By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Illinois

The pitching group at the Preseason All-State Showcase was deep. We put together our top 25 pitchers and it was tough to stop there. Tanner Houck stood out as the top arm in this group touching 88 mph as the Missouri recruit pounded the bottom of the zone with three pitches. Brian Hobbie and Mitch Vogrin both showed impressive fastball to go along with excellent secondary pitches. Darius Day was the top left handed arm as he touched 88 mph and showed a balanced delivery with feel for three pitches.

Here’s how we ranked the rest of the top pitchers from the Preseason All-State Showcase.

Top Pitchers

1. Tanner Houck, Collinsville HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Athletic frame with length, 6-foot-5, 190-pound right handed pitcher, very projectable frame. Tall and fall style delivery, rhythm is smooth, slower tempo. Arm action is long, quick arm, operates from a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball has hard run, thrown with command, 86-87 mph, touches 88 mph, maintains velocity from the stretch, also showed cut fastball at 83-84 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, arm speed decelerates, 72-73 mph, thrown for strikes, works the bottom of the zone. Splitter is thrown with arm speed, has sink, stays on top and keeps down, 78-79 mph. Highly projectable right handed pitcher, arm works well and frame will continue to develop. Missouri recruit.

2. Brian Hobbie, RHP, Glenwood HS, Class of 2014
Although Hobbie has always been a top 20 prospect in Illinois’ 2014 class, it would be remiss not to mention him here. Because certainly Hobbie’s performance elevated his status as a premier right-handed prospect in the Midwest. For starters, he his 6-foot-5, 215-pound frame cuts an imposing presence on the mound. He has wide shoulders, long arms and is surprisingly athletic in his delivery. Oh, and his stuff is legit. His fastball sat at 88 mph with hard, late run. He works downhill and gets excellent extension. He continued to impress with his secondary stuff. His curveball is a legitimate swing-and-miss pitch, as it demonstrated sharp 12/6 break down in the zone (72-73 mph). He throws his breaking ball with confidence and command. His changeup, too, showed promise, sitting at 77 mph with sink. With his size, athleticism and arm, there’s little doubt Hobbie should become one of the most coveted prospects in the 2014 class.

3. Mitch Vogrin, Minooka HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Short stocky build, 5-foot-10, 180-pound right handed pitcher. High level arm in the Class of 2014, electric stuff, lively arm. Showed improved feel for secondary pitches. Delivery shows rhythm, slow through balance point, some coil at balance point. Arm works quickly, operates from a high ¾ arm slot, loose arm. Fastball has late life, showed command, 86-87 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, features sharp bite, plus action, 73-75 mph, thrown with command at the bottom of the zone, projects as a plus out pitch. Change up also features above average action, thrown with fastball arm speed, 75-77  mph, thrown with command of the arm side of the plate. Vogrin showed improved polish with advanced control of secondary pitches.

4. Darius Day, Simeon HS, OF/LHP, Class of 2014
Strong build, wide shoulders, narrow waist, athletic frame 6-foot, 190-pound left handed two way player. One of the top prospects in the Class of 2014, projectable athlete. Legitimate two way prospect at the next level.  On the mound delivery shows little effort, rhythm is smooth, direction is on line, finish is athletic, delivery is highly repeatable. Arm action is loose, separates hands early, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball shows runs, easy life, thrown with command, 86-87 mph, touches 88 mph. Breaking ball has 11/5 shape, keeps it down, 68-72 mph. Change up has minimal action, 75-78 mph, thrown with comparable arm speed. Defensively shows athletic feet, plus foot speed, 6.68 runner. Arm works well, showed carry, lacked accuracy, 91 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from the left side, slightly open stance, smooth load, short stride, athletic setup. Athletic swing, easy pop, short path with uphill tendencies, smooth swing. Line drive, gap to gap hitter, above average bat speed, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee, could see even more carry with added extension.

