Underclass Invitational: Pitcher Analysis
March 28, 2019
The Underclass Invitational is one of Illinois’ most highly anticipated events on the PBR Illinois showcase calendar. The invitation-only event for the state’s top 2021 and 2022 prospects was held on Feb. 17, at The MAX in McCook, Ill. Over 115 of Illinois’ best freshman and sophomores represented themselves at the sold-out event last month.
Monday marked the start of our position-by-position event analysis (C, INF, OF), which leads us to today, the pitching reports. The Underclass Invite has shown to be quite potent in regards to all-around talent and there is no lack of it in this group. Of the 49 pitchers, we saw 32 bullpens from prospects in the current sophomore class and 17 from prospects in the current freshman class, ranging from all over the state. One thing is for sure, there is plenty of talent already between the two classes and we are excited to see the development as these young teens progress their way through high school.
Adam Dowler (Oswego East, 2021) continues to raise his stock while transforming his already impressive frame. He possesses a clean arm action with present arm speed that should play well into a potential deadly FB/CH mix. The breaking ball is progressing into a plus offering for the 6-foot-3 southpaw and we’ve already seen it generate plenty swings and misses at our recent PBR Metro East Kickoff Classic.
Lazaro Marquez (Home School, 2021) may have been the biggest revelation on the day. The 6-foot, 185-pound live-bodied spark plug showcased his advanced arm speed sitting his fastball at 88-90 mph, topping 91 mph. Ben Hess (Charleston, 2021) is an advanced frame right-hander that continues to hone in his craft. Hess has seen his fastball tick up three notches since his last PBR event four months prior.
Cylis Cox (Staunton, 2021) and Grant Holderfield (Oak Park-River Forest, 2021) are two southpaws that ooze upside. They both have solid repertoires and are already making an impact on their respective varsity squads.
Alex Stanwich (Lincoln-Way East, 2022) is a chiseled-framed right-hander with perhaps the most athleticism event-wide. The freshman already throws his fastball in the mid-80’s topping 87 mph, unheard of for that age classification. Two more 2022 right-handers in Owen Murphy (Riverside-Brookfield) and Abram Wills (Coal City) are just as advanced as the aforementioned arms and are already playing, and contributing, at the varsity level.
Keep an eye out tomorrow as we wrap up our event coverage with a Top Overall list consisting of all players and positions from our Underclass Invitational.
To take a look back at the events’ statistical analysis, click here. All that being said, here’s reports on all pitchers in attendance.TOP 2021 PITCHING PROSPECTS
1. Adam Dowler, LHP, Oswego East, 2021
6-foot-3, 200-pound left-handed pitcher, athletic and strong build, plus frame, high projectability. Presence on the rubber, side steps into a sturdy, leg lift balance, leg kicks out and extends in-line to home, toe strikes closed, athletic finish with pop-up. Arm plays short and clean, speeds up quick after hand break, high ¾ window. Fastball has life through the zone, hard run, sat 84-86 mph, topped 87 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, gradual break, 74-75 mph. Feel for a changeup, hard fade deceptive off the fastball, 77-81 mph.
2. Ben Hess, RHP, Charleston, 2021
6-foot-4,195-pound right-handed pitcher, daunting frame, athletic actions, projects. Present feel for the dirt circle. Pitches with tempo, short side step into a sturdy balance, toe lifted, extends in-line to home, high front side, foot strikes square, leg swings over body at finish. Arm plays long on back side, super quick and loose out front, high ¾ slot, rhythm throughout. Repertoire is advanced for classification, all in the zone. Fastball had late run and sink, heavy and firm, sat 86-88 mph. Slider, sharp and tight 10/4 shape, shorter break, 76-78 mph. Changeup, lower slot, arm side run and fade, 74-76 mph.
