Metro East Open: Infielder Analysis

August 6, 2015

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The Metro East Open took place on Tuesday, July 7^that Blazier Field in O’Fallon, IL. The event featured all high school aged players mainly from the St. Louis Metro East area.

Infielder Mason Hull impressed with his all-around ability and athletic actions defensively which earned him an invitation to the 2018 Top Prospect Games held at UIC later on in July.

Today we ranked the top three infielders from the event.

TOP INFIELDERS

1) Mason Hull, SS, Effingham, 2018
5-foot-11, 150-pound, athletic build, right-handed hitter. Offensively, has above average bat speed for his age. Repeatedly showed quick, strong hands. Bat stays level and through the hitting zone for a long time. Line-drive hitter. Starts with a closed stance, slight leg lift and maintains above-average balance through contact. Registered an 80 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, displayed above-average hands, fluid footwork and clean exchange. Loose arm action, over-the-top arm slot, with some carry. Clocked at 78 mph across the infield. One of the top 2018 infielders in Illinois.

2) Connor Breyer, 2B, O’Fallon, 2017
6-foot-1, 161-pound, lanky, athletic build, right-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from a quiet, tall set up, big leg-kick trigger. Above-average balance through contact. Average bat speed, short bat path, line-drive approach, 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively displayed above-average hands, fluid footwork, short arm action, ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, 74 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.6 60-time.

3) Jake Maxey, SS/RHP, O’Fallon, 2017
5-foot-11, 175-pound, two-way player, right-handed hitter. Hits from a balanced set up, smooth load, leg kick, average balance. Above-average bat speed, long, level bat path, pull-side approach, 85 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed above-average hands, short arm action, high ¾ slot, 80 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.6 60-time. On the mound displayed tall-and-fall delivery, high ¾ slot, some rhythm, landing square in line. Straight fastball, sat 75-77 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 shape, gradual break, 60-63 mph. Changeup sat 72-73 mph.

Best of the rest (Alphabetically)

Lane Belleville, RHP/3B, 2017, Teutopolis
6-foot-3, 210-pound two-way player. Defensively the righty has long loose arm action, high ¾, and average strength, threw 80 mph across infield. Offensively hits from right side with wide and balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, and average balance. Has good approach, long and uphill path, and line drive type, exit velocity 86 mph. Ran 7.88 60-time. On the mound throws from ¾ arm angle, long loose arm action, tall balance point, regular effort, and tall-fall type. Has smooth rhythm, in line direction, and athletic finish. Fastball sat 79-82 mph and touched 85 mph with some run, curveball was 68-70 mph with 10/4 shape sharp and late action, thrown for strikes, and changeup was 73-76 mph with arm-side-run.

Benjamin Belongy, 1B, 2018, O’Fallon
6-foot, 150-pound lanky first baseman. Ran 7.01 60-time. Offensively hits from right side with balanced setup, wrap load, heel lift stride, and average balance. Has good approach, uphill path, and opposite-field type, exit velo 72 mph. Defensively the right hander has long arm action from ¾ slot, and average hands, threw 62 mph across infield.

Logan Boente, 2B/RHP, O’Fallon, 2018
5-foot-10, 145-pound, two-way player, right-handed hitter. Hits from a balanced stance, short stride, average balance. Good approach, long bat path, 73 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed average hands, clean transfer, long arm action, low ¾ arm slot, 72 mph across the infield. On the mound Boente operated from a ¾ arm slot with repeatability in his delivery. Long arm action, normal effort and some rhythm. Online and upright finish. Fastball clocked at 73 mph. Curveball had 11/5 shape and sat 64-65 mph. Also, threw a change-up with some fade ranging between 64-67 mph.

Gage Burroughs, 3B, Mount Vernon, 2017
5-foot-10, 175-pound, strong build, right-handed hitter. Hits from a wide set up, loads back, average balance. Average bat speed, level bat path, line-drive approach, 78 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed average hands, fields ball deep, short arm action, high ¾ slot, some carry, 75 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.15 60-time.

Brayden Bultman, LHP/1B, Nashville, 2016
6-foot-4, 190-pound, two-way player, right-handed hitter. Hits from a open stance, short stride, lower half can work, average balance. Average bat speed, long uphill bat path, line-drive approach, 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed average hands, short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, 68 mph across the infield. On the mound had a tall-and-fall delivery, long arm action, high ¾ slot, lands open. Straight fastball sat 68-69 mph, touched 70 mph. Curveball showed 12/6 shape, 60-62 mph. Changeup showed occasional arm-side-fade, 63-65 mph.

Michael Chaffin, SS, Mascoutah, 2017
6-foot, 155-pound, lanky build, right-handed hitter. Hits from a balanced set up, short stride, average balance. Average bat speed, level bat path, showed pull-side power, 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showed average hands, clean exchange, short arm action, high ¾ arm a lot, some accuracy, 70 across the infield. Ran a 7.23 60-time.

