Prep Baseball Report's third annual McHenry preseason showcase produced an intriguing crop of pitchers. The late January event saw nearly 100 players step onto Pro Player Academy’s facility and we’ve dissected the players position by position. Our positional breakdowns will conclude with the day’s pitchers analyzed in this post. We’ve previously taken a look the event’s catchers here, infielders here, and outfielders here.

Sophomore Jared Novak (Benet) impressed us most on the mound because of his high projectability within his 6-foot-4 frame that helps his downhill, sinking fastball in addition to an advanced feel for his changeup and curveball.

2019 prospects Joseph Kaminski (McHenry West), Dominic Listi (Prairie Ridge), and Kyle Maurer (Huntley) were all exciting on their own and demonstrated the kind of athleticism and feel for three pitches it’ll take to continue to start, possibly even at the next level.

Read the full list of reports below.  

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Dominic Listi, OF/LHP, Prairie Ridge, 2019
6-foot, 178-pound, athletically built, left/left, two-way prospect. At the plate, athletic, balanced setup, smooth load, reverse toe-tap stride and good balance. Fluid rhythm, quick twitch in swing, level bat path, spray approach and a feel for the barrel; 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, athletic, natural outfield actions, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball and gains ground on transfer. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, throws carry and topped at 84 mph. 4.70 runner, home-to-first. Left-handed pitcher, clean, repeatable delivery, smooth rhythm, stays on-line with regular effort throughout. Quick, clean arm action, over-the-top arm slot. Fastball works straight, down in the zone at times; sat 80-81 mph, touched 82. Curveball, maintains arm speed, 1/7 shape, depth and feel, 65-67 mph. Changeup, fade action, 72-73 mph.  

4. Cole Bhardwaj, RHP, Jacobs, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, lean frame, long legs. Delivery works across his body, in rhythm, lands square, stays tall throughout. Little effort, arm action is clean and easy, loose and quick from a high ¾ slot. Continues to show gradual velocity improvements. Fastball sat 80-82 mph, mostly straight and up in the zone, lively finish, projects for more. Curveball has 11/5 shape, plays mostly to arm side, 68-69 mph. Changeup sinks, decelerated arm action, feel for zone, 66-69 mph.

5. Kyle Maurer, RHP/OF, Huntley, 2019
5-foot-11, 155-pound, well-proportioned, athletically built, two-way prospect. Right-handed pitcher, impressed on the mound with his feel for three-pitches, with both offspeed pitches flashing swing and miss action at times. Slow tempo, highly-repeatable delivery. Short, clean arm action, high ¾ slot and regular effort throughout. Fastball thrown for strikes, arm-side-run at times, sat 81-82 mph, touched 83. Curveball, good feel for zone, tight spin, 11/5, 10/4 action at times. Changeup, feel for the bottom of the zone, fade action, 69-72 mph. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Loose hands, present bat speed and natural lift in swing; 83 mph exit velocity. In the outfield, plays through the baseball, long, loose arm action, throws carry and topped at 84 mph. 4.72 runner, home-to-first.

6. Thomas Giese, RHP, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-3, 180-pound long athletic frame, right-handed pitcher. Delivery works on line, slightly tucked balance position, athletic and repeats. Arm action is clean, high ¾ slot, some length. Fastball works downhill at times, slight arm side run, showed control, 77-79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, short tight action, has feel, 67-70 mph. Straight changeup, thrown with fastball similar arm action, 73-76 mph.

7. 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.

8. Christian Kasal, RHP, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-2, 160-pound right-handed pitcher, lanky frame, wide squared shoulders. Tall and fall type delivery, regular effort. Arm action is quick and loose from a short over the top slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 78-79 mph. Curveball showed sharp action and thrown hard with conviction, 12/6 plane, 70-73 mph. Changeup sinks, 70-72 mph.

9. 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.

10. Jack Wenninger, RHP, Cary-Grove, 2020
5-foot-11, 140-pound right-handed pitcher, lean lanky frame, long legs, projects. Tall and fall delivery, with easy effort, lands square, finishes tall. Arm action is loose, slight wrist wrap out of the glove into clean loose release out front, above average arm speed, over the top slot. Fastball gained 10 mph since last year, sat 76-77 mph, sinking action with control of the zone. Curveball has well above average action, flashed sharp 11/5 type, thrown with arm speed and for strikes, 66-67 mph. Ability to control changeup, fading action, fastball similar arm speed, 68-70 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

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.  

Andrew Balkcom, RHP, Jacobs, 2020
5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed pitcher. Simple delivery, lift and stride on line, regular effort. Arm action is long and firm, ¾ slot. Fastball sinks, 73-75 mph, topped at 76 mph. Slider has gradual action, sat 67 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, 71-72 mph.

