The inaugural Preseason I.D. - Peoria, held at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex, took place on Saturday, January 27th. The event featured close to 90 prospects, mostly from the Central Illinois area. Monday we began the positional analysis from the event with a look at the catchers.

Today we breakdown the strongest and deepest position of the event, the pitchers. The event was loaded with arms from all high school classes and a number of worthy candidates were left off the top prospect lists.

Below we ranked the top right-handed arms and left-handed arms separate.

TOP RHP PROSPECTS

1. Andrew Pogue, RHP, Dunlap, 2019
6-foot-4, 175-pound, long and lean, highly-projectable right-handed pitcher. Put himself on the map as a high-follow 2019 right-handed pitcher. Frame and arm action are highly projectable; extremely loose, whippy and quick arm action following foot strike. Delivery stays on-line, lands square, regular effort throughout and comes out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, late life, occasional heavy action, sat 84-87 mph. Curveball, 12/6, 11/5 shape, depth, sharp at times, 67-68 mph. Splitter, thrown for strikes, 73-75 mph.

2. Connor Aten, RHP/OF, Galesburg, 2020
5-foot-10, 160-pound, two-way prospect. Put himself on the map as a high-follow 2020. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth repeatable delivery, lands slightly closed with easy effort throughout. Arm works quick and over-the-top. Fastball, comes out of the hand easy, life through the zone, sat 83-85 mph, touched 87 twice. Curveball works 12/6, occasionally backs up, 66-69 mph. Changeup, cut action at times, 75-77 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, static setup, minimal pre-pitch movement and short stride.Aggressive swing, loose, athletic hands, uphill path and pull approach. 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball, athletic transfer. Quick arm action from an over-the-top slot, accurate throws with carry, clocked at 86 mph. 7.07 runner in the 60.

3. Ben Hess, RHP/1B, Charleston, 2021
6-foot-2, 195-pound, two-way prospect with a strong lower half. Emerged as a high-follow 2021 right-handed pitcher. On the mound, smooth, repeatable delivery, stays on-line and lands closed. Highly-projectable arm action; long, loose and quick out of a high ¾ window. Fastball jumps out of hand, slight arm-side-run, thrown for strikes; sat 81-83 mph, touched 84. Lowers his arm slot on both offspeed offerings. Slider, feel, 11/5 shape, some depth, 65-67 mph. Changeup thrown for strikes, occasional fade and sink; 64-69 mph. At the plate, tall, open setup, smooth load, leg-lift timing trigger and fluid rhythm. Hands get separation on load, loose hands, uphill bat path and gap-to-gap approach. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, at first base, soft hands, athletic arm action, feel around the bag. Throws were accurate, carry across the diamond and topped at 82 mph. 8.52 runner in the 60.

4. Ryan Rhoda, RHP/INF, Prairie Central, 2019
6-foot-4, 180-pound, two-way prospect with an athletic, strong build. Projects best on the mound. Right-handed pitcher, delivery creates some deception; works slightly across his body and lands closed. Arm is loose and quick out front; comes out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat comfortably at 81-84 mph to start his bullpen but ended in a flurry as he touched 90 once and then 86. Curveball, feel, 11/5 shape with depth, 68-71 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes, down in the zone, fade action, 72-73 mph. Follow 2019 right-handed pitcher. At the plate, tall setup, short stride and minimal wasted movement. Line-drive approach and 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, long arm action, ¾ slot, accurate throws, topped at 79 mph. 7.94 runner in the 60.

5. Mason Burns, RHP/C, Normal Community, 2020
6-foot-2, 165-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect with plenty of room for continued physical development. Highly projectable on the mound. Right-handed pitcher, pounded the zone with three pitches. Smooth, repeatable delivery, stays on-line, lands square and finishes athletically. Short, clean arm action, high ¾ slot and easy effort throughout. Fastball thrown for strikes, sat 78-80 mph early on and warmed up to 83-84 mph late in his bullpen. Curveball, feel, occasional depth, 11/5 shape. 67-68 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes, 74-78 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open setup, short stride. Bat stays flat through the zone at times, line-drive approach and ability to backspin the baseball occasionally. Defensively, behind the plate, tall setup, clean transfer and throws topped at 75 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.22-2.36. Ran a 7.82 60.

