By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

Over the next couple weeks we are going to countdown the 2015 calendar year with a look at the top ten viewed profiles of 2015. After drilling down into our google analytics we have compiled a list of the ten most visited profiles by you the reader in 2015.

No. 3 NicK Dalesandro

C/RHP Nick Dalesandro (Joliet Catholic, 2015) now at Purdue University was the 3rd most viewed profile of the 2015 calendar year. Dalesandro finished his high school career as the No. 3 ranked player in Illinois and No. 46 overall. He has been no secret in the state of Illinois. As an eighth grader it was clear to see he was going to turn out to be one of the better players in the Midwest. He was 82 mph off the mound, recorded a 2.1 pop time behind the plate and showed electric bat speed at the plate.

Following his senior season Dalesandro was a PBR 3rd Team All State selection: Capable of playing any position on the field, Dalesandro went 3-0 on the mound in 39 innings pitched, allowing 24 hits, striking out 55 and walking only 9, good for a miniscule 0.89 ERA. At the plate, he hit .380 with seven doubles, three triples, two home runs, 31 RBI, 32 runs scored, and 16 walks. This spring he routinely reeled off pop times in the 1.90 range behind the plate and also was a gamechanger in centerfield. Dalesandro was drafted in the 33^rd round by the Detroit Tigers, but decided to not sign and attend Purdue.

Here is video of Dalesandro working out as a C/OF at the Super 60 on 2.1.15

Scouting Report

3.20.15 - 6-foot-2, 185-pound wiry and athletic right-handed hitting catcher, room to add weight on plus athletic frame, ranked No. 3 in Illinois, No. 42 overall. The knock on Dalesandro has been on whether or not he will hit enough, looks to be on a mission to prove scouts wrong. In early batting practice seven balls left the yard, left field to left-center (335 down the line, 370 to gap at Joliet Catholic), three consecutive homers at one point, three of which deposited over batting cage in left. Slightly open stance, doing a better job of getting back to square in stride, slight leg lift, better with timing, not hanging in air as long as in the past, foot down earlier, wider at stride contact, utilizing lower half well. Usually works right-center gap/inside out, more aggressive with swing, especially in 3-1, 2-0 hitters counts today. Patient approach, laying off steady diet of breaking balls. Doubled off 81 mph fastball in third at bat driving in three runs, one hopped wall in left field with line drive. Walked in first at bat, struck out looking on a borderline slider up in second at bat, reached on infield error in fourth at bat, roll-over ground ball to short. Defensively, low pop time of 1.86 in pregame, rocket for arm, impresses with easy carry to second base, extremely accurate, threw out runner from knees at third base with right-handed hitter in box (third strike and third out on the pitch). Routinely throws from knees in between innings, registered pop time of 2.01 to second. Elite-level catch and throw prospect, only thing I’ve witnessed similar is Padres’ farmhand Austin Hedges catch-and-throw skills. Handled Fellows extremely well receiving, soft hands, did a good job of staying underneath slider with depth when located down and away to right-handed hitters. Elite national prospect.

Top Ten Most Viewed Profiles

10. Brenden Heiss
9. Alek Thomas
8. Ethan Skender
7. Brad Czerniejewski
6. Drake Fellows
5. Cal Coughlin
4. Bryan Hudson

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