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Preseason I.D. - Illiana: Illinois Position Player Analysis

March 9, 2016

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director 

The Preseason I.D. - Illiana Showcase took place on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at the Ho-Chunk Sports and Expo Center in Chicago Heights, IL. The showcase featured high school aged players from Illinois and Indiana. The analysis for the Illinois position players from the event have been completed.  Below we take a look at the top position players from Illinois broken down by graduating classes.

Top 2016 and 2017 Prospects

1. Miles Simington, OF, Normal Community, 2017
Solid, square shouldered 5-foot-9, 185-pound proportional strength, defined lower half left-handed hitting outfielder. Started the day off by running a 7.18 60 yard dash. Offensively, present bat speed evidenced his 95 mph exit velocity. Good approach at the plate, worked mainly to the pull-side gap and does not get cheated. Short bat path and excellent balance through contact. Balanced, crouched setup, pre-pitch load and incorporated his lower half well. Defensively, bounce and fluid footwork in the outfield. Played through the baseball well, clean exchange, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 86 mph from the outfield.

2. Thomas Larson, OF/3B, Families of Faith HS, 2017
Well-proportioned 6-foot-1, 195-pound right-handed hitting outfielder and infielder. Showed off a solid combination of tools at the event. Ran a 7.01 60 yard dash, 86 mph from the outfield, 86 across the infield and registered an exit velocity of 88 mph. Offensively, flashed some pull power and bat speed. Open, balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger and good balance through contact. Defensively, played through the baseball, clean exchange and quick footwork in the outfield. On the infield, short arm action, over-the-top slot, accurate throws with carry.

3. Eddie Wilkins, RHP/1B, Reed Custer HS, 2017
Extra-large frame 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, flashed impressive physicality and strength through contact at the plate. Showed power to all fields and registered an exit velocity of 90 mph. Balanced setup, short stride which ends up closed and average balance. Defensively, had carry on his throws across the diamond clocked at 83 mph. Also, ran an 8.13 in the 60. On the mound, quick arm, some rhythm and regular effort in his delivery. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, in-line direction, square landing and occasionally falls off towards first base. Fastball, slight arm-side-run at times, clocked at 81-83 mph, touching 84. Curveball, thrown aggressively, 12/6 and 11/5 shape, ranged between 65-68 mph. Changeup, quality feel, fastball arm speed, late sink, clocked at 74-75 mph.

Top 2018 Prospects

1. Collin Brown, C, Bremen HS, 2018
Sturdy build 5-foot-9, 175-pound strong right-handed hitting catcher. Defensively, flashed a strong arm and athletic actions from behind the plate. Quick, clean exchange, short arm action and throws flashed carry and were clocked at 77 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 1.89-1.97. Offensively, present bat speed and hit line-drives to all fields during his round of batting practice. Balanced, open setup, drifts at times, uphill bat path and average balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 79 mph.

2. Jamarion Loston, SS/RHP, Morgan Park HS, 2018
5-foot-8, 145-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, flashed a short, level bat path with extension through contact at times. Fluid rhythm, balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 77 mph. Defensively, actions and soft hands on the infield. Athletic fielding position, good body control, fluid footwork and clean exchange. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws with some carry, clocked at 82 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.18 60 yard dash. On the mound had feel for three pitches. Long, loose, quick arm action out of a high ¾ window. Regular effort, smooth rhythm and repeated his delivery well. Fastball sat 78-79 mph, touching 80. Curveball thrown for strikes, 11/5 shape, ranged between 66-68 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm speed and clocked at 69-71 mph.

3. Corey Graham, OF/SS, Crete Monee HS, 2018
Average build 5-foot-11, 154-pound well-proportioned right-handed hitting outfielder and infielder. Ran a 6.94 60 yard dash. Offensively, fluid rhythm, flashed bat speed, level bat path and extension through contact. Open setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 79 mph. Defensively, hands work soft on the infield and outfield. Had some feel on the infield, making a fluid back hand play. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws, clocked at 82 mph from the outfield and 81 mph across the infield.

Top 2019 and 2020 Prospects

1. Trevor Davis, C, Schlarman Academy, 2020
5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed hitting catcher and right-handed pitcher. Offensively, present bat speed, uphill bat path and gets extension through contact at times. Fluid rhythm, line-drive and pull approach. Balanced, closed setup, pre-pitch load and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 77 mph. Defensively, athletic actions behind the plate. Over-the-top arm action, true ball, with carry and clocked at 72 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.05-2.11. On the mound, the right-hander works with some rhythm, long arm action, out of a high ¾ slot and regular effort. Fastball worked mainly straight and ranged between 75-78 mph. Curveball worked 12/6 and clocked at 60-63 mph. Changeup, mostly straight and sat 66-69 mph.

