Underclass Showcase: Infielder Analysis

On Oct. 21 at The MAX, the PBR Illinois staff hosted its final showcase of the 2018 season, the Underclass Showcase. There were more than 80 prospects from the area in attendance, predominantly representing the 2021 class, with a handful of 2022 prospects in the mix. It’s clear that the state’s underclass talent is as bright as ever.

We’ll continue analyzing the prospects who made it to The MAX last month. Next up, the day’s infielders. Christopher Worcester (Lake Park) made a strong statement at his first ever PBR event and comes away as the top infield prospect in attendance. Worcester is an above-average runner for his age and has all the tools to stick at shortstop moving forward.

Bobby Atkinson (St. Rita), a name we are very familiar with, comes in at the No. 2 spot. Atkinson, who currently sits in the top 25 in the class, has one of the better left-handed bats that we have seen to date.

Ethan Bowers (Vernon Hills) rounds out the top three from the event. Bowers ran a 6.86 laser-timed 60, has strength in his swing, and should be able to stick on the infield.

2022 Henry Cichowski (Lockport) just missed the cut but should be one to follow moving forward.

We have the complete reports on the aforementioned prospects below, as well as the write-ups on all 45-plus other infielders who took reps at the showcase last month. We previously published the Statistical Analysis from the event, which you can find here, in addition to this past week’s look at the catchers and outfielders in attendance. Keep an eye out tomorrow when we examine the day’s pitchers.

TOP PROSPECTS

1. Christopher Worcester, INF, Lake Park, 2021
5-foot-10, 165-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing infielder, well-proportioned, athletic build. Confident defender, plays with bounce, moves laterally with ease, soft hands, fields in rhythm, exchanges are quick and clean, plays through the ball. Arm plays short and loose, high ¾ slot, can drop slot, present arm speed, throws topped 84 mph across the diamond. Offensively, athletic, balanced setup, top wrap load, leg kick trigger. Uphill barrel path, strong hands, looks to lift the baseball, fluid rhythm through contact, exit velocity topped 87 mph from a tee. Present foot speed, 7.15 runner in the 60.  

2. Bobby Atkinson, 1B, St. Rita, 2021
5-foot-10, 170-pound, left-handed hitting/throwing infielder, strong, durable frame. At the plate, balanced, relaxed setup, smooth hand load back, slight leg lift trigger, maintains balance. Loose, strong hands, plane works uphill, feel for the barrel in the zone, easy line drive pop, power potential to all fields, rhythm through contact, repeats. Easy bat speed, exit velocity topped 87 mph from a tee. Defensively, comfortable around the bag, steady hands, feet work in rhythm, exchanges are quick and clean, plays through. Long and loose arm action, high ¾ slot, throws carried 75 mph across the diamond. 7.71 runner in the 60.

3. Ethan Bowers, INF, Vernon Hills, 2021
5-foot-11, 175-pound, strong, athletically-built, right-handed hitting infielder. One of the top runners of the event, ran a 6.86 laser-timed 60. At the plate, balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger and maintains balance through contact. Repeatable swing, consistent hard contact, uphill bat path and gap-to-gap approach. 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, natural infield actions, fluid footworks, soft hands and clean exchange and stays low through transfer. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 77 mph.

4. Jaylon Nauden, INF, Marian Catholic, 2021
5-foot-10, 170-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing infielder, athletic build with strength in lower half. At the plate, balanced, open setup, smooth hand load, short stride to even, maintains balance. Strong hands, uphill bat path, line drive abilities with a gap to gap approach, flashed power potential, fluid rhythm through contact. Generates fast bat speed, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, natural actions, feet work in rhythm, soft hands, funnels ball to waist, exchanges are quick and clean, plays through. Gets rid of the ball quick, short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 78 mph across the diamond. 7.40 runner in the 60.

