By Brian Duffy

The Prep Baseball Report Prospect Identification Showcase on Oct. 2 at The Max featured several impressive players ranging from the Class of 2012 through 2014. A look at the top players at the event:

Top Class of 2012 Prospects

1. Lincoln Herendeen, SS/RHP, Marian Central Catholic HS, Class of 2012
Herendeen was the top overall prospect from the event. The 5-foot-11, 185-pound two-way talent showcased well in the field and on the mound. Offensively, Herendeen displayed a quick bat and strong lower half while hitting line drives. In the field, Herendeen’s feet and hands worked well together and displayed a solid arm (81 mph) across the infield. On the mound, he sat at 83-84 mph and showcased a quick arm and clean delivery. Herendeen also displayed a tight, late breaking curveball that came in at 75 mph.

2. Josiah Carlson, RHP/OF, Glenbrook South HS, Class of 2012
The long and loose 6-foot-4, 165-pounder is an extremely projectable right-hander. Carlson came from a high ¾ arm slot with a fastball that sat at 80-81 mph with arm side run. With his body type and arm looseness, Carlson should see his velocity spike in the coming years. His curveball displayed some bite drown in the zone and came in at 69-71 mph. His changeup was thrown with good arm speed and exhibited fade. Carlson exhibited a clean arm action with good rhythm and a feel for all three pitches.

3. George Stellas, OF, Glenbrook South, Class of 2012
Stellas showcased as a quality unsigned outfield prospect. The 5-foot-11, 165-pound athletic left-handed hitter showcased the best all-around swing at the event. He has a quiet, compact swing in which he consistently squared up the ball. Stellas’ short approach will allow him to have success at any level. In the field, he moved well and showcases a solid arm (81 mph) with carry. Stellas also ran a 7.09 60.

4. Connor Bieda, C/3B, Fremd HS, Class of 2012
Bieda performed as the top defensive catcher at the event. The 5-foot-10, 170-pound player threw pop times in the 2.01-2.08 range, consistently on the bag. Bieda additionally displayed arm strength from the crouch, throwing 78-79 mph. Offensively, Bieda displays a short, balanced swing that stayed inside the ball. He used the entire field and hit line drives consistently.

5. Anthony Mack, MIF/OF, Libertyville HS, Class of 2012
Mack is an athletic left-handed hitting middle infielder who showed well in all facets of the game. In the field, Mack exhibited solid actions and soft hands while moving through the ball. The lean 6-foot-1, 170-pound player displayed good body control and an accurate arm in the field. At the plate, the left-handed hitter exhibited looseness in his swing and barrel whip through the zone. Mack additionally worked the middle of the field with line drives. Mack also ran a 7.2 60.

6. Scott Irving, RHP, Stevenson HS, Class of 2012
Irving is a lean 6-foot-2, 150-pound right-hander who has a loose, quick arm. His fastball sat at 82 mph as he displayed a clean arm action and good rhythm throughout his mechanics. Irving’s curveball showed 11/5 shape and flashed tight break.

7. Wyatt Spector, LHP, Lake Zurich HS, Class of 2012
Spector is a long and loose 6-foot-4  left-hander with good rhythm throughout his mechanics. Spector operates from a ¾ arm slot with a fastball that sat at 79-80 mph. His curveball showed 11/5 shape. Spector is an unsigned projectable lefty who is an interesting prospect to watch.

8. John Forsythe, LHP/OF, Maine South HS, Class of 2012
The 5-foot-10, 170-pound left-hander demonstrated the ability to command the strike zone with three pitches. Coming from a ¾ arm slot with a short backside arm action, his fastball sat at 81-82 mph with run. His curveball showed an 11/5 shape with tight spin and changeup exhibited sink down in the zone. Forsythe performed at a high level throughout the fall prospect program.

9. Tim Sonnefeldt, C/3B, Whitney Young HS, Class of 2012
Sonnefeldt is a 5-foot-11, 185-pound catcher. Defensively, Sonnefeldt threw a 2.05 pop time on the bag. He also blocked and received well behind the plate. Offensively, the left-hand hitting catcher showcased a short path through the zone. His swing was easy and relaxed while spraying line drives to all fields.

10. Bronson Wittkamp, LHP/1B, Schaumburg HS, Class of 2012
The 5-foot-11, 200-pound left-hander operated from a high ¾ arm slot. His fastball topped at 81 mph and sat at78 mph. Wittkamp showed good rhythm and displayed a feel for three pitches that were all located down in the zone. He displayed a clean arm action on his change which displayed sink. He also showcased a short 11/5 break on his curveball.

