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Underclass Invitational: Corner Infield Analysis

February 2, 2016

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The winter Underclass Invitational is one of our favorite events because it always brings the most unseen talent to the forefront. This year was no different as several prospects put their names on our big board and over the next week we will break down the top prospects at each position.

Today we take a look at the corner infielders from the event. Here is a look at the Top 10 from the Underclass Invitational.

TOP PROSPECTS


1. Zaid Walker, OF/3B, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2018
6-foot-2, 195-pound, right-handed hitting OF/3B. Offensively hits from a balanced, open stance. Smooth load with a short stride. Showed explosive batspeed. Gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm and extension thru contact. Strength thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.29. Defensively took drills in the outfield and at third base. In the outfield has a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Throws showed carry at 84 mph. Plays thru the ball with a slower release. In the infield showed smooth actions with good body control, fields ball close to body. Threw 82 mph across the infield. 

2. Francois Castillo, 3B/RHP, Clemente, 2018
5-foot-11, 205-pound, right-handed hitting 3B/RHP with a strong, athletic frame. Arm strength is best tool. Defensively at third base has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Fluid footwork while playing thru the ball. Had the top infield velocity of the event throwing 84 mph across the infield. Took drills in the outfield to show off arm strength, threw 85 mph form the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and toe tap stride. Gap to gap hitter with a long, uphill path and fluid rhythm. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.38.  On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a long arm action. Slow paced delivery with a square landing. Fastball sat 81-82 topping out at 83 mph. Calls breaking ball a cutter, sat 79-82 mph with no action. Maintained armspeed on changeup at 77-79 mph.

3. Anthony Herron, 1B, Simeon, 2018
Strong build at 6-foot1, 220-pounds. Right-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, loads to backside with a short stride. Gap to gap hitter with raw pop. Gets extension thru contact with a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.45. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Fluid footwork with athletic actions and soft hands. Threw 72 mph across the infield.

4. Mason Sykes, 3B/RHP, Conant, 2018
6-foot-2, 200-pound, right-handed hitting 3B/RHP with a large, strong frame. Offensively hits from a tall, slightly open stance. Smooth load to backside with a short leg kick stride. Gap to gap hitter with some pop, and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.84. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Fluid footwork with slower actions. Throws showed carry at 78 mph across the infield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall, slow paced delivery. Short stride in line with home plate and an upright finish. Fastball showed arm side run at 74-75 topping out at 76 mph. Curveball showed no action at 66-68 mph. Changeup sat 68-70 mph.

5. Mason Crews, C/3B, Manteno, 2018
6-foot, 175-pound catcher/third baseman, solid strong build, projects well, durable frame to stick behind the plate. Showed best actions as a catcher, quick clean exchange, soft hands, athletic defender, gets out of the chute well. Showed playable actions at third base as well. Shows arm strength, 73 mph out of the crouch, 77 mph across the diamond.  Pop times ranged 2.07-2.11. Offensively hits from the right side, balanced setup, short stride, good balance through contact. Shows bat speed, strong hands/bat, gap to gap approach. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. 8.05 runner in the 60.

6. Charlie Mangieri, 1B, Dunlap, 2018
6-foot-4, 225-pound, right-handed hitting first baseman with a strong, mature frame. Offensively hits from a balanced setup. Short leg lift stride with a long, uphill swing path. Gap to gap hitter with a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.59. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Athletic fielder with fluid footwork and a long exchange. Threw 77 mph across the infield.

7. Nathan Lavender, LHP/1B, El Paso Gridley, 2018
6-foot-1, 175-pound, left-handed hitting LHP/1B. Emerged as one of the premier arms in the 2018 class at the event. On the mound works from a high ¾ to over the top arm angle with a long arm action. Lightning quick arm. Tall and fall, online delivery with a square landing. Up-tempo delivery with some effort. Fastball flashed some running action at 85-86 mph. Curveball showed sharp action with 1-7 shape and tight rotation for strikes at 69-70 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup at 74-78 mph. Projects for more velocity with present armspeed. Defensively has a long, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Some accuracy with carry on throws. Fluid footwork with athletic actions and soft hands. Showed good feel around the bag. Threw 78 mph across the infield. Offensively hits from a tall balanced setup with a short heel lift stride. Gap to gap hitter with a long, uphill swing path. Showed big time strength thru contact with 93 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.71. Lavender is one of the top players to follow in the 2018 class.

