On January 28th, Prep Baseball Report held its third annual Preseason I.D. - McHenry event at the Pro Player Academy in McHenry, Illinois. Nearly 100 players registered and Monday we began the analysis with catchers. Today we take a look at the infielders from the event.

Junior CIF Nathan Hardman impressed with his advanced bat speed and should be able to stick at third base in the future.

Brandon Jernigan (Huntley) and Mikal Ashley (Grant) are a pair of sophomore right-handed hitters with power potential in their bat and neither get cheated at the plate.

Rounding out the top five is freshman 1B Maxwell Thompson (Warren). Thompson had one of the more intriguing right-handed bats of the event with plenty of upside.

A number of worthy middle infielders just missed the cut and are listed below.

Top Infield Prospects

1. Nathan Hardman, 3B, Normal University, 2019
6-foot-2, 190-pound third baseman with strong, athletic frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, short stride, maintains balance throughout. Simple, fluid swing, advanced bat speed, uphill path, hard contact, gap-to-gap approach; 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long, over-the-top arm action. Fields athletically, fluid footwork, clean exchange; 84 mph across the infield. 4.62 home-to-first.

2. Evan Geske, SS, Woodstock, 2019
5-foot-11, 175-pound shortstop with strong, athletic build. Right-handed hitter, wide, open and balanced setup, leg-kick stride. Repeatable, compact, strong swing on slight uphill path, sprayed line drive contact; 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short, athletic arm action from high ¾ slot with accuracy; 80 mph across the infield. Fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through the ball. 4.51 home-to-first.

3. Brandon Jernigan, 1B, Huntley, 2020
6-foot, 230-pound first baseman. Right-handed hitter, balanced and slightly open setup, smooth load back into leg lift stride, maintains that balance. Consistent bat speed behind powerful, fluid swing, uphill path, regular hard, gap-to-gap contact on the barrel; 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, short arm action from over-the-top slot, occasional carry; 85 mph across the infield. 4.95 home-to-first.

4. Mikal Ashley, 3B/RHP, Grant, 2020
6-foot-1, 245-pound corner infielder with some projectability. Right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup into leg kick stride, maintains balance throughout. Consistent bat speed, quick-twitch, regular hard-hit contact, gap-to-gap with power projection; 94 mph exit velocity from a tee. Athletic arm action from a low ¾ slot, clean exchange with accuracy; 77 mph in the infield. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, lands open. Quick, loose arm speed thrown from ¾ slot. Fastball, slight arm-side run and sink, 81-82 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, some run and fade, 72-74 mph. Slider, sharp, tight 11/5 shape, 68-70 mph. 4.75 home-to-first.

5. Maxwell Thompson, 1B, Warren, 2021
6-foot, 175-pound first baseman with an athletic build. Right-handed hitter, balanced, slightly open stance, short stride, maintains balance throughout. Easy, repeatable swing, flashed bat speed on level path with extension, consistent gap-to-gap type contact; 83 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long, over-the-top arm action; 73 mph across the infield.. Athletic defender, plays through the ball, clean exchange. 4.83 home-to-first.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Nick Aide, SS/2B, Franklin (WI), 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound middle infielder. Right-handed hitter, upright but balanced setup, long stride. Level path, line drive contact, middle of the field approach, 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, loose, athletic arm action from high ¾ slot with accuracy, 79 mph in the infield. Flashed soft hands, fluid footwork with clean exchange. 4.61 home-to-first.

Bryan Belo, SS/2B, Jacobs, 2020
5-foot-9, 150-pound middle infielder with lean frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load into leg lift stride, keeps balance throughout. Loose, fluid swing on level path; 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action from over-the-top slot. Active feet, fields out front, clean exchange; 73 mph in the infield. 4.44 home-to-first.