2. Joshua Williams, OF/LHP, Morgan Park HS, 2019
Long and lean 6-foot, 144-pound athletic, projectable framed left-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. Offensively, worked above the baseball with looseness and bat speed. Fluid rhythm, line-drive type hitter with an advanced approach for his age. Open setup, pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 76 mph. Defensively, actions in the outfield with quick and fluid footwork. Soft hands, plays through the baseball athletically, long and loose arm action. Throws were accurate and clocked at 76 mph. Also, ran a 7.29 60 yard dash. On the mound flashed easy effort with a short, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Quick tempo, in-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Fastball was clocked at 74-75 mph, touching 76. Curveball, flashed feel, worked 12/6 and clocked at 64-66 mph. Changeup sat 70-72 mph.

3. Nick Iannantone, OF, Joliet Catholic HS, 2019
Advanced frame for his age 6-foot-2, 200-pound left-handed hitting outfielder. Ran an impressive 60 yard dash, 6.81. Offensively, flashed bat speed and quick hands. Made a lot of hard contact during his round of batting practice. Started from a balanced, slightly closed setup position, pre-pitch load and short stride. Would benefit from incorporating his lower half more into his swing. Registered an 87 mph exit velocity. Defensively, moved well in the outfield. Long arm action, high ¾ slot with some accuracy on his throws, clocked at 79 mph from the outfield.

4. Wendell Smith, 3B/RHP, Marist HS, 2019
Lanky 6-foot, 155-pound plenty of room for continued physical development right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, flashed a quick bat, level bat path and some looseness. Balanced setup, early pre-pitch load, hands get back and in a good position to hit from. With added strength should develop into an above average hitter. Registered an exit velocity of 74 mph. Defensively, steady hands and fluid footwork on the infield. Long and loose arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws and clocked at 74 mph. Also, ran a 7.25 60 yard dash. On the mound, fluid rhythm, and repeated delivery well. Average arm speed, short arm action and regular effort in his delivery. Fastball worked mainly straight and ranged between, 70-73 mph, touching 75. Curveball flashed short break and sat 60-63 mph. Changeup, tendency to slow his arm and ranged between 57-62 mph.

5. Barry White, OF/LHP, Lincoln-Way East HS, 2019
Undersized 5-foot-7, 120-pound plenty of room for continued physical development left-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. Offensively, flashed bat speed and fluid rhythm. Line-drive approach and excellent balance through contact. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load and short stride. Registered an exit velocity of 72 mph. Defensively, fluid movements and soft hands in the outfield. Long arm action, over-the-top slot, accurate throws clocked at 71 mph. Also, ran a 7.53 60 yard dash. On the mound, regular effort from an over-the-top slot. Average arm speed and tendency to fall off towards first base on his finish. Fastball sat 70-71 mph, touching 72. Curveball worked with short break and ranged between 59-61 mph. Changeup clocked at 61-63 mph.

BEST OF THE REST (Listed Alphabetically)

Aidan Anderson, C, Marian Catholic HS, 2017
Thick build 5-foot-10, 210-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Offensively, short bat path and line-drive approach at the plate. Wide setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Registered an exit velocity of 83 mph. Also, ran a 7.10 60 yard dash. Defensively, short arm action from a high ¾ slot from behind the plate. Throws clocked at 71 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.18-2.29

Arton Bislimi, MIF, Richards HS, 2018
Average build 5-foot-9, 150-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively, simple swing and good balance through contact. Narrow, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, short stride, long and level bat path. Registered an exit velocity of 76 mph. Defensively, showed lateral agility on balls to his glove side. Short arm action, threw from multiple angles, accurate throws clocked at 71 mph. Also, ran a 7.28 60 yard dash.

Andrew Blair, 1B/LHP, Maroa Forsyth HS, 2017
Bigger build 6-foot-3, 250-pound left-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, registered an exit velocity of 83 mph. Crouched setup position, uphill bat path, pull approach and average balance through contact. Defensively, threw from a high ¾ slot, some accuracy and clocked at 66 mph. Also, ran a 8.28 60 yard dash. On the mound over-the-top arm slot, in-line direction and square landing. Fastball clocked at 67-68 mph, touching 70. Curveball sat 57-58 mph. Changeup ranged between 62-65 mph.

Malik Blair, C, Kenwood Academy HS, 2018
Shorter build, put-together frame 5-foot-6, 145-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Offensively, flashed bat speed and gets extension through contact at times. Started from a balanced, athletic setup position, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance.  Registered an exit velocity of 73 mph. Defensively, arm and throws worked best when he got over-the-top from the crouch. Throws clocked at 69 mph and pop times ranged between 2.01-2.17. Also, ran a 7.7 60 yard dash.

