By Matt Yarber and Sean Duncan

The Prep Baseball Report Underclass Invitational featured an impressive group of nearly 100 Class of 2014 and 2015 prospects from all over Illinois and Wisconsin on January 22 at The Max in McCook, IL. The intense level of talent at the event ensures that the future is certainly bright in the state.

While there was an overwhelming amount of talented players, three Class of 2014 players stood above the rest: Simeon OF/LHP Darius Day, Lemont C Mike Papierski and Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin C/3B Mitch Trees. Those three players not only were the best at the event, but they are the best we’ve seen in the entire class so far.

Below, we look at all the Class of 2014 players at the Underclass Invitational:

Class of 2014 Prospects

1.) Darius Day, OF/LHP, Simeon HS, Class of 2014
Day once again proved that he is the top Class of 2014 prospect in Illinois. The athletic 5-foot-11, 170-pound two-way talent does everything at a high level. Day has all the tools and character makeup to be a top-level national prospect. He is a physically strong athlete who has the quick-twitch athleticism to continue to get better and better in the coming years. At the event, Day had the strongest arm from the outfield, clocked at 89 mph, and has been up to 90 mph at a previous PBR event. The left-handed hitting Day also showcased a loose, explosive swing, one that is quiet and compact until contact. He gets excellent extension after contact, and the ball explodes off his bat with backspin carry to all fields. Furthermore, he recorded the top exit speed of the event, 88 mph (off the tee). Day also ran a 6.95 60.  On the mound, Day continued to impress. The left-hander showed clean mechanics, and easy, fluid arm action and feel for three pitches. His fastball topped at 86 mph, sitting at 84-85, while his 68-70 mph curveball had good depth and sharp late bite. He also commanded a 71-75 mph changeup. But make no mistake: as good as Day was on the mound, his extremely bright future will certainly be in the outfield.

2.) Michael Papierski, C, Lemont HS, Class of 2014
Not too far behind Day is Papierski, a 6-foo-3, 190-pound switch-hitting catcher who showcased power from both sides of the plate. Papierski’s rare ability to hit for power from both sides, coupled with his arm strength, should make him one of the most coveted catching prospects in the Midwest. His lanky, athletic frame is one that should fill out well in the coming years, which will only add to his offensive prowess. Papierski was especially impressive from the left side, where he demonstrated a quick, quiet and explosive path to the baseball. He has tremendous whip and torque, and he creates impressive loft and backspin carry after contact. Defensively, Papierski showcased extremely quick feet, delivering accurate throws on the bag with a top pop time of 1.98 while being clocked at 76 mph from the crouch.  Additionally, Papierski ran a 7.53 60.

3.) Mitch Trees, C/INF, Sacred Heart Griffin HS, Class of 2014
Trees is a physically impressive 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete who is one of the premier prospects in the class. Defensively, Trees is the most advanced catcher we’ve seen in Illinois’ Class of 2014. He possesses extremely athletic feet, soft hands and arm strength (79 mph from the crouch). Trees delivered strikes on the glove-side of the bag, with top pop times of 1.93 and 1.97. His catching mechanics are advanced well beyond his age. For his size and strength, Trees is a superlative athlete, evidenced by his 7.29 60 and the fact that he was also a standout at third base, where he demonstrated concise lateral movements, clean footwork and arm strength (80 mph).  Offensively, Trees has an advanced approach and a balanced setup.  From his strong, explosive lower half, he generates excellent barrel whip through the zone, flashing plus power potential from the right side. In all, Trees should be one of the most coveted catching prospects in the Midwest.

4.) David Calderon, RHP/MIF, Marian Catholic HS, Class of 2014
Calderon was perhaps the biggest surprise of PBR Underclass Invitational. The 6-foot, 145-pound right-hander is slight of build, but he possesses tremendous quickness and acceleration.  Calderon, who operates from a 3/4 arm angle, has an extremely whippy arm action and hides the ball well. His fastball topped at 86 mph, sitting in the 84-85 range. He also flashed sharp, late bite on his 69-71 mph curveball. He also threw a 70-71 mph changeup. As a position player, Calderon had an accurate arm (78 mph) and showed feel up the middle. He also ran a 7.29 60.

