/LHP, Lakes Community, 2018
6-foot-2, 175-pound, left-handed hitting 1B/LHP. In the field has a long arm action with fluid footowork. Threw 66 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced, open stance with a short leg kick stride, and average balance. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path and average bat speed. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.50. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with some rhythm and an open toed landing. Fastball showed some run at 69-70 mph. Changeup blends with curveball showing the same action. Curveball sat 61-64 mph. Changeup sat 61-65 mph.
Nathan Shapiro, MIF, New Trier, 2018
5-foot-7, 130-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder hits from a slightly open stance, hands load back, short stride, long, level bat path, 67 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 69 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy, soft hands fielding the baseball. Ran 4.80 from home to first.
Nick Sheren, RHP/3B, Antioch, 2018
5-foot-6, 135-pound right-handed hitting RHP/3B hits from a balanced setup, hands load back, short stride, long, level bat path, 69 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 68 mph across the diamond from long, low ¾ to sidearm slot, struggled with accuracy, average hands fielding the baseball. On the mound utilizes higher arm slot, short, high ¾ slot, more arm strength on the mound, sat 74-78 mph. Should raise arm slot in the field to match. Tall/fall delivery, toe up at balance point, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, stride direction is in line with home plate, lands closed, spins off. Threw 64-66 mph curveball, 11/5 shape, for strikes, backs up at times. Also threw 66-69 mph straight changeup for strikes.
Ben Skolek, LHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2017
6-foot-1, 158-pound, left-handed pitcher with a thin, lanky frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, stiff arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with easy effort. Drifts to the plate. Level shoulders with a square landing and some rhythm. Fastball sat 69-70 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape with gradual action at 57-58 mph. Threw changeup for strikes with fade at 63-65 mph.
Micheal Sobel, RHP/MIF, Stevenson, 2017
5-foot-7, 181-pound right-handed hitting RHP/MIF hits from an open setup, tall stance, hands load back, long, leg kick stride, short, slightly uphill bat path, impressed with up the middle line drives during batting practice, also showed ability to pull, 81 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 75 mph across the diamond from short, stiff, ¾ arm slot. Ran 4.75 from home to first. On the mound, fastball sat from 75-77 mph from long, ¾ slot, exhibits arm side run. Tall/fall delivery, toe up at balance point, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, lower half stride direction is in line with home plate, lands closed. Cutter/slider thrown hard, 10/4 plane, late breaking action for strikes at 67-71 mph. Also throws curveball in 63-66 mph range, similar shape. Changeup thrown from 65-68 mph with cutting action as well.
Patrick Stewart, RHP/MIF, McHenry, 2018
5-foot-9, 140-pound right-handed hitting RHP/MIF hits from an open setup, short stride, dives slightly, long bat path, 71 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 69 mph across the diamond from long, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. On the mound, works from long, loose, high ¾ slot, tall/fall delivery, fastball sat 71-72 mph with sink. Curveball sat 58-60 mph, 10/4 shape, also threw 67-68 mph changeup. Ran 4.61 from home to first.
Jed Thomas, SS/RHP, Lake Forest, 2018
6-foot, 165-pound, right-handed hitting SS/RHP with a lanky, athletic build impressed as future top level defensive shortstop. In the field has a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot Accurate throws with some carry and soft hands. Quick footwork with a clean exchange. Plays thru the ball with athletic actions. Threw 73 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from an open stance with a short, leg kick stride. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path and plus bat speed for age. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.77. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a long arm action, and regular effort. Tall and fall delivery with a compact, short leg lift. Level shoulders with a closed landing. Fastball showed cut at 71-73 topping out at 74 mph. Curveball showed 10-4 shape at 65-67 mph. Threw changeup for strikes that showed armside run at 67-68 mph. Will continue to improve with maturity.
Justin Trausch, SS/RHP, Cary Grove, 2017
5-foot-11, 145-pound, right-handed hitting SS/RHP. In the field has a short slow arm action from an over the top arm slot. Plays thru the ball with ok body control. Threw 57 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a wide, balanced set up with a short stride. Opposite field hitter with a short uphill swing path. Will improve with more lower half involvement. 66 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 5.00. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm slot with long, loose arm action. Tall at balance point with easy effort. Online balanced delivery with slow tempo and a square athletic finish. Fastball sat 64-65 topping out at 67 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup at 58-61 mph.
Max Walter, OF/RHP, McHenry West, 2017
5-foot-11, 175-pound, left-handed hitting OF/RHP. In the field has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Some accuracy with average hands. Threw 75 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a narrow slightly open stance. Short, double toe tap stride with average balance. Line drive gap-to-gap hitter with an uphill swing path and stiff rhythm. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.64.
Trist Wehrheim, LHP/OF, Carmel Catholic, 2017
5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitting LHP/OF hits from a balanced setup, short stride, minimal movement in hands pre pitch, 72 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 68 mph in the outfield from short, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Quick, clean exchanges fielding the baseball. On the mound, sat 58-61 mph from long, high ¾ arm slot, doesn’t use front glove side, chicken wings glove hand. Tall/fall delivery, toe down at balance point, lands closed. Also threw a 56-62 mph breaking ball and a 56-59 mph changeup that was thrown for strikes from the stretch. Ran 4.68 from home to first.
Tyler Zarembka, 1B/LHP, Providence Catholic, 2017
6-foot-, 158-pound, right-handed hitting 1B/LHP with a small, lanky frame. In the field has a long, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Threw 71 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a tall, closed stance, loads back with a short stride. Line drive, gap to gap hitter with a short, level swing path and average bat speed. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Home to first at 4.91. Showed projection on the mound working from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action, and easy effort. Tall and fall, online delivery with smooth rhythm and a square landing. Fastball sat 74-75 topping out at 76 mph. Curveball showed slider shape at 66-67 mph. Straight changeup sat 64-65 mph.
Preseason Countdown
+ Top 50 Preseason Countdown Rankings
+ Updated Illinois 2016 Rankings
+ Updated Illinois 2015 Rankings