Michael Botthof, 3B, St. Rita HS, 2018
Athletically built 6-foot-1, 180-pound well-proportioned right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, heel-lift timing trigger and stayed on his backside. Line-drive approach with average bat speed. Registered an exit velocity of 74 mph. Defensively, short arm action from a high ¾ slot on the infield. Throws had some accuracy and clocked at 74 mph across the diamond. Also, ran the 60 in 7.53.

Angelo Cantelo, C, Marian Catholic HS, 2019
Physically advanced for his age 6-foot, 200-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Offensively, takes aggressive swings, doesn’t get cheated and flashed bat speed. Open setup, big leg-kick timing trigger, flat bat path and gap-to-gap approach. Registered an exit velocity of 87 mph. Defensively, long arm action from a ¾ slot, arm-side-run on his throws which flashed carry and were clocked at 76 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.00-2.07. Also, ran a 7.94 60 yard dash.

Nicholas Cecala, C, Maine South HS, 2016
Solid build 5-foot-11, 180-pound well-proportioned right-handed hitting catcher. Offensively, present bat speed, good approach, level bat path and line-drive type hitter. Crouched, open setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot and uphill shoulders from behind the plate. Throws clocked at 74 mph from the crouch, pop times ranged between 2.02-2.15. Also, ran a 7.25 60 yard dash.

Torre Cecala, 2B/SS, Maine South HS, 2018
Average build 5-foot-9, 150-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, long and level bat path and a pull approach. Open, balanced setup, toe-tap timing trigger. Registered an exit velocity of 76 mph. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot and some accuracy on throws clocked at 73 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.31 60 yard dash.

Robert Chayka, OF, Solorio HS, 2017
Average build 5-foot-8, 140-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. Ran a 6.96 60 yard dash. Offensively, fluid rhythm and line-drive approach at the plate. Started from a balanced setup position, pre-pitch load, short stride and average bat speed. Registered an 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, moves well in the outfield showing fluid footwork. Athletic fielding position, short arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy and throws clocked at 79 mph.

Tony Deluna, 1B/RHP, Morton HS, 2017
Solid, athletically built 6-foot-3, 205-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, started from a narrow, tall setup, pre-pitch load and leg-kick timing trigger. Long bat path with a pull approach. Registered an exit velocity of 80 mph. Defensively, short arm action, ¾ slot, some accuracy and clocked at 71 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.30 60 yard dash. On the mound some rhythm in his delivery, in-line direction and square landing. Fastball sat 72-75 mph, touching 76. Curveball clocked at 60-62 mph. Changeup ranged between 62-64 mph.

Tim Franczak, LHP/1B, Westmont HS, 2017
Projectable frame 6-foot-5, 195-pound well-proportioned left-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, pull approach with a long and level bat path at times. Balanced setup, pre-pitch drop of his hands and average bat speed. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, long arm action, over-the-top arm slot, some accuracy and clocked at 70 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.50 60 yard dash. On the mound worked out of an over-the-top window. Fastball clocked at 67-68 mph. Curveball ranged between 57-60 mph. Changeup sat at 57 mph.

Niles Gall, OF, Richards HS, 2018
Average build 5-foot-9, 145-pound left-handed hitting outfielder. Ran an above average 60 yard dash for his age, 7.19. Offensively, started from a balanced setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Registered an exit velocity of 79 mph. Defensively, steady hands, athletic fielding position and plays through the baseball at times in the outfield. Fluid footwork, clean exchange, long arm action, over-the-top slot, accurate throws clocked at 81 mph from the outfield.

Evan Hummel, MIF, New Trier HS, 2018
Average build 5-foot-8, 140-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively, fluid rhythm and contact approach. Uphill bat path and gets extension through contact at times. Open, balanced setup position, pre-pitch load, and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 76 mph. Defensively, steady hands and fluid footwork on the infield. Accurate throws, clocked at 73 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.33 60 yard dash.

Jalen Lemons, C/3B/RHP, Simeon HS, 2018
Solid lower half 5-foot-8, 185-pound strong bodied right-handed hitting infielder, catcher and pitcher. Offensively, flashed bat speed and strength through contact at times. Pull approach, solid contact and good balance through contact. Open setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Registered an exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, feet work well on the infield. Soft hands, quick, clean exchange and athletic fielding position. Throws clocked at 76 mph across the infield. Behind the plate, short arm action, throws had some arm-side-run and clocked at 71 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 2.10-2.17. Also, ran a 7.51 60 yard dash. On the mound, had some rhythm with a slight pause throughout his delivery. In-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Fastball, straight and clocked at 75-77 mph, touching 78. Curveball worked 10/4 and ranged between 60-63 mph.  

