By Matt Yarber and Sean Duncan

The Prep Baseball Report Unsigned Senior Showcase on Oct. 16 at the Max-McCook Athletic & Exposition Center featured 115 Class of 2012 prospects from all over the state. There were many players who emerged as prospects to pay close attention to, and will undoubtedly be committed in the near future.

Performing in front of more than 50 college coaches, there were several eye-opening performances. Here, we list the top 30 prospects at the event. In the coming days, we will have complete write-ups of all the participants.

A look at the top 30 prospects:

1. Mike Yacko, RHP, Oak Lawn HS
Yacko is a 6-foot, 180-pound right-handed pitcher with an athletic build, a high ¾ arm slot, and smooth rhythm.  Yacko impressed with his ability to command three pitches, all with heavy downward action. Yacko’s fastball sat in the 86-87 mph range, and it featured downward run and sink.  He also showed a slider that had sharp, late action, in the 74-75 mph range. Yacko’s slider can be a legitimate swing-and-miss pitch at the next level.  Yacko, who hides the ball well, also throws a firm changeup that exhibited sink down in the zone. In all, Yacko’s ability to command three pitches – all with movement – should make him one of the most coveted unsigned arms in the Class of 2012.

2. Ray Hunnicutt, OF, Burlington Central HS
No doubt Hunnicutt is one of the premier athletes in the Class of 2012.  The 5-foot-11, 180-pound outfielder certainly proved it, as he ran an event-best 6.59 60.  Defensively, Hunnicutt moves with fluidity and purpose as his athleticism continued to shine. His throws were accurate and topped at 79 mph. Offensively, Hunnicutt has quick hands and demonstrated impressive barrel whip through the zone. With some mechanical refining, Hunnicutt has the natural athleticism and swing looseness to hit for some power as well.  

3. Tanner Scott, C, Burlington Central HS
Scott is clearly one of the best unsigned hitters in the Class of 2012. The solidly built 5-foot-11, 200-pounder takes an aggressive approach at the plate, using an explosive lower half and quick, athletic hands to hammer the baseball with backspin carry. Despite his aggressive approach, he maintains his balance throughout his swing. Scott continued to impress behind the plate, where he demonstrated concise footwork as he delivered accurate pop times all under 2.1, with a best blow of 2.02. From the crouch he was clocked 77 mph.  Offensively, he sets up balanced and has an explosive lower half while maintaining balance throughout his entire swing with fast bat speed. Scott also ran a 7.26 60.

4. Mark DeYoung, RHP/3B, Plainfield Central HS
DeYoung impressed in all facets of the game, proving that the athletically built 6-foot-2, 185-pounder can be a legitimate two-way guy at the next level. With that said, DeYoung certainly will have a future on the mound. The right-hander operates from a high ¾ slot with an easy, loose arm action. He demonstrated rhythm and fluidity throughout his mechanics and, with his arm quickness, he should continue to build on his 84-85 mph fastball.  He also showcased a firm change-up at 79 mph that has sinking action down in the zone.  As a position player, DeYoung impressed with his athletic left-handed swing. He demonstrated impressive barrel whip through the zone. Defensively, DeYoung has athletic feet and used his long legs well at third base.  He also showed solid arm strength (81 mph) across the infield.

5. Chris Myjak, RHP, St. Viator HS
Myjak is a physically impressive 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander who showcased arguably the event’s best pitch: a heavy 78-mph slider with late sweeping action. Myjak’s slider looks to be a legitimate swing and miss pitch. Myjak’s fastball also demonstrated heavy, late sink, topping at 85 mph and sitting in the 83-84 range. Myjak also showed feel for a 76-78 mph changeup. In all, Myjak showed the ability to throw three pitches for strikes, all with heavy movement.

6. Jake Rubin, LHP, Highland Park HS
A 6-foot-3, 200-pound left-handed pitcher, Rubin comes from a high ¾ arm slot. His smooth rhythm and fluid arm allows him to repeat his motion. Rubin’s fastball sat in the 83-85 mph range.  He can then come at you with a changeup that has the same arm speed as his fastball, but is 10-mph slower and featured some sink.

7. Jeremias Delgado, C, Evanston HS
Delgado’s arm strength behind the plate was perhaps the most impressive tool at the entire Unsigned Senior event. Although Delgado is not big in stature, the 5-foot-9, 155-pounder features a big time arm, as he was clocked at 82 mph from the crouch.  His arm strength, coupled with his quick feet, equated to consistent 1.9 pop times with a best time of 1.86.  Moreover, Delgado also impressed by running a 6.94 60 and showed extremely quick hands and a strong arm in the middle infield.  Offensively, Delgado hits with an open setup and demonstrated quick hands at the plate.