Jack Bikus, SS, Mundelein, 2021
6-foot-1, 155-pound middle infielder with lanky, athletic build that projects. Right-handed hitter, crouched, open setup, short stride. Fluid swing on slight uphill path, line drive contact; 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long and loose arm action from over-the-top slot, clean exchange; 76 mph in the infield. 4.61 home-to-first.

Jackson Broom, 3B/RHP, Huntley, 2019
5-foot-11, 170-pound third baseman and right-handed pitcher with athletic frame, room for projection. Right-handed hitter, balanced and athletic setup, quick leg-lift stride. Easy swing, quick hands, short, uphill path, some gap-to-gap contact; 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, throws from over-the-top slot, occasional carry; 82 mph across the diamond. Showed body control, fluid footwork. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, smooth rhythm, throws on-line and lands slightly closed. Throws over-the-top with long arm action. Fastball, flashed sink, 76-78 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 65-68 mph. Changeup, straight with occasional sink, 71-73 mph. 4.44 home-to-first time.

Zach Cantu, 3B/1B, Huntley, 2021
5-foot-9, 180-pound corner infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load back, short toe-tap stride. Loose swing with occasional bat speed on uphill path, fluid rhythm, consistent loud contact; 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short-arm action from over-the-top slot, clean exchange; 65 mph in the infield. 4.82 home-to-first.

Tyler Castro, SS/2B, Huntley, 2021
5-foot-11, 130-pound middle infielder. Left-handed hitter, balanced, slightly open setup, smooth load back into short toe-tap stride. Fluid swing on short, level path that projects some; 73 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long arm action from high ¾ slot, 72 mph in the infield. Athletic footwork, clean exchange. 4.76 home-to-first.

Valentin Cerna, SS, Grant, 2020
5-foot-6, 155-pound middle infielder. Left-handed hitter, balanced, slightly open setup, leg kick stride. Fluid swing, level path, line drive contact; 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot, demonstrates body control. Smooth footwork and exchange; 75 mph in the infield. 4.41 home-to-first.

Payton Coss, INF, Huntley, 2020
5-foot-5, 160-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, tall, open stance, crouches into long stride. Level path, line drive contact; 93 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action from high ¾ slot, clean exchange; 69 mph in the infield. 4.60 home-to-first.

Jimmy Fairley, RHP/1B, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed pitcher and first baseman with a lean, athletic frame and good projection. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, smooth rhythm, maintained level shoulders, threw on line with a slightly open landing. In between high ¾ and ¾ arm action, stays tall and balanced, easy effort. Fastball, consistent sink with feel, 78-80 mph. Changeup, similar arm speed, some sink with control, 71-73 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape, flashed feel, 65-66 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced and slightly open setup, short stride. Simple swing on level path, some hard, line drive contact; 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long, high ¾ arm action, clean exchange; 78 mph across the infield. 4.69 home-to-first.  

Carter Foat, INF, McHenry West, 2020
5-foot-9, 145-pound shortstop. Right-handed hitter with slightly tall, open setup, small stride, keeps balance. Line drive approach, fluid swing on uphill path, feel for barrel; 79 mph exit velocity from tee. Defensively, short, high ¾ arm action. Smooth feet with quick, clean exchange; 72 mph in the infield. 4.69 home-to-first.

Keegan Garis, 3B, Prairie Ridge, 2020
6-foot-1, 170-pound third baseman with lanky, athletic build and projectability. Left-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride with some rhythm. Loose actions, slight uphill path; 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long, athletic arm actions from high ¾ slot, accurate, 74 mph across the infield. Fluid footwork, clean exchange. 4.69 home-to-first.

Stone Gomberg, 3B/RHP, Stevenson, 2021
5-foot-10, 165-pound third baseman and right-handed pitcher. Right-handed hitter, wide, open but balanced setup, short stride. Uphill swing path with line drive contact; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action from a ¾ slot; 76 mph in the infield. 4.71 home-to-first. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, lands open and athletically. Short arm action from over-the-top slot. Fastball, subtle cut, 74-75 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape with some control, 63-64 mph. Slider, 10/4 break, 68-69 mph. Changeup, similar arm speed, slight sink, 66-68 mph.