Matthew Manint, C, Tri-Valley HS, 2018
Strong, thick build 5-foot-10, 200-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Offensively, level bat path and stayed on top of the baseball during batting practice. Athletic, balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger, and average balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 79 mph. Defensively, over-the-top slot, short arm action, some accuracy, clocked at 67 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.25-2.30. Also, ran a 7.61 60 yard dash.

Maurice Munoz, OF, RTC Medical Prep, 2018
5-foot-9, 155-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, open setup, early, deep pre-pitch load, leg-kick timing trigger and average bat speed. Level bat path and a line-drive approach. Registered an exit velocity 76 mph. Defensively, steady hands, fielding the ball deep at times. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy and throws clocked at 79 mph.

Noah Petrusevski, MIF, Richards HS, 2017
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Started the day off by running a 6.92 60 yard dash. Offensively, closed, tall setup, slight pre-pitch load and short stride. Level bat path and line-drive approach. Registered an exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, tendency to play tall on the infield. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 78 mph across the diamond.

Alex Pittman, 3B, Morgan Park HS, 2019
Solid lower half 5-foot-7, 180-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, flashed bat speed and strength through contact. Fluid rhythm, balanced and good approach at the plate. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load and short stride. Registered an exit velocity of 77 mph. Defensively, played through the baseball, clean exchange, fluid rhythm and steady hands on the infield. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot, some accuracy and clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.85 60 yard dash.

Joshua Povlock, 3B, Vicksburg HS (MI), 2017
Solid frame 6-foot, 185-pound well-proportioned right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, registered an exit velocity of 84 mph. Balanced setup, long, uphill bat path and a pull approach. Defensively, steady hands on the infield. ¾ arm slot, clean exchange and clocked at 70 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.69 60 yard dash.

Nathan Sanchez, SS/RHP, Mount Carmel HS, 2019
Smaller build 5-foot-6, 135-pound left-handed hitting infielder and right-handed pitcher. Offensively, couched setup, pre-pitch load, short stride and average balance through contact. Pull approach at the plate and could benefit from getting extension through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 75 mph. Defensively, reliable hands on the infield. Threw from a 3/4, low ¾ arm slot, loose arm and clocked at 77 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.84 60 yard dash. On the mound, featured a two-pitch mix. High ¾ slot, average arm speed, long arm action and regular effort in his delivery. Fastball sat 71-73 mph, touching 75. Curveball worked 61-63 mph.

Connor Stephenson, C, N/A, 2020
5-foot-3, 110-pound undersized right-handed hitting catcher. Ran an above-average 60 for his age, 7.39. Offensively, started from a balanced, tall setup, long stride and a line-drive approach at the plate. Registered an exit velocity of 65 mph. Defensively, high ¾ arm slot and a quick release from behind the plate. Throws clocked at 69 mph and pop times ranged from 2.05-2.15.

Noa Taylor, SS/3B, Argo HS, 2017
Athletic build 6-foot, 180-pound well-proportioned right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, registered an 84 mph exit velocity. Looseness in his swing, and flashed occasional bat speed. Balanced, tall setup, pre-pitch load and big hanging leg-lift timing trigger. Level bat path and gets extension through contact at times. Defensively, reliable hands and flashed body control on the infield. Long arm action, ¾ slot, some accuracy and throws clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.01 60 yard dash.

Owen Waunn, C, Fenwick HS, 2018
Lean build 5-foot-9, 140-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Offensively, balanced setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Long, uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Registered a 68 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long arm action, high ¾ slot from behind the plate. Throws clocked at 63 mph from the crouch and pop times ranged from 2.20-2.32. Also, ran an 8.26 60 yard dash.

Kyle Winkle, SS/2B, Joliet Catholic HS, 2018
Average build 5-foot-9, 157-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, started from a tall, balanced setup position. Tendency to drop his hands during his pre-pitch load and short stride. Registered an exit velocity of 78 mph. Defensively, steady hands, feet worked well on the infield and a tendency to play tall. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 75 mph. Also, ran a 7.87 60 yard dash.

Kyle Wisch, RHP/3B, Hinsdale Central HS, 2019
Advanced frame, prototypical pitchers build 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher and infielder. On the mound is one of the better 2019 graduates we have seen in Illinois. Clean, quick, short arm action, from a high ¾ slot. Smooth rhythm, slight cross fire action and a repeatable delivery. Fastball worked mainly straight, up in the zone at times and clocked at 83-84 mph. Curveball, solid feel, short and sharp break at times, worked 11/5 and ranged between 69-70 mph. Defensively, at third base, showed body control, soft hands, fielded the ball athletically and flashed a clean transfer. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws with carry, clocked at 74 mph. Also, ran a 7.90 60 yard dash.

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