3. Lazaro Marquez, RHP/OF, Home School, 2021
6-foot, 185-pound, wide-shouldered, barrel-chested, two-way prospect. Made the event his coming our party on the mound. Features one of the strongest arms in the class. Right-handed pitcher, slow rocker-step delivery with effort throughout. Arm works long and loose, out of a high ¾ slot and ultra-quick arm speed out front. Fastball, jumps out of the hand, late, hard finish through the zone, sat 88-90 mph, touched 91. Offspeed lacks consistency. Curveball, maintains arm speed, 11/5 shape, occasional late bite, 66-70 mph. Changeup, thrown aggressively, arm-side-run, 78-81 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, open setup, big leg-lift timing trigger and swings with intent. Short, uphill bat path, fluid rhythm and 101 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, works through the baseball, steady hands, length in transfer and long, loose arm action; throws topped at 89 mph from the outfield. 7.11 runner in the 60, laser-timed. High-follow 2021 right-handed pitcher.
4. Cylis Cox, LHP, Staunton, 2021
6-foot-1, 195-pound left-handed pitcher, highly athletic frame and actions, projects. Present pitchability, clean delivery, leg lifted balance, level shoulders, works slightly across body, toe strikes even, athletic finish with rhythm throughout. Arm has some length on back side, loose and quick out front, clean high ¾ window, effort is easy. Three pitch mix in the zone, above average stuff with arm speed on all. Fastball, mostly straight with slight run, gets tilt down in the zone, comes out firm, sat 82-85 mph. Curveball, tight spin, power 2/8 break with conviction, 78-82 mph. Changeup, deceptive hard fade and sink off the heater, 77-80 mph.
5. Grant Holderfield, LHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2021
5-foot-11, 165-pound left-handed pitcher, well-proportioned frame, athletic upside, projects. Short side step leads to crunched, sturdy balance point, toe lifted, some cross-body deception, foot strikes even, athletic finish with smooth rhythm throughout. Arm plays long on the back side, super loose and easy out front, quick arm speed out of a ¾ to high ¾ slot, effort is easy. Fastball came out firm, flashed tilt to glove side with slight run, in the zone, sat 80-83 mph. Curveball, 2/8 sweeper with sharp bite, feel for it and can spin it in the zone, 72-74 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, flashed drop off, firm at 76-79 mph.
6. MacCallan Conklin, RHP, Normal University, 2021
6-foot-1, 168-pound right-handed pitcher, high-waisted, athletic frame, upside with projection, young look. Methodical pace until hand break, tall, sturdy balance, heel lifted, extends in-line, toe lands slightly open, easy and athletic finish, smooth rhythm throughout. Full arm action, uninterrupted swing, quicker arm speed, loose and live out front, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Baseball comes out of his hand easy. Fastball played straight with some late life through the zone, sat 83-85 mph. Curveball, sharp 11/5 bite, power depth with arm speed, in the strike zone, 70-72 mph. Changeup sank to his arm side deceptively off his heater, arm speed maintained, 76-79 mph.
7. Daniel Flores, LHP, East Leyden, 2021
6-foot-1, 180-pound left-handed pitcher, well-proportioned frame, projects. Clean delivery, drops and drives after hand break, extends down the mound, works in-line to home, toe lands even and twists open, athletic finish with pop-up. Full arm action, shows on back side, aggressive and loose out front, speeds through a high ¾ slot, regular effort. Showed a three pitch feel. Fastball, hard run and sink in the zone, sat 81-83 mph, topped 84 mph. Slider, 2/8 sweeping action, slurve type, flashed tight, 72-73 mph. Changeup, sank off the heater, near fastball arm speed, 68-72 mph.
8. Adam Brouwer, RHP, Chicago Christian, 2021
6-foot, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic build, projects. Methodical tempo, up/down/out to home, short stride in-line to home, foot strikes even, stays over back side, higher front side, athletic finish. Arm plays loose and short, speeds up through a high ¾ slot after hand break, effort is easy. Fastball played straight in the strike zone, easy, sat 81-83 mph, topped 84 mph. Feel for changeup, sank nice off his fastball, 71-73 mph. Curveball, slurvy 10/4 shape, flashed depth, 64-70 mph.