8. Andrew Hoffman, 3B/RHP, Plainfield East, 2018
6-foot-2, 150-pound right-handed hitting 3B/RHP with a thin, lanky frame. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Average hands with fluid footwork and athletic actions. Threw 75 mph across the infield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Line drive hitter with fluid rhythm and simple mechanics. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.03. On the mound work form a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action and slight stab on the backside. Tall and fall online delivery with good balance throughout. Square landing with an athletic finish. Threw fastball for strikes with slight running action at 76-77 mph. Curvbeall showed 11-5 shape with gradual action at 63-67 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup at 66-68 mph. Projects well on the mound.

9. Blake Munch, 3B, Joliet Catholic, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound, right-handed hitting third baseman. Defensively showed soft hands with fluid footwork, while playing thru the ball. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Throws showed carry at 77 mph. Offensively starts from a tall, narrow, slightly open setup. Big leg kick load to backside. Fluid rhythm with a long, uphill swing path. Collapses on backside. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.41.

10. Logan Peterson, RHP/3B, Morton, 2018
6-foot-1, 180-pound two-way player, athletic shape, projectable build. On the mound delivery has some effort, stays tall and upright through release, works online. Arm action showed quickness, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, showed control of the zone, 80-83 mph. Curveball is 12/6 shape, gradual action, slight deceleration, 67-70 mph. Changeup flashed fading action, ranged 66-71 mph. Offensively hits from the right side, balanced stance, toe tap trigger. Showed bat speed, bat, uphill path, lifts the baseball, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played over the top, short firm arm action, carried across the infield, 80 mph. Also, ran a 7.46 laser-timed 60.

Best of the Rest (Alphabetical Order)

Connor Bauer, C/3B, Hinsdale Central, 2018
5-foot-10, 160-pound catcher/third baseman, solid lean frame. Defensively looks the part behind the dish, good hands, shows the ability to receive the ball well, sits tall. Exchange is clean, short over the top arm slot, 72 mph out of the crouch, 73 mph across the diamond at third base. Pop times ranged 2.18-2.25. Ran a 7.75 60. Right handed hitter, balanced stance, short leg lift stride, solid balance. Level path with length, average bat speed, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.  

Nathan Diamond, LHP/1B, Oak Park-River Forest, 2019
6-foot-2, 185-pound left-handed hitting LHP/1B with a lanky, projectable frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall at balance point with a drop and drive, slow paced delivery and easy effort. Square landing with athletic finish. Struggled with fastball command at 75-77 topping out at 78 mph. Slider showed 1-7 shape at 66-69 mph. Called changeup splitter that sat 66-68 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced, slightly open stance with a low hand set. Long stride back to even with a long level swing path. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.00. Defensively has a short, loose arm action with average hands. Threw 76 mph across the infield. Will continue to improve with maturity.

Colin Fields, RHP/3B, Libertyville, 2018
6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF with a lanky frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, quick arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with and athletic finish and some rhythm. Fastball sat 80-82 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape at 59-63 mph. Slider sat 64-65 mph. Defensively has a long, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws with carry, threw 80 mph across the infield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and good balance. Gap to gap hitter with a short path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.26.

Jaylen Heard, 1B, Marian Catholic, 2018
6-foot, 210-pound, right-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, smooth load with a short heal lift stride. Gap-to-gap hitter with a short path, and fluid rhythm. Showed looseness in the hands, creating whip. Showed strength thru contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.84. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Slower actions with average hands. Threw 71 mph across the infield.

Griffin Holderfield, 1B/RHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2019
6-foot-2, 225-pound, left-handed hitting 1B/RHP. Offensively hits from a balanced slightly open stance. Long stride back to even, slight collapse on backside. Gap to gap hitter with a level swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.44. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Threw 79 mph across the infield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a square landing. Fastball sat 79-80 topping out at 81 mph. Threw curveball for strikes that showed slider action at 64-66 mph. Changeup showed occasional cutting action at 72-74 mph.