6. Nathan Righi, RHP/3B, Pekin, 2019
6-foot-1, 205-pound, physical, wide-shouldered, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, advanced bat strength for age; 98 mph exit velocity from a tee. Starts from a wide, balanced setup, leg-lift timing trigger and fluid rhythm. Swings with intent, present bat speed and ball jumps off his bat. Long bat path, gap-to-gap approach, flashed pull power at times. On the infield, profiles as a third baseman. Steady hands, clean release, throws out of a high ¾ slot, accurate throws, carry across the diamond at 84 mph. 7.04 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, uptempo delivery, some effort and works on-line. Quick arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, thrown for strikes, mostly straight, 83-86 mph. Slider, looks like a cutter at times, short break, 10/4 shape, sharp spin and thrown aggressively at 76-79 mph. Changeup, mostly straight, 76-80 mph.

7. Gage Romack, RHP, Salt Fork, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound, wide-shouldered, strong, right-handed pitcher. Emerged as a 2019 right-handed pitcher to follow. Pounded the zone with all three pitches. Slow tempo, repeatable delivery. Works on-line and lands front toe closed. Arm works clean and quick from a high ¾ slot; gets extension out front. Fastball mostly straight, down in the zone, occasional boring action, sat 82-83 mph. Curveball, thrown aggressively for strikes, 11/5 shape, sharp action, 73-74 mph. Changeup thrown for strikes, 75-77 mph.

8. Nate Sammer, RHP/SS, Leroy, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound, projectable, long-legged, right-handed pitcher/infielder. Projects best as a right-handed pitcher. Slow, deliberate wind up and repeatable delivery. Works on-line, lands closed and finishes athletically. Long arm action, from a high ¾ slot. Eased into his bullpen. Fastball sat 79-80 mph to start and touched 87, 84 and 83 mph to finish things off. Curveball, thrown aggressively, feel, 11/5 shape with depth at times, 69-70 mph. Changeup, pronates, fade action, 70-73 mph. At the plate, open setup, stride gets back to even and finishes on his backside. Looks to lift the baseball; 77 mph exit velocity. On the infield, long arm action and throws topped at 80 mph. 7.55 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

9. John Day, RHP/INF, Dunlap, 2019
6-foot, 165-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect with plenty of room for continued physical development. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, stretch-only delivery, smooth rhtyhm, lands closed with some effort throughout. Long, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, around the zone, occasional life, natural cut at times, sat 83-84 mph. Slider, flashed sharp 10/4 action, thrown for strikes, 73-76 mph. Changeup, cut action at times, 78-79 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, closed setup, long stride, occasional raw bat strength. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, showed off his live arm. Loose, quick arm, ¾ slot, throws carry across the diamond, topped at 86 mph. 7.95 runner in the 60.

10. Gavin Wahlbrink, RHP, Chatham-Glenwood, 2019
6-foot, 170-pound, loose-bodied, right-handed pitcher. Drop and drive, smooth, repeatable delivery, regular effort throughout. Athletic arm action; works loose and quick from a low ¾ slot. Above-average feel for three-pitch mix. Fastball, arm-side-run, thrown for strikes, 80-82 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, tight spin, thrown for strikes, 67-71 mph. Changeup, spots up at the bottom of the zone, occasional sink, 75-77 mph.

TOP LHP PROSPECTS

1. Tommy Heideman, LHP/1B, Normal Community, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound, left-handed pitcher and first baseman. On the mound, delivery works on-line and lands square. Quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, arm-side-run, ranged between 78-81 mph. Curveball, flashed depth, 1/7 shape, 62-65 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, straight, 68-70 mph. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced, closed setup and long stride. Loose hands, flashed bat speed, long, uphill bat path and strength in swing; 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid, athletic footwork around the bag at first base. Clean transfer, high ¾ arm slot and topped at 74. 8.02 runner in the 60.

2. Jakob Rhoderick, LHP, Mascoutah, 2019
6-foot-4, 170-pound, left-handed pitcher with a highly-projectable, athletic frame; long legs with plenty of room for continued physical development. Efficient, repeatable, online delivery with rhythm. Long, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball thrown for strikes, commanded the zone, slight arm-side-run, 76-77 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, depth at times, 58-59 mph. Changeup, sinking action, bottom of the zone, 68-72 mph.