9. Eric Orloff, LHP, Glenbrook North, 2021
6-foot-2, 190-pound left-handed pitcher, durable build with present lower half strength, young look. Tempo in delivery, heel lift balance, works across body, toe lands closed, smooth rhythm with an athletic finish. Arm plays short and super loose, easy arm speed, clean over the top slot. Feel for the dirt circle. Fastball worked to his gloveside, cut at times, up in the stretch, sat 82-83 mph, topped 84 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, early break out of the hand, 62-65 mph. Feel for a changeup, vertical depth with fastball deception, 75-76 mph.
10. Cole Collander, RHP, Oswego East, 2021
6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, strong and athletic frame, imposing. Short side step to high knee balance point, coiled and toe lifted, strides in-line, toe strikes closed, athletic and easy throughout. Arm plays short and quick, hides ball, present arm strength, short high ¾ window, effort is easy. Ball came out of his hand with life, three pitch mix in the zone. Fastball, late and heavy run, up in the stretch, sat 83-84 mph, topped 85 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, short break, flashed sharp, 68-71 mph. Changeup worked to his arm side, occasional run, 72-75 mph.
10. Tom Egan, RHP, Mount Carmel, 2021
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, durable and athletic frame with upside. Side steps into a tall, heel lift balance, slight rock back, drops and drives to a shorter stride, in-line, shoulders uphill, athleticism in finish. Arm plays quick with a jab on back side, loose out front, high ¾ slot, live actions. Fastball came out firm, played straight, sat 84-86 mph, topped 87 mph. Changeup, sinking action in the zone, slows arm, 73-74 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, flashed depth, 66-68 mph. Slider 11/5 spinner, 73-74 mph.
TOP 2022 PITCHING PROSPECTS
1. Alex Stanwich, RHP/OF, Lincoln-Way East, 2022
6-foot-1, 180-pound, strong, athletically-built, two-way prospect. Right-handed pitcher with one of the strongest arms in the 2022 class. Slow, controlled tall and fall delivery, works on-line down the mound and lands front-toe closed. Long, full arm swing out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, gets downhill tilt at times, occasional boring action, sat 85-86 mph, touched 87. Curveball, thrown aggressively, 11/5 shape, sharp action, depth, swing-and-miss potential, 69-72 mph. Changeup, power pitch, down in the zone, fade action, 74-76 mph. 7.09 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, tall, open setup, long stride. Quick hands, fast bat and works on top of the baseball. Line-drive approach, fluid rhythm and 102 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, charges the baseball, steady hands, clean transfer and quick arm action. Throws carry and topped at 88 mph. One of the toolsiest 2022 prospects we have seen to date.
2. Abram Wills, RHP, Coal City, 2022
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, durable frame with athleticism, polished actions. Full, over-head delivery, crunched at balance, drop and drive style, directionally in-line, toe lands square, athletic finish with pop-up, rhythm throughout. Arm action plays short and loose, quick arm speed, clean high ¾ slot, effort is rather easy. Three pitch mix with arm speed in the strike zone. Fastball played straight with late run at times, sat 82-84 mph, topped 86 mph. Curveball, sharp and tight 11/5 break, wipeout pitch, 68-71 mph. Advanced feel for changeup, deceptively ran and sank of his fastball, 77-79 mph.
3. Owen Murphy, RHP, Riverside-Brookfield, 2022
6-foot, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic frame and actions with room for added strength, high upside. Simple delivery, leg coiled at sturdy balance, drop and drive delivery, extends in-line to home, foot strikes square, athletic throughout with quick twitch, smooth rhythm. Arm plays short and loose, hides on back side, quick arm speed, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Showed a three pitch feel in the zone. Fastball came out easy, straight with run at times, sat 84-85 mph. Slider, tight and late 11/5 break, throws it with conviction, 77-79 mph. Changeup faded and ran to his arm side,72-76 mph.