5.) Connor Rolain, MIF, Appleton North HS (WI), Class of 2014
The 6-foot, 185-pound Rolain does everything well. But what earned him one of the event’s top prospects was his prowess at the plate. Rolain has an advanced approach, one that is relaxed, compact and explosive. He showed advanced rhythm throughout his easy swing, and the ball jumped off his bat with loft and carry. Rolain showed excellent bat control, highlighted by the fact that he barreled balls to all fields  He remains balanced throughout his swing, and gets good extension after contact. Defensively, Rolain plays through the ball well and takes clean, concise routes to the ball.  He impressed with his ability to play the ball on the move and showed an accurate arm (77 mph). Additionally, he ran a 7.49 60.

6.) Evan Sandmann, SS/C/RHP, Lincoln-Way East HS, Class of 2014
Pick a position, any position, and Sandmann plays it – and plays it remarkably well. The 6-foot, 160-pound athlete proved he can play anywhere on the field with skill.  Behind the plate, Sandmann had pop time range of 2.03-2.08 and was clocked at 78 mph from the crouch with accurate throws.  In the field, Sandmann played well with athletic footwork and natural instincts from both the outfield and middle infield positions  He was clocked at 80 mph from the outfield and 73 mph from the infield.  Offensively, Sandmann is a left-handed hitter with an open setup and a smooth load.  He has an easy, loose swing with an athletic lower half and showed the ability to stay behind the ball.  He also ran a 7.39 60. On the mound, Sandmann continued to impress with his feel for three pitches and his quick arm.  He throws an 81-83 mph fastball with some run, a 67-69 mph slurve, and a 70-71 mph changeup, all of which he threw for strikes.

7.) Rahman Williams, MIF, Morgan HS, Class of 2014
Defensively, Williams stood above the pack as the top middle infielder at the PBR Underclass Invitational. The 5-foot-10, 160-pound Williams features superbly soft hands, advanced footwork and natural middle infield actions. He plays through the ball exceptionally well, and effortlessly zipped the ball across the infield at 81 mph. Offensively, Williams is a switch-hitter who demonstrated solid mechanics and bat speed from both sides of the plate. He remains balanced throughout his swing and flashed some power potential. His hands work well as he stayed behind the ball as he drove the ball with some loft and carry. In all, Williams looks to be one of the premier middle infield prospects in the Class of 2014. Also, Williams ran a 7.57 60.

8.) Patrick Crowley, LHP/OF, Vernon Hills HS, Class of 2014
Crowley is a two-way athlete who impressed in all facets of the game.  The 6-foot, 160-pound Crowley showed his athleticism in the outfield, as he moved with fluidity and rhythm.  His natural instincts in the outfield shined as he took precise routes to the ball and had an accurate arm (81 mph).  Offensively, Crowley has swagger at the plate and features a compact swing from the left side. He has quick, loose hands, which he used to drive the ball with backspin carry and loft. Crowley, who ran a 7.06 60,  gets excellent extension after contact.  On the mound, the left-hander continued to show his baseball skills, with solid feel for three pitches and a quick arm.  Crowley’s fastball topped at 80 mph, sitting at 79. He also showed feel for a 70-73 mph curveball, and a 73-76 mph changeup.

