Central Illinois Open: Pitcher Analysis
September 27, 2018
On Aug. 8, we hosted the Central Illinois Open in Normal, Ill., at The Corn Crib. There were over 70 prospects in attendance representing the middle of the state, one of whom has already committed to play at the next level, and there’s bound to be more from this group in the coming weeks and months.
Today, we’ll continue our showcase analysis with a deeper look into the pitchers who took to the mound at the Normal event.
Junior RHP Holden Phelps (Prairie Ridge) has burst onto the scene after a strong summer, debuting on the latest edition of the state’s class of 2020 rankings, placing himself firmly within the top-40 prospects overall. His performance at the Central Illinois Open earned him an invite to All-State Games later that week where he validated his invitation by topping 90 mph. Phelps’ showing in Normal is one of the reasons why the Prairie Ridge ace is entrenched on the prospect scene.
There are a few underclassmen on the top 10 below, too, including Normal U-High’s MacCallan Conklin (2021). He’s a two-way prospect who looks especially interesting on the mound, where he has an early feel for all three of his pitches. His fastball lives in the low 80s and is mostly straight but is complemented deftly with his changeup.
We previously published our Statistical Analysis from the showcase, as well as a look at the day’s catchers, outfielders, and infielders. Keep on reading for full reports on all 45 pitchers from the Central Illinois Open below.
TOP PROSPECTS
1. Holden Phelps, RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2020
6-foot-4, 185-pound, right-handed pitcher, long-limbed, projectable frame. Tall and fall style, quick side step to tall, heel lift balance point, slide step stretch, works slightly cross body to home, toe lands closed, athletic and effortless finish. Arm plays long, full, fluid arm swing, present arm strength, arm gradually speeds through ¾ window, easy effort throughout. Fastball, run with downward tilt, firm through the zone, 87-88 mph. Slider, 10/4 sweeper, flashed bite down, 71-73 mph. Changeup, sinking action, maintains arm speed, 77-79 mph.
2. MacCallan Conklin, OF/RHP, Normal U-High, 2021
6-foot, 166-pound, lean, athletically-built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall , linear, directional delivery, lands front toe open. Long arm action, comes out of a short, high ¾ window, quick out front. Fastball, works mostly straight, flashed run, sat 81-82 mph, touched 83. Changeup, maintains arm speed, feel, fade action, 70-73 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, depth, 68-70 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, quiet, balanced, wider setup, smooth load and long stride. Long and level bat path, line-drive approach and 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, in the outfield, plays through the baseball, clean release. Short, strong arm, carried from the outfield, topped at 85 mph. 7.42 runner in the 60. Follow 2021 prospect.
3. Noah Matheny, RHP/INF, Galesburg, 2020
6-foot-2, 175-pound, two-way prospect, athletic, well-proportioned build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands front toe open. Easy effort throughout, arm works short, clean and loose from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, arm-side-run, 79-81 mph, touched 82. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 67-71 mph. Changeup, fade action, 71-72 mph. Offensively, left-handed hitter, balanced wide setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Uphill bat path, pull approach, ball jumped off the barrel at times; 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, clean transfer, quick at times, short, loose arm action and throws 81 mph across the infield. 8.14 runner in the 60.
4. Ryan Guenther, RHP, Washington Community, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted frame. Uptempo style, tall and fall delivery, direction works towards first base, high front side, lands open with a spin towards first. Arm plays long with slight wrap, full swing, high ¾ arm slot, some effort involved. Fastball, plenty of run in the zone, hard sink at times, 82-83 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual break, 68-71 mph. Changeup, faded with feel for it in the zone, maintained arm speed, 74-76 mph.
5. Sergio Marchizza, RHP/INF, Glenwood, 2020
6-foot-3, 190-pound, two-way prospect, athletic, strong-build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, repeatable delivery, works on-line, lands front toe slightly closed. Long, loose arm action, out of a high ¾ window, regular effort throughout. Fastball, worked straight, 83-84 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, inconsistent action, 63-66 mph. Changeup, occasional sinking action, 71-73 mph. Offensively, balanced setup, long stride, aggressive swing, present bat speed, long, level bat path and hard contact at times; 93 mph exit velocity from a tee. 7.34 runner in the 60, laser-timed.
