By Illinois Scouting Staff

Today we continue our roll out of the analysis from the Underclass Trials with the top infield prospects. Charlie Allison led the long list of infielders. Allison has a projectable, athletic frame and a high-upside left-handed bat.

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Charlie Allison, INF, Rock Island, 2019
Projectable frame, long limbs, slender build, 6-foot-2, 175-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, short stride, athletic in the box maintains good balance. Loose hands, creates easy bat speed, projects well. Flashes quick twitch, path gets extension and sprayed the baseball around. 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays out of high ¾ slot, 77 mph across the diamond. Projects at a corner spot, hands played, flashed body control. 7.76 runner in the 60.

2. Ethan Harrast, SS, Hinsdale Central, 2019
6-foot, 165-pound infielder. Defensively showed above average arm strength for his age, 84 mph across the diamond, high ¾ slot, showed carry. Plays through the baseball with a quick exchange, feet and hands work together, showed actions. Right-handed hitter, open setup, hands load up, leg kick trigger, athletic throughout. Path works to stay on top, has feel for the barrel, loose hands, gap to gap approach. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.45 runner in the 60.

3. Griffin Holderfield, RHP/1B, Oak Park-River Forest, 2019
6-foot-3, 215-pound two-way player, large build and frame with strength. Left-handed hitter, open stance, toe tap trigger. Raw power, flat through the zone at times, pull side power approach, shows bat speed. 94 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long from a high ¾ slot, carried at 86 mph across. Feel around the bag, solid athlete at first. 7.91 runner in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, stretch only, high ¾ slot, quick loose arm. Fastball flashed arm side run, feel for the zone, 82-84 mph. Slider was best secondary, sweeping action, 71-72 mph, more consistent with it. Curveball played 11/5, ranged 69-73 mph.

4. Vincent Esposito, 1B/LHP, Rock Island, 2020
6-foot-3, 225-pound left-handed two-way player, strong build. Hits from the left side from a balanced stance, smooth loading action, short stride, good balance. Loose hands created easy bat speed for his age, displayed hard contact in BP, pull side power type approach with ability to go gap to gap. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long and over the top with some effort, 74 mph across. Average hands, natural abilities around the bag, 8.12 runner in the 60.

5. Cameron Bufford, MIF, Marian Catholic, 2019
Lanky projectable frame, 6-foot-1, 160-pound middle infielder. Offensively shows upside with the bat, right-handed hitter, tall setup, short stride, good balance. Loose easy hands, simple whippy bat path, gets through the baseball, on time with rhythm. 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.18 runner in the 60. Defensively arm action is short, over the top slot, 77 mph across the diamond, occasional carry. Hands play soft on the dirt, clean through the baseball, gets tall at times, exchange is clean and deliberate.

6. Nate Righi, RHP/3B, Pekin, 2019
6-foot, 195-pound two-way player, solid build with some strength. Offensively showed bat strength, 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg kick trigger, lower half engaged, average balance. Occasional jumped off bat at contact, strong swing, attacked the baseball, long path to it. Defensively arm action has length, high ¾ slot, loose arm, carried at 83 mph across. Action play through the baseball, long release at times, profiles best at third base. 7.33 runner in the 60. On the mound arm played loose and clean, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball had slight run, 79-80 mph, touched 83 mph. Curveball has 11/5 plane, 69-72 mph. Changeup is best off speed offering, near fastball arm action, sinking action, 70-74 mph.

7. Nathan Gehrke, RHP/INF, Joliet Catholic, 2020
5-foot-10, 170-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, smooth loading action, lower half works. Athletic setup, aggressive swing, hard contact in BP, attacks the baseball. Path is level with some length, occasionally out in front, 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed proper footwork and actions. Arm played at 73 mph across the diamond. 7.58 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound works from an over the top slot, long and loose, little effort. Fastball sinks, 75-77 mph. Curveball flashed biting action, 62-64 mph, 11/5 plane. Changeup is straight, 66-70 mph, fastball similar approach.

8. Drew Winters, 1B, Routt Catholic, 2019
6-foot-1, 185-pound first baseman, strong athletic build, flashed pop in bat. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride. Attacks the baseball with bat speed, some effort, raw bat strength gets out of his lower half at times. Made hard contact to pull side in BP, 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Advanced runner for age and position, 6.84 laser timed 60. Defensively arm played at 73 mph across the diamond, long high ¾ action.