Mitchell Bilek, LHP, Hampshire, 2021
5-foot-8, 164-pound left-handed pitcher. Works exclusively from the stretch, regular effort, lands square. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, occasionally works lower and underneath the baseball. Fastball sinks slightly, 68-69 mph, touched 70 mph. Curveball plays 1/7, ranged 54-63 mph. Changeup has fastball similar arm action, 61-65 mph.

Justin Binz, OF/RHP, Mundelein, 2019
6-foot-4, 175-pound, long and lean, two-way prospect, with a highly-projectable build. 4.37 runner, home-to-first. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced, quiet setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Long levers in swing, loose hands, long path and gap-to-gap approach; 84 mph exit velocity. In the outfield, fluid, clean actions, works through the baseball. Short, loose arm action, over-the-top slot, throws flash carry, 79 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works on-line with easy effort throughout. Slight plunge on the backside, comes out of a short, over-the-top window. Fastball works straight, 75-77 mph. Curveball looks to be go to pitch, good feel, 11/5 short break, good feel; 64-66 mph. Changeup, 69-70 mph.  

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.

Nick DiBenedetto, OF/RHP, Crystal Lake South, 2020
5-foot-10, 145-pound, lean, athletically built, two-way prospect. Right-handed hitter, tall, open setup, leg-lift trigger and good balance through contact. Line-drive approach, handsy swing at times; 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, flashed outfield actions, steady hands, plays through the baseball, crow hop transfer. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 83 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher smooth rhythm, stays on-line and lands square. Submarine pitcher, loose, athletic arm action. Fastball, arm-side-run, thrown for strikes, 72-74 mph, touched 76. Curveball, sweeping action, thrown for strikes, 64-67 mph. Changeup sinking action, 65-67 mph.

Brendan Duffy, OF/LHP, Marian Central Catholic, 2020
5-foot-8, 120-pound, lean, left/left, two-way prospect. Left-handed hitter, tall, balanced setup, short stride and good balance through contact. Simple swing, line-drive approach and 71 mph exit velocity. In the outfield, steady hands, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws topped at 71 mph. 4.69 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, delivery works across his body and with rhythm. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball occasional arm-side-run; 69-72 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, tight spin and feel; 60-61 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes, straight action, 65-68 mph.

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. 

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.

Matthew Governale, RHP, Huntley, 2019
6-foot, 160-pound right-handed pitcher. Delivery is on line, slight drop and drive type. Arm action is long, ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, 76-77 mph, topped at 78 mph. Slider has 10/4 shape, tight spin at times, showed feel for zone 69-71 mph. Changeup showed slight action to arm side, 72-73 mph.

Nicholas Gregory, OF/RHP, Dundee Crown, 2020
5-foot-10, 160-pound, lean, two-way prospect. 4.26 runner, home-to-first. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Controls the barrel, short to the ball, quick hands, line-drive, pull approach and 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, in the outfield, attacks the baseball, plays through, clean release. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 80 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Delivery works on-line, regular effort throughout. Fastball works straight, 76-78 mph. Curveball 11/5 shape, tight spin at times, 61-64 mph. Changeup, occasional cut, 67-69 mph.

John Hamer, OF/RHP, St. Charles North, 2019
5-foot-10, 155-pound, two-way prospect with strength in frame. Right-handed hitter, tall, open relaxed setup, pre-pitch rhythm and leg-lift timing trigger. Fluid rhythm, loose hands, creates whip in swing, gap-to-gap approach and 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, reliable hands, long, over-the-top arm action and throws topped at 81 mph. 4.62 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, high leg-kick at balance point, rotational delivery. Arm works long and out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, flashed run, 74-78 mph. Curveball, good feel, sweeping action, 64-68 mph. Changeup, sink and fade action, 67-69 mph.

Ben Harris, C/RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2019
6-foot-2, 1709-pound two-way player, sloped shoulders, lean strength. Projects best behind the dish, advanced catch and throw prospect. Arm action is short and over the top, played accurate and carried well to target, 77 mph out of the crouch. Natural actions, hands are soft, quick clean release, pop times ranged 1.97-2.02. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, smooth loading action with leg lift trigger. Loose hands, creates whip, flashed hard contact on uphill path with bat speed. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.58 runner down the line. On the mound arm action is similar, regular effort on line with squared landing. Fastball is straight, 79-82 mph. Curveball has 10/4 shape, slider type sweeping action, 65-69 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, near fastball arm speed, 72-74 mph.

Kyle Hetherington, OF/LHP, Crystal Lake South, 2019
5-foot-10, 175-pound, athletically built, left/left, two-way prospect. At the plate, athletic, open setup, high back elbow, smooth load and long toe-tap stride. Fluid rhythm ,loose swing, easy bat speed and worked the middle of the field; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Athletic actions in the outfield. Fluid footwork, plays with bounce, gains ground on crow hop. Long, loose, quick arm action, over-the-top slot, throws were accurate with carry and topped at 87 mph. 4.69 home-to-first, (on a turn). On the mound, left-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, regular effort throughout. Long, over-the-top arm action. Fastball worked straight, 80-81 mph. Curveball, firm, short 1/7 break, 74-76 mph. Changeup, 75-77 mph. Follow 2019 outfielder.

