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Underclass Invitational Showcase: Outfield Analysis

February 6, 2014

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Illinois/Wisconsin

The January Underclass Invitational Showcase was one of the best overall showings of young talent that this event has seen. After reviewing player videos, notes and stats we have compiled our lists of top positional players which we will unveil all week.

Today we look at the outfielders. Jack Molnar has made huge strides since we saw him in his freshman year and in a group of talented outfielders he came out on top as the most natural and projectable outfielder in the group. Molnar showed a strong arm and excellent bat out of his 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame.

Here’s a look at the top outfield prospects.

Top Outfield Prospects

1. Jack Molnar, OF/RHP, Fremd HS, 2016
Athletic, projectable 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame, long limbs, plenty of room to physically develop. High-level tool set with considerable upside. Offensively, hits from balanced setup, advanced rhythm and timing for age. Loose, athletic hands, level path, bat stays flat through zone for long time, bat speed present, creates barrel whip and gets extension after contact. Maintains balance throughout, quiet, repeatable swing; should acquire more power as he physically develops. Has potential to become high-level right-handed hitter. Defensively, shows true outfield actions, moves with fluidity and purpose, fields ball in rhythm, works downhill, athletic footwork. Clocked at 86 mph from outfield, ball stays on line, accurate. Ran a 7.28 60. Also showed potential on mound. Athletic arm, works free and easily, high-3/4 slot, repeats delivery, three-pitch command.  Fastball ranged between 80-81 out of windup; 78-79 from stretch, all strikes. More velocity should come. Curveball has potential to be very good pitch. Throws pitch with conviction, tight spin, sharp downward action, commands pitch for strikes in 68-70 range. Changeup ranged between 73-74 mph, strikes, little action. 

2. Joe Santoro, OF/SHP, Carmel Catholic, 2016
5-foot-10, 165-pound, athletic, left handed hitting, two way player. He is a unique prospect who pitches effectively with both arms. Defensively showed athletic actions, solid hands, and quick, fluid footwork. Arm works long and loose, from a high ¾ slot with accuracy and solid carry at 87 mph. Ran a 7.26 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance with smooth loading action, short stride, and quality balance through contact. Swing is solid with above average bat speed and barrel whip. Showcased power from gap-to-gap. Exit velocity was 94 mph off a tee. On the mound he throws with both his left arm and right arm. As a LHP, his delivery has smooth rhythm and easy effort. Arm works long and loose from a high ¾ slot. Showed feel for his fastball, sitting 82-84 mph with running action. Throws a slider from a lower arm slot at 73-74 mph with soft action. Changeup was 70-72 mph with cut. As a RHP his delivery is rhythmic and easy. Arm works long and loose from a high ¾ slot. Showed feel for his fastball, sitting 82-83 mph with solid arm side run. Throws a true curveball with 11/5 shape, quality depth, and sharp bite at 64-71 mph. Changeup was 69-70 mph.

3. Alec Barger, OF/RHP, Central, 2016
6-foot, 160-pound athletic two-way player who projects well. Showcased advanced foot speed, running a 7.06 60. Foot speed and athleticism translated well defensively as he showed quality footwork, soft hands and athletic movements to and through the baseball. Arm works long and loose from a high ¾ slot at 85 mph with accuracy and carry. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance, smooth loading action and a short stride. Showed an advanced approach at the plate. Swing is strong with advanced bat speed. Exit velocity was 84 mph off the tee. On the mound his delivery has some rhythm with clean lines and athletic finish. Arm works quick and loose from a high ¾ slot. Fastball 80-81 mph, flashing 82 mph with slight running action, for strikes. Showed advanced feel for his curveball. Has 11/5 shape, quality depth and late, sharp bite, sitting 64-67 mph. Changeup was 70-75 mph with arm side run.