5. Luke Morgan, Lincoln-Way West HS, RHP/3B, Class of 2014
The 6-foot-2, 170-pound Morgan should become one of the most heavily recruited prospects in Illinois’ 2014 class, for the simple fact that he is undoubtedly a legitimate two-way prospect at the next level. To be clear, Morgan was a top 30 prospect heading into the event, but he solidified himself as a high-level player in the Midwest. On the mound, the right-hander has excellent feel and command of three pitches. His delivery is simple, clean and athletic. He’s short on the backside and hides the ball well. His fastball sat in the 84-86 range, but topped at 90 mph on his final pitch. Previously, we saw Morgan at 86-88. His changeup, too, has the potential to be a go-to out-pitch, as it sat at 79 mph with arm-side sink. He threw his 74-75 mph curveball with confidence as well. Defensively, Morgan has the hands, feet and arm to play third base at the next level. He moves well laterally, plays through the baseball and, ultimately, showed true third base actions. He was clocked at 82 mph across the infield. Offensively, he is short, quick and quiet to the baseball. Morgan, who ran a 7.20 60, demonstrated solid bat speed with a level path, resulting in consistent line drives.

6. Gabe Jelly, Zeigler-Royalton HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Jelley hails from a small school in southern Illinois, but the 6-foot-3, 220-pound right-hander showed one of the biggest arms at the event. Mechanically sound with a clean, easy and balanced delivery, Jelley fired consistent fastballs at 87 mph, topping at 88, from a high-3/4 slot. Moreover, he pounded the strike zone with his three-pitch mix, though his secondary stuff still needs refinement. Nevertheless, he showed feel for everything. His changeup, in the 67-70 range, showed flashes of arm side sink. He also threw a slower 63-66 mph curveball. Certainly Jelley’s performance should attract plenty of colleges to Zeigler-Royalton this spring. GPS is recommended.

7. William Kincanon, Riverside Brookfield HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Athletic frame, wide shoulder, 6-foot-2, 185 pound right handed pitcher. Delivery shows effort. Arm works quickly from a high ¾ arm slot, loose arm action. Fastball has hard run, thrown for strikes, some explosiveness, 83-85 mph, touching 86 mph. Curveball, has late sharp action, works on 11/5 plane, shows the ability to throw for strikes. Change up has feel, keeps it down, showed consistency at the bottom of the zone, shows arm side run, aggressive arm speed, 72-74 mph. Kincanon also showcased as a first baseman. He hits from an open stance, shows some bat speed. Bat path shows some extension, works mainly to his pull side, displays some pop to his pull side.

8. Jeffery Hahs, O’Fallon HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Hahs is an athletically built 6-foot-4, 185-pound two-way prospect who features long arms and legs. Hahs is athletic in everything he does. On the mound, Hahs has an extremely quick arm from a high-3/4 slot. He showed excellent rhythm and athleticism throughout his delivery. His fastball registered consistently at 86 mph, while his changeup ranged between 70-75 mph and flashed some sink down in the zone. His athleticism and arm plays well in the outfield. He takes aggressive, confident routes to the ball, plays through the ball, and his throws (86 mph) showed carry and were on-line. Offensively, he demonstrated advanced bat speed. Hahs ran a 7.27 60.

9. Bobby Pennington, Maine South HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Athletic frame, strong build, wide shoulders, long arms, 6-foot-3, 188-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery shows regular effort, some rhythm. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot, quick arm. Fastball flashes late life, some boring action, showed control of the zone, 85-86 mph, touched 87 mph. Curveball flashed sharp bite, 12/6 action, thrown for strikes, keeps near the bottom of the zone, 67-71 mph. Changeup has feel, fading action, thrown with similar arm speed to fastball, shows command of the arm side of the plate.

10. Andrew Owen, Loyola HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Average build at 6-foot, 175 pounds, two way player with arm strength. On the mound delivery shows some rhythm, arm works from a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball is flat, flashes occasional cut action, 86-87 mph touching 88 mph. Breaking ball shows slurve action, 72-75 mph, pitch showed better control form the stretch. Change up has sinking action, thrown with fastball similar arm speed, showed some late life. Defensively uses a short, over the top arm slot, creates carry, occasional arm side run, 90 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from an open stance, slightly crouched, slightly longer stride. Bat path is short to the ball, short through hitting zone, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.

11. Alex Hitney, St. Laurence HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Wide shouldered, 6-foot-1, 175-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery shows deception, hides the baseball, regular effort. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot, quick arm. Fastball shows slight run, 85-88 mph. Slider has potential, flashes sharp action, 75-76 mph. Change up has sink, thrown with similar arm speed to fastball. Overall fastball shows life, secondary pitches still need polish but have upside.