8. Chris Maranto, SS, Mundelein HS
Maranto is an athletic 5-foot-10, 165-pound shortstop who displayed soft hands and quick footwork at shortsop. Maranto showcased an extremely quick transfer; he moved with fluid purpose and took concise routes to the ball. Maranto’s athleticism shined in the 60, as he ran a 6.85.  Offensively, Maranto has a narrow setup at the plate. The quick-twitch athlete demonstrated bat speed and swing looseness as he barreled balls to all fields.

9. Kevin Grudzinski, MIF, Hoffman Estates HS
Grudzinski has a solidly built 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame. The middle infielder showed all the necessary tools for success. He ran 6.95 60 time and was clocked at 85 mph across the diamond.  Offensively, Grudzinski has a fundamental approach to his swing, as he used his strong lower half and a short, compact swing to barrel balls with consistent authority. Defensively, he showcased excellent feel for his position, using concise footwork and fluid lateral movements to sho with a short stride that features balance and fast bat speed.  Defensively, Grudzinski displayed good hands and accurate throws across the diamond posting a velocity of 85 mph.

10. Nick McIntee, C, Randolph HS (MN)
Offensively, McIntee took the most impressive round of BP at the event. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound catcher demonstrated a balanced setup, smooth load, a short stride, and fast bat speed through the zone. McIntee has an aggressive, repeatable swing; he gets excellent extension after contact and the ball really jumps off his bat with backspin carry. Defensively, McIntee showcased solid footwork and soft hands during bullpens. His throws were on the bag with pop times ranging between 2.1-2.27.

11. Tanner Giesel, SS, Neuqua Valley HS
Giesel is a 6-foot-2, 184-pound shortstop who demonstrated natural infield instincts.  He showcased quick hands, athletic lateral movements and fluid rhythm. Giesel showed solid arm strength (81 mph) across the infield, in addition to running a 7.2 60.  Offensively, Giesel has a balanced setup and a level bat path.  He is able to generate bat speed and gets good extension after contact.

12. Josh Jimenez, LHP, Minooka HS
Jimenez is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound left-handed pitcher who comes from a low ¾ arm angle. Jimenez hides the ball well and shows good deception. Jimenez’s fastball sat 82-83 mph, and showed some arm-side action. His changeup sat in the 75-77 mph range with the same arm speed as his fastball and features some sink.  His third pitch is a sweeping curveball in the 70-73 mph range, which he throws for strikes.

13. Mark Ash, RHP, Grayslake Central HS
Ash is a 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher who commands three pitches for strikes. Coming from a high ¾ arm slot,  he showed run on his fastball that sat in the 82-84 mph range.  His curveball is a good pitch, as it has 11/5 shape with sharp action in the 68-71 mph range. Ash also filled up the zone with a changeup that demonstrated some fade down in the zone.

14. Mike Trefil, OF, Lyons Township HS
At 6-foot-3, 185 pounds, Trefil is an athletically built outfielder who showed well in all facets. Trefil impressed in the outfield, as he moves with aggressive, athletic movements and delivered accurate throws, topping at 86 mph.  Trefil, who ran a 7.1 60, also impressed with his offensive potential. He has an aggressive approach as he showcased solid bat speed and ability to hit the ball with authority.

15. Sam Santa Maria, INF/OF, Benet Academy HS
Santa Maria is a solidly built 5-foot-11, 185-pound multi-positional talent who showed natural instincts in the field.  From the outfield, Santa Maria had solid carry on his throws (83 mph). He also showed well at third base, showcasing fluid footwork, in addition to accurate throws across the infield.  Offensively, he has a balanced setup, a short stride and takes an economical path to the ball, which resulted well-struck balls to all fields. Santa Maria showed a repeatable, easy swing with the ability to drive the ball with some power.

16. Luke Wians, OF, Hampshire HS
Wians is a 6-foot-0, 160-pound outfielder who proved to be a solid all-around athlete. Not only did he run a 7.02 60, his athleticism translated in the outfield, as he moved with fluidity. Additionally, Wians showcased some arm strength with carry (86 mph). Offensively, the left-handed hitting Wians exhibited quick hands and some barrel whip through the zone.

17. Adam Kishanov, RHP, Oswego East HS
A 6-foot-1, 180-pound right-handed pitcher, Kishanov features an athletic, lanky build with a high ¾ arm angle.  His quick arm and free backside arm action lead us to believe Kishanov will continue to add velocity to his 83-84 mph fastball. His curveball exhibited a 12/6 shape and depth in the 67-69 mph. Kishanov also flashed a changeup in the low-70s that he threw for strikes.

18. Joel Rotkvich, INF, St. Laurence HS
Rotkvich is a 6-foot-2, 156-pound infielder who demonstrated soft hands, fluid footwork and was clocked at 82 mph across the field.  Offensively, Rotkvich has a balanced setup with a smooth load. He uses an active lower half, short stride, and short path to the ball help generate bat speed. With continued physical development, Rotkvich showed to be a very projectable prospect.

