Class of 2020 Showcase: Infielder Analysis
August 29, 2018
Lee Pfund Stadium at Wheaton College played host for us and the Class of 2020 Showcase on July 18, a high-profile event for the state’s incoming juniors.
We previously published our Statistical Analysis from the event as well as Monday’s detailed look at the day’s catchers and outfielders, but today we’ll move on and dissect the group of infielders who attended the 2020 event.
St. Charles East’s switch-hitting shortstop Clay Conn came away from the Class of 2020 Showcase as one of the top middle infield talents on the day for his glovework. The 5-foot-8 Conn is an above-average athlete and it plays naturally in his defense where he glides to and from his forehand and backhand with ease. At the plate, he worked the middle of the field from both sides, helping establish an all-around game that should give him a next-level pedigree.
While Conn stood out for his handiwork in the infield, 1B/3B James Harris (Brooks College Prep) established himself as one of the most potent bats at the event. The 6-foot, 200-pound corner infielder made use of his natural strength in the batter’s box, squaring up baseball after baseball. He moves well for his size and has fluid footwork around the bag at first base.
For full reports on Conn and Harris, as well as all of the infielders who made it out to Wheaton College last month, continue reading on below. Tomorrow, we’ll examine the pitchers who took the mound in the 2020-only showcase before ranking the top overall prospects at the event on Friday.
TOP PROSPECTS
1. Clay Conn, SS/2B, St. Charles East, 2020
5-foot-8, 155-pound, switch hitting infielder, athleticism in frame, translates to the field. Defensively advanced middle infielder, natural athletic actions, fleet footed, super soft hands, exchanges are quick and clean, gets rid of it, plays through the baseball under control. Smooth, short arm action, clean over the top slot, can drop slot, plus body control, accurate throws topped 74 mph across the diamond. Present foot speed, 6.85 runner in the 60. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth bar load, short stride, maintains control, loose/rhythmic hands. From the right side, compact/contact approach, short to the ball, line drives to the middle of the field. From the left, more uphill, similar approach, works middle. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 86 mph from the right side, 84 mph from the left.
2. James Harris, 1B/3B, Brooks College Prep, 2020
6-foot, 200-pound, right-handed hitting corner infielder, thick frame, strength throughout. Offensively, balanced, open setup, short stride, maintains good balance through contact. Line drive approach with pull-side tendency, short barrel path to ball, gained extension through the zone, repeatedly made square contact, generated back spin, fluid rhythm, 89 mph exit velocity. Defensively, a more natural first baseman, short, quick arm action, high ¾ slot, quick release. Plays through the ball, athletic fielder at first base, displayed quick, fluid footwork, quick on exchanges, soft hands, 78 mph across the infield. Moves well for size, ran a 7.10 laser-timed 60.
3. Joel Sarver, RHP/3B, Champaign Central, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, athleticism in frame translate in-game actions. Right-handed pitcher, deliberate pace, under control, high knee balance point, hip leads down the mound, lands cross bodied, athletic finish out front. Full arm swing, loose action,quick arm speed, conviction down, high ¾ slot. Fastball, located with run, sat 82-84 mph. Curveball, 11/5 break, 69-73 mph. Splitter, tumble at the bottom of the zone, 71-74 mph. At the plate, open, tall setup, smooth load, leg lift stride, maintains control. Loose hands/wrists, short, level path with extension, line drive ability to the middle of the field, controls barrel. Fast bat speed, exit velocity topped 93 mph from a tee. Defensively, feet work in rhythm, soft hands, funnels baseball, clean/long exchange, pats glove, plays through. Short, loose arm action with arm speed, high ¾ slot, throws carried 83 mph across the diamond. 7.37 runner in the 60.
4. Gabriel Schmitt, 3B, Warren Township, 2020
5-foot-11, 185-pound, left-handed hitting infielder, athleticism in frame. Offensively, smooth pre-pitch actions, wide, balanced setup, back load, short stride. Strength in hands, short to the baseball, level path, pull tendencies, high finish with present rhythm involved. Flashed bat speed, exit velocity topped 90 mph from a tee. Defensively, feet work in rhythm, squares up the baseball, funnels baseball through exchange, long draw out of glove. Short arm action, some arm strength, high ¾ slot, effort involved, throws topped 77 mph across the diamond. 7.31 runner in the 60.