Jake Jakubowski, RHP, Huntley, 2021
5-foot-5, 110-pound right-handed pitcher. Stretch only delivery, slight drop and drive, works from slightly crouch balance point to a side arm slot, tall finish. Fastball runs to arm side, showed control, 64-67 mph. Slider is 11/5 shape, 58-60 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, has feel for zone, near fastball arm speed, 59-61 mph.

A.J. Kutcher, LHP/OF, Antioch, 2021
5-foot-8, 142-pound, lanky, athletically built, two-way prospect. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, directional, slight drop and drive delivery, lands square and regular effort throughout. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, 69-71 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, thrown for strikes, 57-60 mph. Changeup, sat 58-62 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, pre-pitch rhythm and short stride. Short bat path, line-drive approach and 67 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, reliable hands, works through the baseball, short, over-the-top arm action and throws topped at 72 mph. 4.54 runner, home-to-first.

Darian Langkan, RHP, Huntley, 2020
5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, wiry build. Takes rocker step straight back, syncs hands with leg lift, lands square into balanced finish. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 74-75 mph at the top of the zone. Curveball has 11/5 shape, feel for strikezone, 58-62 mph. Slight decel on changeup, guides at times, 65-66 mph.

Ethan Laria, LHP, St. Charles North, 2019
6-foot, 155-pound left-handed pitcher, lean frame. Short rocker step to toe lift balance point, squared landing at the ball of foot. Clean arm action, high ¾ slot with regular effort. Fastball has slight arm side run, 76-78 mph. Curveball plays 1/7, fastball arm speed, 65-68 mph. Changeup fades, showed feel with arm speed, 72-73 mph.

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.

Benjamin Minneci, LHP/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2020
5-foot-10, 140-pound, two-way prospect with lean frame and plenty of room for continued physical development. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, smooth rhythm and stays on-line. Long arm action from a ¾ slot. Fastball, arm-side-run, 71-72 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, depth at times, 59-61 mph. Changeup, sink and fade action, 61-62 mph. At the plate, balanced setup, loads hands, short stride and good balance. Simple, handsy swing, 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, in the outfield, long, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 74 mph. 4.37 runner, 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.

Davis Pasco, RHP/OF, Huntley, 2019
6-foot, 160-pound, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride and simple overall approach. Short bat path, line-drive type and 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, works through the ball, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 82 mph. 4.51 home-to-first runner. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works with some rhythm, lands square with regular effort throughout. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, slight arm-side-run, 78-79 mph, touched 80. Curveball, sweeping 10/4 shape, slider action at times, thrown for strikes, 66-68 mph.Changeup, sink and fade action, thrown for strikes, 71-73 mph.

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.

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.

Joshua Rivera, RHP, Palatine, 2020
5-foot-8, 150-pound right-handed pitcher. Repeatable delivery, slight forward rocker step into balance position, on line and closed landing. Arm action is clean from short high ¾ window. Fastball is mostly straight, 77-78 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, occasional sharp action, able to drop for strikes, 63-65 mph. Changeup fades, 71-72 mph, thrown with arm speed.

Chris Rooney, OF/RHP, Mundelein, 2021
5-foot-11, 150-pound, two-way prospect with a lanky build and squared shoulders. Offensively, tall setup, smooth load and toe-tap stride. Aggressive swing, fast bat, consistent hard contact and natural lift in swing; 74 mph exit velocity from a tee.  In the outfield, works through the baseball, over-the-top arm slot and throws topped at 70 mph from the outfield. 4.69 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive, smooth delivery, works on-line. Clean, easy arm swing, high ¾ slot. Fastball works 66-70 mph, touched 71. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 58-60 mph. Changeup fade action, thrown for strikes, 61-63 mph.

Cooper Schmidt, RHP, Cary-Grove, 2019
6-foot, 180-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic shape. Tall and fall delivery, easy effort, squared landing. Arm action is clean, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed slight arm side action, 79-81 mph, touched 82 mph. Slider works 11/5 and has depth, repeats it in the strike zone, 69-71 mph. Changeup flashed action to both sides of the plate, 71-73 mph.

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.

Matthew Smith, LHP/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2021
5-foot-8, 148-pound, lean, left/left, two-way prospect. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, full wind up, tall and fall delivery. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball slight arm-side-run, 69-71 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, flashed feel for the zone, 57-63 mph. Changeup, fade action, 60-63 mph. Ran a 4.43 home-to-first. At the plate, left-handed hitter, wide setup, short stride, slap approach at times and 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, long arm action, high ¾ slot, 72 mph from the outfield.

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.

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.

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