3. Matt Taylor, 1B/LHP, Normal University, 2019
6-foot-4, 185-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect. Ran a 7.18 laser-timed 60. Left-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride and minimal load. Bat stays level through the zone at times and registered a 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, plays through the baseball, shows feel around the bag. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot and throws topped at 76 mph. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, works on-line, lands open and regular effort throughout. Long arm action, slight plunge and comes out of an over-the-top slot. Fastball thrown for strikes, down in the zone at times and flashed arm-side-run, 78-80 mph, touched 81. Curveball, 12/6 shape, occasional downer action, feel, 63-66 mph. Changeup works straight, 72-73 mph.  

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Colin Bauer, RHP, Peoria Notre Dame, 2020
5-foot-8, 151-pound, right-handed pitcher. Drop and drive delivery, high front side, works across his body creating deception and regular effort throughout. Short arm stroke on the backside and comes out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball works mostly straight, 74-75 mph, touched 76. Cutter, 11/5 shape, curveball action at times, 63-66 mph. Changeup thrown for strikes, 62-66 mph.

Ethan Crutcher, SS/RHP, Bloomington, 2019
5-foot-10, 180-pound middle infielder and pitcher. Right-handed hitter, tall and balanced setup, short stride. Loose swing, line-drive contact; 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, throws from a high ¾ slot, accurate; 75 mph in the infield. Ran a 7.96 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall-and-fall delivery, long arm action, over-the-top arm slot. Fastball, straight, ranged between 73-76 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball, 12-6 shape, 62-66 mph. Changeup, flashed sink and run, 70-73 mph.  

Jimmy DeAngelo, 1B/RHP, Hall, 2019
6-foot-3, 210-pound  two-way prospect with strength and athleticism to his frame. 7.01 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, leg lift trigger. Easy swing, uphill path, gap-to-gap contact, ball jumps off the bat at times; 89 mph exit velocity. On the infield, clean exchange, athletic arm action, ¾ slot; 81 mph across the infield. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop-and-drive delivery, throws on-line and lands square. Long arm action out of a ¾ window. Fastball, slight arm-side run, 79-81 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, some sink, 74-75 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape, 67-70 mph.

Blake Donnan, RHP/OF, Taylorville, 2020
6-foot-4, 205-pound, two-way player with an advanced, athletic, strong frame. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, compact delivery, stays on-line and lands square. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, run and sink, heavy at times, thrown for strikes, sat 80-81 mph. Slider, thrown aggressively, 10/4 shape, cutter action at times, 70-74 mph. Changeup, ranged between 63-68 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, wide setup, static and short leg-kick trigger. Present bat strength, line-drive approach and ball jumps off his bat at times. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, in the outfield, throws from a ¾ slot and clocked at 76 mph. 7.85 runner in the 60.

Logan Fricker, 1B/LHP, Normal Community, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound two-way prospect with strong, athletic build. Left-handed hitter, tall, open setup, short stride. Long swing, flashed bat strength and pull-side power; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Left-handed first baseman, clean transfer, loose arm action out of a ¾ slot; 68 mph across the infield. 7.59 runner in the 60. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, stays balanced, drop-and-drive delivery, smooth rhythm, stays on-line and lands square. Long and loose arm action, out of a ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, 73-76 mph. Slider, 1/7 shape, sat 67-68 mph. Changeup, straight, 67-69 mph.

Dylan Gates, OF/RHP, Mahomet-Seymour, 2019
5-foot-7, 140-pound, two-way prospect. At the plate, open, narrow setup, long stride gets back to even. Stays short to the ball, gap-to-gap approach and 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, natural outfield actions, sure hands, plays through the baseball and clean exchange. High ¾ arm slot, throws flashed carry at 79 mph.  On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, stays on-line and upright finish. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works mostly straight, 77-78 mph, touched 79. Curveball flashed true 12/6 shape, depth 64-69 mph. Changeup, 70-72 mph.

Caleb George, 1B/RHP, Sacred Heart-Griffin, 2021
6-foot-1, 195-pound right-handed pitcher and first baseman. Right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, pre-pitch load and stride gets back to event. Slight uphill swing path, gap-to-gap contact; 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, clean exchange, high ¾ arm slot clocked at 72 mph across the infield. 8.47 runner in the 60. On the mound, drop-and-drive delivery, stays on line, closed landing. High ¾ arm slot, long-arm action, some rhythm throughout. Fastball, occasional tilt, straight, 69-71 mph, topped 74 mph. Curveball, 11/5 movement, 60-66 mph. Changeup, straight, 63-65 mph.

