Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Underclass Showcase: Middle Infield Analysis

November 19, 2014

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

The Prep Baseball Report Underclass Showcase featured 89 prospects in the 2017 and 2018 classes on October 26th indoors at the MAX in McCook, IL. Over the next several days the PBR Scouting staff will roll out position-by-position rankings of the event, culminating with the Top Ten Overall Prospects from the showcase.

Click Here to view the article on top statistical performers from the event.

Today let’s take a look at the top middle infield prospects led by Mount Carmel’s Zion Pettigrew. Pettigrew could join a loaded infield this spring with Michigan commit Ako Thomas and Indiana commit Jeremy Houston. Pettigrew does everything naturally on the field, and projects to have a plus arm. The only tool he presently lacks is foot speed, but his running mechanics are smooth, and he projects to be an average runner at least.

Competition at the top was extremely stiff, as middle infield was the deepest position at the Underclass Showcase. Kenwood’s Taylor Jackson edged out the competition for the No. 2 spot thanks to his foot speed and fluid fielding actions.

Lake View’s Justin Diaz impressed at the plate and in the field with his lanky and projectable frame, and already possess an above average high school arm.

Manteno’s Easton Bertrand, our top outfield prospect, may have corner infield type actions, but the athletic package is hard to ignore.

Edwardsville’s Kade Burns had one of the top left-handed swings at the event, and also impressed with above average arm strength across the diamond at 83 mph.

Because of the amount of middle infielders, we’ve ranked the top ten 2017 prospects, and also have listed five 2018’s to keep an eye on over the next several years.

Top 2017 Middle Infield Prospects

1. Zion Pettigrew, SS, Mount Carmel, 2017
6-foot, 165-pound lanky and athletic right-handed hitting shortstop hits from a balanced, athletic setup, hands load smoothly, short stride, explosive bat speed, short path gets extension, plus feel for barrel, fluid rhythm through produced line drives from gap-to-gap future power potential, 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Pettigrew has an advanced presence and approach in the box. Defensively, threw 85 mph across the diamond from short, loose, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. High athletic arm with future plus potential. Soft hands fielding, fluid footwork, athletically plays through the baseball, overall plus infield actions for his age. Ran a 7.53 60.

2. Taylor Jackson, SS/OF, Kenwood, 2017
5-foot-7, 145-pound multi-positional player, lean athletic frame, thin build, projects really well. Quick twitch type athlete, fluid athleticism high upside. Ran an event best 60 at 6.92. Offensively hits from an open stance, smooth loading action, short stride, maintains strong balance through contact. Bat speed is present, excellent path to the baseball, gets good extension, hands work extremely well. Line drive type hitter with gap to gap potential, hard contact hits off of firm front side, excellent barrel control. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played both outfield and middle infield, looks to project better as a middle infielder. Advanced athletic actions, moves quickly and attacks the baseball, highly athletic and plays through the baseball well. Natural defender on the infield, soft hands and excellent body control with athletic arm action, short loose, quick release from high ¾ slot. 79 mph from the outfield, 75 mph across the diamond.

3. Justin Diaz, MIF/RHP, Lake View, 2017
5-foot-11, 150-pound lanky and athletic right-handed hitting middle infielder/right-handed pitcher hits from a balanced setup, hands load back smoothly, short stride, above average bat speed, short, level bat path produced line drives from gap-to-gap with fluid rhythm throughout. 78 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, showcased plus hands fielding the baseball, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball. Arm works athletically, short, loose, high ¾ slot with carry and accuracy at 82 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.49 60. On the mound, fastball sat 81-84 mph with sink from short, quick, and loose high ¾ slot. 66-68 mph curveball showed 12/6 shape, 70-71 mph slider had sweeping action, gets on the side of it at times. Tall and fall type delivery, smooth rhythm, level shoulders throughout delivery, lands square but slightly across his body. Diaz has legitimate two-way potential at the next level and is a high follow prospect over the next three years.