4. Austin Galindo, RHP/OF, Normal University, 2016
6-foot-6, 220-pound two-way player, advanced frame, broad shoulders, partially filled out. Galindo has a big arm making it hard not to project him on the mound. His delivery lacks some timing but arm is quick and long, working out of a ¾ arm slot. Fastball showed run, topped out at 88 mph, sat between 83-85 mph. Curveball shows sweeping action on 11/5 plane, flat action, 68-70 mph, could be better suited for a slider. Changeup sits 70-72 mph, touched 76, down in the zone, little action. Offensively hits out of a slightly crouched setup. Bat shows power, likes to lift the baseball, posted 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a long arm action from a ¾ slot, similar to that on the mound. Fields the ball deep with slight hesitations, 7.26 runner in the 60.

5. Jeremy Gaines, OF/2B, Oak Park-River Forest, 2016
5-foot-9, 155-pound athletic, fast twitch athlete who projects well at the next level. Showed high-quality foot speed, running a 6.8 60. Foot speed translates well in the outfield as he showed crisp routes to the ball. Arm works loose, from over-the-top at 80 mph with carry and accuracy. On the infield showed the same quick footwork with clean hands and above average, athletic infield actions. Arm works at 76 mph across the diamond with carry and accuracy. At the plate he hits from an open stance. Uses the lower half well and maintains balance through contact. Swing has rhythm, slight uphill path with quality extension, above average bat speed and solid barrel whip. Exit velocity was 79 mph off the tee.

6. Mike Kruse, OF, Hampshire, 2016
5-foot-9, 170-pound outfielder with a strong frame and above average foot speed for his age. Ran a 7.05 60. Defensively, his foot speed showed as all his actions for athletic and quick twitch. Arm works long, from a high ¾ slot with above average carry and accuracy at 80 mph. Offensively, hits from a balanced stance with a diving stride. Swing gets solid extension and above average bat speed and showed gap-to-gap pop. Exit velocity off the tee was 91 mph.

7. Jake Ridgway, OF, Brother Rice, 2017
5-foot-11, 165-pound outfielder, lanky frame, has more growth ahead of him, athletic actions, highly projectable. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, slightly crouched setup, short stride. Fluid swing, good rhythm, athletic hands at the plate, shows bat speed with a solid approach. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays through the baseball, athletic feet, has a bounce to his step, feet work well through his crow hop, shows some quick twitch actions. Arm works from a high ¾ slot, showed accuracy, stayed online to target. Ridgway is a high follow outfielder, with loose athletic actions that project well.

8. Anfernee Crompton, OF, Moline, 2016
6-foot, 165-pound outfielder, trim build with strength. Defensively moved well to the baseball, showed athleticism in his feet, slight hesitation working through the baseball. Ran the 60 in 7.39. Arm action is short, over the top slot, occasional carry, 81 mph from his crow hop. Offensively hits from the right side, balanced stance, athletic setup, high back elbow, short stride. Hands work, shows bat speed, short path, stays on top, two handed finish. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.

9. John Rave, OF, Central Catholic, 2016
6-foot, 170-pound left handed outfielder. High level foot speed, athletic and active lower half throughout his game, 6.85 runner. Defensively feet stay active, works through the baseball, efficient exchange. Rigid arm action, 76 mph from his crow hop, lacks carry. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced stance, rhythmic swing, front foot hitter, slightly uphill path, loose hands, 80 mph exit velocity.

10. Nick Lahrman, OF, McHenry West, 2016
5-foot-10, 160-pound athletic outfielder with solid foot speed for his age. Ran a 7.15 60. Foot speed plays in the outfield as he moves athletically to and through the ball. Arm works long, from over the top, with carry and accuracy at 82 mph. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance with a long stride. Swing is long with a pull side approach. Exit velocity off the tee was 80 mph.

Best of the Rest

Evan Bell, OF, Oak-Park River Forest, 2016
5-foot-10, 180-pound outfielder with a strong lower half. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance, smooth loading action, short stride, and quality use of the lower half. Has a simple, line drive swing with a flat path and advanced bat speed. Exit velocity was 83 mph off a tee. From the outfield his arm works short, from over-the-top at 74 mph with accuracy and carry. Ran a 7.33 60.