5. Matt Santarelli, INF/RHP, Lockport, 2021
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, athletic frame. Offensively, balanced setup, front foot closed, hands pre-loaded back, short toe drag stride. Barrel path is level and long, line drive ability to all fields, fluid rhythm through contact. Generates bat speed, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively quick footwork, hands work through the baseball, exchanges are quick and clean. Early draw out of the glove, arm plays long with arm speed, high ¾ slot, throws topped 82 mph across the diamond. 7.26 runner in the 60. On the mound, quick foot turn to high knee balance, works in-line, toe lands closed, athletic finish. High front side, short arm action, arm speeds through an over the top slot, easy effort and rhythm throughout. Fastball worked straight, 77-78 mph. Curveball, 12/6 break, tight spin down, 62-66 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, occasional fade, 65-70 mph.

5. Tristan Figus, INF, Buffalo Grove, 2021
5-foot-11, 160-pound, high-waisted, projectable, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced, quiet setup, smooth loading action, short stride and maintains balance throughout. Simple, repeatable swing, flashed bat speed, short, uphill bat path and made a lot of hard contact to the middle of the diamond. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fields from the ground up, reliable hands and works through the baseball. Long arm action, high ¾ to over-the-top slot and throws topped at 74 mph across the diamond. 7.50 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Daniel Baumgartner, INF/RHP, St. Laurence, 2021
6-foot-2, 180-pound, strong, athletically-built, two-way prospect. Offensively, balanced, wide setup, smooth load and short stride. Short bat path, line-drive approach and 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, clean transfer, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 77 mph across the diamond. 7.54 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slight drop and drive delivery, works on-line, lands closed with regular effort throughout. Short arm action comes out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, slight running action, sat 73-76 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 63-67 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, 68-70 mph.

Jack Bikus, INF/RHP, Mundelein, 2021
6-foot-2, 160-pound, long-limbed, projectable, two-way prospect with plenty of room for continued physical development. Offensively, right-handed hitter, slightly crouched setup, short stride, loose levers at times, creates whip with effort throughout. Uphill path, gap-to-gap approach and registered an 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, works around and through the baseball, steady hands and winds up on exchange. Long and loose arm action, over-the-top slot, throws carried across the diamond and topped at 80 mph. 7.69 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm, works across his body and lands slightly closed. Long, loose, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, cutting action at times, sat 77-80 mph. Curveball, best secondary offering, 12/6 shape, depth, 64-65 mph. Changeup, works straight, 68-70 mph.  

Trevor Blum, 1B/3B, Wheaton North, 2021
6-foot, 195-pound left-handed-hitting corner infield prospect with strong, athletic frame. At the plate, balanced, open setup, long stride back even. Long, uphill barrel path, above-average bat strength, occasional gap-to-gap contact; 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, as a third baseman, feet work, hands can be soft. Arm action is long, loose from a high ¾ slot; 73 mph across the infield. At first base, similar actions, feel for the bag. 7.58 runner in the 60.

Elijah Carter, INF, Downers Grove North, 2021
6-foot-2, 185-pound, strong, athletically-built, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall setup, minimal hand load, short stride, long bat path and registered an 83 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 68 mp across the infield. 7.83 runner in the 60.

Henry Cichowski, SS/2B, Lockport, 2022
5-foot-7, 135-pound, right/right middle infield prospect. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load back, short stride. Barrel is long through the zone on an uphill plane, fluid throughout, 71 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, smooth, active footwork, soft hands work into clean exchanges, plays through the ball. Short, athletic arm action from high ¾ slot, 69 mph across the infield. 7.87 runner in the 60.

Tyler Conklin, INF/RHP, Kaneland, 2021
5-foot-9, 170-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, athletic frame. On the mound, athleticism in delivery, live actions, works with tempo, sturdy balance, works in-line, spins to first at finish, rhythm involved. Short arm action, quick, easy arm speed, high ¾ window. Fastball, slight run to arm side, came out easy, 83-84 mph. Curveball, 10/4 gradual break, 67-68 mph. Changeup played 74-77 mph. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, leg kick trigger, slight dive. Level bat path with present  bat speed, strong hands, pull side tendencies, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 84 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through the ball, steady hands, long to release. Arm plays long and loose, winds up, high ¾ slot, throws carried at 86 mph across the diamond. 7.45 runner in the 60.