6. Jackson Powell, OF/RHP, Normal U-High, 2020
6-foot-4, 185-pound, long-limbed, athletically-built, projectable, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm and regular effort throughout. Long, clean arm action, ¾ slot. Fastball, running action, around the zone, sat 80-81 mph. Curveball worked 11/5, slows arm at times, 66-69 mph. Changeup, sinking action, 76-79 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, fluid rhythm, tall setup, toe-tap stride, long, uphill bat path and pull approach. 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, works through the baseball, steady hands and long, loose arm action from a ¾ slot. Throws clocked at 81 mph from the outfield. 7.64 runner in the 60, laser-timed.
7. Gavan Wernsing, LHP, Stewardson Strasburg, 2022
5-foot-11, 215-pound, left-handed pitcher, strong, durable frame. Slow pace to solid, compact balance point, tall and fall style, high front side, work cross bodied to home, toe lands closed, athletic finish, smooth rhythm throughout. Loose and long arm action, gradually speeds at hand break, over the top slot, regular effort. Fastball, creates tilt with run in the zone, comes out easy, sat 80 mph. Slider, 1/7 shape, thrown hard, cutter-like pitch, 73-76 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, faded down, 71-74 mph.
8. William Kafer, RHP/OF, Normal West, 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, full wind up, smooth, deliberate delivery, works on-line, lands front foot closed and finishes upright. Long, clean arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, around the zone, sat 80-81 mph, touched 83. Curveball worked mostly 12/6, occasional depth, 63-69 mph. Changeup, fade action, 73-76 mph. 6.90 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, heel lift stride. Uphill bat path, consistent hard contact and 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, easy actions, works through the baseball, steady hands. Short clean arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate arm, flashed carry, 86 mph.
9. Mitchel Hemmen, OF/RHP, Teutopolis, 2020
6-foot, 185-pound, strong, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, At the plate, right-handed hitter, side-step, compact, repeatable delivery, works on-line, lands front toe slightly closed with easy effort throughout. Clean, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot, projects. Velocity continued to climb throughout his bullpen. Fastball sat 75-79 mph early on and his last four fastballs sat 81-83 mph, touching 84; thrown for strikes, occasional arm-side-run. Curveball, slurvy action at times, 11/5 plane and sat 63-67 mph. Changeup, ranged between 66-70 mph. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load and long toe-tap stride. Level bat path, occasional hard contact to the pull-side and exit velocity clocked at 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, in the outfield, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball, clean release. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, strong throws with carry, topped at 88 mph. 7.43 runner in the 60.
10. Logan Peterson, RHP/INF, LeRoy, 2021
6-foot-2, 165-pound two-way player, long limbed frame. Profiles best on the mound, tall and fall type delivery, loose and low effort, slightly across body and lands closed, uses slide step in the stretch. Arm action is long and loose, projects well for added velo, high ¾ slot. Fastball played with run to arm side, 79-80 mph, touched 81 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 67-71 mph. Changeup has fade and sink action to arm side, 71-73 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, minimal load action, short stride. Path has length, slight uphill path, 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Plays tall defensively, average hands at his age. 7.37 runner in the 60. Arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot, 72 mph across the diamond.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Tyler Ahrens, OF/RHP, Normal West, 2020
6-foot, 150-pound, long and lean, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, slightly open setup, leg-kick timing trigger and hits off his front side. Long bat path, exit velocity of 82 mph from a tee. In the outfield, plays through the baseball, steady hands, arm comes out of a short, over-the-top window and throws clocked at 75 mph. 7.37 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, full wind up, uptempo action following balance point. Short, over-the-top arm action. Fastball works mostly straight, sinking action at times, sat 76-78 mph, touched 79. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 58-59 mph. Also mixed in a cutter, slider action at times, 66-67 mph. Changeup, ranged between 67-72 mph.
Carter Askew, OF/RHP, Kaneland, 2021
5-foot-8, 150-pound, two-way prospect. Defensively, in the outfield, plays through the baseball at times, clean transfer. Loose, clean arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 74 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, tall, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, short stride, long, level bat path and 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. 7.82 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth delivery, sits into backside at balance point and lands front toe open. Loose arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball sinking action at times, sat 71-73 mph, touched 74. Curveball 11/5 plane, 61-64 mph. Changeup, sink, 66-68 mph.