9.) Michael Bainbridge, INF/RHP, Marian Catholic HS, Class of 2014
Bainbridge is a 6-foot-1, 165-pound athlete who impressed both as a position player and on the mound. Bainbridge especially impressed at the plate, where he showcased a loose, easy left-handed swing. Bainbridge has a relaxed plate approach, and takes a short path to the baseball. He exhibited excellent rhythm and balance throughout his swing, as the ball jumped off his bat with backspin carry. Bainbridge, who ran a 7.29 60, also showed well in the infield, demonstrating a solid arm strength (77 mph) and soft hands. On the mound, Bainbridge was also impressive. The right-hander demonstrated solid feel for three pitches and a smooth, clean delivery.  He had good mound presence and used his quick arm to deliver 81-82 mph fastballs.  Bainbridge also threw a 67-69 mph curveball that flashed sharp 12/6 break, and a 69-71 mph changeup. 

10.) Baylor Holmes, LHP, Wheaton Warrenville South HS, Class of 2014
Holmes is a physical, athletically built 6-foot-2, 210-pound left-handed pitcher who impressed with his fastball that topped at 83 mph, sitting at 81-82, with hard, late arm-side sink. He also commanded a 72-75 mph that flashed late bite, and a 70-71 mph changeup. With continued development, Holmes has the potential to be a power left-handed arm in the Class of 2014.

11.) Dalton Hottle, RHP/OF, Monmouth-Roseville HS, Class of 2014
Hottle is a 6-foot-2, 165-pounds right-hander who has a projectable frame and uses his size to get on top and create tilt to his ball.  Hottle’s arm works free and easily, as he delivered consistent 81-82 mph fastballs with run.  Hottle’s secondary stuff was sharp, led by a tight, late-breaking 76 mph slider that has the potential to be a legitimate swing-and-miss pitch. He also threw a firm 72-75 mph changeup that had late arm-side sink down in the zone. He also threw a 67-69 mph curveball. As a position player, Hottle showed well defensively, using his strong arm to fire darts to the catcher (81 mph).  Additionally, Hottle ran a 7.38 60.

12.) Joshua Smith, 3B/RHP, Crystal Lake South HS, Class of 2014
Smith is an extremely projectable Class of 2014 prospect, as the 6-foot-4, 185-pounder performed well on the mound and as a third baseman. On the mound, the athletically built right-hander comes from an over-the-top angle with a smooth rhythm and quick arm.  He has three pitches: an 80-81 mph fastball with some sink, a 68-70 mph breaking ball, and a 72-74 mph changeup.  With his frame and arm looseness, Smith should see his velocity spike in the coming years. Defensively, Smith showed good lateral movement and the ability to play the ball on the run.  At the plate, Smith has a balanced setup and an active lower half as he exhibited gap-to-gap power.

13.) Zachary Barnhart, MIF, Springfield HS, Class of 2014
The 5-foot-10, 150-pound Barnhart opened eyes with his athleticism and defensive prowess. Barnhart was one of the top infielders at the event, as he demonstrated extremely quick feet and fluid defensive actions. He plays through the ball well, has a quick exchange and takes athletic routes to the ball. Barnhart was also one of the best runners at the event, as he ran an event-best 6.82 60. At the plate, Barnhart has a balanced setup and showed quick hands through the zone.

14.) Michael Metz, MIF, Mundelein HS, Class of 2014
Metz is a 5-foot-10, 150-pound middle infielder who performed well in all facets of the game.  At the plate, Metz has an easy, loose swing with an active lower half.  He takes a short, level swing with good bat speed as he showed he could hit the ball hard to all fields.  Defensively, Metz showcased his athleticism with solid footwork and actions up the middle. He was clocked at 76 mph across the infield.  Metz also impressed on the mound, showing feel for three pitches and good mound presence.  Throwing from a high 3/4 arm slot, Metz has a short back arm action and easy effort in his delivery.  He has three pitches: a fastball that topped out at 80 mph, a tight curveball (69-70 mph), and a 72-74 mph changeup.