5. Evan Tocmo, SS/2B, Huntley, 2020
5-foot-9, 165-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, athleticism in frame. At the plate, tall, narrow, open stance, smooth load, knee lift timing trigger, maintains balance through swing. Loose hands, short to the baseball, easy line drives to the middle of the field, some favor to pull side, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 82 mph from a tee. Defensively, active feet, hands work, fields out front, clean exchange. Arm plays short, loose and clean, high ¾ slot, throws topped 80 mph across the diamond. 7.29 runner in the 60.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Jacob Allgeyer, SS/2B, Minooka, 2020
6-foot, 165-pound, switch hitting infielder, lanky, athletic frame. Offensively, from the right side, balanced setup, back load, long stride, occasional dive over plate. Long, uphill bat path, favored pull side, exit velocity topped 87 mph. More body and barrel control from the left side, path is more direct to the ball, flashed pull side pop, exit velocity topped 86 mph. Defensively, feet work underneath in rhythm, steady hands, transfers are quick and clean, plays through. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, can drop slot, throws topped 73 mph across the diamond. 7.69 runner in the 60.
Julian Baxter, 1B/LHP, Plainfield North, 2020
5-foot-11, 220-pound, left-handed hitting first baseman, thick frame. At the plate, balanced, open setup, back load, toe tap trigger. Loose hands, long, uphill bat path, barrel gets in and out of the zone quick, pull side tendencies, exit velocity topped 82 mph from a tee. Defensively, fluid feet, hands work, quick exchanges, comfortable at bag. Short, loose arm action, slight wrap, high ¾ slot, throws topped 55 mph across the diamond. 8.95 runner in the 60.
Carter Berg, SS/2B, St. Rita, 2020
6-foot-2, 165-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, lanky, athletic frame. Offensively, balanced, open setup, smooth load, short toe lift trigger. Long, uphill bat path with bat speed, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee, flashed line drive pop to the pull side, rhythm involved. Defensively, fluid feet, steady hands, clean exchanges, long to release, plays through. Arm is long and loose,¾ slot, throws topped 69 mph across the diamond. 7.31 runner in the 60.
Tony Campise, 3B/RHP, Metea Valley, 2020
5-foot-11, 165-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, athleticism in frame. At the plate, balanced, open setup, back bar load, long leg kick trigger. Strong hands, bats gets through quick, path is long and level, pull tendencies, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick feet, long exchange, pats glove. Long arm action, ¾ slot, throws topped 70 mph across the diamond. 7.76 runner in the 60. On the mound, active feet, high knee balance, works in line to home, closed toe landing, slight sit on back side. Long arm action, full swing, ¾ slot, some rhythm involved. Fastball, slight run, topped 77 mph, sat 73-76 mph. Curveball, gradual 12/6 break, 61-62 mph. Changeup played 61-62 mph.
Jackson Chatterton, SS/2B, Dunlap, 2020
5-foot-10, 162-pound, switch hitting infielder, wiry, athletic frame. 7.00 flat runner in the 60. Offensively, similar pre-pitch, balanced setup, back bar load, short toe lift trigger. From the right side, short to the ball, quick and uphill after contact, occasional line drives to the middle of the field. From the left side, longer bat path, favored pull side, exit velocity topped 81 mph from the right side, 82 mph from the left. Defensively, fields in stride and out front, hands work, clean exchange, quick release. Long arm action with present arm speed, comes out firm, over the top slot, throws topped 77 mph across the diamond.
Michael Davis, C/INF, St. Charles North, 2020
5-foot-9, 155-pound, right-handed hitting catcher and infielder. Defensively, short, firm arm action, high ¾ slot, kept throws around target, 78 mph across the infield, 72 mph out of the crouch. Plays through the ball, fluid feet, clean on exchanges, pop times ranged 2.25-2.31. Offensively, wide setup, loads back, long stride, maintains balance. Pull-hitter, short, level barrel path, 81 mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 7.64 laser-timed 60.
Kevin Flowers Jr, 3B/RHP, St. Joseph, 2020
6-foot, 175-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, thick build with strength in frame. Offensively, balanced setup, back load, quick toe tap trigger. Strong hands, path is long and level, flashed line drives to the pull side, exit velocity topped 84 mph from a tee. Defensively, stationary fielder profiles at the corners, hands work, clean exchanges. Easy, short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 77 mph across the diamond. 7.99 runner in the 60.