Other Class of 2012 Prospects to Watch:

Jeremy Berger, INF/RHP, Buffalo Grove HS, Class of 2012
The 5-foot-9 Berger showcased at several infield positions. He showed reliable hands and an accurate arm. At the plate, Berger squared up the ball. On the mound, Berger operated from a ¾ arm slot with a fastball that sat at 73-74 mph.

Nick Bianchi, OF/LHP, Prairie Ridge HS, Class of 2012
The physical 6-foot-4, 230-pound player is an interesting prospect to watch. At the plate, the left-handed hitter showed raw power and an extremely strong lower half. Bianchi used a toe tap to load up his lower half before unleashing a powerful swing. In the field, he exhibited a solid arm (82 mph).

Thomas Byrne, MIF, Schaumburg HS, Class of 2012
The 5-foot-8, 151-pound infielder’s hands and feet worked well together in the field. He showcased soft hands and a solid arm while making consistent throws across the infield. At the plate, he displayed a level, balanced swing which produced line drives. He additionally exhibited a short path to the ball and a solid lower half.

Anthony D’Angelo, OF, Stevenson HS, Class of 2012
D’Angelo is an athletically built 6-foot-3, 205-pound left-handed hitting outfielder who ran a 7.28 60. Offensively, D’Angelo showed some power potential at the plate, displaying a balanced swing with a strong lower half. In the outfield, he moved fluidly and took solid routes to the ball.

Stephen Galanopoulos, C/1B, Stevenson HS, Class of 2012
Galanopoulos is a solidly built 5-foot-11, 175-pound catcher who showed well receiving bullpens. Behind the plate, Galanopoulos displayed superior receiving skills and blocked well. Offensively, he showed a quiet approach while exhibiting a level line-drive conducive swing. He also ran a 7.24 60.

Andrew Kroncke, MIF/RHP, St. Charles North HS, Class of 2012
The athletic 5-foot-9, 160-pound middle infielder showcased soft hands while working out front and playing through the baseball. Kroncke hands and feet worked well together as he showcased a solid arm across the field. At the plate, Kroncke started from an open stance and consistently sprayed line drives while staying balanced. Kroncke displayed some whip through the zone and exhibited an active lower half. Kroncke also showed some foot speed by running a 7.18 60.

James Pawlak, RHP/OF, Mt. Carmel HS, Class of 2012
Pawlak showcased athleticism in the field and at the plate. The strong 6-foot, 180-pounder displayed a solid arm (82 mph) from the OF and showed carry on throws. At the plate, Pawlak displayed some power potential and displayed a level swing path. On the mound, the right-hander topped out at 82 mph with his fastball.

Justin Thornton, SS, Elk Grove HS, Class of 2012
Thornton is a long and lean 5-foot-11, 150-pound middle infielder who displayed solid hands in the field. At the plate, Thornton showed a quick bat at times that may project well due to his athleticism.

Top Class of 2013 Prospects

1. Seth Rosenberg, C/RHP, Niles West HS, Class of 2013
The 6-foot, 195-pound left-hand hitting catcher showed as the top defensive catchers, as he threw consistent 2.0 pop times on the bag every time. Rosenberg threw 75 mph from the crouch and demonstrated a quick release. Offensively, Rosenberg hit line drives and displayed some whip through the zone.

2. Michael Fitzgerald, 3B, Metea Valley HS, Class of 2013
The physically advanced 6-foot-3, 195-pounder is a projectable, athletic third baseman. In the field, Fitzgerald displayed a solid arm strength (80 mph) across the field with excellent carry and soft hands. Fitzgerald’s hands worked out front and he displayed a soft back hand. At the plate, Fitzgerald showcased pull side power potential while staying inside the baseball. Fitzgerald continued to show off his athleticism by running a 7.34 60.

3. Frank Perrone, OF, Maine South HS, Class of 2013
Perrone is an athletic 5-foot-10, 165-pound outfielder. Perrone showcased as one of the top outfielders at the event, displaying a strong arm (84 mph) with carry. Perrone took good routes to the ball and played through the ball aggressively. At the plate, Perrone showed some bat speed and a dynamic lower half. He consistently hit line drives and showcased some pull side power potential. Perrone also ran a 7.13 60.