12. Richard Fordon, Mount Carmel HS, LHP, Class of 2014
Athletic frame, shows strength in lower half, 6-foot-3, 215-pound left handed pitcher. Tall and fall style delivery, shows some rhythm, regular effort, athletic finish. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot, loose arm action. Fastball displays slight run and sink to arm side, thrown for strikes, 83-84 mph. Curveball showed average action, 74-76 mph. Change up has fading action, some feel, 74-76 mph.

13. Tyler Hasper, Waubonsie Valley HS, RHP/3B, Class of 2014
A year ago, we saw the 6-foot, 180-pound Hasper at 77-79 mph. That certainly wasn’t the case at the Preseason All-State Showcase. The two-way prospect enjoyed an all-around impressive showing. On the mound, he showed a lively fastball that sat at 87-88 mph with some sink. He also throws a firm 80-81 mph changeup and flashed an occasional sharp 12/6 breaking ball in the 69-72 range. He is choppy in delivery with some effort, but his arm works fast and there is considerable deception throughout. In the field, his arm plays equally as well. He showcased the top infield arm at the event, clocking in at 88 mph from third base. He also ran a 7.35 60.

14. Sean Leland, Sandburg HS, RHP/1B, Class of 2014
Long, lanky frame, athletic build, 6-foot-5, 195-pound two way player. Project well on the mound. Delivery shows regular effort, some rhythm, good direction and square landing. Arm action is long and loose, shows arm speed, operates from a ¾ arm slot. Fastball has run and sink, shows a slightly heavy feel, good command at the bottom of the zone, 84-85 mph. Slider has sweeping action, pitch has high ceiling, thrown from fastball window, shows control, 72-75 mph. Changeup has sinking action, thrown near fastball arm speed, 75-79 mph. Highly projectable right handed pitcher who shows upside for three pitches. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, bat wrap load. Bat path flattens out, 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.

15. Jordan Fedro, Prospect HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Long lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot-6, 185-pounds, can carry added strength. Delivery is up tempo, wide setup from the windup, quick rocker step to balance point, regular effort. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball has slight run, thrown for strikes, 83-86 mph. Curveball showed minimal action, lacks control, needs refinement. Changeup has arm side run, 78-82 mph, thrown for strikes, has upside, best off speed pitch.

16. Connor McCarthy, Glenbrook South HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Large frame and build, 6-foot-6, 225-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery shows some rhythm, regular effort. Arm works from a high ¾ arm action, some stiffness. Fastball has slight run, sits 84-85 mph, touching 87 mph, showed control. Curveball has 12/6 tendencies, gradual action, arm speed decelerates, 65-66 mph. Change up has arm side run and sink, 68-71 mph, some deceleration in arm speed. Big frame projects well on the mound, a more aggressive arm action with secondary pitches will improve his repertoire.

17. Parker Beine, Belleville West HS, RHP, Class of 2014
The 6-foot-2, 175-pound right-hander was one of the biggest sleepers at the Preseason All-State Showcase. Previously unknown to us heading into the event, Beine opened eyes with his advanced feel and command for four pitches. He’s smooth, rhythmic and athletic in his delivery, and repeats well. His fastball ranged between 83-84 mph with sink. He throws a slider and curveball; his slider showed potential to be a go-to outpitch, as it demonstrated consistently sharp two-plane break in the 71-72 range. He also threw his 70-73 mph changeup for strikes with some arm-side action. Overall, while Beine’s velocity wasn’t near the top at the event, his pitchability was one of the best.

18. Tommy Bordignon, Loyola HS, SS/RHP, Class of 2014
Slender frame, 5-foot-11, 155-pound two-way player. On the mound, delivery shows some rhythm. Arm works quickly and loosely, operates from ¾ arm slot. Fastball shows late run, 83-85 mph, late life. Curveball has 12/6 shape, shows above average action, thrown for strikes, 70-72 mph. Changeup thrown with feel, similar arm speed to fastball, 77-79 mph, flashed plus action. Defensively shows soft hands, arm works with carry, 81 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits with an open stance, uses short stride. Rhythm hitter, shows good extension, flashes pop for size.

19. TJ Case, Willowbrook HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Lanky frame, long legs, 6-foot-2, 173-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery shows effort, lacks rhythm, deceptive delivery, toe lift balance point. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot, long arm action, quick arm. Fastball has hard run, 84-86 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, sharp action, near fastball arm action, 70-73 mph. Change up has sink, keeps it down, below the zone, 77-79 mph. Long lean frame that has projection.