9. Carlos Martinez, SS/RHP, Grant, 2019
5-foot-6, 136-pound right-handed two-way player. Defensively stood out with soft hands and loose quick actions. Plays through the baseball, showed athleticism on the move. Arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot, flashed carry, 81 mph across the diamond. 7.53 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, good balance. Path works well, short and flat through contact, occasional hard contact. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound arm played similar, long and loose, regular effort, clean arm. Fastball showed arm side run, 77-79 mph. Curveball has slurve type action, 66-67 mph. Changeup fades with some sink, 68-69 mph.

10. Daniel Murczek, INF, Marist, 2020
6-foot-3, 150-pound corner infielder, long lanky projectable frame. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, loads hands back, short stride. Loose hands, work with long levers at the plate, path gets slightly uphill, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed actions, arm played easy, softer hands, average body control, clean exchange. 74 mph across the diamond. 7.86 runner in the 60.

10. Ben Gerl, LHP/1B/OF, Lincoln-Way West, 2020
5-foot-11, 158-pound left-handed hitting utility player. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a quick arm action. Tall and fall hybrid delivery with a closed landing. Fastball sat 77-78 mph. Curveball has 1-7 shape with occasional depth at 60-62 mph. Changeup has sinking action at 67-71 mph for strikes. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and good balance. Pull, power approach with an uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 7.77. Took drills in both the infield and outfield. Loose arm action, throws show carry. Plays thru the ball with fluid footwork. Threw 75 mph across the infield and 77 mph from the outfield.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Kevin Ahler, C/3B, Marian Central, 2020
5-foot-8, 145-pound catcher/infielder. Defensively arm action plays short and over the top, 64 mph out of the crouch, 67 mph across the diamond. Hands are soft, exchange works. 2.32-2.47 pop times out of the crouch. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, average balance. Two-piece action, level path, occasional pull side tendency. 8.51 runner in the 60.

Steven Arrambide, INF/RHP, St. Charles East, 2020
5-foot-6, 140-pound two-way player, stocky build. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short stride back to even, solid balance. Compact swing, simple and repeats, loose with feel for the barrel. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short and over the top, 67 mph across the diamond. Average actions, second base profile. 7.77 runner in the 60.

Cooper Avery, INF, Neuqua Valley, 2020
5-foot-11, 145-pound infielder, thin lanky frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, solid balance. Loose hands, made occasional hard contact to pull side. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long, ¾ slot, 75 mph across the infield. Showed some footwork through the baseball, long exchange. 8.07 runner in the 60.

Bryce Backal, INF, Providence Catholic, 2020
5-foot-9, 145-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, open setup, short stride to even. Showed feel for the barrel, short to the baseball, line drive pull contact in BP. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long from a high ¾ slot, accurate across the diamond, 72 mph. Played clean through the baseball, 7.96 runner in the 60.

Nicholas Barner, INF, Plainfield Central, 2019
6-foot-2, 195-pound infielder, solid strong build. Right-handed hitter, tall open stance, short toe tap stride. Demonstrated bat strength, simple level path, quick hands. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 66 mph across the diamond, ¾ slot. Corner defender type, deliberate play through the baseball. 7.26 runner in the 60.

Jalen Bickett, LHP/1B, Rock Falls, 2020
5-foot-11, 160-pound two-way player. On the mound arm plays from a ¾ slot, long draw, regular effort. Slight drop and drive, squared landing, balanced finish. Fastball is straight, occasional run, 71-73 mph, showed feel. Curveball played 1/7 54-60 mph. Straight changeup played at 60-63 mph. Right-handed hitter, open stance, smooth loading action, short reverse lifted stride. Showed ability to repeat swing, line drive contact, 70 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 70 mph across the diamond. Average actions around the bag for his age. 7.96 runner in the 60.