19. Mark Roberts, RHP, Hoffman Estates HS
The athletically built 6-foot-1, 180-pound Roberts comes from a high ¾ slot with an easy arm action. He showed good rhythm and tempo throughout his mechanics as he repeatedly threw his fastball at 82-83 mph.  He also featured an 11/5 curveball in the 69-70 mph range.  Roberts’ changeup, however, looked to be his best pitch, as it demonstrated late downward action with similar arm speed of his fastball. In all, Roberts showed the ability to throw three pitches for strikes.

20. Bronson Wittkamp, LHP, Schaumburg HS
Wittkamp is a 5-foot-11, 195-pound left-hander who impressed with his ability to throw three pitches for strikes. Wittkamp comes from a high-3/4 action, and demonstrated fluidity and rhythm throughout his mechanics. His fastball topped at 83 mph, sitting comfortably at 82. His curveball, with 11/5 shape, looked to be a strike pitch, in addition to his 75-79 mph changeup.

21. Matt Kramer, RHP/OF, Plainfield East HS
Kramer is a 6-foot-2, 185 pound two way player who features a high ¾ arm slot and three pitches.  Kramer is able to consistently throw his fastball for strikes, keeping it in the low 80’s with some sink.  He also features a curveball that has some slurve action and throws it in the range of 71-73 mph.  His changeup is firm with some life down and away.  Offensively, Kramer has a slightly opened left handed swing with the possibility of generating bat speed.

22. Mark Chemello, RHP, Lincoln Way East HS
Chemello is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed pitcher who impressed with his ability to command three pitches for strikes down in the zone. Chemello comes from a ¾ arm slot and features a changeup in the low 70’s that showed heavy sink.  Chemello’s fastball topped out at 79 mph and has downward movement.

23. Dylan Rajkovich, OF, Sandburg HS
Rajkovich is a 5-foot-10, 185-pound outfielder who generates impressive bat speed. Rajkovich certainly doesn’t get cheated at the plate; he has an aggressive approach and swings with authority. The ball jumps off his bat with backspin carry.

24. John McLaughlin, C, Crete Monee HS
McLaughlin is a strong-bodied 5-foot-11, 190-pound catcher who features a solid frame and quick feet. McLaughlin’s pop times registered consistently under 2.1, with a top time of 1.92. McLaughlin displayed a strong, accurate arm from behind the dish.  Offensively, McLaughlin has an open stance and an aggressive approach. With his fast bat speed and strong lower half, McLaughlin showed some pull-side power potential.

25. Matt Brancato, 3B, Schaumburg HS
Brancato is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound third baseman with an athletic build who has an accurate arm that he delivered at 78 mph across the infield. Offensively, Brancato has a balanced setup and a swing that features a smooth load and short stride to the ball.  His strong lower half creates good balance throughout his swing, enabling him to generate bat speed and power potential. Additionally, he ran a 7.37 60.

26. Jared Holloman, LHP, Morton HS
Standing at 6-foot-2, 218-pounds, Holloman is a big left-hander with a high ¾ arm slot; he showed some run on his fastball that topped out at 83 mph. Holloman features a slider that has a 11/5 bite, coming in at 77 mph.  

27. Ian Maxeiner, RHP, Marian Central Catholic HS
With an athletic, lanky build, Maxeiner is a 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher who has an over the top arm angle.  He commanded three pitches, including a fastball that reached 81 mph. He also commanded a curveball in the 64-66 mph range, and a change in the low 70s.

28. Jesse Shaw, RHP, North Fulton HS
Shaw is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound right-hander who showed easy arm action on his pitches.  Shaw features a high ¾ arm angle and a free back arm action.  He has four different pitches, including a fastball that showed sink, topping at 84 mph.  Additionally, he showed a curveball, a changeup that is 10 mph differential, and a slider that sat in the low 70s.

29. Keith Askins, OF, Meridian HS
Askins is a 6-foot, 165-pound multi-positional talent who moves well at all positions.  With an athletic build and solid arm, he was clocked at 79 mph from the infield and 81 from the outfield. Additionally, Askins showed well with quick footwork while being clocked at 7.2 in the 60. 

30. Michael Hazelhurst, LHP, Dundee-Crown HS
Hazelhurst is a solid 6-foot-3, 180-pound left-handed pitcher with a lanky, projectable build. Hazelhurst has an over the top arm slot with loose back arm action, and smooth rhythm on the mound.  His fastball has late action on it with downward sink. His fastball topped at 79 mph, but it looks like there is plenty more in the tank. Hazelhurst additionally had a changeup with the near same arm speed that showed cut and sink to it.

Complete reports on the rest of the players will follow later in the week.