Braeden Chandler, SS, Freeburg, 2017
5-foot-10, 155-pound, average build with some length, left-handed hitter. Hits from a slightly closed, balanced set up, short stride, above-average balance. Average bat speed, long, uphill bat path, 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed average hands, clean exchange, short arm action, ¾ arm slot, 75 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.63 60-time.

Ryan Culley, LHP/1B, Belleville East, 2018
5-foot-11, 155-pound, two-way player, left-handed hitter. Hits from a wide, closed stance, lower half can work, average balance. Fair approach, 74 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, some carry, 70 mph across the infield. Ran a 8.13 60-time. On the mound Displayed a tall-and-fall delivery, short arm action, over-the-top arm a lot, landing slightly closed. Straight fastball sat 70-72 mph. Curveball showed 12/6 shape, 63-65 mph. Changeup sat 66-69 mph.

Jacob Dreyer, 3B, O’Fallon, 2018
5-foot-11, 165-pound, average build, right-handed hitter. Hits from a tall, open stance, short stride, good balance. Average bat speed, level bat path, line-drive approach, 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displayed average hands, long arm action, over-the-top, some accuracy, 71 mph across the infield.

Clayton Groom, 3B, O’Fallon, 2018
5-foot-9, 160-pound, right-handed hitter. Hits from a tall, narrow set up, smooth load, long stride, average balance. Long, level bat path, line-drive approach, 74 mph exit velocity. Defensively displayed average hands, clean exchange, long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, 70 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.94 60-time.

Joe Guithues, 2B/3B, 2017, O’Fallon
6-foot, 195-pound infielder. Defensively the right hander has long arm action, from high ¾, some accuracy, average hands, and average strength, threw 74 mph across infield. Offensively hits from right side with balanced setup, short stride, and average balance. Has average bat speed, long uphill path, and line drive type, exit velocity 74 mph. Ran 7.59 60-time.

Kyle Hentis, RHP/SS, Red Bud, 2016
6-foot-3, 190-pound, two-way player, projectable body, right-handed hitter. Hits from a tall stance, short stride, average balance. Above-average bat speed, level bat path, 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively displayed above average hands, clean exchange, short arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy, 80 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.43 60-time. On the mound displayed a tall-and-fall delivery, short arm action, quick arm speed, over-the-top arm slot, landing square, athletic finish. Straight fastball, thrown for strikes, sat 85 mph, touched 87 mph. Curveball showed 12/6 shape, 69-73 mph. Changeup showed arm-side-fade, 68-70 mph.

Jake Holan, 2B, O’Fallon, 2018
5-foot-10, 135-pound, lanky build, right-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from a tall, balanced stance, short stride. Long, uphill bat path, 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displayed average hands, can play through the ball. Long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, 68 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.6 60-time.

Evan Howse, 3B/RHP, Westminster (MO), 2019
6-foot, 145-pound, lanky build, projects well on the mound, right-handed hitter. Hits from a balance set up, toe-tap stride, fair balance. Long, uphill bat path, pull-side approach, 73 mph exit velocity. Defensively fields the ball deep, long arm action, high ¾ slot, with accuracy, 71 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.86 60-time. On the mound had a tall-and-fall delivery, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, smooth rhythm. Straight fastball sat 72-74 mph, touched 75 mph. Changeup showed sink, sat 58-64 mph.

Brett Johnson, 2B, 2018, Joliet Catholic
5-foot-6, 135-pound second baseman. Defensively the right hander throws from high ¾, average strength, average hands, clean exchange, and quick release, threw 64 mph across the infield. At the plate he hits from left side with balanced and athletic setup, no load, short stride, and good balance. Showed average bat speed, good approach, and short level path, exit velocity was 67 mph. Ran 7.67 60-time.

Cole Juelfs, SS, Valmeyer, 2018
5-foot-8, 135-pound, right-handed hitter. Hits from a balance stance, loads hands back, short stride, and lower half works well. Long bat path, line-drive approach, 74 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displayed average hands, long, loose arm action, ¾ arm slot and some accuracy. Clocked at 72 mph across the infield.

Nathan Martin, 2B/SS, 2018, O’Fallon
5-foot-7, 120-pound middle infielder. Defensively the right hander has long and loose arm action from high ¾, some accuracy, and average strength. Showed okay hands and quick clean exchange, threw 67 mph across infield. Offensively hits from left side with balanced setup, no load, short stride, and average balance, exit velocity 64 mph. Ran 8.43 60-time.

Travis Michalke, SS, Belleville East. 2016
5-foot-7, 130-pound, left-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from a tall set up, loads hands back, short stride and solid balance throughout the swing. Good approach, level bat bath, 70 mph exit velocity. Defensively, displayed average hands, short arm action, ¾ arm action, 70 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.34 60-time.

