Summer Preseason I.D.: Positional Analysis

May 24, 2016

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor - Wisconsin/Illinois

The Summer WIAA season is underway and the Summer Preseason I.D. is a preview of some of the top players to keep an eye on this summer. Once again this event unveiled some pop up guys that are high follow prospects for college recruiters. Menomonee Falls SS Nick Gile opened some eyes with a strong tools set and atheltic defensive action to stick at shortstop. Here is a look at the top position players in each class.

Top Position Players (By Graduation Class)

2017

1. Nick Gile, SS, Menomonee Falls, 2017
5-foot-10, 180-pound right-handed hitting shortstop with a strong frame. Put his name on the map at the event. At the plate hits from a balanced, open stance. Short stride back to even with a smooth load. Short, uphill swing path with a fast bat. Consistent hard contact in batting practice and showed strength thru contact with 95 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.15. Defensively plays fast with quick, fluid footwork. Plays thru the ball with athletic actions, clean transfer with soft hands. Has a loose arm action from a high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws with carry throwing 85 mph across the infield.

2. Peter Ahn, INF, Marquette University, 2017
6-foot-2, 170-pound left-handed hitting infielder, lean frame, longer torso, athletic shape. Advanced runner, 6.78 in the 60. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride, average balance. Smooth hitter, good timing, slight pull side approach, loose hands, with projectable swing. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively moves well, good athlete, played through the baseball, showed some body control. Exchange has some length, arm action is long from a high ¾ slot, accurate across the diamond. Speed could also project in the outfield.

3. Bryce Schure, 3B, Muskego, 2017
6-foot, 175-pound third baseman, average frame with strength. Defensively arm plays over the top, flashed carry, 84 mph across the diamond. Plays with some effort, showed an ability to play through the baseball. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, arm bar load, reverse stride. Made hard contact in BP, level path, showed bat speed. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.16 runner in the 60.

4. Peter Go, 1B, Heritage Christian, 2017
6-foot-2, 235-pound right-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively hits from an open stance, leg kick stride. Has bat strength, strong loose hands, fluid hitter. 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.52 runner in the 60. Across the infield arm played over the top, 75 mph across. Showed feel for the bag, moves well for his size, showed natural actions.

5. James Winters, MIF, Waukesha North, 2017
5-foot-11, 170-pound middle infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short toe tap stride, solid balance. Showed fast hands at the plate, intriguing bat with upside, solid athlete. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran the 60 at 7.03. Defensively arm played short from a high ¾ slot, average arm strength with some arm side run, 79 mph across the diamond. Raw defender can play through the baseball more, flashed abilities to play on the move.

2018

1. Evan Albrecht, SS, West Bend West, 2018
5-foot-10, 145-pound right-handed hitting shortstop with an athletic frame. Stood out in the defensive portion of the workout. Has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm angle. Accurate throws with carry across the infield throwing 83 mph. Athletic actions, plays thru the ball with a compact exchange. Soft hands with a solid backhand. Showed good body control on the run thru. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance with a short stride back to even. Short, uphill swing path with a little stiffness. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.00.

2. Bryce Konitzer, SS/RHP, Mukwonago, 2018
6-foot, 190-pound two-way player, solid athletic build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, reverse toe tap stride, average balance. Above average bat speed, uphill path, 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Some lift with a strong bat. 7.63 runner in the 60. Defensively showed athletic actions, solids hands, funnels to release, showed body control. Arm action is short and loose, high ¾ slot, athletic arm action. On the mound delivery is repeatable and works on line, high ¾ arm slot. Showed above average feel for the zone with his fastball, 82-83 mph, touched 84 mph with arm side run. Curveball has 11/5 shape, near fastball arm action, good spin, 64-67 mph. Changeup showed sinking action, 74-76 mph.

3. Alessandro Kulutbanis, C, Homestead, 2018
5-foot-11, 180-pound right-handed hitting catcher, solid build with strength. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, leg kick trigger, solid balance. Shows bat strength, gap to gap approach, solid bat speed, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays over the top, with average arm strength (75 mph) out of the crouch. Flashed quick but long actions out of the crouch, tends to reach for the baseball. Pop times registered at 2.12-2.22. 7.72 runner in the 60.

4. Daniel Hahn, SS, Cudahy, 2018
5-foot-5, 130-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws with carry throwing 77 mph across the infield. Athletic actions playing thru the ball with fluid footwork and soft hands. Showed good body control on the run through. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short heel lift stride and good balance. Short, level swing path with loose hands. 72 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.13.

