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 yesterday we began the analysis with catchers. Today we take a in-depth look at the outfielders.

Two 2019 left/left prospects, Kyle Hetherington and Dominic Listi, lead the crop of outfielders. Both have present athleticism, natural outfield actions and can handle the bat. 

Another 2019 to follow moving forward is highly-projectable Justin Binz. Binz has long, loose levers at the plate and ran a 4.37 home-to-first. 

Below is a look at all of the outfielders in attendance:

TOP OUTFIELD PROSPECTS

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Daniel Laughery, OF, Grant, 2020
5-foot-11, 165-pound, wiry strong, right-handed hitting outfielder. 4.26 runner home-to-first. At the plate, balanced, wide base, toe-tap stride and simple swing. Hard contact, present bat speed, gap-to-gap approach; 87 mph exit velocity. In the outfield, works through the baseball at times, short, over-the-top arm action, topped at 86 mph.

5. 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.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Brandon Besch, OF, Huntley, 2020
5-foot-10, 145-pound, wiry, right-handed hitting outfielder. Ran a 4.36 home-to-first. At the plate, open setup, short stride and line-drive approach. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, plays through the baseball at times, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 74 mph.

Nicholas Bulgarelli, OF, Wauconda, 2021
6-foot-1, 160-pound, long, athletically built, right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate, wide setup, short stride, and good balance throughout. Feel for the barrel, long, level path, line-drive approach and 73 mph exit velocity. In the outfield, steady hands, short, firm arm action from an over-the-top slot and topped at 71 mph. 4.79 runner, home-to-first.

Cameron Caldwell, OF, Yorkville, 2020
6-foot-1, 185-pound, strong, athletically built, left/left outfielder. 4.30 runner, home-to-first. At the plate, balanced, wide setup, short leg-kick timing trigger. Strong hands, short bat path and 78 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 72 mph.

Jaden Carr, OF, Huntley, 2021
5-foot-8, 150-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder; strong lower half. At the plate, balanced setup, short stride and finishes on backside. Short, uphill bat path, occasional bat strength; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, reliable hands, long arm action and throws topped at 74 mph. 4.69 runner, home-to-first.  

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.

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.

AJ Henkle, OF, Huntley, 2019
6-foot-2, 190-pound, strong, athletically built, right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate, open setup, pre-pitch rhythm, slight leg-lift trigger and gets back to even. Long, uphill bat path, flashed bat strength; 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, short, over-the-top arm action, throws topped at 86 mph. 4.66 runner, home-to-first.

Keegan Henley, OF, Wauconda, 2019
5-foot-6, 138-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Ran a 4.36 home-to-first. Offensively, quiet, open setup, stride gets back to even and maintains balance through contact. Flashed loose hands, level bat path and 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, gets behind the baseball, plays through, steady hands. Short, over-the-top arm action and throws topped at 79 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.

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.

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.

Trent Ottaviano, OF, Huntley, 2021
6-foot-1, 180-pound, outfielder with a projectable, athletic build. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, short stride and simple swing. Opposite field approach and 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 71 mph. 5.01 runner, home-to-first.

Jack Paddock, OF, Huntley, 2020
5-foot-9, 130-pound, wiry, outfielder.  At the plate, right-handed hitter,balanced, slightly crouched setup, short stride and balance throughout. Simple swing, 70 mph exit velocity. In the outfield, reliable hands, long arm action and throws topped at 71 mph from the outfield. 4.69 runner, 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.

Nick Rockweiler, OF, Elkhorn (WI), 2019
6-foot, 180-pound, athletically built, left/left outfielder. 4.29 runner, home-to-first. At the plate, balanced, slightly open setup, smooth deep pre-pitch load and short leg-lift trigger. Bat works level through the zone at times, pull approach and flashed bat strength; 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, steady hands, clean transfer and plays through the baseball. Long, over-the-top arm action, 76 mph from the outfield.

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.

Marcus Sperling, OF, Barrington, 2021
5-foot-10, 150-pound, wiry, right-handed hitting outfielder. Tall, balanced setup at the plate and short toe-tap stride. Long, level bat path and 73 mph exit velocity. Defensively, natural outfield actions, sure hands, plays through the baseball. Loose arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 72 mph.4.54 runner, home-to-first.

Griffin Taylor, OF, Richmond-Burton, 2021
6-foot, 170-pound, athletically built, right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate, tall setup, leg-kick timing trigger and finishes on his backside. Long bat path, line-drive approach 78 mph exit velocity. 4.93 runner, home-to-first.

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