Jalen Bickett, LHP, Rock Falls, 2020
6-foot, 175-pound, left-handed pitcher, well-proportioned, athletic frame. Stretch only to home, tall and fall delivery, sturdy balance point, works cross bodied some, toe lands square, athletic finish. Long arm action, full arm swing with slight wrap, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball, run with occasional sink, 77-80 mph. Curveball, 1/7 gradual break, 65-68 mph. Changeup, sank with near fastball arm speed, 72-76 mph.
Parker Bradford, RHP, East Peoria, 2020
6-foot-3, 195-pound, right-handed pitcher, athletic build. Wide windup setup, compact balance point, slight sit on back side, short stride, lands square to home, recoil finish, some rhythm involved. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, effort involved. Fastball, mostly straight with occasional run, 79-80 mph, topped 83 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 65-68 mph. Changeup, slight drop straight, 70-72 mph.
Jack Davis, RHP/3B, Sacred Heart-Griffin, 2022
6-foot, 155-pound two-way player, lean athletic frame. Right-handed hitter, slightly open, balanced stance, short stride. Path worked level, opposite field contact, inside out swing at times. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm played loose out of a high ¾ slot, 72 mph across. Hands play deep at times, two-handed funnel to exchange. 7.42 runner in the 60. On the mound arm played out of a high ¾ slot, loose arm action, easy effort. Fastball found the zone, 73-76 mph, topped at 77 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, 61-64 mph. Changeup slightly fades to arm side, 64-67 mph.
Colton Fearday, 1B/LHP, St. Anthony, 2022
5-foot-6, 140-pound two-way player. Left-handed hitter, open setup, drops hands back into load, short lifted stride. Pull side approach, uphill path, 66 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed feel around the bag, clean transfer. Arm is long out of a ¾ slot, 64 mph across the diamond. On the mound arm worked long, high ¾ slot. Fastball is straight, thrown for strikes, 63-64 mph, topped at 65 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, showed spin, feel for strikezone, 52-54 mph. Changeup thrown near fastball arm speed, 53-57 mph.
Kaden Fearday, INF/RHP, St. Anthony, 2020
6-foot-4, 165-pound, long, lean, two-way prospect with plenty of room for continued physical development. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced, open setup and short stride. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, clean transfer, short arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 77 mph across the diamond.7.65 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, sat 77-78 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 63-66 mph. Changeup, fade action, 67-69 mph.
Colin Glass, INF/LHP, Yorkville, 2020
6-foot, 170-pound, athletically-built, left/left, two-way prospect. At the plate, left-handed hitter, crouched, narrow setup and long stride. Level bat path, pull approach and 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, at first base, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 66 mph across the infield. 7.98 runner in the 60. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, small, side-step delivery, works on-line and lands front toe closed. Long arm action from a high ¾ window. Fastball slight running action, 69-71 mph. Curveball, 2/8 shape, 57-60 mph. Changeup, fade action, 59-63 mph.
Brady Grashoff, INF/RHP, Pekin, 2020
6-foot-1, 170-pound, athletically-built, two-way prospect. Ran a 6.94 laser-timed 60. Left-handed hitter, slightly crouched, wide setup, leg-kick timing trigger, short, level bat path, pull approach with sneaky pop. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 78 mph.
Bryce Handzus, RHP, Dwight, 2022
5-foot-8, 130-pound, right-handed pitcher, wiry frame. Short side step to slight coil balance point, drop and drive style, sits low at hands break, long stride down the mound, toe lands square, athletic finish with slight pop up. Arm plays loose, full swing with slight wrap, ¾ arm slot. Fastball, sinks to the arm side, early out of the hands, sat 67-69 mph. Curveball, 11/5 sweeper, around it, 58-59 mph. Changeup, dropped straight down, 64-65 mph.
Brady Heinzmann, LHP, Carlyle, 2021
6-foot-1, 165-pound, left-handed pitcher, lanky frame with athleticism in actions. Slow pace to low hanging knee balance point, slight sit on back side, directionally in-line, toe lands closed, athletic finish towards home, smooth rhythm involved. Arm plays long and loose, speeds up through throwing window, ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball, run with angle down in the strike zone, finishes the pitch, sat 74-77 mph. Curveball, 2/8 sweeper, flashed ability to be sharp with arm speed, for strikes, 60-62 mph. Changeup, sink with fastball arm speed, feel for it, in the zone, 64-68 mph.
