Top Prospect - Milwaukee: Infielder Analysis

On July 24, we visited The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin, Wis., to host one of the state’s most important events on the summer showcase circuit: Top Prospect – Milwaukee. Nearly 80 of the area’s brightest 2019 graduates attended and, since the event, seven prospects on this event’s roster have committed, so far, to play ball the next level.

Today, we’ll break down the infielders who made it out to The Rock.

We’ll start our infielders breakdown with the top-ranked second baseman in the state: Marcus Cline (Fall Creek; Wisconsin-Milwaukee commit). He isn’t just limited to second base, however. Cline can be plugged in all over the field defensively; he’s got the arm for the left side of the infield and the range and athleticism for the outfield, even center. He competes in the batter’s box with a line-drive approach from the left side, too. His performance at The Rock evidently did not go unnoticed as Cline committed to play at Wisconsin-Milwaukee just a couple weeks after the event.

The next two Wisconsin-based prospects on the list below are both uncommitted but have earned a top-five ranking from this showcase for different reasons. Reese Dutton (Tremper) is a savvy defender, with range and athleticism. Slinger’s Logan Mantz has more of a offensive-minded profile; his physical build works well in conjunction with his feel for the barrel.

Check out who joined these three on on the top five in the rankings below, as well as reports on each of the infielders who participated in the Top Prospect event. For a look at the previously published Catcher Analysis from the showcase, in addition to a Statistical Analysis, click the hyperlinks.

TOP PROSPECTS

1. Marcus Cline, 2B/OF, Fall Creek, 2019
Wisconsin-Milwaukee commit. 5-foot-11, 160-pound left-handed hitting, lanky two-way prospect. Defensively, arm works loosely on both the infield and from the outfield. Utilizes a short arm action with quick arm speed on the infield, able to use multiple slots, 84 mph, longer arm action from the outfield, high ¾ slot, 86 mph. Plays through the ball athletically with easy effort, hands play softly, clean on exchanges. Ran a 6.97 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, maintains good balance. Line drive approach, flashed gap-to-gap, uphill barrel path, 83 mph exit velocity.

2. Reese Dutton, INF, Tremper, 2019
6-foot-1, 170-pound infielder, lean athletic build. Strong above average arm across the infield, loose, high ¾ slot, carried with accuracy, 84 mph across. Rangy defender, feet play athletically and showed soft hands, clean glovework. 7.30 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short stride. Path is short, flashed quick hands, loose easy bat pat. Line-drive gap to gap contact, ability to spray and repeat. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.

3. Ian Steinhorth, SS, York (IL), 2019
5-foot-11, 165-pound infielder, lean athletic frame, loose live body. Hands work defensively, showed soft and fluid action with occasional quick twitch, plays through the baseball, quick exchange. Arm played short and over the top at 80 mph across the diamond, easy arm. Right-handed hitter, tall, slightly open setup, smooth loading actions, short stride. Quiet and simple approach, loose hands work to create bat speed, short path. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.01 runner in the 60.

4. Logan Mantz, INF, Slinger, 2019
6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed hitting infielder, solid build. Has feel for the barrel at the plate, hits from an open stance, short stride. Path is compact and repeatable, on the barrel with line drive contact. 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively hands are soft and showed smooth actions, likely second base or third base profile. Strong arm at 85 mph across the diamond. 7.37 runner in the 60.

5. Jake Nelson, INF, Altoona, 2019
6-foot-1, 185-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, tall simple setup, short stride, low effort. Repeatable swing, easy actions create short path, level through contact, slight pull side approach. 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. 6.98 runner in the 60. Steady defender, hands play through the ball, makes routine play easy, clean exchange. Short over the top arm action, 79 mph across the diamond.

6. Jacoby Endreas, 3B, Sheboygan Falls, 2019
6-foot-2, 200-pound third baseman, large strong build. Right-handed hitter, open stance, smooth loading action, short stride, lower half works. Bat strength present, ball jumps off the bat, pull side power approach, showed ability to go to all fields. 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. Hands play soft on the infield, confident and athletic hands, corner infield projection, hands play more advanced than lower half. 7.57 runner in the 60. Arm is easy and short from a high ¾ slot, plays accurate with slight carry, 78 mph across.

7. Trey Tennessen, INF/RHP, Kimberly, 2019
5-foot-11, 160-pound two-way player, athletic body. Plus runner, 6.82 in the 60, laser timed. Right-handed bat, hits out of a tall setup, loads hands back, short reverse load stride. Path is level, occasional uphill, pull side tendency, in rhythm. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long out of a high 3/.4 slot, 81 mph across. Clean exchange, plays athletically through the baseball, occasional long release. On the mound fastball runs easy to arm side, worked 80-82 mph in the strikezone. Curveball has above average depth on 11/5 plane, flashed sharp action, aggressive arm speed and feel, 72-73 mph. Changeup fades, with arm speed, 76 mph.

