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 middle infielders. Middle infielders may have been the deepest of all the positions at the event. 

2018 MIF Branden Comia (Sandburg HS) took home the top spot as he continued to show what we have become accustomed to seeing. He is a polished right-handed hitter with explosive hands at the plate. Defensively, smooth defensive actions, athletic arm action and accurate throws with carry.

Freshman MIF Jared Cushing (Joliet Catholic HS) also stood out at the event and held down the No. 2 spot behind Comia. 6-foot-2, 170-pound Cushing has a smooth right-handed swing with barrel control. At shortstop he showed soft hands and advanced actions for his age. One of the top shortstops we have seen in the 2019 class in Illinois.

 A number of the middle infielders narrowly missed out on the Top 10 from this event and should be paid close attention too moving forward. Here are the Top middle infield prospects from the event.

Top Prospects

1. Branden Comia, INF, Sandburg, 2018
5-foot-11, 185-pound infielder, thick build with strength, stocky frame. One of the top prospects in Illinois’ 2018 class, premium bat. Right-handed hitter, confident setup, hitterish in the box, smooth athletic loading action, leg lift stride, excellent balance through contact. Loose hands with easy bat speed, explosive bat, good hand eye, path gets extension, stays through the hitting zone. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively has confident hands on the infield, natural defender, plays well on the move, knack to make the tough play. Arm action is short and loose, athletic arm action, strong arm to stick on the left side, 83 mph across the diamond. 7.27 runner in the 60. Comia is a high-follow 2018 who is still on the board, his premium bat is likely to stick at third or second base at the next level and bring an aggressive and high IQ game to the diamond.

2. Jared Cushing, SS, Joliet Catholic Academy HS, 2019
High-ceiling prospect, shows potential to be highly coveted middle infielder in the Midwest. Highly projectable 6-foot-2, 165-pound frame; long, gangly limbs, freshman has yet to grow into his body. Fundamentally sound in all facets of the game. Offensively, shows advanced approach beyond his years. Hits from an athletic, balanced setup, mechanically quiet; utilizes small leg-lift trigger, creates and maintains rhythm and balance through contact. Loose athletic hands, generates easy barrel whip, level path, barrel stays flat through the zone. Currently has line-drive approach, but should acquire more power as he fills into his frame.  Defensively, shows advanced defensive actions; soft, reliable hands, plays through the ball well with athletic arm action; recorded 76 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.59 laser-timed 60.  

3. D’Eric Shenault, SS, Kenwood, 2018
Lanky athletic frame, squared shoulders, wiry build, highly projectable body, 6-foot, 145-pound shortstop. Defensively showed extremely confident hands, soft and cushions the baseball, quick twitch type defender, athletic and plays through the baseball. 6.94 runner in the 60, flashed explosiveness. Arm action is loose and showed flashes of playing athletically when on the move, 80 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balance setup, short stride. Two piece swing, minimal load, gets foot down early, simple swing, path is short and stays on top of the baseball. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee.

4. Andrew Wilhite, INF/SHP, Stillman Valley, 2018
6-foot, 170-pound two-way player, lean build, unique switch-handed pitching abilities. Left-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, lower half works with good balance. Loose hands, excellent bat control, showed barrel awareness. Made hard spray contact to all fields, gap to gap type hitter, looked confident in the box. 93 mph exit velocity from the tee, projects as a high-level bat. 7.41 runner in the 60. Defensively arm played with a longer draw on the infield, clean exchange, 80 mph across the diamond. Deliberate actions, average hands, showed ability to play through the baseball, methodical footwork. On the mound showed the ability to pitch from both sides, similar delivery and arm action from both sides, high ¾ slot. More arm strength from the right side. Fastball sat 79-81 mph topped at 82 mph right-handed, 73-74 mph left-handed. Right-handed curveball had 12/6 action, 68-70 mph with some depth. Left-handed slider sat 66-68 mph with the ability to land for strikes. Changeup has slight run from both sides. 75-78 mph right-handed, 67-70 mph left-handed.