4. Easton Bertrand, OF/MIF, Manteno, 2017
6-foot-2, 175-pound lanky, athletic, projectable right-handed hitting outfielder/middle infielder hits from a square setup, short stride, balanced throughout swing, short, level bat path produced line drives from gap-to-gap during batting practice with 78 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 86 mph from the outfield from short, high ¾ to ¾ arm slot. Arm slot fits more in the infield. Impressed defensively at short, but may be a third baseman if he outgrows the middle of the diamond. Threw 85 mph from short across the diamond with soft hands, quick and fluid footwork, plays through the baseball. Ran a 6.98 60. Bertand is a high follow prospect in the class of 2017.

5. Kade Burns, MIF, Edwardsville, 2017
Left-handed hitting middle infielder, 5-foot-9, 155-pounds, lean athletic frame. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, slightly open, short stride, good balance throughout. Controls the bat well, smooth hitter, gap to gap approach, short path, advanced bat speed. 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a long arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate arm across the diamond, arm carries well, advanced arm strength at 83 mph across the diamond. Hands played softly, plays through the baseball well, could project better at third base, arm will clearly play from the left side of the infield. Above average runner for his age, laser timed 7.23 in the 60 yard dash.

6. Tommie Washington, INF/C, Harlan, 2017
5-foot-9, 155-pound infielder/catcher, athletic frame. Offensively hits from a tall open stance, smooth loading action, short stride. Showed bat speed, has a presence/approach in the box. Short path to the baseball, line drive hitter with gap to gap approach. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively looks to be presently more advanced as a catcher, quick footwork out of the chute, exchange is quick and gets rid of it well, athletic receiver. Posted 2.09-2.18 pop times Arm action is short, high ¾ slot, accurate arm. 73 mph out of the crouch, 81 mph across the diamond. Infield actions will play, suited more for a corner spot, clean soft hands. 7.49 runner in the 60.

7. Tavion Towers, MIF, Harlan, 2017
5-foot-9, 150-pound middle infielder, lanky frame, athletic make up, highly projectable body. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, slightly spread out, smooth loading action, short stride, good balance through contact, overall athletic setup and timing. Excellent barrel awareness, line drive middle of the field approach, loose athletic hands, good timing. Bat speed present, strength will come, advanced approach at the plate for his age, presence in the box. 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. Showed natural infield actions, played through the baseball, feet worked and showed body control when on the move, hands are soft and play cleanly. 7.35 runner in the 60, laser timed.

8. Zach Frieling, MIF, Chicago Christian, 2017
5-foot-10, 150-pound athletic right-handed hitting middle infielder hits from a wide base, slightly open stance, short stride, balanced throughout swing, short, slightly uphill path with occasional extension, fluid rhythm, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, threw 76 mph across the infield from short, high ¾ arm slot with average carry across the diamond. Soft hands, fluid footwork, athletic actions playing through the baseball when fielding. Ran a 7.34 60.

9. Dominic Connolly, MIF, Lemont, 2017
5-foot-6, 130-pound middle infielder, projects well, athletic frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, maintains excellent balance through contact, athletic setup, quiet. Showed loose hands with bat control, athletic hitter, line drive gap to gap approach, fluid rhythm in the box. Advanced approach and bat control for age. Defensively showed soft hands on the infield, fluid footwork, 7.50 runner. Arm played strong for age, high ¾ slot, 78 mph across the diamond. Showed the ability to play athletically while on the move, athletic arm action and good body control.

10. Alex Skibba, RHP/MIF, Peoria Notre Dame, 2017
5-foot-10, 135-pound two-way player, long legged, thin build, projects well. Showed higher upside on the mound, delivery has athleticism, arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot, quick arm. Fastball has run, showed knowledge of the zone, sat 80-81 mph. Curveball played, advanced for age, 12/6 shape, tight spin showed depth, 67-68 mph with feel for the zone. Showed a knuckleball as third pitch, 68-69 mph. Showed presence on the mound, good body language and tempo. Offensively hits from the right side, open stance. Loose hands creates whip, lacks some repeatability, excess pre pitch movement. Raw bat speed, 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively has a long loose arm action, flashes some quick twitch action in the infield. Arm played at 82 mph across the diamond. Runs the 60 at 7.52. High upside prospect, strong follow.