Isaac Kaufmann, LHP/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2018
6-foot-1, 165-pound, left-handed hitting LHP/OF with an athletic frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Full over head delivery with good tempo and easy effort. Delivery works in line with home plate, square landing with an athletic finish. Commanded fastball well at 78-80 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape with sharp breaking action for strikes at 65-68 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup for strikes at 65-69 mph. Should be a strong follow in the 2018 class. Defensively has a long, loose arm action. Throws showed carry at 78 mph from the outfield. Took drills at first base and showed slower actions with fluid footwork. Offensively hits from a wide base with a smooth load and short stride. Good balance throughout swing with a slight collapse on the backside. Gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm and a long, uphill swing path. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.92.

Floyde Kinds, 3B/RHP, Harlan, 2018
6-foot, 165-pound, right-handed hitting utility player. Defensively at third has a short, loose arm action. Threw 77 mph across the infield. Has solid actions with good body control. Took drills in the outfield as well. Threw 80 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a tall, balanced setup with a low hand set. Line drive hitter with a level swing path. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.54. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing and upright finish. Fastball sat 75-78 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape with early action at 64-67 mph. Cutter sat 69 mph. Changeup sat 72-76 mph. 

Brodie Lenon, LHP/1B, Goreville, 2018
6-foot-3, 190-pound, left-handed hitting LHP/1B with a lanky, athletic frame. On the mound works from a low ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing. Fastball showed late running action at 78-82 mph. Threw curveball for strikes with sweeping action at 67-70 mph. Slider showed sharp action at 67-70 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short toe tap stride. Long uphill swing path with fluid rhythm. Showed looseness in the hands. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.89. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Threw 72 mph across the infield.  

CJ Lewis, 3B/RHP, Normal West, 2019
5-foot-9, 162-pound, right-handed hitting 3B/RHP. Offensively hits from an upright, slightly closed stance. Short load to backside with a toe tap stride. Line drive hitter with a long swing path. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.26. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Threw 70 mph across the infield. Accurate throws with slower actions. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with good balance throughout. Fastball flashed cutting action at 68-72 topping out at 73 mph. Curveball spun at 51-54 mph. Changeup sat 58-64 mph.

Donovan Nanfeldt, 1B, Andrew, 2018
6-foot-1, 210-pound right-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced, slightly open stance. Closes off on stride. Gap to gap hitter with an uphill swing path and some pop. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.04. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Slower footwork with fluid actions and average hands. Threw 69 mph across the infield.

Jacob Newman, RHP/1B, Glenbrook South, 2018
6-foot-2, 190-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/1B. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose, quick arm. Tall and fall online delivery with good tempo. Toe closed landing with good balance throughout delivery and an athletic finish. Repeats well. Fastball sat 79-81 topping out at 82 mph. Curveball showed 10-4 shape with tight rotation at 66-68 mph. Changeup blended with fastball at 76-79 mph. Defensively has a short, loose arm action with slower actions. Threw 76 mph across the infield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a long stride. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.14.

Daniel Reynolds, 1B, Evergreen Park, 2018
5-foot-9, 190-pound, left-handed hitting first baseman with a strong frame. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load to backside and short stride. Line drive hitter with a short swing path. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.65. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm angle. Average arm strength with slower actions. Threw 68 mph across the infield.

Nathan Rintz, RHP/3B, Schaumburg, 2019
6-foot, 150-pound two-way player, lean/lanky athletic frame, projects best on the mound. Delivery shows some effort, long strided, squared landing, finishes to first base side. Quick arm, loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Advanced fastball velocity for his age, sat 81-82 mph. Curveball showed short quick 12/6 action, 70-72 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm speed, 73-76 mph, flashed feel and conviction. Projects well on the mound with a lively arm and aggressive secondary stuff. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short minimal stride. Path gets long, pull side approach, slightly around the baseball. 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed a big arm across the diamond, 82 mph, carries well from a high ¾ slot, loose arm. Showed soft, athletic hands, plays through the baseball. 7.65 runner.

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