Ryan Goudschaal, 3B/RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound third baseman and right-handed pitcher. Offensively, right-handed with balanced, slightly open setup, brief leg lift stride, Simple swing on a short, uphill path, line drive contact; 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long, low ¾ arm arm action. Athletic feet, clean exchange; 69 mph in the infield. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, lands square. Short, high ¾ arm action. Fastball, slight run, 72-74 mph, topped 76 mph. Changeup, similar arm speed, consistent fade, 63-65 mph. Knuckleball, some cut, 61-63 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 60-63 mph. 4.90 home-to-first.

Joseph Kaminski, RHP/3B, McHenry West, 2019
6-foot-1, 177-pound right-handed pitcher and third baseman with lanky, athletic build, room for projection. On the mound, drop-and-drive delivery, throws on line and lands square. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, flashed cut and command, 82-85 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, cutting action, 72-75 mph. Curveball, sharp, 11/5 break with feel, good spin, 63-66 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, hands load back into short stride. Uphill path, pull-power approach; 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short, over-the-top arm action, shows carry; 84 mph across the infield. 4.56 home-to-first.

Riley Kirk, RHP/3B, Wauconda, 2021
6-foot-2, 210-pound two-way prospect with strong build. On the mound, right-handed, tall-and-fall delivery, some rhythm, throws on line and lands slightly open. Throws from high ¾ arm slot, stays tall, keeps the ball hidden until release. Fastball, straight, 74-77 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 66-69 mph. Changeup, sinking action, 64-68 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced and open setup, brief toe-tap stride. Level bat path, line drive contact; 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action from high ¾ slot; 70 mph in the infield. 4.69 home-to-first.

Michael Kolb, INF, Lake Zurich, 2019
5-foot-10, 165-pound middle infielder. Right-handed hitter, wide, balanced setup, toe-tap stride. Uphill path, fluid rhythm; 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action from high ¾ slot; 75 mph across the infield. 4.50 home-to-first.

Jake Lyon, RHP/SS, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed pitcher and shortstop. At the plate, right-handed, balanced and closed setup, leg lift into toe-tap stride. Occasional bat speed on an uphill path, gap-to-gap type contact; 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action, ¾ slot. Smooth hands and exchange, demonstrates body control; 75 mph in the infield. On the mound, drop-and-drive delivery, throws on line and lands square. Long arm action from a ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, 75-78 mph. Curveball, 11/5 break, 59-63 mph. Changeup, mostly maintains arm speed, straight, 66-68 mph. 4.60 home-to-first as a runner.

John Marshall, 1B, Brother Rice, 2019
6-foot-1, 220-pound first baseman. Right-handed hitter, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Short arm action from high ¾ slot, clean exchange, average hands; 62 mph across the infield. 5.01 home-to-first.

Alex Milone, SS/2B, Prairie Ridge, 2021
5-foot-7, 143-pound middle infielder with strong frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, keeps that balance throughout. Simple, easy swing on level path, consistent line drive contact; 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long, loose arm action from high ¾ slot. Fields athletically and demonstrates future potential arm strength; 78 mph in the infield. 4.92 home-to-first.

Zach Model, 2B, Huntley, 2019
5-foot-6, 145-pound middle infielder. Left-handed hitter, wide, balanced setup, short stride, keeps balance throughout. Compact swing on uphill path, fluid rhythm, mostly line drive contact; 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, good body control, steady hands with clean exchange. Athletic arm action from a high ¾ slot, accurate throws; 76 mph across the infield. 4.43 home-to-first time.