David Galandak, 2B/SS, St. Joseph, 2020
5-foot-7, 145-pound, left-handed hitting infielder, well-proportioned frame. At the plate, balanced, open setup, minimal load, short/quick leg lift stride. Short, level bat path, slightly rotational through zone, tall finish, exit velocity topped 65 mph from a tee. 7.40 runner in the 60.
Kevin Gosciniak, 2B/SS, Grant Community, 2020
6-foot-1, 158-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, high-waisted, lanky frame. Offensively, balanced setup, back load, long stride. Loose hands, long, level path, gets uphill through the zone, pull side tendencies, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively, feet work in rhythm, choppy some, deadens baseball, clean exchanges, long to release. Arm is long and loose, high ¾ slot, throws topped 73 mph across the diamond. 7.73 runner in the 60.
Logan Hanson, RHP/2B, Lakes Community, 2020
6-foot, 180-pound, left-handed hitting two-way player, high-waisted frame. Right handed pitcher, heel lift balance, works in line, lands with toe open, low at finish, some athleticism involved. Long arm action, slight stab back, definite arm strength, picks up speed until release, ¾ arm slot, deceptive. Fastball worked straight, early run at times, sat 80-83 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 69-72 mph. Changeup, ran arm side, 73-76 mph. At the plate, slightly open setup, minimal load, short leg kick trigger. Long bat path, barrel gets in and out quick, favored pull side, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, squares up the baseball, quick transfer, long draw out of glove, low ¾ slot, throws topped 73 mph across the diamond. 7.57 runner in the 60.
Ashton Johnson, 2B/OF, Brimfield, 2020
6-foot-2, 180-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, well-proportioned, athletic frame. At the plate, balanced setup, slight drop load, long toe tap trigger, some dive. Definite bat strength, effort in swing, long path, keeps barrel level through the zone, pull tendencies. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 88 mph from a tee. 7.08 runner in the 60. Defensively, quick feet, plays through the baseball. Short arm action, over the top slot, throws topped 76 mph across the diamond.
Alex Kelsch, 2B/SS, Oswego East, 2020
5-foot-7, 150-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, well-proportioned frame. At the plate, narrow, open setup, smooth load, short stride. Loose hands, uphill bat path, created lift in BP to the pull side, smooth rhythm in swing. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick actions, clean transfers, occasional pack, plays through. Short, whippy arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 78 mph across the diamond. 7.55 runner in the 60.
Nate Malek, 2B/SS, Lane Tech, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, wiry, athletic frame. At the plate, body sways back at load, slight drop/wrap with arms, toe-tap trigger. Long, uphill bat path, high finish, flashed line drive ability to the pull side, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively, choppy footwork, hands work, bends at waist early, clean exchange. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 65 mph across the diamond. 7.73 runner in the 60.
Matthew McAleer, RHP/SS, Prospect, 2020
6-foot-2, 155-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, lanky, athletic frame. At the plate, balanced setup, minimal load, toe tap trigger. Long, uphill bat path, flashed line drives to the pull side, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick feet, steady hands, gets low to field, exchanges are quick and clean. Short arm, quick to release, high ¾ slot, throws topped 75 mph across the diamond. 7.47 runner in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, stretch-only to home, tall, toe lift balance, hips open early, works in line and lands straight. Long draw down out of glove, short arm action, over the top slot. Fastball worked straight, ranged 75-79 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 62-63 mph. Changeup flashed sink, 65-67 mph.Knuckleball ranged 64-68 mph.
Luke Meister, 1B/OF, Oak Park-River Forest, 2020
6-foot-1, 155-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, thin, long-limbed frame. At the plate, wide setup, minimal load, toe tap trigger. Long, level bat path, exit velocity topped 82 mph from a tee. Defensively, long strides, plays through the ball, long exchanges. Arm plays long and loose, high ¾ to over the the top slot, throws topped 71 mph across the diamond. 7.38 runner in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, high-knee balance point, up/down/and/out to the plate, open toe landing, athletic through finish. Long arm action with arm speed out front, slight stab on back side, high ¾ slot. Fastball, worked straight, some cut, sat 66-68 mph. Curveball, gradual 11/5 break, 57-58 mph. Changeup played 61-64 mph.