5. Sam Jones, MIF, Brother Rice, 2018
Projectable frame, 6-foot-1, 160-pound infielder, slender, long legged frame. Right-handed hitter, athletic setup, confident look, slight leg lift stride, hands load back and down, excellent balance. Hands are loose, attacks the baseball, gets off back side well, occasionally lunges. Fast bat, efficient path, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays long-strided on the infield, showed easy range, gains ground, hands are soft, plays through it athletically. Arm is loose, high ¾ slot, athletic arm action. Should become highly coveted prospect in the 2018 class.

6. Anthony Deconcilis, SS/RHP, Lake Park, 2018
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting SS/RHP. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Excellent balance with simple mechanics. Line driver hitter with a long, level swing path. Fluid rhythm, creating whip with the barrel. Showed strength thru contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.29. Defensively in the outfield projects for a corner spot. Has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Quick footwork with a clean transfer. Throws showed carry at 80 mph. In the infield showed fluid footwork with good body control and an accurate arm. Threw 78 mph across the infield. On the mound works form a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Drop and drive delivery with some effort. Level shoulders with a closed landing. Fastball sat 75-77 mph. Curveball showed sweeping action at 65-69 mph. Changeup sat 68-70 mph.

7. Andrew Wiegman, SS/OF, Carmel Catholic, 2019
Long and lean 6-foot-2, 170-pound, plenty of room for continued physical development, right-handed hitting outfielder and infielder. Offensively, produced one of the best exit velocities of the day and well above-average for his age, 95 mph. Also, ran a 7.02 laser-timed 60. Present bat speed with a gap-to-gap approach at the plate. Loose hands and bat stays flat through the zone at times. Balanced setup and occasionally bars during load. Defensively, worked out in the outfield and at shortstop. Long and loose arm action from a ¾ slot. Showed better as an outfielder. Played through the baseball well, quick, fluid footwork and clean exchange. Throws were clocked at 82 mph from the outfield and 71 mph from shortstop.

8. Scott Youngbrandt, OF/INF/RHP, Andrew, 2018
5-foot-11, 170-pound two-way player, strong, developed build. Shows big arm strength all over the field for his age, 88 mph from the outfield, 84 mph across the diamond, over the top slot, shows accuracy, works well from the outfield with carry. Athletic defender, natural actions both on the infield and in the outfield, attacks the baseball in the outfield, plays through aggressively. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride. Fairly level path, ability to create backspin and found the barrel in BP. Line drive type hitter with gap to gap approach and above average bat speed. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.33 runner in the 60. Showed similar arm strength on the mound, fastball topped at 87 mph, sat 82-85 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, short action, 69-71 mph. Changeup is 72-73 mph.

9. Mason Hull, INF, Effingham, 2018
6-foot, 160-pound middle infielder, body carries some present lean strength. Defensively shows soft hands that play out front, left of center, showed the ability to play through the baseball but tends to play through tall. Foot work is smooth and shows body control while arm is athletic and can play on the move, shows enough carry to play the left side, 79 mph across the diamond. 7.55 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, good balance through contact. Showed barrel awareness, good hand-eye, loose hands. Path is level, showed ability to get extension, gap to gap balanced approach. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.

10. Joe Payton, MIF, Brother Rice, 2018
5-foot-9, 145-pound middle infielder, average build. Defensively showed solid actions on the infield, ability to play through the baseball, softer hands. Arm action is short and over the top, showed carry, 80 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, leg kick stride, good balance. Uphill path, with some length, aggressive fast bat 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Nick Baldasano, MIF, Plainfield East, 2018
5-foot-8, 145-pound middle infielder, solid squared build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, minimal loading action, quiet simple approach. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee, level path, line drive type hitter. Defensively arm plays short, loose, 74 mph across the diamond. Average hands, showed proper defensive mechanics.

Samson Barboza, MIF, Solorio, 2018
5-foot-8, 160-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Showed advanced arm strength to stick on the left side of the infield, 82 mph across the diamond, carried, loose arm action with the ability to throw from multiple angles when necessary. Athletic defender, showed actions, plays through the baseball, softer hands, lacks foot speed. 8.02 runner in the 60. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Loose hands, longer path, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Kyle Bartman, MIF, Metamora, 2019
Thin wiry frame, long legs, 5-foot-10, 135-pound left-handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively setup is balanced, open stance, smooth loading action with short stride, simple approach, good setup. Path showed some length, fluid hitter, average bat speed, hands get slightly lower, tends to work uphill, added strength will help. 63 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively has a short efficient release, clean transfer from glove to arm, arm plays at 73 mph across the diamond and can play from multiple angles. Ran the 60 at 8.03.