Jared Novak, RHP/1B, Benet, 2020
6-foot-4, 195-pound two-way prospect with very projectable build, athletic frame. On the mound, smooth tall-and-fall delivery, throws on line, lands square, athletic finish. Loose actions from high ¾ arm slot, quick arm speed, maintains balance. Fastball, sink on downhill plane with arm-side run, accurate, 82-84 mph, highly projectable. Curveball, 11/5 break with conviction, thrown for strikes, 70-72 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, subtle sink, plus feel and arm action, 75-77 mph. Right-handed hitter, crouched setup, smooth load back into pronounced leg lift stride, keeps balance. Fluid, level swing, gap-to-gap contact; 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action from high ¾ slot. Athletic footwork, clean exchanges; 83 mph across the infield. 4.64 home-to-first as a runner.

Sam Nowotnik, SS, West Aurora, 2020
5-foot-7, 135-pound shortstop. Right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, leg kick stride, maintains balance through swing. Uphill path, pull-side contact; 66 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long, over-the-top arm actions, smooth footwork and exchange; 69 mph in the infield. 4.62 home-to-first.

Justin Obaldo, LHP/1B, Crystal Lake Central, 2020
5-foot-9, 180-pound left-handed pitcher and infielder. On the mound, drop-and-drive delivery with some rhythm, throws on line, lands square and athletically. Throws in between a high ¾ and over-the-top arm slot, long arm action. Fastball, straight, 75-77 mph. Changeup, straight, mostly maintains arm speed, 66-68 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape with some depth, 65-67 mph. Left-handed hitter, tall setup, smooth load, subtle leg lift stride. Uphill path with rhythm; 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long, over-the-top arm actions. Smooth hands, clean exchange; 76 mph across the infield. 4.87 home-to-first.

Blake Ottaviano, 3B, Huntley, 2019
5-foot-10, 195-pound corner infielder with strong build. Right-handed hitter, open, slightly crouched setup, short stride, maintains balance. Simple swing on uphill path; 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, flashed body control on the move. Short arm action from a ¾ window; 68 mph across the infield. 4.76 home-to-first.

Michael Patterson, SS, Prairie Ridge, 2019
5-foot-8, 150-pound shortstop. Right-handed hitter, tall and open setup, leg kick stride, maintains balance. Loose hands, level path, line-drive contact, fluid rhythm; 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, soft hands, smooth footwork, clean exchange. Athletic, loose arm action, ¾ slot, accurate throws, 78 mph across the infield. 4.61 home-to-first.

Aiden Pavoris, RHP/3B, Huntley, 2021
5-foot-9, 165-pound right-handed pitcher and third baseman. Has upside on the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, works on line and lands closed. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot, quick arm speed. Fastball, some run and sink, accurate, 74-77 mph. Curveball, 11/5 break with firm, sharp movement, consistently down in the zone, 67-70 mph. Changeup, some fade and subtle arm-side run, 65-66 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall and open setup, short leg lift stride. Simple, fluid swing on uphill path; 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, short arm action from ¾ slot; 72 mph in the infield. 4.92 home-to-first.

Jason Peters, INF, Huntley, 2019
6-foot, 180-pound infielder with projectable frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced, slightly upright and open stance and setup, leg lift stride, maintains balance throughout. Simple, fluid swing on modest uphill path; 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action from over-the-top slot. Stays low, smooth hands; 78 mph in the infield. 4.67 home-to-first.

Dylan Petrey, RHP/SS, Hampshire, 2021
5-foot-6, 120-pound, athletic right-handed pitcher and middle infielder. On the mound, drop-and-drive delivery, some rhythm, lands square. Long arm action from high ¾ slot. Fastball, regular sink with control, 73-74 mph. Curveball, 10/4 sweeping break, 61-64 mph. Knuckleball, sinking movement, 63-67 mph. Changeup sinks, 64-65 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced and open setup, abbreviated toe-tap stride. Simple swing on level path; 74 mph exit velocity. Defensively, loose arm action from ¾ slot, 74 mph in the infield. Good body control, fluid, athletic footwork, clean exchange. 4.92 home-to-first.