Jesse Goropesek, RHP/3B, Bloomington, 2019
6-foot-3, 170-pound two-way prospect with a lanky, projectable frame. Right-handed pitcher, drop-and-drive delivery, smooth rhythm, stays on-line, lands square. Long arm action out of a ¾ window. Flashed three-pitch feel. Fastball, straight, ranged 80-82 mph. Slider, 12/6 shape, 64-66 mph. Changeup, straight, 70-73 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, long stride. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, throws from a ¾ slot, topped at 79 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.74 60.

Nick Guerra, SS/RHP, Morton, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound shortstop and right-handed pitcher with a lanky, athletic build. Left-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg kick stride. Strong hands, uphill bat path, flashed bat speed and pull-side power; 83 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, steady hands, clean exchange at times; short arm action from ¾ slot; 73 mph across the infield. 7.17 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, some rhythm throughout, lands closed. Throws from a ¾ slot.  Fastball, straight, sat 80-81 mph. Slider, 12/6 shape, ranged between 62-64 mph. Changeup, straight, 70-72 mph.

Trevor Heath, RHP, Peoria Heights, 2019
6-foot-2, 175-pound, strong, athletically built, right-handed pitcher. Simple, efficient, athletic  delivery; works with rhythm and online. Clean, quick arm action, from an over-the-top slot. Fastball finishes through the zone, thrown for strikes, tilt at times, sat 79-81 mph. Curveball, inconsistent shape and feel, 12/6 type; 63-65 mph. Changeup, shortens arm action, fade action, flashed swing and miss action, 64-66 mph.

Nick Inness, RHP/SS, Abingdon-Avon, 2020
6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed pitcher and shortstop, with a strong frame. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride. Short, uphill bat path and occasional hard contact; 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short, ¾ arm action; 78 mph across the diamond.  7.44 runner in the 60. On the mound, drop-and-drive delivery, long arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, 74-78 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 63-67 mph. Changeup, sat 72 mph.

Jake Jacek, RHP/3B, Normal Community, 2019
6-foot-3, 190-pound, well-proportioned, strong, right-handed pitcher and third baseman. On the mound, directional delivery, works with rhythm and regular effort throughout. Arm works long and loose from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, straight, sat 79-80 mph. Changeup, fade action, flashed feel at the bottom of the zone, 71-74 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, occasional depth, 65-67 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, early toe-tap stride. Defensively, on the infield, winds up on transfer at times, arm works long and loose, throws topped at 81 mph across the diamond. 7.75 runner in the 60.

Ethan Jehle, RHP, Elmwood, 2018
6-foot-1, 180-pound, solidly built, well-proportioned, right-handed pitcher. Some effort in delivery, lands closed. Long, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, sat 77-78 mph, touched 80. Curveball, 11/5 shape, tight spin at times, 66-68 mph. Changeup thrown for strikes, 69-72 mph.

Riley Jennings, RHP/3B, Knoxville, 2021
5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed pitcher and third baseman. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, throws on line, lands slightly closed. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, occasional arm-side run, 77-78, mph, touched 79. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual bend, 63-65 mph. Changeup, straight, 65-70 mph. 8.63 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride. Level swing plane at times; 72 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield ¾ arm slot and throws clocked at 74 mph.

Max Jones, C/INF/RHP, Pekin, 2020
6-foot, 185-pound, strong, well-proportioned, multi-positional prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, athletic setup, smooth load, short stride, good balance and finishes on his backside. Aggressive swing, quick hands, present bat speed, lift in swing, gap-to-gap approach and consistently finds the barrel; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, active feet, some bounce, reliable hands and clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. Behind the plate, quick feet and transfer, short arm action, topped at 70 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 2.17-2.25. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth, repeatable delivery that works online and long arm action. Fastball works mostly straight sat 78-80 mph, touched 82. Mixed in a curveball and a slider. Curveball, tight spin, 12/6 shape, occasional depth, 63-64 mph. Slider, thrown aggressively, 10/4 sweeping action, 71 mph. Changeup maintains arm speed, sinking action at times, 69-71 mph.

Tommy Kelly, RHP/3B, Peoria Notre Dame, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound third baseman and right-handed pitcher; athletic, projectable frame. Ran a 6.90, laser-timed 60. On the mound, high ¾ slot, long arm action. Drop-and-drive, smooth delivery with regular effort, lands square. Fastball, downhill plane, ranged between 79-81 mph. Curveball, flashed sharp, 11/5 break, some feel, 63-69 mph. Changeup, slight arm-side run, 69-71 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, leg-lift trigger. Uphill path; 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, long arm action, throws carry and topped at 82 mph.