Top 2018 Middle Infield Prospects (Listed Alphabetically)

Payton Burch, SS, New Trier, 2018
5-foot-4, 116-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from a crouched, slightly open stance, short stride, good balance through contact. Compact approach, spray hitter, contact/singles hitter. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed soft actions, athletic defender, quick/fluid footwork, plays through the baseball, natural defender, projects well as a second base type. Arm action is short, high ¾ arm slot, athletic arm action, gets rid of well on the move, 68 mph arm across the diamond. 7.71 runner in the 60.

Francois Castillo, OF/INF, Clemente, 2018
5-foot-9, 168-pound multi-positional player. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short stride, stays balanced, athletic setup. Loose hands, path works, gets extension, fluid hitter, timing is present. 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 74 mph across the infield and topped at 83 mph from the outfield, over the top slot. Athletic defender, plays on the balls of his feet, moves well and has a feel for multiple positions. 7.75 runner in the 60, athletic stride, will get quicker with maturity.

Jonathan Cruz, SS/RHP, South Elgin, 2018
5-foot-10, 135-pound right-handed hitting shortstop/right-handed pitcher hits from a balanced setup, hands load back smoothly, short stride, short bat path gets extension, fluid rhythm, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, threw 73 mph across the diamond from long, high ¾ arm slot with average carry. Average hands fielding the baseball with quality infield actions. Ran a 7.53 60. On the mound, fastball sat 71-73 mph from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, straight up and down leg lift, works slightly across his body with stride direction, lands square. 64-65 mph shows gradual break, 11/5 shape, 67-69 mph changeup flashed sinking action.

Ryan Howe, SS/RHP, Prospect, 2018
5-foot-8, 132-pound two-way player, lanky frame with projection. Offensively hits from an open stance, smooth loading action and short stride. Swings with loose hands at the plate, occasionally lunges, good approach with bat speed, tendency to pull the baseball. 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a long arm action, high ¾ slot, 74 mph across the diamond. Hands showed playability. On the mound uses a tall and fall delivery, easy effort, lands square, repeatable delivery. High ¾ arm slot, loose arm action. Fastball sits 72-74 mph, topped at 75 mph. Curveball sat 61-63 mph. Changeup has slight sinking action, 64-67 mph.

Cameron Robinson, MIF, Champaign Central, 2018
6-foot-2, 155-pound lanky and athletic right-handed middle infielder hits from a balanced, spread out setup, hands load back smoothly, short stride, lunges at times, fluid rhythm, short, uphill bat path, high finish, produced 78 mph exit velocity. Defensively, impresses with hands fielding and long loose, high ¾ arm action at 73 mph across the diamond. Frame may outgrow the middle of the diamond, profiles on the infield corners. Ran a 7.68 60. Robinson is an extremely projectable freshman who is a high follow over the next several years.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Kyel Alexander, MIF/OF, Morgan Park, 2017
5-foot-6, 130-pound multi-positional player. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride back to even. Path works to stay on top of the baseball, showed quick hands, down and hard contact, ground ball/line drive hitter, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played both outfield and middle infield, uses a long ¾ type arm action at both positions. 75 mph across the infield, 76 mph from the outfield. Showed good feet running the 60 in 7.16 seconds.

Timmy Alfonso, MIF, Saint Viator, 2018
5-foot-8, 120-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder hits from an open setup, hands load back, short stride, long, level bat path with gap-to-gap tendencies produced 76 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 68 mph across the diamond from loose, high ¾ arm slot. Ran a 7.59 60.

Tareef Coleman, MIF, Morgan Park, 2018
5-foot-5, 125-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from an open stance, shorter stride. Path is level, has some length, pull side hitter, 66 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a short arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy across the diamond, 67 mph arm. Ran the 60 at 8.07.