4. Mike Virgilio, LHP/OF, Maine South HS, Class of 2013
The lean 6-foot-2, 160-pound lefty on the mound topped at 80 mph. Virgilio’s arm worked well while operating from a high ¾ arm slot. Virgilio was consistent with his mechanics and arm slot, allowing him to repeat his delivery with all pitches. His curveball showed some bite and depth down in the zone, and change faded arm side. At, the plate he showcased a level swing that hit line drives.

5. Jake Lackovic, OF, Huntley HS, Class of 2013
Lackovic is an athletically built 6-foot-4, 180-pound quick-twitch athlete. Lackovic showcased a strong arm from the OF (86 mph) while taking good routes and playing aggressively through the ball. Lackovic additionally displayed some foot speed, running a 7.19 60. At the plate, he exhibited a level swing and flashed power potential.

6. Justin Gonzalez, INF, Mt. Carmel HS, Class of 2013
Gonzalez showed as one of the top defensive players from the event. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound infielder displayed excellent actions and kept his feet moving while playing through the baseball. Gonzalez displayed soft hands and an accurate arm. At the plate, the left-hand hitting Gonzalez showed an easy, loose swing with barrel whip through the zone as he sprayed hard-hit line drives to all fields.

7. Michael Pilas, RHP/OF, Mt. Carmel HS, Class of 2013
On the mound, the right-hander sat a 81-82 mph while operating from an over the top arm slot. The 5-foot-8, 150-pounder exhibited a clean arm action and good rhythm throughout his mechanics. Pilas’ split-fingered fastball flashed late, hard downward action at times, and his slider also demonstrated sharp two-plane break.

8. Grant Amick, 3B/RHP, New Trier HS, Class of 2013
The strong bodied 6-foot-1, 197-pound prospect is a physically advanced player.  At the plate, Amick showed bat speed and raw power potential. Amick hit line drives to all fields while showcasing a strong lower half. In the field, he displayed a solid and accurate arm across the infield.

9. Bill Hayes, C, Lemont HS, Class of 2013
Hayes is a strong 5-foot-10, 160-pound catcher. Behind the plate, Hayes threw a 2.05 pop time on the bag and exhibited solid catching fundamentals. Offensively, Hayes showed some bat speed and power potential. Hayes exhibited a level swing that hit line drives pull side. He also showed some athleticism running a 7.2 60.

10. Alec Semersky, 1B/OF/RHP, Libertyville HS, Class of 2013
At 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, Semersky is an athletically built prospect who showed solidly at multiple positions. Semersky demonstrated solid athleticism by running a 7.2 60, in addition to an accurate arm in the outfield (78 mph) while playing through the ball. At the plate, Semersky hit line drives and displayed a short path to the ball. His lower half worked well and he remained balanced throughout his swing. At first base, Semerksy demonstrated reliable hands and athletic feet around the bag. On the mound, the submariner topped out at 64 mph.

Other Class of 2013 Prospects to Watch

Dylan Balogh, RHP/3B, Barrington HS, Class of 2013
The 6-foot-2, 170-pound right-hander has a loose arm and a lean, projectable frame. He operated from a high ¾ arm slot with a fastball that sat at 78-79 mph and topped at 80 mph. Balogh showed a feel for a changeup and curveball displayed some depth.

Ben Browdy, MIF, Deerfield HS, Class of 2013
Browdy is a 5-foot-11, 160-pound infielder who performed well in all parts of the game. Defensively, Browdy’s hands and feet work well together while playing through the ball. Browdy additionally exhibited an accurate arm (75 mph) with carry across the infield.  At the plate, he showcased a level, short stroke that worked the middle of the field with line drives.

Connor Hanrahan, MIF, Lake Forest HS, Class of 2013
The wiry 6-foot, 140-pound infielder displayed solid hands in the field. Offensively, he found the barrel with a level swing.

John Hopkins, RHP/INF, Kaneland HS, Class of 2013
Hopkins is a 6-foot-1, 145-pounder who ran a 7.12 60. In the field, Hopkins moved well laterally and at the plate he worked the middle of the field with line drives. On the mound, Hopkins sat at 73-75 mph with some arm side run.

Brian Jenner, OF/2B, Providence Catholic HS, Class of 2013
Jenner is a solidly built 6-foot, 170-pound left-handed hitting outfielder. In the field, Jenner showed a solid arm (81 mph) from the OF while playing though the baseball. At the plate, Jenner’s short and balanced swing allowed him to consistently hit line drives. Jenner’s quiet offensive approach produced throughout the Fall Prospect Program.