Daniel Kennell, RHP, Roanoke Benson, 2018
6-foot-1, 215-pound, right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, stays on-line, lands closed, regular effort throughout and comes out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 72-73 mph, touched 74. Curveball thrown for strikes, 11/5 shape, 63-64 mph. Changeup, slight fade action, 67-69 mph.

Kyle Kinney, 1B/LHP, Mahomet-Seymour, 2019
6-foot, 260-pound, extra-large, left/left first baseman and left-handed pitcher. At the plate, crouched setup, heel-lift stride and simple overall swing. Creates easy bat speed, quick hands and short, uphill bat path; 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, soft hands, feel around the bag and moves well for size. Long, over-the-top arm action and throws topped at 75 mph. 7.95 runner in the 60. Left-handed pitcher, works on-line, lands square. Arm works out of an over-the-top slot. Fastball, mostly straight, 77-78 mph, touching 79. Curveball, true 12/6 shape when right, 58-66 mph. Changeup, 66-71 mph.

Dalton Kottmer, RHP, United Township, 2019
5-foot-10, 190-pound, right-handed pitcher. Drop and drive, slow tempo delivery, stays on-line. Clean, easy arm action, over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, thrown for strikes, 74-76 mph. Changeup, occasionally up in the zone, fade action, 65-69 mph. Curveball works 12/6, 59-61 mph.  

Wyatt Mahoney, LHP, A-C Central, 2021
5-foot-10, 135-pound, lean, wiry, left-handed pitcher. Delivery works with rhythm, works slightly across his body and finishes towards the third base bag. Long, high draw out of the glove and comes out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 72-74 mph. Changeup sat 62-65 mph.

Ben Monge, LHP, Roanoke Benson, 2019
6-foot-2, 210-pound, left-handed pitcher with a solid lower half. Tall and fall delivery, maintains direction and lands square. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, flashed arm-side-run, located down in the zone, 73-75 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 56-59 mph. Changeup, arm-side-run at times; 68-71 mph.

Evan Pogioli, 3B/RHP, Pekin, 2020
6-foot-2, 205-pound two-way prospect with strong build. At the plate, right-handed hitter, tall setup, abbreviated leg kick. Short, uphill swing plane, gap-to-gap contact; 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long, high ¾ arm action, 73 mph across the infield. 8.12 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop-and-drive delivery, closed landing. High ¾ arm slot. Fastball, straight, 74-75 mph, touched 76. Changeup, maintains arm speed, 66-68 mph. Curveball, some sharpness, 11/5 break, 64-65 mph.

Carson Richardson, RHP/3B, Collinsville, 2020
6-foot-3, 175-pound, projectable, athletically built right-handed pitcher and third baseman. On the mound, delivery works on line, lands front foot slightly closed. Long arm action from a ¾ slot. Fastball, arm-side-run at times, 79-81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, occasional bite, 68-71 mph. Changeup, slight sink, 69-73 mph. At the plate, right-handed, balanced, wide setup, short stride. Flashed bat speed, level plane, fluid rhythm throughout; 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, wind up transfer, ¾ slot, long-arm action, clocked at 86 mph across the diamond. 7.56 runner in the 60.

Drew Rudsinkski, RHP/2B, Tri-Valley, 2020
6-foot-3, 185-pound two-way prospect with strong, athletic frame. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, high ¾ slot, long arm action. Drop-and-drive delivery, throws on line, slightly closed landing. Fastball, occasional run, 80-81 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, 73-75 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape, some feel, sat 68-70 mph. 7.24 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, tall setup into toe-tap stride. Long, uphill bat path, occasional hard contact; 87 mph exit velocity from tee. On the infield throws from a ¾ slot; clocked at 78 mph across the diamond.

Jack Shields, OF/RHP, Peoria Notre Dame, 2020
6-foot, 185-pound, strong, athletically built, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, tall, open setup, long stride and gets separation in hands. Easy bat speed, loose hands and rhythm throughout. Long bat path, gap-to-gap approach and 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, works through the baseball in the outfield, sure handed and clean transfer. Long, loose arm from a high ¾ slot; throws carry and topped at 86 mph. 7.46 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, simple, repeatable delivery, minimal use out of lower half. Clean, loose, easy arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball thrown for strikes, 78-80 mph, touched 81. Curveball, slows arm at times, 11/5 shape, 61-64 mph. Changeup 64-66 mph.