Frankie Morales, 2B/SS, Roberto Clemente, 2020
5-foot-7, 145-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, lanky frame. 7.12 runner in the 60. Confident defender, smooth actions, fields in rhythm with soft hands, exchanges are quick and clean, plays through, plus body control play. Arm is short and loose, high ¾ slot, comes out, accurate throws, topped 75 mph across the diamond. At the plate, balanced, open setup, high elbow load, toe lift stride. Loose hands, long/level bat path, flashed line drive ability to middle of the field, easy effort and rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee.
John Ogle, SS/2B, Macomb, 2020
5-foot-9, 150-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, athletic frame, plenty of room for continued physical development. Defensively, active feet, fields under control, clean exchange, long draw out of glove, plays through, high ¾ slot, throws topped 72 mph across the diamond. 7.03 runner in the 60. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, short leg kick trigger. Short, level bat path, middle of the field approach, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 75 mph from a tee.
Jake Perez, SS/2B, Lake Park, 2020
5-foot-8, 145-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, high-waisted, lanky frame. At the plate, open setup, bar load, long stride. Level bat path, occasionally uphill, favored pull side, effort involved, exit velocity topped 77 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick, choppy feet, clean exchange, quick release, short arm, over the top slot, throws topped 72 mph across the diamond. 7.96 runner in the 60.
Nolan Pomatto, 2B/SS, Plainfield North, 2020
5-foot-8 160-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, thin, athletic frame. At the plate, balanced setup, high hands, back bar load, short toe tap trigger. Handsy hitter, level bat path, opposite field approach, some rhythm, exit velocity topped 81 mph from a tee. Defensively profiles as a corner, clean/pack transfer, squares up the baseball, short arm action, ¾ slot, throws topped 72 mph across the diamond. 7.55 runner in the 60.
Justin Rohde, SS/RHP, Marian Central, 2020
5-foot-9, 155-pound, right-handed hitting infielder, athleticism in frame. At the plate, balanced stance, hands load away from the body, high knee leg kick trigger. Short, uphill bat path, looks to pull the baseball, effort involved, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively squares up the ball, hands work, packs at exchange, arm plays long, high ¾ slot, some accuracy in throws, topped 79 mph across the diamond. 7.85 runner in the 60.Right-handed pitcher, works with tempo, heel lift, sturdy balance, closed toe landing, athleticism in finish with slight head jerk. Full arm swing with arm speed, over the top slot, effort there. Fastball worked straight, topped 82 mph, sat 80-81 mph. Curveball, 12/6 break, occasionally sharp, 65-66 mph. Changeup, sank with arm speed, 74-76 mph.
Rohan B Shah, RHP/3B, Lyons Township, 2020
6-foot-2, 165-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, lanky frame with athleticism in build. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, leg kick trigger, maintains control. Loose hands, easy, long, level bat path, some uphill through zone, flashed line drive ability with pull side tendencies, repeats. Present bat speed, exit velocity topped 88 mph from a tee. Defensively, feet work in rhythm and underneath, steady hands, clean exchanges, long to release, pats glove. Arm is loose, short arms it with arm speed, high ¾ slot, effort there, throws topped 79 mph across the diamond. 7.09 runner in the 60. RIght-handed pitcher, stretch only, high knee balance, slight coil, works cross bodied, athletic finish. Full arm swing, long draw on back side, quick out front,¾ slot. Fastball, had run late, 81-83 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 64-65 mph. Changeup, faded, ranged 63-69 mph.
Julian Skosey-LaLonde, 2B/RHP, Chicago Laboratory, 2020
5-foot-6, 106-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player. At the plate, narrow, tall setup, short leg lift stride. Long, level bat path, middle of the field approach, exit velocity topped 61 mph from a tee. Defensively, exchanges clean, long to release, short, whippy arm action, low ¾ slot, throws topped 65 mph across the diamond. 9.23 runner in the 60. On the mound, sturdy, toe lift balance, works in line, spins to first, uphill finish. Short arm swing, ¾ arm slot, early release. Fastball, slight sink, topped 65 mph, ranged 61-64 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, 53-58 mph. Changeup played 66-68 mph.
