Underclass Invitational: Top Overall Prospects
March 9, 2018
Our coverage of last month’s Underclass Invitational will conclude today with the ranking of the event’s top overall prospects, separated by class. This list is bursting with next-level talent, especially among the sophomores in attendance, some already committed and others who will be soon.
The sophomore’s top-10 list was taken over by electric pitching. At least half of the names on the list are ones we prefer on the mound, where they made their strongest impression, including Louisville commit RHP/INF Ben Wiegman (Carmel Catholic) and RHP/OF Eben Heine (Plainfield North).
And, although they have yet to play in their first high school games, the 2021 class represented itself very well at the invite-only event. A number of players emerged from this showcase as high-follow talents, specifically Vytas Valincius (St. Laurence), who will no doubt be contributing to the Vikings’ state title hopes come spring.
TOP 2020 PROSPECTS
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Ben Wiegman RHP / 3B / Carmel Catholic, IL / 2020Louisville commit. 6-foot-3, 205-pound, two-way prospect; muscular frame, broad shoulders and barrel chest. One of the top right-handed pitcher in the 2020 class. Lightning quick arm, works short and from a high ¾ window. Uptempo, tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands square. Fastball jumps out of the hand, late run and sink action, life through the hitting zone, sat at 90 mph, touched 91 once. Curveball, thrown with conviction, late, sharp action, 11/5 shape, 81-82 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, mostly straight, occasional arm-side-run, thrown for strikes, 81-82 mph. Ran a 6.98 laser-timed 60. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load, toe-tap stride. Fast bat, strong contact; 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles at third base. Active feet, works through the baseball, reliable hands. Ability to throw from multiple angles, plus arm strength, clocked at 90 mph across the diamond. |