By Steve Nielsen

The Unsigned Senior Showcase provided loads of infield talent highlighted by some quick 60 times, strong arms, and soft hands. There were plenty of infielders to go around and a ton of information to analyze and evaluate. Here is a quick sneak peak at a few infielders that showed their athleticism on the infield.  Keep checking back daily as full reports with a more in depth look at the infield positions will follow soon.

Listed in alphabetical order

Brandon Edwards, Bloomington HS, 1B/OF, Class of 2013
Edwards is an athletically built 5-foot-9, 180-pound two-way player that showed well in all facets of the game. Edwards displayed a long arm action producing carry and accuracy to his targets both from first base and the outfield. He showed extremely soft hands and fluid footwork around the bag and when attacking the baseball in the outfield. Edwards showed an aggressive approach at the plate, he showed quick hands producing explosive bat speed. He hits with a pull side approach showing good pop to that side.

Connor Hogan, Lincoln-Way West HS, INF, Class of 2013
Hogan is a well-built 5-foot-10, 165-pound infielder that showed well from third base. Hogan’s arm plays well from the left side of the field using a short over the top arm action that showed above average carry across the diamond. His exchange is clean and plays well from third base showing soft hands and the ability to play the bunt well on the run. Offensively, Hogan has a short quick swing that produces gap to gap line drives. He hits from an open, slightly crouched stance and takes an aggressive approach in the box. All around Hogan showed well as a gap to gap hitting third baseman at the next level.

Connor Kopach, Downers Grove North HS, SS/OF, Class of 2013
Kopach is an extremely athletic shortstop with above average feet. Kopach showed elite foot speed running a 6.79 60 while exhibiting excellent range at shortstop. Defensively Kopach is a high level shortstop his actions are smooth and athletic. His arm showed good carry at 80 mph getting it out quickly with a clean exchange. Offensively Kopach proved to be just as athletic, hitting from a balanced setup and using an explosive lower half. He has the ability to spray line drives from gap to gap showing advanced extension through the baseball.

Stewart Nelson, Lyons Township HS, MIF, Class of 2013
Nelson has put his skills on display a lot over the last month and has consistently proven that he is a high level middle infielder. Nelson again showed easy bat control, with great hands at the plate and in the field Nelson continues to show his ability to spray line drives to the right side with ease. He hits with an inside out approach showing excellent balance in the box. Nelson also posted his best 60 time to date running a 6.58. Defensively, Nelson continues to show soft hands in the field using his quick, fluid footwork to get into great fielding positions on balls to his left and right. Nelson continued to impress again and proves he is one of the better middle infielders in his class.

Alex Wittenauer, Waterloo HS, MIF, Class of 2013
Wittenauer proved to be one of the more athletic players at the event. At 5-foot-10, 170-pounds Wittenauer showcased an athletic frame and above average range. His defensive actions were advanced fielding the baseball well out in front of him with soft fluid hands and a quick clean exchange and release. His arm played well at 79 mph across the diamond showing the ability to deliver the baseball on target with carry, also while on the run. Defensively, Wittenauer makes every play look routine with easy effort. At the dish Wittenauer showed a solid line drive approach, using a short path to the baseball with a very minimal stride. Wittenauer was able to create good extension through the baseball showing a fluid rhythm spraying the ball to both gaps. Wittenauer also ran a 6.96 60.