5. Tyler Gaecke, OF/RHP, Mukwonago, 2018
6-foot-2, 190-pound two-way player, excellent frame with upside. Right-handed hitter, open stance, leg kick trigger. Loose hands with a fast bat, aggressive swinger, pull side approach. 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 81 mph from the outfield, long over the top slot, flashed carry. Plays through the baseball with a crowhop, 7.43 runner in the 60. On the mound arm action is long with slight wrap, high ¾ slot. Works with regular effort occasionally across his body. Fastball showed occasional cut action, feel for the zone, 78-79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 action, slurvish, solid feel, 62-67 mph. Changeup is straight with occasional cut, 69-71 mph.

2019

1. Jacob Wilde, LHP/1B, Waukesha West, 2019
Lean projectable frame, 6-foot-1, 165-pound left-handed hitting two-way player. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, smooth loading action, leg kick trigger with solid balance. Fluid hitter, good path, hands work to create bat speed, occasionally spins off. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed feel and athleticism around the bag, feet work. Arm played accurately at 76 mph across the diamond from a loose high ¾ slot. On the mound arm worked similarly, with a slightly lower slot, more ¾ slot. Slinging arm action short draw with extension out front. Fastball flashed sink, 71-73 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, occasionally sweeps, 61-64 mph. Changeup showed above average action, thrown with comparable arm speed, sinking action with feel for the zone, 67-70 mph.

2. Cameron Wiczek, OF, Whitnall, 2019
5-foot-8, 152-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with an athletic frame. Showed athleticism in the 60 running a 7.18. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top slot. Some accuracy with average arm strength. Plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 75 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly closed setup with a short stride. Line drive hitter with a short swing path. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee.

3. Jordan Gomez, 3B, Homestead, 2019
5-foot-7, 185-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. At the plate hits form an open stance with a toe tap and leg lift stride. Gap to gap hitter with a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.69. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Average arm strength with heavy footwork. Threw 78 mph across the infield.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Justin Baker, 3B, Waukesha West, 2018
Thick strong build, 6-foot-2, 220-pound corner infielder. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride, average balance. Showed ability to make hard contact, flashed pop, average bat speed. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles at a corner infield spot, 8.00 runner. Arm action is short, over the top slot, carried at 78 mph across the diamond.

Nick Beilfuss, 3B, Mukwonago, 2017
5-foot-10, 193-pound third-baseman. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, narrow stance, minimal lower half. Pull side approach, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran the 60 at 8.21, laser timed. Defensively arm played with longer action, high ¾ slot, 73 mph across the diamond. Average hands, deliberate footwork.

Brett Brander, 2B/RHP, Menomonee Falls, 2018
5-foot-11, 155-pound left-handed hitting 2B/RHP. At the plate hits from a wide base with a heel lift stride. Pull hitter with an uphill path, looking to elevate. 68 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.31. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top slot. Fields the ball deep with average hands. Threw 71 mph across the infield. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a long, stiff arm action. Stab out of the glove. Tall and fall online delivery with a short stride. Fastball was straight at 72-73 topping out at 74 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 55-59 mph. Changeup is straight at 62-64 mph.

Brendan Collins, SS, St. Laurence (IL), 2018
5-foot-10, 155-pound right-handed hitting shortstop with a lanky frame. Defensively has a loose arm action from a high 3.4 slot. Showed good body control playing thru the ball. Average hands. Threw 77 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from an open stance with a short stride and average balance. Short, level swing path, gets on top of the ball. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.67.

Nick Destefanis, MIF, Homestead, 2017
5-foot-11, 178-pound middle infielder, lean frame. Right-handed hitter, open stance, hands drop at load, leg lift stride, average balance. Path has some length on uphill plane, flashed bat speed, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed some athleticism in arm action, high ¾ slot, 75 mph across the diamond. Can shorten up exchange. Ran the 60 at 7.45.

Sam Devorkin, C, Grafton, 2017
5-foot-9, 180-pound right-handed hitting catcher with a strong frame. At the plate hits from a wide base with a balanced setup. Short stride with good balance. Gap to gap hitter with a short, slightly uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.20. Behind the plate has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Throws showed carry from the crouch at 72 mph. Showed flexibility in the lower half receiving. Popped 2.33-2.45.

Brandon Dodge, RHP/SS, Waukesha South, 2018
5-foot-8, 130-pound right-handed hitting RHP/SS. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall, slow paced delivery with a closed landing. Fastball flashed sinking action at 70-72 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 55-59 mph. Changeup showed sinking action at 67-68 mph. Offensively hits from a tall setup with a toe tap stride. Short, uphill swing path. 69 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.71. Defensively has a long arm action from a high 3/4 slot. Threw 71 mph across the infield.

Patton Germann, INF, Sussex-Hamilton, 2019
6-foot, 160-pound infielder, lean projectable frame, raw athleticism. Ran the 60 at 7.03. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride, stays open. Path has lift, occasional uphill plane, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed raw athleticism, solid range for his age, ability to play through the baseball. Arm action is short from a high ¾ slot, 67 mph across the diamond.