4. Ethan Patera, RHP, Downers Grove South, 2022
6-foot-4, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic upside frame, advanced for age, young look. Side steps into sturdy balance point, leg lifted, toe strikes even and in-line, spins off to third after release, smooth rhythm. Arm plays long with wrap, loose and aggressive out front, speeds through a high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball, slight run, came out easy, sat 80-82 mph, topped 83 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, flashed tight spin at times, 68-71 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, faded, 73-77 mph.
5. Jake Swartz, RHP, Normal University, 2022
5-foot-10, 145-pound right-handed pitcher, thin frame with athleticism and room for added strength, young look. Pitches with tempo, high knee balance, high front side pulldown, works in-line to home and foot strikes slightly closed, rhythm throughout. Arm plays long on back side, live and loose out front, super quick for classification, over the top slot, some effort. Showed three pitch potential. Fastball, mostly straight, flashed slight run, easy out of the hand, sat 81-84 mph. Curveball has wipeout potential, sharp 12/6 bite with arm speed and conviction, 69-73 mph. Changeup faded hard at times with arm speed, 75-78 mph.
6. Jack Bach, RHP, Normal University, 2022
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, strong build with upside, advanced for age. Quick tempo, tall balance point, heel lifted, shoulders uphill, leg kicks out in-line to home, toe lands square, occasionally open, athletic finish, stays tall throughout. Arm plays short, hides it well, loose out front, speeds through a high ¾ slot, easier effort. Fastball, run and tilt in the strike zone, sat 80-84 mph. Changeup faded with arm speed, some deception, 78-79 mph. Curveball, early spin, 11/5 shape, 62-64 mph.
7. Nicholas Kolze, RHP/INF, Romeoville, 2022
6-foot-2, 195-pound, two-way prospect; long, athletic build with present strength in frame. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, coiled at balance point, stays closed down the mound and work on-line. Slight plunge out of the glove, quick arm out of an over-the-top slot with easy effort. Fastball, works straight, finish through the zone, thrown for strikes, sat 83-84 mph, touched 86. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 65-69 mph. Changeup, fade action, 73-75 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load and rhythm, short stride. Loose, athletic hands, flashed bat speed, uphill path and gap-to-gap approach; 97 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, reliable hands, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 80 mph. 7.56 runner in the 60, laser-timed.
8. Alex Alberico, RHP, Providence Catholic, 2022
6-foot, 188-pound right-handed pitcher, strong and athletic build. Tall at balance point, loads up on back side with tilt over rubber, high elbow, in-line to home, toe strikes square, athletic finish with rhythm throughout. Long, muscled arm action, full swing, quick arm out front, high ¾ slot, effort is regular. Fastball plays straight and firm, sat 80-83 mph. Curveball, flashed tight spin, 10/4 shape, 66-70 mph. Changeup played straight with some fade, underneath it, 74-75 mph.
9. Brady Small, INF/RHP, Lemont, 2022
6-foot-1, 180-pound, athletically-built, strong, physically-advanced, two-way prospect. 7.37 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth coiled load and short stride. Loose, quick hands, fast bat and level bat path; 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws flashed carry across the diamond at 80 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, deliberate side-step delivery, works on-line and lands front-toe open. Clean, loose arm action, works quick and out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball mostly straight, late life, 81-83 mph, touching 84. Curveball, sharp 12/6 action, tight spin, 71-74 mph. Changeup, 71 mph.
10. Shane Curtin, LHP, Mount Carmel, 2022
5-foot-9, 155-pound left-handed pitcher, athleticism in actions. Compact and clean delivery, sturdy balance, works in-line and toe lands square, athletic finish with spin off to third base after release, fluid rhythm involved. Clean and loose arm action, shorter action, high ¾ slot with easy effort. Fastball came out easy, slight run, sat 78 mph, topped 79 mph. Curveball, flashed depth, 1/7 shape, 67-69 mph. Feel for changeup, faded nice off the fastball with arm speed, in the zone, 72-74 mph.