Matthew Cruise, RHP/INF, Seneca, 2022
5-foot-9, 162-pound two-way prospect with strength in frame, thick lower half. On the mound, right-handed, drop-and-drive type, works on line with some rhythm and effort, toe-closed landing, falls forward. Arm works from a short ¾ slot, slight deception in delivery, can hide the ball. Fastball, works as a sinker, 72-74 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, breaks early, thrown near-fastball arm speed, 63-65 mph. Changeup, decelerates arm speed, some fade, 65-67 mph. A right-handed hitter, balanced setup, wide base, smooth load back, drops hands, bat gets vertical, short leg lift stride. Long, uphill bat path, line drive contact, 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, footwork is quick but unorthodox, long arm action from ¾ slot, 72 mph throws to first. 7.82 runner in the 60.

Jack Dezelan, INF, Maine South, 2021
6-foot, 175-pound, athletically-built, left-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, balanced, slightly open setup and long stride. Swings with intent, loose, quick hands, utilizes lower half, level path and gap-to-gap approach; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, steady hands, long arm action and throws topped at 68 mph across the infield. 7.55 runner in the 60.

Brian Donlea, C/INF/OF, Barrington, 2021
6-foot-1, 190-pound, strong-bodied, multi-positional prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short leg-kick trigger and swings with intent and effort. Long path, powerful approach and registered an exit velocity of 84 mph from a tee. Defensively, worked out behind the plate, on the infield and in the outfield. Behind the plate, reliable hands, quick release, short arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 75 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.20-2.26. From the outfield, throws topped at 84 mph and on the infield throws clocked at 73 mph. 7.51 runner in the 60.

Daniel Donohue, INF, St. Laurence, 2021
5-foot-10, 190-pound, right-handed hitting infielder with a solid lower half. At the plate, balanced setup, long stride, level bat path, line-drive approach and 76 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 69 mph. 8.49 runner in the 60.

Charlie Evans, INF, St. Rita, 2021
6-foot, 165-pound, right-handed hitter. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load and short stride. Long, level bat path and registered a 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 in 8.45.  

Patrick Faith, INF, St. Charles North, 2021
6-foot, 160-pound, switch-hitting infielder; long-limbed, projectable build with plenty of room for continued physical development. 7.35 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Offensively, similar swings from both sides of the plate. Starts balanced, pre-pitch load and short stride. Uphill bat path, hard contact from the right side and registered a 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, feet work well on the move. Short, firm arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 71 mph.

Grant Fowler, INF/OF/RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2021
6-foot-1, 157-pound, long and lean, multi-positional prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, pull approach and registered a 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, worked out in the infield and in the outfield. On the infield, quick release, short arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ slot and throws clocked at 66 mph across the diamond. In the outfield, works through the baseball, clean transfer and throws topped at 71 mph. 7.91 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slight tall and fall delivery, works online down the mound and lands slightly front toe closed. Short arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball works mostly straight, slight running action on occasion, sat 69-71 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 59-62 mph. Changeup, ranged between 56-62 mph.

Nikolas Gofron, 1B, Oswego East, 2022
5-foot-6, 105-pound first baseman. Right-handed hitter, balanced/tall setup, toe closed, short toe-tap stride. Short, uphill bat path, 68 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, short arm action from high ¾ slot, 64 mph across the infield. 8.56 runner in the 60.

Justin Gutierrez, INF/RHP, Nazareth, 2021
5-foot-8, 160-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player. At the plate, balanced, open setup, top wrap load, long stride. Short bat path, line drive ability, uses all fields, rhythm in swing, exit velocity topped 79 mph from a tee. Defensively, hands work, clean exchanges, square up the baseball. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws topped 69 mph across the diamond. 8.48 runner in the 60. On the mound, crunched balance point, strides in-line to home, foot lands square, rhythm in delivery. Arm action is long and loose, lower ¾ arm slot, regular effort. Fastball, flashed ability to sink it, 69-71 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 59-62 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, 63-66 mph.