20. David Calderon, Marian Catholic HS, RHP/MIF, Class of 2014
5-foot-11, 160-pound two way player. Possesses a lively arm. Delivery shows some rhythm, drop and drive style delivery, back side tends to collapse. Arm works well, ¾ to high ¾ arm slot, quick arm, gets underneath the baseball at times. Fastball has run, erratic life, 85-87 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, thrown with similar arm speed to fastball, has the ability to throw for strikes, 67-69 mph. Change up has control, thrown with fastball arm speed, 71-74 mph. Defensively uses a long arm action from the outfield, long transfer and release, arm works at 81 mph. Offensively hits from open stance, good setup. Bat path is short, line drive swing, lacks strength.

21. Grant Greeno, Glenbard West HS, LHP/1B, Class of 2014
Athletic left handed two way player, strong build, strong lower half, 6-foot-2, 190-pounds. On the mound delivery shows ease and little effort, excellent balance and repeatability, smooth rhythm. Arm works loosely from the left side, operates from ¾ arm slot. Fastball has run, sneaky quick, 77-78 mph, flashed 79 mph, showed command. Slider has sweeping action on a 10/4 plane, thrown with near fastball arm speed, 67-68 mph. Changeup has fading action, 66-67 mph, stays arm side with location. Defensively shows excellent athleticism around the bag, soft hands, feet work well. Offensively hits from the left side, slightly open stance, short stride with slight leg lift, arm bar load. Bat path is short, shows consistent barrel awareness. Swing shows fluid rhythm, pull side approach, lacks backside, needs to finish swing.

22. Liam Carter, Highland Park HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Extra-long frame, 6-foot-7, 170-pounds, slender build, frame has projection, right handed pitcher. Delivery shows some rhythm, stays on line, delivery will continue to improve. Arm action is long, over the top arm slot. Fastball works downhill, demonstrates slight run, 81-83 mph, stays down in the zone. Slider has 11/5 action, gradual bend, 70-73 mph. Changeup is straight, shows some feel, control of the zone, 71-73 mph.

23. Sam Cottingham-Beard, Oak Park River Forest HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Athletic build, strong lower half, 6-foot-2, 180-pound two way player. On the mound delivery show rhythm, little effort, good balance throughout. Arm works from high ¾ arm slot, long loose arm action. Fastball has slight sink, works the bottom of the zone, thrown for strikes, 80-83 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, solid depth, throws with arm speed, keeps it down, bottom of the zone or better, potential swing and miss pitch, 69-70 mph. Change up has control, minimal action, straight, 73-75 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, no stride, no load approach. Simple swing, quiet approach, good balance. Lacks pop, better timing and load could create more power.

24. Peter Minella, Nazareth HS, LHP, Class of 2014
Lanky left handed pitcher, 6-foot-2, 160-pounds. Delivery shows smooth rhythm, tall and fall approach. Arm works from a ¾ arm slot, long loose arm action. Fastball has arm side run, late action in the zone, 80-81 mph. Curveball has sweeping action, decelerates arm some, 67-71 mph, slurve action. Change up has sink, 75-78 mph. Minella has a high ceiling, frame can hold additional weight, arm works freely, shows feel for secondary pitches.

25. Matthew Butler, Neuqua Valley HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot-1, 155-pound two way player. On the mound has a tall and fall approach with regular effort. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot, long arm action. Fastball has run at 80-83 mph, thrown with command. Curveball has 12/6 shape, flashes sharp bite, 72-73 mph, shows depth, thrown for strikes. Changeup has sink, thrown for strikes, 72-75 mph, thrown with similar arm speed to fastball. Defensively throws with a traditional outfield arm action, long over the top arm slot with accuracy, some carry, 84 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, smooth load, minimal stride. Creates some length, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Michael Bainbridge, Marian Catholic HS, 3B/RHP, Class of 2014
6-foot-1, 185-pound left handed hitting two way player. On the mound fastball shows runs, 80-82 mph, touching 83 mph. Curveball has 12/6 break, gradual action, some depth, lacked control, 69-70 mph. Changeup has feel, showed control at 72-73 mph. Left handed hitter, rhythm hitter, one piece swing, creates lift, hard contact, 89 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Samuel Bell, Munster HS (IN), RHP, Class of 2014
6-foot-3, 210-pound right handed pitcher, average build. Delivery is up tempo, full windup. Arm works from a ¾ arm slot, some acceleration. Fastball has run, 82-83 mph, also showed two seam fastball with similar action and velocity. Curveball has sweeping action, sharp break, 69-71 mph. Changeup is best secondary pitch, shows good feel and command, thrown with near fastball arm speed, demonstrates run and sink to his arm side, 73-76 mph.