10. Luke Wolff, RHP, Joliet West, 2022
5-foot-9, 140-pound right-handed pitcher, lean and athletic frame, room for added strength. Live actions, long gather step to tall balance, loads on back side, tilts over rubber, present hip lead to a slightly open landing, foot lands square, athletic finish with rhythm involved. Arm has some length, quick and loose out front, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball, slight run mostly to glove side, in the strike zone, sat 77-79 mph, topped 80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, flashed tight spin with feel for it, 65-67 mph. Changeup played straight with slight fade, maintains arm speed, 72-74 mph.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Luke Adams, INF/RHP, Hinsdale Central, 2022
6-foot-3, 197-pound, physically-advanced, broad-shouldered, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, low hand set up, long stride and aggressive swing. Present bat speed, short bat path, lift in swing, gap-to-gap approach and 93 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder. Sure-handed, clean release, short arm action, throws from multiple slots, clocked at 79 mph. 7.57 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slight drop and drive delivery, online and lands front-toe closed. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, occasional arm-side-run, sat 80-81 mph, touched 82. Curveball. 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes, 64-66 mph. Changeup, 66-68 mph.
Brady Banker, LHP/1B, Carmel Catholic, 2022
6-foot, 170-pound left-handed two-way player. On the mound, low hanging knee balance, drop and drive style, works in-line, athletic finish. Short and loose arm action, clean high ¾ slot, easier effort. Fastball worked to his gloveside, straight with occasional cut, sat 78-79 mph, topped 81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, broke early out of the hand, 59-64 mph. Changeup, early vertical depth, 65-68 mph. Left-handed hitter, balanced setup, slight bar load, leg lift stride. Path woks uphill, high finish, some rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 84 mph from a tee. 7.32 60-yard dash.
Michael Bernas, LHP, Brother Rice, 2021
5-foot-8, 160-pound left-handed pitcher, sturdy build. Pitches with a presence, high-knee sturdy balance, works across body to home, toe lands square, athletic and easy finish. Arm plays short with show on back side, some looseness out front, clean, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball played straight, occasional cut, sat 76-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, depth at times, 63-66 mph. Changeup mostly straight, flashed fade to arm side, 68-70 mph.
Tommy Boba, RHP, Wheaton Warrenville South, 2022
5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed pitcher. High knee and elbow at balance point, coils with slight hip lead, high front side, lands squared to home, foot strikes square, head whack at release. Arm plays long, whippy out front, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball played straight, occasional run, sat 76-79 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, some depth, 63-68 mph. Slider had tighter spin on a 10/4 plane, throws it hard, 68-72 mph. Changeup had fastball arm speed, 69-71 mph.
Nathan Buchan, INF/RHP, Plainfield Central, 2021
6-foot-2, 204-pound, wide-shouldered, strong, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, narrow setup, smooth load and long leg-lift timing trigger. Loose, strong, fast hands, creates bat speed. Long bat path, extension through contact, consistent hard contact, gap-to-gap approach; 102 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder. Steady infield actions, sure-hands, clean release. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 81 mph across the infield. 7.45 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, high front side and works on-line. Short arm action comes out of an over-the-top slot. Fastball, straight action, sat 79-81 mph, touched 83. Curveball, 11/5 shape, maintains arm speed, sharp spin, thrown for strikes, 70-73 mph. Changeup, ranged 78-81 mph.
Connor Carter, RHP, Williamsville, 2021
6-foot, 175-pound right-handed pitcher. Works with tempo, sturdy heel lift balance, stride in-line to home, toe land square, athletic finish with some rhythm throughout. Arm plays long and two-part, jab on back side, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball was 4-seam, played straight, sat 74-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Changeup, slight drop with near fastball arm speed, 66-70 mph.
Curveball, 12/6 shape with some tumble at times, 60-61 mph. Slider, similar to curve, 11/5 shape, 64-65 mph.