Jay Terrell, 2B/RHP, Simeon, 2020
5-foot-9, 155-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, lanky, athletic frame. Active feet defensively, fields in rhythm, hands work out front, exchanges are quick and clean, plays through. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, easy effort, throws topped 72 mph across the diamond. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Loose hands, easy uphill bat path, favored pull side, fluid rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. 7.35 runner in the 60. On the mound, works in rhythm, lower coils at balance, works in line and lands square. Long draw out of glove, full arm swing, loose, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball worked straight, topped 73 mph, sat 71-72 mph. Slider, 11/5 tumble, 65-67 mph. Changeup, slight sink, 64-66 mph.
Charlie Towns, 1B/OF/LHP, Fremd, 2020
6-foot-2, 175-pound, lanky left-handed two-way prospect. Defensively, in the outfield, long arm action, high ¾ slot, throws on target, 79 mph. On the infield, short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, kept throws on bag, 75 mph across. Plays through the ball, soft hands, fluid footwork, clean on exchanges. Offensively, open setup, loads back, short stride, maintains balance. Line drive approach, pull tendency, long, level barrel path, 84 mph exit velocity off a tee. On the mound, short arm action, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Drop and drive delivery, hops on push, works on-line, lands toe-closed, finishes walking down mound. Fastball, armside run at-times, sat 75-77, touched 80. Curveball, 1/7 shape, gradual break, 57-62. Changeup, sinking action, 62-67.
Justin Tumpowsky, SS/3B, Stevenson, 2020
6-foot-1, 170-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, lanky, athletic frame. Defensively, natural actions, moves in rhythm and fields well on the move, deadens ball, exchanges are quick and clean. Definite arm speed, short, loose arm action, multi-angle slot, gets rid of it, throws topped 81 mph across the diamond. At the plate, wide stance, bar load, short stride. Long, level bat path with rhythm involved, flashed line drives to the middle of the field, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee.7.62 runner in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, quick tempo, sturdy balance point, works in-line, lands slightly across body, athletic finish. Long, loose, whippy arm action, ¾ to high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball sank, ranged 76-79 mph. Slider, 10/4 slurve shape, 59-62 mph. Changeup flashed sink, 63-68 mph.
Cooper Willman, SS/RHP, Sterling, 2020
6-foot, 180-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, athletic build, strength in frame. Defensively fleet footed, works through the baseball, packs at exchange. Long, whippy arm action, winds up, high ¾ slot, come out, throws topped 81 mph across the diamond. 7.02 runner in the 60. At the plate, open setup, back laod, long leg kick trigger, hips open early. Long, level bat path, flashed line drive ability to the middle of the field, exit velocity topped 85 mph from a tee. Right handed pitcher, works in tempo to a sturdy balance point, works in line, slightly closed toe landing, some pop-up/recoil at finish. Quick arm action, arm is short and loose, scap load, over the top slot. Fastball worked straight, topped 84 mph, sat 80-83 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 62-66 mph. Changeup flashed sink,70-72 mph. Slider, 10/4 gradual break, 62-66 mph.
Kyle Winston, RHP/1B, Andrew, 2020
6-foot-3, 240-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, thick build. At the plate, even setup, wrap load, toe lift stride. Long, uphill bat path, pull side tendencies, mostly utilizes upper half, exit velocity topped 76 mph from a tee. At first base, hands work, clean transfers, gets rid of it quick. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 67 mph across the diamond. 8.64 runner in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, deliberate pace to tall balance point, works across body, foot lands closed, upright finish. Long, full, loose arm swing, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball worked straight, topped 74 mph, ranged 69-72 mph. Curveball, gradual 12/6 break, 61-64 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, some fade, 65-69 mph.
Michael Yager, 1B/LHP, Maine South, 2020
5-foot-8, 190-pound, left-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, thick build. At the plate, balanced setup, back load, short leg lift stride. Short bat path, flashed pop to the pull side, high two-handed finish, exit velocity topped 72 mph from a tee. At first base, hands work, clean exchanges, short, loose arm action, ¾ to high ¾ slot, throws topped 69 mph across the diamond. 8.81 runner in the 60. On the mound, comes to balance low with a slight coil, works in line, lands square, easy, athletic finish out front, repeats. Short arm action, slight stab, high ¾ slot. Fastball, some downward run, topped 74 mph, sat 72-74. Curveball, 1/7 gradual break, 58-62 mph. Changeup, sank with arm speed, 67-70 mph.