Austin Butler, Hinsdale Central HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Lanky frame, 6-foot-2, 173-pound right handed pitcher. Pitched exclusively from the stretch, showed some rhythm. Arm action is short and loose, operates from high ¾ arm slot. Fastball has arm side run, thrown for strikes, 83-84 mph. Throws multiple breaking balls, curveball at 71-73 mph, also throws slider at 79-81 mph. Change is 72-74 mph, ability to throw for strikes.

Cody Carroll, Glenbrook South HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Athletic frame, strong body, 6-foot-2, 190-pound two way player. Defensively displayed a quick release from the outfield, quick short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, 84 mph from the outfield. No crow hop, uses shuffle step to transfer and release the baseball. Well above average runner, 6.72 60 yard dash. Offensively, hits from a balanced stance, stride dives to the plate, lower half has partial involvement. Flashes sneaky strong pop at the plate, 86 mph exit velocity. On the mound, delivery has slow tempo, easy effort, finish is athletic and upright. Arm operates from a high ¾ arm slot, short arm action. Fastball sits at 82-83, touches 84. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, decelerates arm speed, shows control, 71-74 mph, flashes 76 mph. Changeup has sink, 76-78 mph.

Gino Cavalieri, Fenwick HS, MIF/RHP, Class of 2014
Average build 6-foot, 170-pound two way player. On the mound pitches with a slow tempo, arm works from a high ¾ arm action. Fastball has run and thrown with command at the bottom of the zone, 78-80 mph. Curveball has loose rotation, arm decelerates, 63-65 mph. Change up sits at 70-71 mph, arm speed decelerates. Offensively, hits from a tall balanced setup, uses slight leg lift trigger. Shows some bat speed, 80 mph exit velocity, occasional rhythm.

John Crosby, Dekalb HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Large frame, large build, 6-foot-6, 230-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery has smooth rhythm, tall and fall approach. Arm action is long, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball is mostly straight, shows control, 81-82 mph, touching 84 mph. Curveball has 12/6 tendencies, 70-72 mph, showed better feel from the stretch. Change up has some feel, decelerates arm action, 75-76 mph, displays sink, best secondary pitch.

Brock Fulkerson, Mt. Vernon HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot-5, 140-pound right handed pitcher. On the mound operates from multiple arm angles, works from a ¾ and side arm slot. Fastball ranges from 76-80 mph, showed more arm strength from ¾ arm slot, fastball showed sink, thrown for strikes. Curveball has 11/5 tilt, some feel, gradual break, 65-68 mph, keeps it down in the zone, thrown from ¾ arm slot. Changeup has some feel, thrown with similar arm speed to fastball, 73-74 mph.

Sean Grant, Bremen HS, OF/RHP, Class of 2014
Strong lower half, 5-foot-11, 170-pound left handed hitting two way player. On the mound operates from a high ¾ arm slot, delivery shows some rhythm, lower half coils. Fastball sits 73-74 mph, shows control, straight action. Throws a change up with fading action at 67 mph, and a curveball at 62-63 mph. Defensively throws with a short arm action, high ¾ slot at 76 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from the left side, slightly closed stance, short stride. Bat path is short, lower half lacks involvement, all hands, slap style hitter.

Baylor Holmes, Wheaton Warrenville South HS, LHP, Class of 2014
Strong build, athletic frame, 6-foot-3, 215-pound left handed pitcher. Delivery shows some rhythm, works rotationally, low ¾ arm slot, long arm action. Fastball has slight sink, thrown for strikes, 77-79 mph. Curveball has sweeping action, has more slider action, 68-71 mph. Changeup has some feel, thrown for strikes, arm action decelerates, 70-72 mph.

Austin Jetel, Fremd HS, LHP/OF, Class of 2014
Athletic frame, strong lower half, 6-foot-3, 195-pound left handed two way player. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced setup, slightly crouched, minimal load. Finds the barrel with consistency, low hands, some lift in swing, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound, fastball is straight, 73-75 mph, flashed 76 mph, showed control. Curveball has some control, decelerates arm action, 62-63 mph. Changeup flashes cut action, 67-68 mph, decelerates arm action.