Dillan Chamness, OF/RHP, Benton, 2016
5-foot-5, 155-pound, left-handed hitting, two-way player. From the outfield he throws with a long arm, from ¾ slot at 76 mph and some accuracy. Ran a 7.5 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance with a smooth loading action. Swing is handsy, short and flat path, some extension. Exit velocity of a tee was 75 mph. On the mound his delivery has smooth rhythm and regular effort. Arm works short, from a ¾ slot. Showed feel for the fastball, throwing it71-73 mph, touching 74 mph, with arm side run. Changeup was 65-67 mph with advanced feel and sink. Throws a curveball with 10/4 shape and sweeping action, 63-66 mph. Slider had slurve action, 63-65 mph.

Hank Christie, RHP/OF, Oak Park-River Forest, 2016
6-foot, 145-pound lanky, athletic, two-way player who projects well on the mound. On the mound his delivery has rhythm with regular effort. Arm works long, loose, and quick from a high ¾ slot. Fastball was 80-82 mph, touching 83 mph with late run, for strikes. Curveball showed as a solid pitch with 11/5 shape and sharp, late bite at 68-70 mph. Had feel for his changeup, throwing it 67-70 mph with flashes of quality action. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance with smooth loading action and short stride, quality lower half usage, and maintains balance through contact. Swing is long and flat through the zone and quality bat speed. Exit velocity was 83 mph off the tee. From the outfield showed solid hands and clean, quick exchanges. Arm works long, from a high ¾ slot at 82 mph with accuracy and carry. Ran a 7.48 60.

Cole Cimarolli, OF, Edwardsville, 2016
5-foot-8, 155-pound outfielder with above average foot speed. Ran a 6.84 60. Foot speed translated to the outfield where he showed quality footwork getting to and through the ball. Arm works long, ¾ slot at 80 mph. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load, short stride, maintains excellent balance through contact. Exit velocity off a tee was 80 mph.

Jacob Diaz, OF/RHP, Brother Rice, 2016
5-foot-11, 180-pound physical, two-way player. Defensively, he plays through the ball athletically with soft hands. Arm works long, from a ¾ slot at 85 mph. Ran a 7.37 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced setup with a short stride. Has pull side tendencies and a flat path that flashes some pop at times. Exit velocity was 87 mph off a tee. On the mound he uses a drop and drive delivery with choppy rhythm and high effort. Arm works long and quick from a low ¾ slot. Fastball was 80-81 mph, flashing 82 mph, with late sink for strikes. Breaking ball shows solid action with inconsistent shape at 63-65 mph. With his arm slot the pitch projects as slider with solid bite in the future. His changeup was 67-70 mph with sinking action.

Dylan Dodd, OF/LHP, Bismark-Henning, 2016
6-foot, 180-pound two way player. Athletic delivery on the mound, arm works from a high ¾ slot, loose arm action, easy effort. Fastball has slight run, showed control of the zone, pitched at 75-77 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, occasional slurve action. 60-63 mph. Changeup has sink, 68-71 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, smooth loading action. Bat path stays flat through the zone, gets extension. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively shuffles through the baseball, short high ¾ arm action, 77 mph arm from the outfield. Runs an 8.02 60.

TJ Geritano, OF, Willowbrook, 2016
5-foot-8, 155-pound left handed hitting outfielder.  Defensively, showed quality footwork and worked downhill to the ball. Arm works from high ¾ slot at 71 mph. Ran a 7.2 60. At the plate hits from an open stance and maintains excellence balance through contact. Swing has fluid rhythm with an uphill path. Showed some pop with above average bat speed. Exit velocity off the tee was 77 mph.

Austin Gusewelle, RHP/OF, Staunton, 2016
Athletic build, some physicality, 6-foot-1, 170-pound two way player. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced stance, smooth loading action maintains balance through contact. Hands work loosely; path has uphill tendencies, smooth swing. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed athletic actions from the outfield. Arm action is long and over the top, accurate arm with carry, 82 mph. On the mound arm action was similar to that in the outfield. Fastball is mostly straight, showed control of the zone; 77-79 mph. Curveball sat 64-65 mph, loose action. Changeup was mostly down, decelerated arm action, 67-70 mph.