Charlie Cmiel, LHP, York, 2021
5-foot-11, 163-pound left-handed pitcher, long-limbed frame with upside. Short side step to low hanging knee balance, leg kicks out and lands in-line to home, toe strikes closed, athletic finish. Arm plays short, whippy and loose out front, clean ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball filled the zone with late run, sat 78-79 mph, topped 80 mph. Can spin a curveball, 2/8 slurvy shape with arm speed, 63-66 mph. Changeup faded to his arm side nice off the fastball, 70-73 mph.
Sava Dupor, RHP, Glenbrook South, 2021
5-foot-10, 152-pound right-handed pitcher, thin and athletic frame. Side step to toe lift, tall balance point, slight sit on back side to extension down the mound, strides slightly across body, toe strikes even, accelerated leg swing at finish. Arm plays short and quick, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, rhythm throughout. Fastball played in the zone with slight run, sat 77-78 mph, topped 79 mph. Curveball, flashed solid 12/6 spin with arm speed, 65-67 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape, flashed tight spin, inconsistent, 66-68 mph. Changeup, dropped straight with arm speed, some cut, 71-72 mph.
George Evangelopoulos, LHP, Stagg, 2021
6-foot, 160-pound left-handed pitcher, lanky build with room for added strength. Methodical tempo, sturdy balance over the rubber, hand breaks into a high front side, short stride, works in-line, toe lands square with occasional spin open, athletic finish with balance rhythm throughout. Arm plays short and loose, speeds up through a high ¾ window, effort is easy. Fastball played straight, sat 76-78 mph. Feel for a changeup, late fade with arm speed, 72-73 mph. Curveball flashed sharp 1/7 break with arm speed, 68-71 mph.
Jeremy Fox, RHP, Riverside-Brookfield, 2021
5-foot-9, 155-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic and durable build. Methodical tempo till foot strike, sturdy balance, sits on back side, lands slightly open with toe square to home, some upright recoil after release. Full arm swing, uninterrupted and clean, loose and quick out front, arm strength potential, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball, mostly straight, occasional cut, thrown for strikes, sat 82-84 mph, topped 85 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, slowed arm, 63-65 mph. Changeup, faded to his arm side, hard at times, 71-74 mph.
Davis Hoffstatter, RHP, Moline, 2022
6-foot-1, 172-pound right-handed pitcher, strong, barrel-chested frame. Tall and fall delivery, slight coil at heel lift balance point, strides short and in-line to home, foot lands closed, some rhythm throughout. Arm plays long with slight jab on back side, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball played straight, occasional cut, sat 76-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 62-63 mph. Changeup flashed arm side run, 71-73 mph.
Kyle Hussey, INF/RHP, Providence Catholic, 2021
5-foot-11, 167-pound, athletically-built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, lands front-toe closed. Long arm action, over-the-top slot and quick out front. Fastball, live, inconsistent action, sat 81-82 mph, touched 83. Changeup, feel for the zone, arm-side-run and sink, 73-74 mph. Curveball, 64-68 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, short stride, uphill bat path and pull approach; 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, clean transfer at times, long arm action and throws topped at 83 mph. 7.20 runner in the 60, laser-timed.
Cole Kindred, RHP, Olympia, 2022
5-foot-11, 150-pound right-handed pitcher, high-waisted frame with upside, athletic actions. Clean delivery with tempo, tall at balance, short stride, work in-line, toe strikes even, smooth rhythm. Shorter arm action with looseness throughout, shows on back side, ¾ slot, effort is easy. Maintained arm speed on all offerings. Fastball played straight with slight run in the zone, sat 76-78 mph, topped 79 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, some depth, 66-68 mph. Changeup, mostly straight with occasional downward fade, better in windup, 72-74 mph.