Eric Brociek, RHP/SS, Joliet Catholic, 2019
5-foot-10, 136-pound two-way player, wiry projectable frame. Arm works on the mound, loose, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball is mostly straight, 74-77 mph. Slider had 11/5 shape, flashed sharp action, showed feel for the zone, 65-69 mph. Changeup sinks 69-72 mph. Arm also played well defensively, high ¾ slot, 76 mph across the diamond. Steady actions, played clean. 7.65 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, open stance. Loose hands, occasionally lifts, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Christopher Clarke, OF/1B, Lyons, 2020
6-foot-1, 160-pound right-handed hitting OF/1B with a lanky, athletic frame. Ran the 60 yard dash at 6.92. At the plate hits from a closed, balanced setup with a short, leg lift stride. Gap to gap hitter with an uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 76 mph from the outfield and 74 mph across the infield.

Nick Clevenger, INF, Newman Central Catholic, 2020
Strong build, 6-foot, 185-pound infielder. Corner type defender, moved well at times, arm played at 73 mph, short high ¾ slot. 8.38 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, leg kick trigger, average balance. Showed bat strength, showed strength to all fields, short to the baseball, occasional inside out path. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Giovanni Davila, INF, Joliet Catholic, 2020
5-foot-11, 165-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride, lower half works. Slight pull side approach, late trigger at times, 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played short, high ¾ slot, 73 mph across the diamond. Clean exchange, profiles at a corner. 8.28 runner in the 60.  

Ernie Day, 3B/RHP, Taft, 2020
5-foot-11, 177-pound two-way player. On the mound arm worked clean, short and loose form a high ¾ slot. Regular effort with direction, lands square, upright at times. Fastball showed arm side action with control of the zone, 75-76 mph, touched 77 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 61-62 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball similar arm action, runs to arm side, 65-68 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, average balance. Level path with some ability to spray the baseball, line drive contact with some rhythm. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. 8.24 runner in the 60. Transfers clean, hands work, arm plays similar to the mound, 71 mph across the diamond.

Nathan Diamond, LHP/1B, Oak Park-River Forest, 2019
6-foot-4, 210-pound left-handed two-way player. Projects best on the mound, full windup delivery, slight tilt and topple, lands square. Arm action draws short out of the glove, quick loose arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, showed ability to command. Slider flashed sharp action, near fastball arm speed, feel for the zone, 70-73 mph. Splitter flashed biting sink, 68-71 mph, thrown deceptively with fastball arm action. Left-handed hitter, open stance, short stride. Level path with some bat speed, front foot hitter at times. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 79 mph across the diamond. 7.67 runner in the 60.

Jeremy Frankel, 3B/RHP, Highland Park, 2019
Thin lanky frame, 6-foot, 150-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, wide setup, minimal stride and load. Static approach, loose hands, path has some length. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long, ¾ slot, 72 mph across the diamond. 7.20 runner in the 60. On the mound works from a low ¾ slot, loose arm, regular effort. Toe lift to balance point, lands square. Fastball sat 74-75 mph, topped at 77 mph. Slider is 61-62 mph. Straight changeup has slight sink, 63-65 mph.

Brett Freiberg, MIF, Marist, 2020
5-foot-8, 125-pound middle infielder, small slender athletic frame. Left-handed hitter, slightly open stance, leg lift stride, athletic pre-pitch. In rhythm hitter, line drive approach, some bat speed, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed some actions, hands played one handed though the baseball, glove pat to release, showed body control. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, long release, 72 mph across the diamond.

Brandon Gonzales, 1B/3B, Bartlett, 2019
6-foot, 215-pound corner infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced with slight open stance, short stride to even. Path works uphill, hits off back side with pull side approach, long path with bat strength, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles best a t first base, arm action is short, ¾ slot, 67 mph across the diamond. More feel around the bag at first base. 8.66 runner in the 60.

Christian Grems, INF/RHP, Orion, 2020
5-foot-11, 168-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, leg kick trigger. Path has length, line drive contact, raw pull side approach. 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles at a corner, arm played at 64 mph across, short high ¾ action. Fastball flashes sink, 70-72 mph. Curveball is 11/5 58-61 mph. Knuckle ball sat 62-64 mph.

Nathan Hardman, 3B/RHP, Normal University, 2019
6-foot-1, 180-pound two-way player, lanky athletic frame, has lean strength. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, solid balance, hands set low and away from the body. Quiet simple load and attacks the baseball, flashed quick twitch hands generating bat speed, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long, over the top slot, 79 mph across the diamond. Defensively plays through the baseball, some effort. 7.46 runner in the 60. On the mound arm played long and loose, over the top. High front side. Fastball showed tilt and fell for the zone, 79-81 mph 82 mph. Curveball plays 12/6, sharp action at times, 70-73 mph. Changeup thrown with some arm speed, 74-76 mph.