Jake Jacek, RHP/INF, Normal Community, 2019
6-foot-4, 200-pound, long-limbed, strong, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, high front side, works on-line and lands front toe closed. Long arm action out of an over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, sat 78-80 mph, touched 82. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 69-70 mph. Changeup, ranged between 70-75 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, registered a 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced, tall setup, short stride and long, level bat path. Defensively, on the infield, reliable hands and a quick, clean transfer. Long arm action, over-the-top slot and throws carried across the diamond, topping at 80 mph. 7.39 runner in the 60, laser-timed.
Drew Martin, OF/RHP, Mt. Pulaski, 2021
6-foot-1, 180-pound, athletically-built, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, minimal load and leg-kick timing trigger. Long bat path, line-drive approach and 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, in the outfield, charges the baseball aggressively and plays through. Loose, whippy arm action, high ¾ slot, throws carry at times, topped at 79 mph. 7.41 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery with regular effort throughout. Loose arm action, over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, 77-81 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, depth, 65-67 mph. Changeup, worked down, sinking action, 74-77 mph.
Keegan McCarty, LHP, St. Joseph, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound, left-handed pitcher, wiry, athletic frame. Quick side step to low, compact balance point, tall and fall delivery, head stay on-line, lands square, easy, athletic finish. Arm plays long and loose, full swing, ¾ arm slot, easy effort. Fastball, run at bottom of the zone, 74-76 mph. Curveball, 1/7 gradual break, 63-66 mph. Slider, best secondary, 2/8 shape with tighter spin and break, 63-65 mph.
Ben Monge, LHP/1B, Roanoke Benson, 2019
6-foot-2, 210-pound, thick, sturdy lower-half, two-way prospect. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, repeats delivery, works on-line, lands square. Long arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball 75-77 mph, touched 78. Curveball worked 10/4, around the zone, 61-62 mph. Changeup, sat 68-70 mph. At the plate, balanced, open setup, short stride, long, level bat path, opposite field approach. 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 76 mph across the infield. 8.09 runner in the 60.
Mash Mose, LHP, Mount Zion, 2020
6-foot-4, 210-pound, left-handed pitcher, durable, athletic frame. Quick side step to low knee hanging balance point, slight sit on back side, still extends with lower half, works in-line, toe lands square, athletic finish. Short arm action, hitch on back side, high ¾ slot. Fastball, ran early out of the hand, sat 78 mph, topped 79 mph. Curveball, 1/7 gradual break, flashed late bite, 66-69 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, faded, 70-74 mph.
Graham O’Gorman, RHP, Champaign Central, 2020
6-foot-1, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher, long-limbed, thin frame. Quick side step to to low, crunched balance point, tall and fall delivery, high front side, toe lands square, spins off towards first base at finish. Arm plays short and loose, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball, mostly straight with some same plane run, 73-75 mph, topped 76 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, rolls in, 60-63 mph. Changeup, faded with arm speed, 65-68 mph.
Will O’Gorman, LHP, Champaign Central, 2022
6-foot-2, 160-pound, left-handed pitcher, lanky frame with room to physically fill out. Tall and fall delivery, crunched balance point, works in-line, toe lands square, some arm recoil at finish. Long and loose arm action, full arm swing, high ¾ slot, effort involved. Fastball, mostly straight with some arm side run, sat 67-69 mph, topped 70 mph. Curveball, 1/7 gradual break, 52-56 mph. Changeup, flashed sink, 60-61 mph.
Jake Plangger, OF/LHP, Normal Community, 2021
5-foot-10, 140-pound, lean, left/left, two-way prospect. At the plate, open, tall setup, long bat path, pull approach and 63 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 65 mph from the outfield. 8.28 runner in the 60. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, delivery works online, lands square and finishes towards third base. Long arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, running action, sat 64-65 mph, touched 66. Changeup, sink and fade, 54-59 mph.