Graham Bender, RHP/SS, Chatham Glenwood, 2018
6-foot, 170-pound two-way player, solid build, wider shoulders, projects best on the mound. Tall and fall delivery with effort, short stride, limited back side. Arm action is short, over the top slot. Fastball sat 77-79 mph, mostly straight. 12/6 curveball, 68 mph. Changeup is 68-70 mph, tendency to push, flashed control. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, partial lower half involvement. Flashed hard contact, pull side approach. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played similar to that on the mound, 74 mph across the diamond. 7.94 runner in the 60.

Brandon Bennitt, MIF/RHP, Lincoln-Way Central, 2018
Solid build with strong lower half, 5-foot-8, 165-pound two-way player. Switch hitter, balanced setup, open stance, short stride. Average bat speed, similar abilities from both sides of the plate, 74 mph exit velocity from the right side, 73 mph from the left side. Defensively arm played short, high ¾ slot, 69 mph across the diamond. On the mound works from a balanced delivery, tall and fall approach, on line with regular effort. Arm action is short, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed slight running action, ranged 75-78 mph. Curveball is shaped 12/6, 65-66 mph. Changeup worked at 70-71 mph.

Antonio Brown, MIF, Vernon Hills, 2019
5-foot-5, 125-pound middle infielder, right-handed hitter, smaller athletic frame. Defensive upside, soft hands, good actions, clean exchange, shows ability to play well on the move, athletic body control. Arm plays loose from a high ¾ slot, accurate, 67 mph across the diamond. 7.66 runner in the 60. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, deep loading action, solid balance through contact. Lengthy path, loose hands, 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Highly projectable defender, adding strength should help his game.

Payton Burch, MIF, New Trier, 2018
5-foot-6, 131-pound middle infielder. Defensively showed above average arm strength for his age, flashed carry across the diamond, 76 mph, athletic release uses multiple slots, can get rid of it on the move. Average hands, showed body control. 7.75 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, good pre pitch, maintains balance through contact. Loose hands, flashed bat speed for his age, 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.75 runner.

Sammy Butera, RHP/INF, Niles West, 2018
6-foot, 165-pound two-way player, lean shape, projects best on the mound. Tall and fall delivery, toe lift with slight rotation to balance point. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, above average arm speed. Fastball has run to arm side, 80-82 mph, touched 83 mph. Curveball has slight sweeping action, tends to decelerate, 68-71 mph. Changeup is 75-78 mph with arm side action similar to his fastball. Right-handed hitter, open stance, slight leg lift stride, stiff lower half, can get off his back side more. Showed bat strength, slight uphill path, some length, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.92 runner in the 60. Showed arm strength across the diamond, 80 mph.

Mike Carey, INF, Andrew, 2018
5-foot-11, 175-pound infielder, solid/thick body type. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, maintains good balance through contact. Showed some bat strength, occasionally looked to pull the baseball, 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short, over the top slot, average arm strength for his age 71 mph across the diamond. Ran the 60 at 7.20.

Tommy Carlsen, SS, Naperville Central, 2018
5-foot-11, 170-pound, right-handed hitting shortstop. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a leg kick stride and average balance. Gap to gap hitter with an uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.41. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Uptempo actions with quick footwork. Threw 72 mph across the infield.

Brendan Carrane, MIF, St. Rita, 2019
5-foot-7, 140-pound left-handed hitting middle infielder. Defensively arm plays over the top, short arm action, average arm strength, 71 mph across the diamond. Left-handed hitter, balanced stance, open setup, smooth loading action, short leg lift trigger. Shorter path, average bat speed, consistent opposite field contact in BP. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee, 7.72 runner in the 60.