Jeremy Fischer, RHP/SS/C, Normal West, 2018
5-foot-8, 135-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Path has length, pull side approach, short low finish, 69 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played with a long arm action, showed some accuracy, high ¾ slot. Worked out both at catcher and shortstop. Uses slightly shorter arm action when behind the plate. Arm played at 67 mph across the infield and 62 mph out of the crouch. Pop times posted at 2.37-2.57. Tall and fall delivery on the mound, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 66-68 mph. Curveball showed some control, gradual action, 12/6 plane, 51-52 mph. Changeup has sink, 56-58 mph.

Daniel Gutierrez, SS, Marian Catholic, 2017
5-foot-8, 145-pound middle infielder, lanky frame, projectable build. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, arm bar load, short stride, good athletic setup, good balance throughout. Bat path is short, level through the zone, line drive type hitter, loose handed swing, good timing and rhythm. Exit velocity posted at 75 mph. Defensively showed loose athletic action as a middle infielder, hands showed softnes and the ability to play through the baseball, athletic defender, can play well on the move. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, showed carry across the diamond, 75 mph arm strength across the diamond.

Antonio Handley, MIF, Morgan Park, 2018
5-foot-7, 135-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from the right side, open stance, stride works back to even, minimal lower half involvement. Path works slightly uphill, pull side approach, 66 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a short arm action, high ¾ slot, 67 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.78 in the 60.

Dalton Hoel, SS, Tuscola, 2018
5-foot-6, 135-pound switch-hitting shortstop, small frame athletic build. Well above average runner for his age, 7.13 laser-timed 60. Switch-hitter, balanced stance, short stride, good balance throughout. Natural right-handed swing, works the middle of the field, contact/top of the lineup type hitter. Showed bat speed, line drive spray hitter, fluid rhythm. Defensively plays the middle of the infield, uses a short arm action with high ¾ slot, accurate arm at 75 mph across the diamond. Clean exchange and hands work, showed athleticism moving laterally.

Jerimiah Hoskins, MIF/RHP, Harlan, 2017
5-foot-7, 131-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, tall, open stance, short stride. Path works uphill, hands drop at load, 62 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a short arm action, high ¾ slot, 66 mph arm across the diamond. On the mound arm worked similarly to that on the infield. Fastball is straight, 65-70 mph. Showed two breaking balls, both similar in action, gradual sweep, curveball ranged 53-58 mph and slider ranged 56-60 mph.

Nathan Jacobson, MIF/RHP, Crystal Lake, 2018
5-foot-6, 113-pound two-way player, thin build. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, slightly spread out, heel lift stride. Spray hitter, slightly more prone to go opposite field, 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a long high ¾ arm action on the infield (68 mph), showed some body control when on the move. 8.02 runner in the 60. On the mound arm worked similarly, fastball is mostly straight, 64-67 mph, touched 68 mph. Curveball has gradual 11/5 shape, 52-56 mph. Change up has slight sink, 62-63 mph.

Alec Kolter, RHP/SS, Latin, 2018
5-foot-7, 140-pound two-way player. Drop and drive style delivery, works rotationally. High ¾ arm slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 69-71 mph. Slider lacks shape, 56-59 mph. Changeup has slight sink, 60-62 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, linear lower half, crouches at load, chokes up on the bat. Front foot hitter, lunge to hit, 66 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 67 mph arm strength across the diamond, wind-up release.

Yaki Lee, C/MIF, Harlan, 2017
5-foot-7, 157-pound switch hitting catcher/middle infielder, natural right-hander, but more fluid swing from the left side. From the left side uses an open stance, short stride, hands load back smoothly, balanced swing, 76 mph exit velocity, pulled the baseball more from the left side. Same approach from the right-side, not as open in stance, short path, line drives from gap-to-gap with 77 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 76 mph across the diamond from short, 72 mph from the crouch. Impressed more behind the plate thanks to quick hands on the transfer, pop times ranged from 2.16-2.29 seconds. Flashed a short, high ¾, clean arm slot in the infield with some accuracy, average hands fielding. Ran a 7.46 60.