Jaysn Miller, RHP/3B, 2018, O’Fallon
5-foot-7, 125-pound two-way player. On the mound the righty throws from high ¾, short arm action, regular effort, and some rhythm. Fastball sat 70-72 mph with some arm-side-run, curveball was 61-64 mph with 11/5 shape and sharp action, changeup was 68-70 mph with some sink. Defensively has long arm action, high ¾, accurate, and average strength. Showed average hands, quick fluid footwork, and quick exchange, threw 73 mph across infield. Offensively hits from right side with balanced and closed setup, leg kick stride, and average balance. Average bat speed, good approach, level path, and line drive type, exit velocity 71 mph. Ran 7.51 60-time.

Trenton Rust, INF/RHP, O’Fallon, 2017
6-foot-1, 150-pound, right-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from a balanced stance, leg-lift trigger and above-average balance. Level bat path through the hitting zone. 73 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showcased in the infield. Throws from a ¾ arm slot and was clocked at 70 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.84 60-time. On the mound featured a tall-and-fall delivery, short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, landing square. Fastball sat 71-73 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 shape, sat 63-66 mph. Changeup showed some cut, sat 69-71 mph.

John Schoentag, 2B/RHP, Columbia, 2018
5-foot-9, 134-pound, right-handed hitter. Offensively, hits from balanced set up, long stride, average balance. Short, level bat path, pull-side approach, 74 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long arm action, low ¾ arm slot, 68 mph across the infield. On the mound Schoentag works from a ¾ arm slot and smooth rhythm. Lands square, athletic finish, regular effort. Fastball was 70-71 mph, some arm-side run and slight sink. Curveball clocked at 60-62 mph had 11/5 shape, flashed depth and decent feel. Change-up ranged anywhere from 62-68 mph with sink.

Colin Schuetz, 3B/RHP, Mater Dei Catholic, 2017
6-foot-0, 190-pound, two-way player, right-handed hitter. Hits from a balanced set up, short stride, above-average balance. Above-average bat speed, long bat path, 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively displayed average hands, clean exchange, short arm action, over-the-top arm slot, 77 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.35 60-time. On the mound had a tall-and-fall delivery, long arm action, over-the-top arm slot, landing slightly closed, athletic finish. Straight fastball sat 78-79 mph. Curveball showed 12/6 shape, 68-69 mph. Changeup sat 72-78 mph.

Kolby Schulte, SS, Breese Central, 2017
5-foot-10, 145-pound, right-handed hitter. Hits from a tall, balanced set up, lower half works well, average balance. Level bat path, line-drive, gap-to-gap approach, 73 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showed average hands, clean exchange. Has some lateral agility. Long, loose arm action, low ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, 74 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.48 60-time.

Jordan Smith, 1B/RHP, 2016, Highland
6-foot, 190-pound strong two-way player. Offensively hits from right side, balanced and wide setup, smooth load, short stride, and good balance. Strong and fast bat speed, uphill path, gap-to-gap power type, and fluid rhythm, exit velocity 82 mph. Defensively the right hander has long arm action from high ¾, some accuracy, and average strength. Showed average hands, okay footwork and a clean exchange, threw 69 mph across infield. Ran 7.37 60-time. On the mound throws from over-the-top angle, average arm speed, long arm action, regular effort, and tall-fall type. Showed some rhythm, in line direction, and square landing. Fastball sat 75-76 mph and touched 77, curveball was 59-63 mph with 12/6 shape, and changeup was 65-69 mph with slight fade.

Nolen Smith, 2B, Waterloo, 2018
5-foot-9, 150-pound, left-handed hitter. Hits from an open stance, loads back, average balance. Long, uphill bat path, pull-side approach, 73 mph exit velocity. Defensively displayed average hands, fields the ball deep, long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, 69 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.91 60-time.

Alex VonBokel, 1B/3B, Columbia, 2018
5-foot-11, 150-pound, thin build, some length, left-handed hitter. Hits from a balanced set up, loads back, short stride, average balance. Average bat speed, level bat path, 75 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed average hands, fluid footwork, high ¾ arm slot, 65 mph across the infield.

Tate Wargo, SS, Gillespie, 2017
5-foot-7, 140-pound, small frame, right-handed hitter. Hits from an open stance, short stride, average balance. Long bat path, pull-side approach, 73 mph exit velocity. Defensively displayed average hands, quick exchange, short arm action, over-the-top slot, some accuracy, 74 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.36 60-time.

Griffin Welz, 3B/RHP, Highland, 2016
5-foot-11, 150-pound, two-way player, right-handed hitter. Hits from a slightly open stance, loads back, leg kick, average balance. Average bat speed, uphill bat path, line-drive, pull-side approach, 78 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed average hands, fields the ball deep, short arm action, over-the-top arm slot, some accuracy, some carry, 80 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.78 60-time. On the mound had a tall-and-fall delivery, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, landing square in line. Fastball sat 74-75 mph, touched 77 mph. Curveball had 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes, 64-65 mph. Changeup had occasional sink, 69-71 mph.

Metro East Open: Infielder Analysis

TOP INFIELDERS

Best of the rest (Alphabetically)

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