Jack Cooper, INF, Edwardsville, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound infielder, advanced lean strength for his age. Right-handed hitter, leg lift stride, maintained balance. Path is level, flashed hard contact, strong for his age, showed bat strength, occasional shoulder swinger, pull side approach. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm occasionally carried, over the top slot, short/firm arm action, 76 mph. Hands played, may project best at third base. 7.81 runner in the 60.

Jonathan Cruz, MIF, Elgin Academy, 2018
6-foot, 150-pound middle infielder, lanky frame. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride, solid balance through contact. Path is level, line drive type approach, flashed well above average bat speed, easy bat on flat plane. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed an athletic arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate arm, 77 mph across the diamond. Occasional effort defensively, hands played well and showed proper actions on the infield. 7.44 runner.

Clark Elliot, MIF/RHP, Barrington, 2019
Athletic shape, projectable body, already shows some lean strength, 5-foot-10, 150-pound left-handed hitting middle infielder. Hits from a balanced stance, short stride, lower half works some. Simple approach with quick hands, uphill path, raw athlete. Defensively arm played at 74 mph across the diamond, short over the top slot occasionally carried, arm works from one slot. Lacked release on the move, feet worked with some quickness. 7.19 runner, well above average for his age. On the mound arm is short and firm, over the top slot. Tall and fall delivery, squared landing, upright finish. Fastball pitched at 71-73 mph, mostly stayed down. Curveball sat 60-63 mph, lacked action. Changeup is firm at 66-69 mph.

Reid Hendrickson, RHP/INF, Edwardsville, 2018
6-foot-1, 170-pound two-way player, strong build, broad shouldered. Tall and fall type delivery on the mound, regular effort, squared landing, works on line. Short quick arm action, over the top slot. Fastball flashed late cut, 77-80 mph. 12/6 curveball 69-71 mph, showed good spin. Changeup is firm, 72-74 mph, near fastball arm speed, thrown aggressively. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, leg lift stride, average balance. Quick/strong hands, ball jumped swinging a wood bat, excellent bat speed through the zone, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played over the top, firm at times, 76 mph across the diamond. Sets feet up well to play through the baseball, occasionally lays tall, hands work well. 7.91 runner in the 60.

Jacob Kapers, C/3B/RHP, Mount Carmel, 2018
6-foot, 165-pound two-way player, projects best behind the plate, athletic frame with strength, younger brother to 2015 graduate Scott Kapers (Valparaiso). Defensively showed advanced catch and release skills, quick efficient transfer, clean with soft hands, good actions receiving the baseball. Arm action is short, over the top slot, typical catchers arm action, flashed carry, 73 mph out of the crouch. Pop times ranged 2.01-2.15. Also flashed some abilities on the infield, arm played at 80 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, smooth loading action. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.49 runner in the 60. On the mound, arm played similar, over the top slot, loose arm, regular effort. Fastball is mostly straight with slight action, 77-80 mph. Curveball has 12/6 gradual action, showed feel for the zone, 66-68 mph. Slider has 10/4 action, 72-73 mph. Changeup sinks, 69-70 mph, near fastball arm speed.

Cherokee LeBeau, INF, Minooka, 2018
6-foot, 182-pound infielder, sturdy build, thick lower half. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, can get more out of lower half. Aggressive swinger, ball occasionally jumped off bat, level path, fast bat, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 72 mph across the diamond, longer draw, loose arm, high ¾ slot. Moved well for his size, had some bounce in his step, hands played and stayed through the baseball. 7.73 runner, likely to stick at a corner spot.

Christian Lucio, SS/RHP, Mount Carmel, 2018
5-foot-11, 150-pound two-way player, average athletic build, projects best as a position player. Left-handed hitter, good setup, slightly open stance, short stride that slightly dives. Loose hands, hands worked in swing, showed ability to barrel baseballs, line drive approach with some opposite field tendencies in BP. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showcased softer hands, with actions that played through the baseball, ability to control his body on the move. Arm action is short, over the top slot, arm flashed some carry and has the ability to release from multiple angles. On the mound delivery has some effort, high ¾ slot, short arm action. Fastball has slight run, 75-76 mph. Curveball played with 11/5 shape, 67-70 mph. Showed feel for his changeup, 70-72 mph.