Caleb Pyrz, RHP/INF/OF, Champaign Central, 2020
5-foot-11, 160-pound, athletically-built, multi-positional prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, crouched setup, short leg-lift trigger and maintained balance through contact. Compact swing, quick hands, occasional bat speed, level bat path, stays through the baseball, line-drive approach and consistent hard contact. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, worked out in the outfield and on the infield. Reliable hands, plays through the baseball, long quick arm action; throws topped at 81 mph from the outfield and 76 mph across the infield. 7.38 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, clean, repeatable delivery, regular effort. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, sat 77-80 mph, touched 81. Curveball, tight spin at times, 11/5 plane, 67-70 mph. Changeup, straight action, 75-78 mph.
Kaleb Rogers, 1B/RHP, Springfield, 2021
6-foot-1, 170-pound two-way player, lean lanky frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup with smooth loading action, leg kick stride. Aggressive swing with some effort, level path through contact, worked line drives to both sides of the field. Defensively arm played at 64 mph across the diamond, short high ¾ slot. Deliberate actions around the bag. 8.33 runner in the 60. On the mound arm plays out of a high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball is straight, 73-74 mph. Curveball played 11/5, 58-61 mph. Straight changeup worked 63-66 mph.
Brandon Roth, OF/RHP, Normal West, 2019
6-foot-3, 195-pound, strong, athletically-built, two-way prospect. 7.29 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger, aggressive swing. Creates bat speed at times, long, level bat path and line-drive approach. 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, works through the baseball, long arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws, carry and topped at 84 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort throughout. Long arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, sat 78-80 mph, touched 81. Curveball 12/6 shape, 65-69 mph. Changeup, flashed sinking action, 71-75 mph.
Jordan Smith, OF/LHP, Urbana, 2019
5-foot-9, 155-pound, wiry, left/left, two-way prospect. Ran a 6.83 60, laser-timed. At the plate, left-handed hitter, open, balanced setup, pre-pitch load and toe-tap stride. Short bat path, line-drive approach and 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. In the outfield, fluid footwork, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 71 mph. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, long arm action, high ¾ slot with regular effort. Fastball, straight action, sat 67-68 mph, touched 69. Curveball, 1/7 to 12/6 shape, 57-59 mph. Changeup, ranged between 60-63 mph.
Caden Stone, LHP, Metamora, 2020
5-foot-7, 160-pound, left-handed pitcher, athletic frame. Tall and fall delivery, low balance point, shoulders leveled, short stride, toe lands slightly closed, spins to third at finish, some rhythm involved. Arm plays short, slight stab back, loose through high ¾ window, easy effort. Fastball worked straight with occasional run, 74-76 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 65-68 mph. Changeup, flashed sink with fastball arm speed, 70-72 mph.
Noah Sustaita, RHP, Minooka, 2019
6-foot-1, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned frame. Tall and fall delivery, shoulders leveled, works in-line toe lands closed, slight head pull down, easy finish. Arm plays long, speeds up through high ¾ window, regular effort. Fastball worked straight, played up, 79-81 mph, topped 83 mph. Curveball, 12/6 gradual break, 68-72 mph. Changeup, faded with near fastball arm speed, 73-74 mph.
Eli Sweiss, RHP, Brother Rice, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted frame. Deliberate pace to tall, compact knee balance point, tall and fall delivery, shoulders uphill, works cross body some with a closed toe, heel first landing, pop up with leg swing towards first at finish. Long draw out of glove, arm plays loose, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball, worked straight, in the zone, 77-78 mph, topped 80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, rolls in the zone, 63-64 mph. Changeup, sinking movement, for strikes, 67-68 mph.
Garrett Swingler, OF/RHP, Normal West, 2020
6-foot-1, 150-pound, long, lean, two-way prospect with plenty of room for continued physical development. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, quiet setup, minimal load and short stride. Long levered swing, loose and level at times, 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, proper routes and works through the baseball in the outfield. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 79 mph. 7.40 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works slightly across his body and lands square. Fastball sat 74-77 mph, touched 78. Curveball 12/6 to 11/5 shape, depth, 59-62 mph. Changeup ranged between 63-66 mph.