8. Carlos Martinez, SS, Grant (IL), 2019
5-foot-7, 145-pound middle infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, maintains strong balance through contact. Line drive contact, repeatable swing on level path, gap to gap approach. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short and loose, 86 mph across with occasional carry. Hands and actions play, showed body control. 7.07 runner in the 60.

9. Riley Garczynski, INF, Marquette, 2019
6-foot, 165-pound infielder, lean wiry frame, loose actions. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short stride, repeats and maintains balance. Loose hands create short path, on top and line drive contact, in rhythm hitter. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed softer hands, feet played well and worked through the baseball. 7.28 runner in the 60. Arm had occasional carry, worked athletically from multiple slots, accurate across , topped at 87 mph.

10. Spencer Hans, SS, Lake Mills, 2019
5-foot-8, 160-pound middle infielder, athletic build. 7.16 runner in the 60. Defensive action played with body control, soft hands, middle infield profile. Arm action is short and over the top, athletic arm action that plays well on the move. 82 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, toe tap stride, good balance through contact. Hits off front side at times, slight uphill path. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Nick Brazelton, RHP/INF, Oconomowoc, 2019
6-foot-1, 185-pound two-way player, solid sturdy build. Projects best on the mound, competitive mound presence, slight drop and drive style, works on line, lands square, repeats, ability to pound the strikezone. Arm action is long and loose, quick arm out of high ¾ window. Fastball topped at 86 mph, sat 82-84 mph. Curveball plays with 11/5 shape, above average action, 66-69 mph. Changeup has fade action, 73-74 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, leg kick trigger, good balance. 99 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles at third base, clean hands and arm showed carry across, 80 mph. 7.78 runner in the 60.

Zach Carmignani, INF, Nazareth (IL), 2019
5-foot-10, 205-pound infielder, solid build. Right-handed hitter, open setup, short stride gets to even. Path has some length on level path, made occasional hard contact, line drive pull approach. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles at third base, hands work out front, and plays through the baseball, methodical footwork. Arm plays short and over the top, occasional carry, 84 mph across the diamond. 7.12 runner in the 60.

Joe Georger, INF, Appleton West, 2019
6-foot-3, 205-pound corner infielder, strong physical build. Left-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, mechanically balanced. Bat strength present, strong at contact, showed pop off the bat, middle of the order type pop. 94 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles best at a corner, short high ¾ arm action, 84 mph across the diamond. 7.77 runner in the 60.

Quin Henwood, INF, Appleton North, 2019
6-foot-1, 210-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short stride, average balance. Strong hands, showed bat strength in BP, hard pull side contact, works off front foot. 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Third base profile, hands play and actions work through the ball, gets upright at times. Arm is loose, high ¾ slot, 78 mph across the diamond. 7.36 runner in the 60.

Brendon Herrin, SS, Andrew (IL), 2019
5-foot-11, 170-pound shortstop, lean athletic frame. Advanced defensive actions, feet work really well through the baseball, soft hands out in front, clean exchange. Arm action is short and high ¾, carried well with accuracy, 85 mph across the diamond. 7.28 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, open stance, leg lift stride, average balance. Path works uphill, top spin contact, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Jake Hesseling, INF, Janesville Craig, 2019
Lean projectable frame, 6-foot, 175-pound infielder. Hands play soft defensively , feet play fluid through the baseball, natural type actions, second base projection. Arm action is loose, 70 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short stride to even. Loose hands, bat path stays on top, line drive contact. 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.32 runner in the 60.

Carter Hesselman, INF/RHP, Eau Claire North, 2019
6-foot-2, 165-pound two-way player, lean lanky frame. Tall and fall delivery, balanced and easy, lands closed and on line. Full clean arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball sits 76-78 mph, topped at 79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, sharp action, showed depth and feel for the zone, 67-69 mph. Flashed changeup at 74 mph. Right-handed hitter, slight open stance, loads hands back, leg lift trigger. Path has length, pull side approach, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays loose from a high ¾ slot, 73 mph across. 7.36 runner in the 60.

Cooper Kapanke, 1B, Eau Claire Memorial, 2019
6-foot-4, 200-pound first baseman, rangy upside frame that can handle more strength. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, arm bar load, reverse toe tap to leg lift stride. Pull side approach, path works long and generates hard contact, ability to back spin the baseball. 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.38 runner in the 60. Defensively arm plays at 73 mph across, long ¾ slot. Big target around the bag with long reach, hands play.