Dan Kavanagh, 3B/SS, Prospect HS, Class of 2013
Kavanagh is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound infielder who showcased well in all facets of the game. At the plate, Kavanagh started from a slightly open stance and showcased looseness in his swing. Kavanagh hit line drives while his barrel whipped through the zone. In the field, he showed a solid arm and worked out front with his hands.

Jared Knoespel, OF/LHP, Hononegah HS, Class of 2013
The 5-foot-11, 155-pound left-hand hitting outfielder moved well taking good routes and showed a solid arm (81 mph). At the plate, he started in an open stance and showed some bat speed. His swing stayed level through the zone.

Cal Laird, LHP/1B, Fenwick HS, Class of 2013
Laird is a lean 6-foot-1, 165-pound lefty. On the mound, Laird operated from a high ¾ arm slot with a fastball that sat at 75-77 mph. Laird located all pitches down in the zone and showed a feel for three pitches.

Dario Lopez, INF/RHP, Brother Rice HS, Class of 2013
Lopez is a smooth 5-foot-11, 155-pound infielder with solid hands and actions. Dario fielded well on the move and displayed an accurate arm. At the plate, Dario showcased a level swing and sprayed line drives.

Daniel Patterson, SS/RHP, Whitney Young HS, Class of 2013
Patterson showed a quick bat that found the barrel at times. In the field, the lean 6-foot, 170-pound infielder’s hands worked out front while playing through the ball.

Craig Quick, RHP/3B, Crete-Monee HS, Class of 2013
The lean 6-foot, 170-pound right-hander operated from an over the top arm slot with a fastball that sat at 77-78 mph. His arm worked clean and he remained balanced throughout his mechanics.

Thaddeus Rogozinski, OF/RHP, Fenwick HS, Class of 2013
The strong bodied 6-foot-1, 190-pound player displayed a level swing and showed some power potential to all fields. Rogozinski consistently hit line drives and utilized his strong lower half. Rogozinksi’s level stroke produced throughout the Fall Prospect Program.

Zack Wade, C, Deerfield HS, Class of 2013
Zack Wade is a 5-foot-10, 175-pound catcher who showed solid fundamentals for the game. Behind the plate, Wade registered consistent and accurate pop times between 2.13-2.18. Wade additionally blocked and received exceptionally well during bullpen sessions. Offensively, Wade stayed balanced and showed excellent rhythm in his swing. Wade hit line drives and used all field. 

Tyler Ward, C/3B/OF, Hinsdale Central HS, Class of 2013
Ward is a 5-foot-11, 165-pound fundamentally sound defensive catcher. Behind the plate, he threw a pop time of a 2.12 and was consistently on the bag with all throws. Ward threw 75 mph from the crouch and displayed a quick transfer. He also ran a 7.35 60.

Class of 2014 Prospects

Noah Greenberg, INF, Libertyville HS, Class of 2014
Greenberg is a 5-foot-9, 160-pound player who displayed a level swing at the plate that at times hit line drives. In the field, Greenberg showed solid hands.

Luke Johnson, SS/RHP, Lake Forest HS, Class of 2014
Johnson is a 5-foot-9, 135-pound player who showcased solid hands and an accurate arm in the infield. At the plate, Johnson showed some whip through the zone and a balanced swing.

Ryan Krainz, MIF, Naperville North HS, Class of 2014
The 5-foot-3, 125-pound infielder is small in stature, but possesses all the fundamentals necessary to be a highly productive high school player. In the field, Krainz showed solid actions and fielded the ball out front. Krainz showcased soft hands and an accurate arm across the infield. The left-hand hitting Krainz showed a level swing path and an overall fundamental approach. With continued physical development, Krainz will be a player to watch.

Kristian Meyer, INF/OF, Fenwick HS, Class of 2014
Meyer is a 5-foot-7, 135-pound outfielder. In the field, Meyer showed an accurate arm while moving through the ball. Meyer at the plate found the barrel at times.

Zack Miller, 1B/ RHP, York HS, Class of 2014
The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder displayed a level swing that at times found the barrel and hit line drives.

Dan O’Neill, OF/SS, Wheaton Academy HS, Class of 2014
The 5-foot-10, 160-pounder displayed a level swing that found the barrel. O’Neill displayed a balanced swing and solid lower half.

Chris Pedrak, RHP/3B, Downers Grove South, Class of 2014
Pedrak operated from a high ¾ arm slot with a fastball that sat at 73-74 mph. The 5-foot-11, 177-pound righty showed a feel for a changeup and located it down in the zone. At the plate, Pedrak exhibited a well-balanced swing while hitting line drives. Defensively, Pedrak displayed solid hands and an accurate arm at third base.