Vinni Massaglia, MIF/RHP, Morton, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Flashed some strength with the bat for his age, flatter path, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays the ball deep, arm action is short, over the top slot, showed some accuracy, 76 mph across the diamond. 7.55 runner in the 60. On the mound arm action is clean, over the top slot. Fastball flashed sligh cut action, 78-79 mph. Curveball flashed good shape, 62-66 mph. Showed a knuckleball at 63-65 mph with control.

Carlos McFadden, INF/OF/RHP, 2018
5-foot-7, 140-pound multi-positional player, lean athletic frame. Defensively plays fast aggressive defender tends to attack the baseball, plays through it. Showed actions to play on the infield or outfield. Arm played at 86 mph from the outfield, 80 mph across the diamond, flashed carry. Right-handed hitter, open stance, toe tap stride. Average bat speed, line drive type approach, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound, Fastball worked at 77-80 mph. Curveball has 10/4 shape, 68-70 mph. Changeup played at 73-74 mph.

Ryan Patel, SS/RHP, Mundelein, 2018
Long lean projectable frame, 5-foot-11, 140-pound two-way player. Defensively plays loose, lanky athlete with gangly actions, showed ability to play through the baseball, hands played. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, 76 mph arm across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, small leg kick stride. Average bat speed, longer path, line drive type hitter, occasional pull side approach, fluid hitter. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.96 runner in the 60. On the mound works slightly across his body, squared heel toe landing. Short loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 76-78 mph, touched 81 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 59-64 mph. Changeup thrown with arm speed, showed feel for the zone, sink and fading action, 68-71 mph.

Jacob Plastiak, MIF, Andrew, 2018
6-foot-1, 170-pound switch hitting middle infielder, long slender frame, squared shoulders. Defensively plays with long levers, hands are average, shows some body control. Arm occasionally winds up to release, showed arm strength, 80 mph across the diamond. Showed similarities on both sides of the plate, open stance athletic tall setup, short stride. Showed bat speed from both sides, 84 mph from the left side, 86 mph from the right side. Loose hands, slightly better round from the left side, spray hitter. 7.58 runner in the 60.

Nathan Shapiro, MIF, New Trier, 2018
5-foot-10, 155-pound middle infielder, average body type. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, smooth loading action, short stride, good balance through contact. Quick hands, stays quiet, above average bat speed on a level plane. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed smooth actions, solid body control, softer hands. Arm played short, high ¾ slot, average arm strength, 76 mph across the diamond. 7.67 runner in the 60.

Lucas Sharisky, MIF, Streator, 2019
5-foot-7, 150-pound left-handed hitting middle infielder. Defensively arm played from a ¾ slot, 63 mph across the diamond. Ran the 60 at 8.03. Hit form the left side, balanced stance, short stride, solid balance. Aggressive swing, flashed bat speed, gap to gap type, slight uphill path, flashed bat strength. 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Danny Sperling, MIF, Wauconda, 2018
Lanky frame, thin build, 6-foot-1, 150-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Hits from a balanced stance, minimal load with short stride, strong balance. Simple setup and swing, short path, easy loose hands. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee, bat is an interesting follow. 7.57 runner in the 60. Defensively arm played short, high ¾ slot, firm arm action, 72 mph across the diamond.

Evan Tenuta, RHP/INF, Sandburg, 2018
6-foot-1, 180-pound two-way player, solid average body type, projects best on the mound. Athletic delivery, regular effort. Arm action has length, full arm swing, loose arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run, sat 82-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Slider showed action at 72-75 mph. Straight changeup with slight sink, 73-75 mph. Defensively showed arm strength across the diamond, 82 mph, over the top slot, long release. Average hands, fields deep, showed body control. 7.99 runner. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, leg lift stride. Path gets extension, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Jared Trivette, SS, Illiana Christian, 2018
5-foot-10, 145-pound middle infielder, wiry build. Defensively played fast, active feet, showed the ability to play through the baseball, body control. Well above average feet, 7.05 runner in the 60. Arm action is short, high ¾ slot, athletic release, 81 mph across the diamond, advanced arm strength for age. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, slightly wide setup, short minimal stride, good balance. Showed good bat speed for size, gap to gap approach, creates occasional whip. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee.

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