Kyle Mack, RHP, Yorkville, 2021
6-foot-1, 195-pound right-handed pitcher, thick, strong build. Short side step to sturdy balance, strides in-line, toe lands closed, accelerated finish. Arm plays short, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball played straight, early release, sat 79-80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, early break out of the hand, 65-67 mph. Changeup had fastball arm speed, some fade, 72-73 mph.
Alec Mallinder, RHP, Plainfield North, 2021
6-foot-1, 160-pound right-handed pitcher, long-limbed frame with room for added strength. Side rocker step gather, tall balance, heel lifted, some load on back side, shoulders uphill, stride in line and square, athletic finish. Arm plays quick with slight stab, shorter action, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball. Mostly straight with occasional same plane run, sat 79-82 mph. Curveball, 10/4 slurvy type, 64-67 mph. Changeup played, slower arm, 66-68 mph.
Matthew Maloney, INF/RHP, Lincoln-Way Central, 2021
5-foot-11, 155-pound, long and lean two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow, deliberate delivery, high front side, works on-line and lands slightly closed. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, loose and quick out front. Fastball, thrown for strikes, mostly straight, sat 80-82 mph, touched 83. Curveball, maintains arm speed, 11/5 shape, depth, 65-66 mph. Changeup, thrown aggressively, arm-side-run, thrown for strikes, 72-75 mph. 7.10 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Offensively, balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger, loose hands, gap-to-gap approach and fluid rhythm. 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady defender, reliable hands, clean release, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 75 mph.
Andrew Nichols, RHP, Olympia, 2021
6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, high-waisted frame with athleticism, some projectability. Active feet, tall, coiled balance point, toe lifted, shoulders stay closed, foot strikes even and shoulders rotate open with quick twitch, athletic finish with rhythm involved. Arm plays short, quick and loose out front, over the top slot, rather easy effort. Fastball played straight with inconsistent cut, came out easy, sat 79-83 mph, topped 85 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, flashed depth early out of the hand, 63-66 mph. Slider, similar shape and action to curve, a little tighter, 64-69 mph. Changeup, cut and faded with arm speed, 71-75 mph.
Eric Pecson, INF/RHP, Palatine, 2021
6-foot, 155-pound, lean, athletically-built, two-way prospect. 6.94 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall, segmented delivery. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, mostly straight, occasional sink, 75-76 mph, touched 78. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 64-66 mph. Chnageup, sinking action, 68-70 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced quiet setup, minimal load, short leg-kick trigger and maintains balance through contact. Line-drive approach and 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, fluid footwork, clean exchange at times, long arm action, ¾ to high ¾ slot and throws topped at 79 mph.
Tylor Phommachanhom, INF/RHP, Plainfield South, 2021
5-foot-9, 145-pound, lean, wiry, two-way prospect. 6.73 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, pre-pitch load and toe-tap stride. Long bat path, level through the zone, consistent hard line-drive contact; 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, light on his feet, plays with bounce, maintains body control on the move, soft hands, clean release. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate arm, topped at 80 mph across the diamond. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, clean, repeatable delivery, works on-line and lands front-toe closed. Clean arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, slight running action, thrown for strikes, 77-80 mph. Curveball, occasionally gets on the side of it, 11/5 shape, 62-65 mph. Changeup, around the zone, 60-66 mph.
Brian Rapanan, C/RHP, Warren 2021
5-foot-7, 150-pound right-handed hitting two-way player, durable frame. Athletic, natural catch and release actions defensively, sticks pitches, feet and transfers work quick and clean, cushioned blocks. Short and loose arm action, high ¾ slot, 86 mph from the crouch with accuracy. Event best pop times, ranged 1.94-2.10. At the plate, sets up even, short stride and load, excellent balance throughout. Fluid path with extension, works uphill with lift, repeated hard contact to pull side. Exit velocity topped 86 mph from a tee. 7.47 runner in the 60. On the mound, simple delivery, low hanging leg balance, stays over rubber, short, open toe stride in-line, smooth rhythm. Arm plays short and loose, speeds through a clean, high ¾ slot, effort seems easy. Pounded the zone with three. Fastball, slight run, 81-84 mph. Curveball, sharp 11/5 break, can spin it, 65-67 mph. Changeup, faded with fastball arm speed, 73-76 mph.