Joseph Kaminski, RHP/3B, McHenry West, 2019
6-foot-1, 170-pound two-way player, slender athletic shape. Projects best on the mound, delivery is simple, tall and fall type with regular effort, squared landing and finishes to glove side. Clean arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed natural cut action, feel for the zone, 81-83 mph. Slider played with some depth, 10/4 plane, thrown with fastball similar arm action, ranged 64-71 mph. Changeup sinks slightly, 71-75 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall narrow setup, leg kick trigger, average balance. Path works uphill with pull side contact, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 80 mph across the diamond, short high ¾ slot, occasional carry. Steady hands and actions, routine, played through the baseball. 7.24 runner in the 60.

Tommy Kelly, RHP/INF, Peoria Notre Dame, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound two-way player, lanky frame with upside. Projects best on the mound, delivery has deception, knees and elbows. High ¾ slot, long loose arm action, regular effort. Fastball projects some, showed late finish at 76-78 mph. Breaking ball woks on 11/5 plane, 59-61 mph. Changeup flashes sink, 65-68 mph. Offensively hits from the right side, open setup, leg kick trigger. Displayed bat strength, uphill path, out of sync at times, pull side contact. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long to release, high ¾ slot, 76 mph across the diamond. 7.11 runner in the 60.  

Trevor King, 3B/RHP, Glenbard West, 2020
6-foot-1, 205-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, open stance, hanging leg lift, solid balance. Loose hands creates whip in swing, above average bat speed, long path, slightly uphill. 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short, ¾ slot, 72 mph across the infield. On the mound fastball is mostly straight, 74-76 mph, touched 77 mph. Slider is best of two breaking balls, 10/4 shape, 68-70 mph. Curveball is more 12/6 gradual action 58-61 mph.

Aaron Lopez, 1B/LHP, Mount Carmel, 2020
5-foot-7, 185-pound left-handed throwing two-way player. Switch hitter, open stance, leg kick stride. Swings plays better from the right side, long path, slightly uphill, 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed average actions around the bag, 62 mph arm across the diamond, long high ¾ slot. 9.37 runner in the 60. On the mound arm played similar, fastball showed sink, 65-66 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, gradual action, 59-62 mph. Changeup plays similar to fastball, 61-64 mph.

Callahan Malchow, SS, Fenwick, 2020
5-foot-9, 140-pound middle infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride. Flashed loose hands, worked the middle of the field, occasional line drive contact. 68 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played 74 mph across the diamond, high ¾ slot. Flashed actions for his age, hands worked, funneled the baseball. 7.95 runner in the 60.

Anthony Mele, INF, Marmion, 2020
5-foot-8, 148-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, slightly open setup, reverse toe tap trigger, solid balance. Compact swing, loose hands, occasional inside out path, short to the baseball, line drive contact. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed steady hands, longer exchange, glove pat to release. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, 73 mph across the diamond. 7.79 runner in the 60.

Nick Miketinac, RHP/INF, Mount Carmel, 2020
5-foot-11, 165-pound two-way player. On the mound works directionally down the hill, gets out front, easy effort. Arm plays over the top, long action. Fastball is straight, 71-72 mph. Curveball works 12/6, 52-56 mph. Changeup showed sinking action, 60-63 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance with short stride. Path played level through the zone, occasional line drive contact, 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 73 mph across, long high ¾. Deliberate actions to the baseball, occasionally sits down on the ball, longer exchange. 7.94 runner in the 60.

Logan Nespor, RHP/3B, Hampshire, 2019
6-foot-1, 180-pound two-way player, lanky athletic build. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, simple approach. Sprayed contact to all fields, average bat speed, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action played with length, ¾ slot, 76 mph across the diamond. 7.53 runner in the 60. Arm played long and loose on the mound, high ¾ slot with little effort, Fastball showed arm side run and sink, good action through the zone, 76-79 mph. Throws curveball and slider, both have similar action and velocity, curveball 66-67 mph, slider 67-69 mph.

