Week 2 Games
March 27, 2023
The Illinois Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the PBR Scouting Staff during the season. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects, and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times, and more. Simply put, the Illinois Scout Blog is loaded with information …
SLUH (MO) vs Edwardsville - 3/25/23
By: Diego Solares
Area Scout, Illinois & Missouri
Cole Funkhouser, INF, Edwardsville, 2023
Central Missouri signee. Athletic frame that tacked on strength over the off-season, now standing more sturdy in stature. Earned a mention within our Week 1 Scout Blog after an impressive look at the Kickoff Classic. Hit leadoff for the Tigers in this look, starting at second base. Simple balanced presence in the box, loads in rhythm as hands work back and tip, strides short and controlled through contact, plenty hitterish. Short, direct path to contact, simple with a knack for the barrel, all-fields feel. Took an 88 mph fastball deep into the right-center gap for a triple in his first at-bat, did so again for an RBI single in his second - finished the game with three hits total. Continues to show advanced actions on the infield too - constantly in rhythm with his lower half, soft hands cradle the baseball out front, quick releases in IO pre-game. An on-the-rise senior that’s started his final year off on a high note.
Cole Funkhouser
Joseph Chiarodo, RHP, Edwardsville, 2025
Alabama commit, one of the top sophomores in the state. 5-foot-11, 180-pound athlete that’s added strength over the winter, particularly in the lower half, filling out the uniform more. Started on the mound for the top-ranked Tigers on Saturday afternoon, earning the win after three dominant innings, striking out eight. Athletic mover down the mound, creates momentum as front hip coils inward to balance point, stacks onto his backside, works in a drop/drive pattern. Lead leg swings to footstrike, throws onto a firm lead leg, intentful through release with some effort. Short tight arm path, finishes from a high ¾ slot with arm speed out front. Fastball held 87-89 mph, played straight and favored the glove side. Turned to a slider often, flashed late lateral spin at 78-79 mph with comfort to throw it in all counts. Faded a changeup at 82-83 mph almost exclusively to left-handed hitters. Also impressed offensively in this look. Was on the barrel with authority twice to the opposite field from a short, fast right-handed swing, standing up for a triple and plating a run on a single, too. Continues to be a high-end name in the state’s 2025 class.