Chad Readey, RHP, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2021
6-foot-8, 207-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic, daunting XL frame. Slow pace, tall balance point, leg lifted, high front side, works slightly across body, toe lands square, rhythm involved. Arm plays long, deep on back sidem loose out front, over the top slot, effort is easy. Fastball had downward tilt, played straight, sat 82-84 mph. Slider, early 10/4 break, gradual, 70-73 mph. Changeup played 73-76 mph.
Daniel Reischl, RHP, Loyola, 2021
6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic frame with room for added strength. Methodical pace, short side step into sturdy balance, slight sit on back side, high front side, stride in-line to home, toe stride even with athleticism in finish, some rhythm. Short arm action, hides ball, arm quickens through a high ¾ window, regular effort. Fastball played straight with occasional cut, sat 79-82 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, flashed downward depth, 63-65 mph. Changeup had fastball deception, cut at times, 69-72 mph.
Gavin Schmitt, RHP, Plainfield East, 2021
6-foot-2, 160-pound right-handed pitcher, high-waisted, lean frame with athletic actions, young look, projects. Quick tempo, active feet, tall, sturdy balance, leg kicks out in-line to home, toe strikes even, smooth rhythm. Arm plays short and loose throughout, hides ball, over the top slot, some effort. Fastball played straight with tilt and occasional cut, sat 77-83 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, flashed depth, early break, 70-73 mph. Slider, similar shape to curve, tighter spin, 72-73 mph. Changeup had arm speed, cut and fade, 75-77 mph.
Dylan Warda, LHP/OF, Brother Rice, 2022
6-foot-2, 160-pound, long, lean, projectably-built, two-way prospect. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, stretch-only tilt and topple delivery. Works on-line, high front side and smooth rhythm. Clean arm from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, occasional arm-side-run and fastball sat 78-79 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 68-69 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes, maintains arm speed, 72-74 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short leg-kick trigger and minimal lower half. Line-drive approach and 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, aggressively attacks the baseball, sure-hands and gains ground on exchange. Arm works from a ¾ slot and throws topped at 82 mph. 7.22 runner in the 60, laser-timed.
Ryan Weaver, LHP, Cary Grove, 2021
6-foot-1, 175-pound left-handed pitcher, pitchers body with athletic upside. Quicker tempo, tall, easy balance, toe lifted, extends in-line to home, toe lands square, some rhythm involved. Full arm action, shows on back side, shorter window out of a high ¾ slot, effort is easy. Some pitchability for the southpaw. Fastball slightly ran late to his arm side, sat 80-82 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, flashed depth, slight cast, 67-69 mph. Changeup, vertical depth, 69-71 mph.
Trevor Young, LHP, Normal University, 2021
6-foot, 153-pound left-handed pitcher, lanky build. Tall and fall style, works in-line to home, toe lands square, athleticism in finish. Arm plays short, hides on back side, looseness out front, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball has slight run to his arm side, sat 77-79 mph, topped 80 mph. Slider, gradual 1/7 break, in the zone with arm speed, 66-69 mph. Changeup has cut out of the hand, in the zone with some arm speed, 71-75 mph.
John Zimmerman, LHP, Metea Valley, 2021
5-foot-11, 185-pound left-handed pitcher, athletic build with strength in lower half. Delivery is clean with tempo, compact, toe lift balance point, on-line to home, high front side, foot strikes even, athletic finish with smooth rhythm. Shorter two-part arm action, hides on back side some, looseness out front, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball showed run and cut, in the strike zone, sat 77-78 mph, topped 79 mph. Curveball had early 1/7 break, flashed depth in the zone 63-65 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, cut it in the zone, 69-70 mph.