Jack Keane, OF, Brother Rice, 2017
5-foot-9, 155-pound outfielder. Defensively, he showed solid hands and quality catch and release skills. Arm works short, over-the-top, at 75 mph with solid accuracy. Ran a 7.51 60. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with zero loading action, short stride, and maintains balance through contact. Uses lower half well, has a flat bat path, and solid bat speed. Exit velocity was 75 mph off a tee.

Jordan Libman, OF/LHP, Glenbrook South, 2016
5-foot-11, 180-pound left handed hitting first baseman. Defensively, showed solid hands and quality footwork around the bag. Arm works long, from a high ¾ slot with some accuracy and carry at 72 mph. Ran a 7.64 60. Offensively, he hits from a balanced stance with smooth loading action. Swing has some rhythm and a slightly uphill path. Makes strong contact with above average bat speed. Exit velocity was 81 mph off a tee.

Connor McCormick, C/OF/RHP, Manteno, 2017
5-foot-10, 135-pound athletic, multi-positional player. Behind the plate has an athletic setup and showed quality receiving skills. Arm works loose, from a high ¾ slot at 74 mph with carry. Pop times were 2.26-2.32. In the outfield showed athletic actions. Arm works loose at 80 mph with solid carry. Ran a 7.44 60. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup and maintains balance through contact. Has a flat bat path with solid bat speed. Exit velocity was 83 mph off a tee. On the mound the delivery has some rhythm, level shoulders and is max effort. Arm works quick, from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 75-76 mph, flashing 78 mph, with running action. Throws a sweeping curveball at 62-66 mph. Changeup is thrown with fastball arm speed at 63-66 mph, with arm side run, for strikes.

Bryce Pahl, OF, Jacobs, 2016
6-foot, 185-pound outfielder, build shows strength. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, 77 mph arm strength from the outfield. Offensively hits from an open stance, stride dives, shows pop in his bat. Above average bat speed, shows occasional pull side power.

Andrew Ralston, OF, Schaumburg, 2016
6-foot-1, 160-pound outfielder, lanky frame with some athletic build. Defensively uses a long loose arm action, over the top slot, accurate and solid carry. 76 mph arm strength from the outfield. Offensively hits from a wider stance, short stride. Flat bat path, hits off front side, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.51 runner in the 60.

Phillip Swartz, RHP/OF, Champaign Central, 2016
6-foot-1, 190-pound two-way player, build shows strength, projects better on the mound. Delivery is smooth with regular effort, high ¾ arm slot, long loose arm action. Shows feel for three pitches. Fastball features well above average run, showed the ability to command the pitch, 81-82 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, excellent action, flashed sharp bite, 69-72 mph. Changeup has advanced arm side action, throws with near fastball arm speed, 74-75 mph. Offensively hits from an athletic setup, short lift and replace stride, minimal action in lower half. Strong handed swing, bat path has some length, work uphill, strong swing with bat speed. 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. In the outfield uses a long high ¾ arm action, 78 mph from the crow hop. 7.62 runner.

Spencer Wright, OF/RHP, Lake Zurich, 2016
5-foot-9, 165-pound two way player. Offensively, hits from a tall balanced setup with a leg kick trigger and diving stride. Swing has solid rhythm, maintains balance through contact, creates quality leverage and extension. Exit velocity off a tee was 80 mph. From the outfield his arm works long and stiff, from a high ¾ slot with accuracy at 75 mph. On the mound his delivery shows some effort and the arm works long and stiff from the same high ¾ slot. Fastball was 73-75 mph, flashing 76 mph. Showed feel for his changeup, throwing it 64-67 mph with sinking action. Curveball was 58-61 mph with 12/6 shape and gradual break, for strikes.

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