Tristan Head, SS/2B, Nazareth, 2022
5-foot-10, 155-pound switch-hitting middle infielder with athletic build. At the plate, more looseness as a righty, balanced setup, slight bat wrap in load, high leg lift stride, level bat path produced some line drives. In the left-handed box, similar setup, load, stride, still finds the barrel off the same bat path; topped 75 mph in exit velo from the tee. Defensively, works through the bal, quick and clean exchanges, short and loose arm action from ¾ slot, 72 mph across the infield. 7.64 runner in the 60.

Nicholas Heerde, C/INF/OF, Lincoln-Way East, 2021
5-foot-6, 140-pound, multi-positional prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced, slightly open setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Fluid rhythm, line-drive approach and looks to control the barrel. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, worked out behind the plate, on the infield and in the outfield. On the infield, steady defender, works through the baseball, reliable hands, loose, quick arm, clocked at 76 mph across the diamond. In the outfield, body control, plays through the baseball and throws topped at 76 mph. Behind the plate, quick transfer, short, over-the-top arm action, and throws clocked at 70 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.26-2.34. Ran a 7.95 60.

Trent Henderson, INF, Stevenson, 2021
6-foot, 155-pound, left-handed hitting infielder; lean, athletic build. At the plate, wide setup, slight loading action and short stride. Loose levers, creates whip at times, gap-to-gap, line-drive approach and 78 mph exit velocity. Defensively, steady hands, long arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 76 mph. 7.41 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Kyle Hussey, INF/RHP, Providence Catholic, 2021
5-foot-11, 163-pound, lean, athletically-built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, controlled, tall and fall delivery and works on-line. Long, quick arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, straight action, sat 79-81 mph. Curveball, best out of the wind up, 12/6 shape, sharp action, 66-69 mph. Chaneup, arm-side-run and sinking action, 73-74 mph. Ran a 7.15 laser-timed 60. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride and maintains balance throughout. Fluid rhythm, bat works level through the zone, gap-to-gap approach; 77 exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, winds up through exchange, long, loose arm action, throws carried across the diamond and topped at 80 mph.

Jack Irwin, INF/RHP, Plainfield Central, 2021
5-foot-9, 150-pound, left-handed hitting/right-handed throwing two-way player, athletic frame. On the mound, short side step to crunched balance, works in-line to home, foot lands square, rhythm in delivery, closed setup in stretch. Short arm action, arm speeds through a high ¾ window, some arm recoil after release. Filled up the zone with strikes. Fastball worked straight, 76-78 mph, topped 79 mph. Curveball, 12/6 gradual break, 61-65 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, played 65-71 mph. Offensively balanced, crouched setup, body/hands load back, leg lift trigger. Short barrel path, flashed hard line drive contact to all fields, rhythm throughout. Quick bat speed, exit velocity topped 78 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays deep, steady hands, exchanges are quick and clean. Short, quick arm, high ¾ slot, ball comes out, throws topped 73 mph across the diamond. Present foot speed, 7.13 runner in the 60.  

Bennett Kelly, INF, Peoria Notre Dame, 2021
6-foot, 165-pound, long, athletically-built, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, tall, open setup and long stride. Hands work on top of the baseball, level bat path, line-drive approach and 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, steady defender, flashed soft hands, fluid footwork on the move and clean transfer. Ability to throw from multiple arm angles and throws topped at 75 mph. 7.41 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Aidan Kress, RHP/INF, Fenton, 2021
6-foot-2, 185-pound, two-way prospect with a strong build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tilt and topple delivery, works on-line down the mound and lands slightly open at times. Short arm action from a high ¾ window. Fastball, cutting action at times, sat 78-80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, occasional late action, 66-68 mph. Changeup, cutting action, 72-75 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, long, level bat path and registered a 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, arm works short and from a ¾ slot, accurate throws topped at 77 mph. Ran the 60 at 7.74.

Christopher LeCrone, INF, Dunlap, 2021
6-foot-1, 157-pound, right-handed hitting infielder; long, lean, projectable frame. At the plate, open slightly crouched setup, pre-pitch load and leg-lift timing trigger. Path works level through the zone at the times and 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, quick exchange, long arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 74 mph across the infield. 7.87 runner in the 60.