Brett King, Lincoln-Way North, LHP, Class of 2014
5-foot-9, 155-pound left handed pitcher. Delivery is sound, up-tempo rhythm. Arm works quickly, operates from a high ¾ arm slot, finishes athletically. Throws all his pitches aggressively. Fastball  sits 80-81 mph, flashes slight run. Curveball has 11/5 shape, occasional sharp action, thrown with fastball arm speed, 64-67 mph. Changeup has deception, throws with fastball arm speed, 70-72 mph.

Jeff Klaman, Herscher HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Average build, 6-foot, 170-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery shows effort, separates hands early. Arm action is long, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball is straight, 78-80 mph, touches 81 mph. Curveball sits 62-64 mph, rolling breaking ball. Change up is best secondary, thrown for strikes, 70-72 mph.

Tyler Lewan, Dundee-Crown HS, SS/RHP, Class of 2014
Athletic frame with some length, 6-foot-1, 175-pound two way player. On the mound delivery is smooth and shows direction. Arm action is loose, ¾ arm slot. Fastball has sink 79-81 mph. Curveball was down, 68-70 mph. Change up sat 73-74 mph. Defensively showed effort fielding the baseball, arm showed accuracy, uses lower arm slot, 78 mph across the diamond. Offensively, hits with an open stance, uses short stride. Line drive approach, shows rhythm, good balance throughout, 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Andrew Mack, Libertyville HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Lanky frame, average build, 6-foot-2, 180-pound right handed pitcher. Arm works from an over the top arm slot, long arm action, shows some stiffness. Fastball is straight, 77-80 mph, touching 81 mph. Showed two breaking balls. Curveball showed 12/6 action, showed the ability to command it at the bottom of the zone, gradual bend, 65-66 mph. Slider showed similar action to curveball, throw harder, 71-75, lacked command. Changeup has some arm side run, 72-70 mph, thrown for strikes.

Kevin Mampe, Lincoln-Way Central HS, MIF/RHP, Class of 2014
Average frame, 6-foot-2, 185-pound two way player. Defensively, shows solid glove work, projects more as a third base type, arm plays across diamond, 76 mph, stands tall to release the baseball. Offensively, hits from an open stance, short stride with leg lift, pre pitch bat waggle, sets hands low. Shows bat speed through the zone, 81 mph exit velocity. Above average hand-eye, finds the barrel regularly. Lacks some balance and timing but still squares the baseball up. On the mound, fastball showed control of the zone, showed sink, 79-81 mph, flashed 82 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, lacked control, 72-74 mph. Changeup thrown with aggressive arm action, shows arm side run, lacks control, consistently below the zone, 75-77 mph.

Michael Metz, Mundelein HS, INF/RHP, Class of 2014
5-foot-10, 175-pound left handed hitting two way player. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm slot, fastball sits 80-82 mph, lacks movement. Curveball flashes sharp action, works on a 12/6 plane, 70-71 mph. Changeup shows feel as well, showed control at the bottom of the zone, 71-73 mph. Defensively shows soft hands and some athleticism, arm plays at 79 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, narrow stance. Solid swing, flashes gap pop at times, inconsistent timing.

Elijah McKinnis, Morgan Park HS, RHP/3B, Class of 2014
5-foot-11, 180-pound two way player. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm slot, moderate arm speed, short arm action. Fastball features consistent run, thrown with command, 78-80 mph. Curveball thrown at 72-74 mph. Features splitter at 71 mph with some feel and depth. Defensively shows athletic feet, 7.18 runner. Arm lacks carry, 75 mph across the diamond. At the plate hits from a slightly open stance, short stride, good balance throughout. Shows occasional bat speed, strong upper body generates occasional pop.

Blake Patchett, Herscher HS, RHP, Class of 2014
Good frame, athletic frame, 6-foot-3, 210-pound right handed pitcher. Arm action works from a high ¾ arm slot, some stiffness. Fastball is straight, shows control, 77-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, flashed sharp action, some depth, 68-71 mph. Slider lacks identity, same pitch as curveball.