Kaden Lehman, INF, Portage, 2019
6-foot, 170-pound infielder, athletic frame. 6.87 runner in the 60, laser timed. Arm plays up with accuracy and carry, 85 mph across the diamond, short loose and over the top. Actions play through the baseball, fluid feet. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, loads hands back, leg kick stride. Made hard contact in BP, path is short and level, line drive gap to gap contact. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Ryan Mazza, 3B, Brookfield East, 2019
5-foot-10, 177-pound third baseman, solid build. Well above average runner, 6.84 laser timed 60. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, leg kick trigger, maintains balance. Pull side approach, showed bat speed and creates length, loose and feel for the barrel. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Smooth actions on the infield, hands played soft, fluid feet and clean exchange. Artm action plays with some length from a high ¾ slot, 78 mph across the diamond.

Grant Mullins, INF, Hortonville, 2019
5-foot-10, 165-pound infielder, lean frame, showed athletic actions. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, slightly open stance, leg lift stride, average balance. Flashed easy loose hands at the plate, occasional line drive contact and worked both gaps. Bat speed present, hits off back side, 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Above average hands on the infield, plays through the baseball, clean exchange. Arm is short and loose high ¾ slot, 76 mph across the diamond. 7.32 runner in the 60.

Derek Myer, 3B, St. Croix Central, 2019
6-foot, 185-pound third baseman. Right-handed hitter, narrow open stance, leg lift trigger gets square, average balance. Path is long and uphill, flashed bat strength, 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles at third base, athletic arm action that can play on the move, 74 mph across. Above average hands, showed ability to play through the baseball. 7.26 runner in the 60.

Bennett Olson, 2B, West De Pere, 2019
6-foot-3, 190-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short stride, average balance, hands load back. Path gets uphill, topspin contact, worked both sides of the field. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm action is short out of a high ¾ slot, 76 mph across the diamond. 7.54 runner in the 60. Actions played through the baseball at times.

Micah Overley, 3B/RHP, Janesville Craig, 2019
6-foot-1, 185-pound two-way player, lean frame. Left-handed hitter, hits out of a tall open stance, loads hands back, leg lift trigger, gets back to square, maintains balance through contact. Path has some length, generates bat speed and hard contact off the bat, line drive to pull side tendency. 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm works long and firm, 83 mph across. Profiles at third base, hands play out front, long exchange, occasional wind up. 7.53 runner in the 60. On the moundfastball topped at 80 mph, sat 78-79 mph. Curveball has gradual 11/5 shape, 65-70 mph.

Nick Paget, 1B, New Berlin West, 2019
6-foot-2, 200-pound right/left first baseman, lean frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Bat strength present, path has some length, hard contact. 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Natural defender at first base with feel around the bag, footwork and actions play. Left-handed thrower, short high ¾ slot, accurate, 73 mph across. 7.09 runner in the 60.

Kyle Ristow, INF, Wisconsin Lutheran, 2019
6-foot-3, 160-pound infielder, thin loose frame, projects. Plus runner 6.79 in the 60. Arm played well across the diamond, long and loose at 80 mph out of a high ¾ slot. Rangy actions, ability to play through the routine ball. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short toe tap stride, average balance. Path has some length, slight uphill, looks to elevate contact. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.  

Bradley Sigfrids, 1B, Webster, 2019
6-foot-5, 190-pound first baseman, wide shouldered, lean frame, V-shaped, projects well for added strength. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, slightly open, slight bat wrap at load, leg lift stride. Athletic balance through contact, hands works quick and strong, pull side approach in BP. 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Excellent feel around the bag, hands play soft with natural first base actions, well above average defender at the position. Arm is easy and accurate, 76 mph across. 7.43 runner in the 60.

Ryan Stunkel, INF, Thorp, 2019
6-foot, 200-pound infielder, sturdy build, carries strength. Right-handed hitter, open stance, loads hands back into leg kick trigger, average balance. Bat strength present, hard contact off the bat, hands work to the baseball, slight lift, 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot, 65 mph across the diamond. Hands play out in front, footwork plays methodically, 7.48 runner in the 60.

Caden Uhlenbrauck, INF, St. Mary Catholic, 2019
6-foot, 190-pound infielder, solid build, some present strength. Right-handed hitter, taller setup, slightly open. Path is short, average bat speed, line drive contact, simple to the baseball. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long, high ¾ slot, 74 mph across the diamond. Ability to play through the baseball and showed methodical footwork on the move, hands played. 7.54 runner in the 60.

Miller Wallace, INF, Oconomowoc, 2019
5-foot-11, 183-pound third baseman, sturdy build. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, long stride, minimal hand load, average balance. Level path with some length through contact, line drive contact. 94 mph exit velocity from the tee. Big arm across the diamond, 87 mph across, long over the top slot, gets carry and accurate. Transfer gets long at times, clean hands. 7.48 runner in the 60.

Andrew Zakula, 1B, Oak Creek, 2019
6-foot-3, 198-pound first-baseman, long frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Path is long works slightly uphill, pull side power approach, 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm action is short from a high ¾ slot, 71 mph across the diamond. Actions played around the bag, showed feel for the base, some body control. 7.19 runner in the 60.

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