Noah Pogonitz, 1B, Ida Crown, 2019
6-foot, 160-pound first baseman. Left-handed hitter, slightly open stance, balanced, crouched setup, short stride. Uphill path; 77 mph exit velocity. Defensively, left-handed, short, over-the-top arm actions; 72 mph across the infield.

Nolan Shannon, SS/3B, McHenry West, 2020
6-foot-1, 165-pound infielder with a lanky, athletic frame. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, smooth load into toe-tap stride. Long levered, some bat speed, level swing path with line drive contact; 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot, fluid footwork; 75 mph in the infield. 4.82 home-to-first.

Aiden Smith, RHP/1B, Marengo, 2020
6-foot-3, 195-pound right-handed pitcher and first baseman. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, lands square. Long arm action from high ¾ slot. Fastball, some slight run, consistently thrown down in strike zone, 77-80 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, accurate, 64-66 mph. Changeup, straight, 67-70 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride. Simple swing on uphill path, line drive contact; 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action from high ¾ slot, clean exchange; 76 mph across the infield. 5.07 home-to-first.

Josh Stitt, SS/RHP, Palatine, 2019
6-foot, 155-pound shortstop and right-handed pitching prospect in a lanky, projectable frame. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, on line and lands square. Throws from high ¾ slot, quick arm speed, long arm action. Fastball, subtle arm-side run, 77-80 mph, topped 82 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, slight cut action, 74-77 mph. Curveball, ¾ slot, 10/4 break with some feel, 68-72 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, toe-tap stride. Flashed bat speed on level, fluid path with consistent gap-to-gap contact, projectable power; 89 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action from ¾ slot, smooth exchange; 80 mph in the infield. 4.59 home-to-first.

Ryan Teuscher, INF, West Aurora, 2019
6-foot-1, 182-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, wide but balanced setup, leg kick stride. Maintains his balance through uphill bat path; 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm actions, ¾ slot, clean exchange; 74 mph in the infield. 4.78 home-to-first.

Evan Tocmo, RHP/SS, Huntley, 2020
5-foot-9, 165-pound two-way prospect with athleticism. On the mound, right-handed, tall-and-fall type delivery, smooth, repeatable actions, lands slightly closed. Long, loose arm action, easy effort. Fastball has occasional run, 78-80 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, slight fade and sink, plus feel for his age, 68-71 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape with depth, some feel, 63-65 mph. Right-handed hitter, upright and open stance, leg kick stride, keeps balance throughout. Simple, fluid swing, level path, some pull-power; 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, quick and short arm action from high ¾ slot. Athletic and smooth body control, clean exchange; 82 mph in the infield. 4.44 home-to-first.

Ryan Weaver, LHP/1B, Cary-Grove, 2021
6-foot-1, 165-pound two-way prospect with athletic frame with room for projectability. On the mound, left-handed, tall-and-fall delivery, throws on line and lands square. Pitches downhill, long arm action from high ¾ slot with quick arm speed. Fastball, downhill plane, 74-76 mph. Changeup, similar arm speed, regular and significant sink, 64-67 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 63-65 mph. Left-handed hitter in balanced, slightly open setup, subtle toe-tap stride, Fluid swing on uphill path, line drive contact; 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, loose, long arm action from ¾ slot. Soft hands, smooth footwork, clean exchange; 73 mph across the infield.

Ryan Wilwers, RHP/3B, Marengo, 2020
5-foot-10, 170-pound two-way prospect with projectable frame. On the mound, right-handed, drop-and-drive delivery, some rhythm, throws on line, lands slightly closed. High ¾ slot, long arm action. Fastball, subtle arm-side run, 80-83 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 68-70 mph. Knuckleball, some cut, 67-73 mph. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, short stride. Simple swing on uphill path; 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action out of high ¾ slot, clean exchange; 82 mph across the infield. 4.69 home-to-first.

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