Joe Liss, INF/RHP, Evanston, 2021
5-foot-10, 180-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, strength in frame. On the mound, works at a quick pace, compact balance point, works in-line, foot lands open and heel first, some rhythm. Shoulders leveled, short arm action, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, drops down occasionally. Fastball played straight, some same plane run, 77-78 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 67-69 mph. Changeup, occasional fade, 71-74 mph. At the plate, open setup, minimal load back, toe tap stride to even. Strong hands, short, uphill bat path, exit velocity topped 78 mph from a tee. Defensively, gets low to field, pats glove at exchange, short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, throws topped 72 mph across the diamond. 7.96 runner in the 60.

Ezekiel Lopez, 2B/RHP, Morton West, 2022
5-foot-4, 146-pound right/right two-way prospect. At the plate, pre-pitch movement, balanced setup, shifts weight back, slight bat wrap load, short stride. Long, level bat path; 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, controlled footwork, arm action is long from high ¾ slot; 70 mph across the infield. 8.74 runner in the 60. On the mound, rocks into drop-and-drive delivery, works on line, lands slightly open. Long arm action from high ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, 66-67 mph, touched 70 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 49-50 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, 57-61 mph.

Matthew Melendez, INF, Notre Dame, 2021
5-foot-6, 140-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, active feet, hands bar back, short leg lift stride. Bat path is short and uphill through contact, pull side tendencies, exit velocity topped 82 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick feet, hands work, clean exchanges. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 72 mph across the diamond. 7.32 runner in the 60.

Nathan Mosqueda, INF, Brother Rice, 2021
5-foot-6, 140-pound, left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing infielder, athleticism in frame. At the plate, balanced, wide setup, smooth load, short leg lift stride. Short stroke, works uphill, loose hands, flashed line drive ability to the pull side, rhythm involved. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 81 mph from a tee. Steady defender, feet work in rhythm, hands deaden the baseball, glove pat at exchange. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 78 mph across the diamond. 7.27 runner in the 60.

Alex Rangel, INF, West Aurora, 2021
5-foot-6, 165-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, thick build. At the plate, starts from a balanced setup and short stride. Aggressive swing, long, level bat path and line-drive approach. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, clean, quick release on the move to his glove side. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 69 mph. 8.74 runner in the 60.

Michael Rastrelli, C/INF, Mundelein, 2021
5-foot-10, 145-pound, well-proportioned, wiry, right-handed hitting catcher/infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, minimal load and short heel-lift stride. Simple swing, short bat path, line-drive approach and looks to control the barrel. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Behind the plate, athletic actions. Soft hands, clean and quick out of the crouch, Short arm action, works over-the-top and throws were true with carry, topped at 77 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.16-2.30. On the infield, steady defender, reliable hands, maintains body control on the move, loose arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 76 mph. 7.96 runner in the 60.

Zach Rees, INF, Glenbard West, 2021
5-foot-9, 160-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing infielder, athleticism in frame. Defensively, quick feet, moves well laterally, steady hands, exchanges are quick and clean. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws topped 70 mph across the diamond. Offensively, tall setup, hands load back, leg kick trigger, some dive over plate. Uphill barrel path, thinks middle of the field, exit velocity topped 79 mph from a tee. 7.48 runner in the 60.

Sam Ruchala, 3B, Andrew, 2022
6-foot, 160-pound with advanced lanky, athletic frame. At the plate, right-handed, balanced/tall setup, hands load back, crouches into short leg lift stride. Loose hands, fast bat, long barrel path on slightly uphill plane. Occasional line drives, looks middle, jumps off the barrel, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, gets low, fluid feet. Short, over-the-top arm action, 69 mph across the infield. 7.66 runner in the 60.

Colin Ryan, INF, Hampshire, 2021
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth back load, short leg lift stride. Barrel path is long, works uphill, high two-handed finish, exit velocity topped 76 mph from a tee. Defensively squares up the baseball, funnels ball into waist, clean exchanges, pats glove. Short arm action, ¾ slot, throws topped 72 mph across the diamond. 8.19 runner in the 60.