Jack Lucey, MIF, Quincy Notre Dame, 2017
5-foot-10, 157-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder hits from a balanced setup, hands drop to load, short stride, long, uphill bat path with pull tendencies produced 71 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 72 mph across the diamond from long, over-the-top arm slot, with average hands fielding the baseball. Ran an 8.42 60.

Alex Mahaz, MIF/RHP, Hampshire, 2017
5-foot-11, 165-pound strong middle infielder/right-handed pitcher hits from a balanced setup, hands start back and stay back, minimal load, leg kick stride, long, uphill bat path with pull tendencies, above average 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 71 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot with some accuracy. Ran a 7.46 60. On the mound, fastball sat 72-75 mph, touching 75 mph from same slot as in the infield. Shoulders stay level throughout delivery, lands in line with home plate, back side doesn’t get through at times. 61-64 mph breaking ball had gradual break, 11/5 shape. Minimal separation between fastball and 69-71 mph changeup.

Ben Marzec, SS/RHP, Lake Zurich, 2017
6-foot, 165-pound lanky right-handed hitting shortstop/right-handed pitcher hits from an open setup, long stride, turns front toe in to load lower half, hands move back to load coming to a stop before swing, short path, cuts off finish, pull approach during batting practice with 76 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 80 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy, average hands fielding the baseball. Ran a 7.60 60. On the mound, fastball sat 78-80 mph with run from short, high ¾ arm slot, turns over rubber, leads with front hip towards home plate, toe down at balance point, lands slightly closed spins on heel, arm recoils after release. 11/5 shaped curveball with gradual break sat 58-62 mph. Chokes 64-67 mph changeup with palm ball type grip.

Dillon McCarthy, OF/SS, Plainfield North, 2018
5-foot-9, 140-pound, multi-positional player. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, slightly crouched, short stride, loads hands back. Path has some length, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively projects better in the outfield, arm action is long, high ¾ slot, showed accuracy to target. 79 mph from the outfield, 77 mph across the infield. Well above average runner for age, 7.14, laser timed 60.

Jack Oberli, MIF, Glenbard East, 2018
5-foot-6, 135-pound middle infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, minimal lower half involvement. Path works uphill, posted exit velocity of 76 mph off the tee. Defensively plays the ball deep, arm action works from a high ¾ slot, longer action, 64 mph arm strength across the infield. 7.55 runner in the 60.

Jonathan Rooney, MIF, Plainfield South, 2017
5-foot-6, 140-pound middle infielder. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride. Path has length, made opposite field contact, line drive approach. Posted 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays the middle of the infield, high ¾ arm slot, firm arm action, second base type. Arm played at 71 mph across the diamond. 7.47 runner in the 60.

Brian Shaughnessy, RHP/SS, St. Laurence, 2017
5-foot-9, 170-pound two-way player, strong build. Drop and drive delivery on the mound, short arm action. Fastball is mostly straight, 74-76 mph. Curveball showed minimal action, mostly up in the zone, 62-63 mph. Changeup sat 69-73 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, wide base, short to no stride. 70 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed some arm strength from the outfield, 78 mph, short over the top slot. Crowhops through the baseball.

Ben Steiner, MIF, Montini, 2017
5-foot-8, 160-pound middle infielder medium build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, slightly crouched, short stride, drops hands at load. Lifted opposite field contact, level path, lacked extension, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Laser timed 7.75 runner in the 60. Defensively uses a long arm action across the diamond, high ¾ slot, 69 mph arm strength. Hands played average to age level, projects as second base type defender.

Noa Taylor, MIF, St. Laurence, 2017
5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder hits from a balanced, slightly open, setup; hands load back, short stride, balance throughout swing, short, level bat path produced line drives from gap-to-gap with a right-center approach, 78 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 75 mph across the diamond from shortstop from short, loose, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Hands are soft fielding, third base type. Ran an 8.33 60.

Recent Headlines

1.18.15 IL Underclass Slide