Emmett Olson, LHP/1B, Maine West, 2020
6-foot-2, 210-pound left-handed two-way player. On the mound works from a high ¾ slot, shorter loose arm action. High front side, feel for delivery, finishes third base side. Fastball is mostly straight, 77-79 mph. Curveball acts 1/7, up at times, 58-59 mph. Knuckleball sat 57-60 mph. Offensively hits from a tall open stance, short stride with average balance. Occasional easy pop to pull side, path has length, mostly level, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. 8.87 runner in the 60. Showed feel around the bag, average hands, 70 mph across the diamond.

Jake Polonus, 1B, Plainfield North, 2019
6-foot-3, 205-pound left-handed hitting first baseman. Hits from an athletic setup, slightly closed, short stride, solid balance. Flashes bat strength, at times, some ability to go gap to gap, long path. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 68 mph, 8.47 runner in the 60.

Alex Rakas, INF, Aurora Central Catholic, 2019
Lanky, 6-foot, 175-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Athletic open setup, short stride, smooth loading action. Showed easy bat speed, jumped off bat at times, loose hands, line drive approach. 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.38 runner in the 60. Arm played at 76 mph across the diamond, long action, high ¾ slot. Actions play through the baseball, funnels with two hands.

Quinn Ryan, 1B/RHP, Hampshire, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, leg lift stride. Path has length, works uphill, pull side tendency. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long, high ¾ slot, 72 mph across the diamond. 8.26 runner in the 60. On the mound arm played similar, full windup, uses slide step in stretch. Fastball 70-72 mph, touched 73 mph, occasional sink. Curveball 11/5 plane, 62-63 mph. Changeup slightly fades, 66-68 mph.

James Sibert, RHP/3B, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-2, 180-pound two-way player, strong build. RIght-handed hitter, crouched setup, reverse tap stride. Path works uphill, generated with shoulder rotation, flashed occasional raw bat strength. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays the ball deep working through to a short arm action, high ¾ slot, 71 mph across the diamond. 7.71 runner in the 60. On the mound works with regular effort, short arm action from over the top slot, lands squared into balanced finish. Fastball is straight, 74-76 mph. Curveball played 12/6, 59-63 mph. Splitter showed downer action, above average for age, 65-67 mph.

Nicholas Sladek, LHP/1B, Hampshire, 2019
6-foot, 175-pound left-handed two-way player. On the mound delivery works with regular effort, in rhythm. High ¾ slot, loose arm action. Fastball showed gradual cut at 71-73 mph. Curveball played on 12/6 plane, gradual action, 54-58 mph. Left-handed hitter, open stance, toe tap stride. Simple middle of the field approach, flashed bat strength, uphill path. 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 74 mph across the diamond, long high 3.4 action. Played clean through the baseball. 7.44 runner in the 60.  

Benjamin Strode, INF, Highland (IN), 2020
5-foot-8, 142-pound infielder, athletic frame, some projection. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, maintains balance. Loose hands stays on top of the baseball, short path level through contact, line drive approach. 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 69 mph across the infield, ¾ slot. Actions showed some athleticism, clean exchange. 8.05 runner in the 60.

Michael Vaca, SS/OF, Bartlett, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed hitting SS/OF with an athletic frame. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a stiff drop load and tow tap stride. Short, uphill swing path. Generates good bat speed. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.49. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Defensive tools play better in the outfield, fluid footwork with athletic actions. Threw 79 mph from the outfield and 80 mph across the infield.

Kody Velasquez, INF, Rock Falls, 2020
6-foot-1, 165-pound left-handed hitting infielder, lanky projectable frame. Offensively sets up balanced, short stride, minimal loading action. Path has length and works slightly uphill, lifted contact, pull side approach. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays firmly from a high ¾ slot, 68 mph across the diamond. Quick exchange, showed athletic fielding position. 7.86 runner in the 60.

Garrett Wano, INF, South Elgin, 2019
Long slender frame, 6-foot-2, 163-pounds. Right-handed hitter, open setup, loads hands back with a short toe tap stride back to square. Loose easy hands, bat path stays on top, line drive contact with level path, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short, high ¾ slot, 73 mph across infield. Flashes actions, hands showed to play soft, plays through the baseball with some body control. 7.50 runner in the 60.

RELATED CONTENT