Trevino Rodriguez, De La Salle HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Strong body, 6-foot-1, 210-pound two way player. On the mound delivery shows some rhythm, has some effort. Arm action is long, shows some stiffness, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball showed command, 80-83 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 74-76 mph. Change up has some feel, demonstrates arm side run, 76-79 mph. Defensively has long arm action from the outfield, demonstrates arm strength, 87 mph from the outfield. Offensively, uses toe tap trigger. Strong swing, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee, swing lacks looseness.

Reed Rogers, Normal West HS, 3B/RHP, Class of 2014
Large build, large frame, shows strength, 6-foot-4, 225-pound two way player. Offensively hits for power, stance is balanced, load is smooth and stride is short. Fluid rhythm, well above average bat speed, 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Bat has pop, lower half works aggressively, hits off back side, hard contact, squared the baseball up regularly with authority. Defensively hands work well, feet lack quickness, arm action work from an over the top slot, 77 mph across the diamond. Projects as a power hitting first baseman at the next level.

Vinny Rotunno, Lakes Community HS, RHP, Class of 2014
6-foot-1, 185-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery shows some effort, long arm action, some stiffness, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball is straight, 77-80 mph, fastball stayed down. Curveball flashes 12/6 shape, early action, kept down, showed some control, 65-66 mph. Change up is 70-71 mph, pitched to arm side.

Brendan Saak, Bellville West HS, OF/RHP, Class of 2014
Average build, 5-foot-9, 160-pound two way player. Defensively showed arm strength from the outfield, over the top arm slot, 88 mph, efficient crow hop, quick release, arm showed carry. Athletic footwork defensively. At the plate, hits from an open stance, uses smooth load, short stride. Barrel head shows some speed through the zone, tendency to hit off of back side, good balance throughout. On the mound operates from a high ¾ arm slot, arm shows quickness with some effort. Fastball flashes run, 80-82 mph, touching 83 mph. Curveball display advanced action, flashes sharp break, 12/6 axis, thrown with advanced control, 66-69 mph, potential to be a plus out pitch. Changeup sits at 73-75 mph, lacked control, consistently down. Demonstrated good velocity splits between pitches.

Evan Sandmann, Lincoln Way East HS, C/OF/INF/RHP , Class of 2014
Average build, 6-foot, 155-pound two way player. Defensively shows excellent accuracy from the crouch, pop times range from 1.99-2.12, 79 mph from the crouch. Also shows arm strength from the outfield (86 mph) and infield (81 mph). Offensively hits from open stance, short stride, dives some. Hits off back side, average pop, lacks timing, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball has run, works down, 82-83 mph, tops out at 85 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, works down, 68-69 mph. Also shows splitter at 71-72 mph.

Logan Talkington, North Mac HS, 1B, Class of 2014
Strong build, large frame, 6-foot-5, 230-pound left handed hitting two way player. Offensively hits from the left side, closed stance. Lower half works aggressively, some over rotation. Violent swing path, swings aggressively with power. Pull side approach, some lift, lacks barrel awareness, potential for big left handed power bat. Defensively shows some arm strength across the diamond, 77 mph from first base, some stiffness. On the mound fastball sits 81-82 mph, curveball has gradual 12/6 bend, 58-65 mph. Also throws changeup at 71-72 mph.

Blake Thompson, Rochester HS, OF/LHP, Class of 2014
Average frame, 6-foot-165-pound left handed two way player. On the mound shows little effort in delivery, full windup, smooth rhythm, slow tempo, excellent balance throughout, athletic finish. Arm works from over the top slot, short arm action, quick arm. Fastball has sink, thrown for strikes, 79-80 mph. Breaking ball shows slurve action, 65-67 mph, arm speed is less than fastball. Change up has sink, thrown with similar arm speed to fastball, 72-75 mph. Defensively, arm action is long, throws uphill, 82 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from the left side, slightly open stance, smooth load. Rhythm hitter, squared the ball up consistently, pull side approach.

Roger Wilson, St. Laurence HS, 1B/RHP, Class of 2014
Strong build, athletic frame, some length, 6-foot-4, 190-pound two way player. Offensively, hits from open stance, arm bar load. Bat path creates extension, shows some pop, 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively shows average hands around the bag, long frame plays well at the bag, arm plays at 77 mph across the diamond. On the mound, fastball is straight at 80-83 mph, operates from a high ¾ arm slot. Curveball at 67-68 mph, decelerates arm speed. Changeup shows some feel, shows action to arm side, thrown for strikes, 73-74 mph.

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