Alex Talley, RHP/INF, Cumberland, 2019
6-foot-3, 165-pound, wiry, live-bodied, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands square. Short, loose, live arm works out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, occasional running action, 79-80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, sharp spin at times, 66-69 mph. Changeup, sink and fade action, 74-76 mph. Offensively, balanced setup, long stride, level bat path and 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, steady hands, long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, throws carried and topped at 80 mph across the diamond. 7.17 laser-timed 60.
Sam Tallen, INF/RHP, Bloomington Central Catholic, 2021
6-foot-2, 170-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, short stride. Uphill path, produced occasional line drives through the middle, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Corner infield profile, actions work at the waist, clean long exchange. Arm played 69 mph across the diamond, ¾ slot. 7.45 runner in the 60. Arm worked similar on the mound, wide sweeping toe lift to balance point, lands closed. Fastball showed sink, 72-74 mph, touched 75 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, thrown with arm speed, 68-70 mph. Knuckleball played 63-67 mph.
Matthew Timm, OF/LHP, Illinois Valley Central, 2020
5-foot-10, 155-pound, athletically-built, two-way prospect. 6.99 runner in the 60, laser-timed. In the outfield, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball, clean exchange. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 80 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced, closed setup, leg-kick trigger, level bat path and line-drive approach. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, slight drop and drive delivery, works on-line and lands square. Long arm action, comes out of a high ¾ window. Fastball works mostly straight, occasional running action, 76-77 mph, touched 78. Curveball, tight spin, 1/7 shape, 64-66 mph. Changeup thrown for strikes, straight action, 67-70 mph.
Luke Trepanier, OF/LHP, Manteno, 2021
5-foot-10, 165-pound, well-proportioned, left/left, two-way prospect. At the plate, balanced, slightly open setup, minimal load and short stride. Simple swing, loose hands, flashed bat speed. Short to the ball, level bat path and consistent line-drive contact. Exit velocity topped at 85 mph from a tee. Defensively, natural outfield actions, fluid footwork, attacks the baseball, plays through, soft hands and clean transfer. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 81 mph. 7.26 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, smooth, deliberate delivery, lands front toe open. Long, loose arm action, over-the-top slot. Fastball, straight action, sat 75-76 mph, touched 78. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 66-68 mph. Changeup, sink and fade action, 65-67 mph.
Nic Vitiritti, RHP, Mount Carmel, 2019
6-foot-3, 185-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted, athletic frame. Compact, toe lift balance point, hip leads down the mound, shoulders close, open up at foot strike, toe lands square, some pop up at finish. Arm plays long, full arm swing, high ¾ to over the top slot, some effort involved. Fastball, worked straight, mostly down, 77-79 mph, topped 80 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, breaks in the zone, occasional bite, 66-68 mph. Changeup played straight, flashed fade, 70-72 mph.
Evan Wallgren, RHP/INF, Normal West, 2020
5-foot-9, 170-pound, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, works with rhythm, stays on-line and lands front-toe closed. Short draw out of the glove, high ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, occasional running action, 79-80 mph. Curveball, action, 12/6 shape, depth at times, 65-69 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, sinking action, 71-72 mph. At the plate, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, toe-tap stride and maintains balance through contact. Aggressive swing, solid contact, long, uphill bat path at times. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady defender, fluid footwork, soft hands and throws from multiple slots. Throws clocked at 74 mph across the infield. 7.27 runner in the 60.
Grant Wasson, LHP, Rock Falls, 2020
6-foot, 140-pound, left-handed pitcher, wiry frame. Quick side step to high leg balance point, uptempo style, drop and drive delivery, toe lands open and hard, hops at finish. Arm plays long and loose, some arm speed, high ¾ arm slot, effort involved. Fastball, ran in the zone with occasional sinking action, 74-76 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, flashed sharp, 61-63 mph. Changeup played straight, 71-72 mph.
Alex Zogg, INF/RHP, Normal Community, 2019
6-foot-1, 180-pound, athletically-built, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced, quiet setup, smooth load and short stride. Path works uphill, pull approach and registered an 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, clean transfer, long arm action, high ¾ slot and thro'gows topped at 75 mph across the infield. 7.81 runner in the 60. On the mound, repeatable tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Long arm action, over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, get downhill at times, 75-76 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, sat 67 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, fade action, 71-73 mph.