Ryan Hecht, C, Marquette University, 2017
5-foot-10, 180-pound right-handed hitting catcher with a strong frame. Offensively hits from an open stance with a short stride and average balance. Flat, level swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.51. Behind the plate has a Short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws. Popped 2.18-2.26 and threw 74 mph from the crouch.

Michael Houdek, C, Brookfield Central, 2017
6-foot, 195-pound catcher, solid strong build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, slightly wider, leg kick stride. Advanced bat strength, aggressive hacks, fast bat with some lift, flashes pop. 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short an over the top, slight carry, 76 mph out of the crouch. Average hands, clean exchange, pop times ranged 2.12-2.18. 7.53 runner in the 60.

Nick Leszczynski, C/3B, Brookfield Central, 2018
6-foot, 220-pound catcher, wide shouldered, thick build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short reverse toe tap stride, average balance. Line drive approach, hands stay tight to the body, has bat strength. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays short on a lower slot, 75 mph out of the crouch. Pop times ranged 2.18-2.27. 7.86 runner in the 60.

Collin Mahn, 1B, South Milwaukee, 2017
Large frame, 6-foot-3, 180-pound first-baseman. Left-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, average balance. Path is flat, level through the zone, occasional pull side approach, some lift. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 59 mph across the diamond, short over the top slot. 7.54 runner in the 60 yard dash.

Eric Modaff, OF, Oregon, 2017
5-foot-9, 175-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with a strong frame. Offensively hits from a closed setup with a toe tap stride. Average balance with a short swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.06. Defensively has a short arm action from a high 3.4 slot. Plays thru the ball with stiff actions and average hands. Threw 84 mph from the outfield.

Dylan Moser, OF, Homestead, 2017
5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate hits from a wide base with a short stride and average balance. Line drive hitter with a short swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.20. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 74 mph from the outfield.

Joe Peck, 2B, Milwaukee School of Languages, 2017
5-foot-10, 150-pound switch-hitting second baseman. Offensively from the left side hits from a balanced setup with a leg lift stride. Pull hitter with a short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. From the right side line drive hitter with a level swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.33. Defensively has a short arm action from a high 3.4 slot. Threw 73 mph across the infield.

Fernando Rodriguez, OF, Saint Thomas More, 2017
5-foot-8, 140-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly open stance with a short leg lift stride. Long, flat swing path. 69 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.63. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Plays thru the ball with a clean exchange. Uphill throws. Threw 79 mph from the outfield.

Ricky Serrano, C, Wauwatosa East, 2017
6-foot, 160-pound catcher, average frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, average balance. Path is level, two-handed finish. 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played from a high ¾ slot, 67 mph out of the crouch. Gets tall out of the chute, pop times registered at 2.29-2.44.

Jake Simuncak, 2B, South Milwaukee, 2017
5-foot-7, 150-pound switch-hitting second baseman. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fluid footwork with ok hands. Long exchange and release. Threw 73 mph across the infield. Offensively more natural from the right side. Right handed hits from a balanced setup with a slightly closed stance. Short uphill swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from the right side. Stiffer from the left side with a longer swing path and 72 mph exit velocity. Ran the 60 at 7.05.

Jordan Skogh, 2B, Barrington (IL), 2017
5-foot-9, 155-pound right-handed hitting second baseman. At the plate hits from a balanced setup, loads to back side, toe tap stride. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.42. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Average hands, fields the ball deep. Threw 71 mph across the infield.

Brian Sullivan, OF/LHP, Whitnall, 2017
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitting OF/LHP with a lean, lanky frame. At the plate hits from a tall, balanced setup with an arm bar, and slight wrap load. Long, uphill swing path. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.50. Defensively has long arm action from an over the top arm angle. Plays thru the ball with solid footwork and average hands. Threw 75 mph from the outfield. On the mound works between a ¾ to high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Fastball flashed running action at 70-72 topping out at 73 mph. Slider showed sweeping action at 63-64 mph. Changeup has fading action at 66-69 mph.

Keegan Torkilson, RHP/2B, New Berlin West, 2019
5-foot-11, 150-pound right-handed hitting RHP/2B with a lanky frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing, falls to first base side after release. Fastball was straight at 72-73 topping out at 75 mph. Curveball has slurve action at 61-63 mph. Changeup has sinking action at 67-68 mph. At the plate hits from a tall, balanced setup with a toe tap stride and average balance. Fluid rhythm with a long swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.32.

Same Valona, OF/SS, West Allis Hale, 2017
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitting OF/SS with a solid frame. Offensively hits from a wide base with a toe tap stride and linear lower half. Short, uphill swing path with some lift in the swing. Showed strength thru contact with 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.29. Defensively took drills in the infield and outfield. Showed better in the infield, projects for third base. Has a short arm action from an over the top arm angle. In the infield has fluid footwork with solid fundamentals. Threw 80 mph across the infield. Shuffle and throw from the outfield, throwing 83 mph.