Jake Stipp, OF/LHP, Danville, 2019
6-foot-1, 155-pound, two-way prospect with a lanky, projectable frame. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, full wind up, on-line delivery and lands with his front toe open. Long, loose arm action, over-the-top slot and easy effort throughout. Fastball sat 74-76 mph, touched 80. Curveball sat 58-59 mph, 12/6 type. Changeup sat 70-71 mph. As a position player, ran a 6.86 laser-timed 60. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced, closed setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Short bat path and 76 mph exit velocity. In the outfield, long and loose arm action, accurate throws topped at 75 mph.

Ryan Walker, RHP/OF/INF, Washington, 2019
6-foot-2, 190-pound, well-proportioned, multi-positional prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slight coil at balance point, stays on-line and lands slightly closed. Arm works short and over-the-top. Fastball sat 73-75 mph, touched 77. Curveball, flashed feel, 11/5 shape, 64-67 mph. Changeup, sat 71-72 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, loads hands and short stride. Exit velocity topped at 78 mph. Defensively, worked out on the infield and in the outfield. Steady hands and plays through the baseball in the outfield. Long arm action, throws topped at 77 mph from the outfield and 72 mph across the infield. 8.02 runner in the 60.  

Hunter Weer, RHP, Morton, 2020
5-foot-11, 215-pound, right-handed pitcher. Linear delivery, stays on-line and front foot lands slightly closed. Long, clean arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball thrown for strikes, sat 73-74 mph, touched 75. Curveball 11/5 shape, flashed sharp action at times, 64-67 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, fade action, 68-70 mph.

Jacob Welbes, RHP, Urbana, 2019
6-foot-2, 175-pound, athletically built, right-handed pitcher. Slight drop and drive delivery, rhythm throughout. Arm works short, quick and easy from an over-the-top slot. Fastball comes out of the hand easy, flashed cut, 77-79 mph. Curveball, good feel, tight spin, 12/6, 11/5 shape, occasional depth, 62-65 mph. Changeup, straight action, 71-72 mph.

Tyler Werner, 2B/RHP, Highland, 2020
5-foot-8, 145-pound second baseman and right-handed pitcher. Ran a 7.36 laser-timed 60. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, small stride. Short, level path to the ball; 73 mph exit velocity. On the infield, ¾ slot, clocked at 74 mph across the infield. On the mound, drop and drive delivery, works on-line and lands square. Short arm action out of a ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, 73-75 mph. Slider, 12/6 movement, 63-66 mph. Changeup, straight, 66-70 mph.

Tyler Wessels, C/RHP, Elmwood, 2020
6-foot, 170-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect. Left-handed bat is currently his calling card. Loose hands, quick twitch in swing with advanced bat speed for age. Line drive approach, uses the whole field and 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively, behind the plate, short arm action, high ¾ slot, 72 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 2.12-2.31. 7.41 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow, deliberate wind up, strides open with some effort throughout. Short arm action from the high ¾ window. Fastball sat 78-80 mph, touched 82. Curveball 11/5 shape, 68-69 mph. Changeup maintains arm speed, straight action, 70-72 mph.

Matthew Wrzosek, LHP, Salt Fork, 2019
5-foot-10, 165-pound, well-proportioned left-handed pitcher. Linear delivery, works on-line, lands square and quiet front side. Long, loose arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works mostly straight, tilt when down in the zone, 76-79 mph, touched 82. Changeup, good feel out of the windup, down in the zone, fade action, 67-70 mph. Curveball worked 1/7, occasional depth, 61-65 mph.

Trevor Young, LHP/1B, Normal University, 2021
6-foot, 142-pound, left-handed pitcher and first baseman with projectable frame. On the mound, drop-and-drive delivery, throws on line, lands square. Long-arm action from ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, thrown for strikes, 73-75 mph. Curveball, alters arm slot, 1/7 shape, 58-61 mph. Changeup, some fade and feel, 60-63 mph. Left-handed hitter, tall setup, short stride. Slightly uphill swing plane, line-drive contact; 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, ¾ arm slot; 70 mph across the infield. 8.01 as a runner.

RELATED CONTENT