Cristian Santiago, C/INF, Mundelein, 2021
5-foot-8, 148-pound, well-proportioned, multi-positional prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, narrow, crouched setup, smooth load and short leg-kick timing trigger. Fluid rhythm, long, uphill bat path, gap-to-gap approach and 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, worked out behind the plate and on the infield. Behind the plate, soft hands, clean and directional out of the crouch. Short, over-the-top arm action and throws topped at 72 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.30-2.43. On the infield, fluid footwork at times, steady hands and throws clocked at 72 mph across the infield. 7.52 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Mark Skarzynski, INF/RHP, Mundelein, 2021
5-foot-9, 150-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, high-waisted, lanky frame. At the plate, balanced setup, minimal load, leg kick trigger. Uphill barrel plane, short path, used all fields, flashed line drive contact, present bat speed, exit velocity topped 78 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick footwork, plays deep, long to release, short, whippy arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 75 mph across the diamond. 7.43 runner in the 60. On the mound, up-down-out delivery, compact, high-knee balance, slightly cross-bodied to home, foot lands square, spin to first at finish. Short arm action, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball, slight run, played up, 70-73 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 61-63 mph. Changeup, slight fade with arm speed, 67-70 mph.

Kyle Steele, INF/RHP, Naperville Central, 2021
5-foot-10, 155-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player. On the mound, long rocker step to high knee, coiled balance, short stride in-line to home, toe lands closed, recoil at finish. Short arm action, arm speeds through an over the top slot, some effort. Fastball played straight, favored glove side, 79-80 mph, topped 81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, early off the hand, 57-60 mph. Changeup faded, 70-72 mph. Offensively, balanced setup, active body, back load, long leg kick trigger. Barrel path is long, works on an uphill plane, exit velocity topped 75 mph from a tee. Defensively, gets low to field, squares up the ball, long to release. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 83 mph across the diamond. 7.63 runner in the 60.

Anthony Tado, INF, St. Laurence, 2021
5-foot-8, 140-pound, left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing infielder. Defensively feet work in rhythm, steady hands, exchanges are quick and clean, plays through. Arm plays long and loose, high ¾ slot, accurate throws topped 75 mph across the diamond. At the plate, narrow, open setup, bar load, long stride. Level bat path, works the middle of the field, exit velocity topped 77 mph from a tee. 7.58 runner in the 60.

Matthew Tarr, INF/C, West Aurora, 2022
5-foot-11, 165-pound, athletically-built, catcher/infielder. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, athletic setup, smooth load and short stride. Long bat path, works uphill at times, gap-to-gap approach and registered an 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, behind the plate, agile blocker, clean transfer, short arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 74 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.20-2.36. On the infield, plays tall through exchange at times, loose, quick arm and throws clocked at 78 mph. 7.63 runner in the 60.

Logan Van Heuklon, C/INF/RHP, Dunlap, 2021
5-foot-10, 165-pound, athletically-built, multi-positional prospect. 7.55 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, pre-pitch load and long stride. Long bat path, level through the zone at times and 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, worked out behind the plate and on the infield. Behind the plate, flexible hips, sure hands, loose arm action and throws topped at 74 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.22-2.43. On the infield, throws clocked at 73 mph across. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, side rocker step delivery, lands square and finishes towards first base with regular effort throughout. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball worked straight, sat 74-75 mph, touched 77. Curveball 11/5 shape and sat 62-64 mph.

Grant Vosburgh, INF, Oswego, 2021
6-foot-3, 175-pound, two-way prospect with a strong, athletic build. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced slightly open setup, leg-lift timing trigger, aggressive, lift in swing and registered an 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, reliable hands, clean release, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 77 mph. 7.58 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow and controlled delivery, works on-line and lands square. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and regular effort. Fastball, cutting action at times, 75-77 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, around the zone, 64-67 mph. Changeup down in the zone, 70-71 mph.

Lucas Waunn, C/INF, Fenwick, 2021
5-foot-10, 155-pound, lean, left-handed hitting catcher/infielder. At the plate, wide setup, smooth load, short stride. Minimal wasted movement, level through the zone, middle of the field approach and registered an 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, behind the plate, steady hands, clean release, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 68 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 2.30-2.44. On the infield, shuffles through release and throws clocked at 69 mph. 7.77 runner in the 60.

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