15.) Matthew Sullivan, MIF, Huntley HS, Class of 2014
Sullivan is a 5-foot-10, 160-pound middle infielder who performed well across the board. Defensively, he showed fluid lateral movements, demonstrating good range up the middle.  Sullivan took good angles to the baseball and made all plays as he exhibited soft, reliable hands and a quick exchange with an accurate arm across the infield (77 mph).  Offensively, Sullivan has some swagger at the plate. He uses a balanced setup and a clean, mechanically sound swing to barrel line drives to both power alleys. Sullivan, who ran a 7.15 60, had an exit speed of 84 mph off the bat.

16.) Aaron Fuller, OF, St. Rita HS, Class of 2014
Fuller is an athletic 5-foot-11, 180-pound outfielder who impressed at the plate with his bat speed. Fuller, who ran a 6.98 60, has a balanced setup and a level line drive swing that works with his quick hands, ultimately creating solid whip through the zone.  Defensively, Fuller moved well in the outfield and took excellent angles to the baseball.  He stayed behind the ball well and had an accurate arm that was clocked at 79 mph. 

17.) Jack Holden, LHP/OF, Schaumburg HS, Class of 2014
Holden is a 6-foot-1, 170-pound two-way player who impressed in every aspect with his athleticism and natural abilities.  On the mound, the left-hander has a solid frame and commands three pitches for strikes down in the zone.  He works from a high 3/4 arm slot and demonstrated his ability to throw a 78 mph fastball with run and sink, a sharp-breaking curveball that has some bite, and a 70 mph changeup.  Defensively, Holden moves well in the outfield and showed an accurate arm (80 mph) with life.  At the plate, Holden has a loose, mechanically sound left-handed swing. He is short and quick to the baseball, and demonstrated excellent rhythm and balance throughout. Holden continued to impress by running a 7.07 60.

18. Brian Richard, OF/LHP, Oak Forest HS, Class of 2014
Richard is a 6-foot, 165-pound two-way athlete who impressed defensively.  He moved well in the outfield and had natural instincts.  He played through the ball and stayed behind his throws.  He had an accurate, smooth arm (78 mph).  Offensively, Richard has a clean left-handed swing. On the mound Richard has a short, quick arm and feel for three pitches: a 77-79 mph fastball with late action, a 70-73 mph curveball that had tight spin, and a 68-73 changeup.

19.) Don Buonavolanto, SS, Hinsdale South, Class of 2014
Buonavolanto is an athletic 5-foot-9, 160-pound middle infielder who ran one of the best 60 times of the event, 6.83.  Buonavolanto showed an accurate arm (75 mph) across the infield, making the deep 6-hole throw with ease.  He showed soft hands and quick instincts at the position.  At the plate, Buonavolanto exhibited some bat speed and whip through the zone.

20.) Mario Tursi, SS, Glenbrook South HS, Class of 2014
Tursi is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 160-pound shortstop who impressed with his defensive ability and feel at the position.  He showed the ability to play through the baseball and played the ball on the run well.  He took concise routes to the baseball, and demonstrated solid all-around defensive actions.  Additionally, he showed an accurate arm that was clocked at 80 mph from across the diamond.  At the plate, Tursi has a balanced setup and a fundamental approach at the plate.  Tursi also ran a 7.51 60.

21.) Nick Bruno, 1B/LHP, Boylan Central Catholic HS, Class of 2014
Bruno is a 6-foot-7, 220-pound left-handed hitting two-way player who projects well at the next level.  Utilizing his size, the right-hander gets downhill well, as he delivered 81-83 mph fastball with some sink, a 61-65 mph curveball, and a 73-74 mph changeup.  Defensively, Bruno moves well around the bag and was clocked at 77 mph from across the diamond.  At the plate, the left-handed hitter had good bat speed and balance throughout his swing.

22.) Simeon Lucas, C/3B, Grant HS, Class of 2014
Lucas is an athletic 6-foot-1, 185-pound multi-positional talent who impressed with his easy left-handed swing.  He has an open setup and excellent balance and fluidity throughout his swing.  He has a line drive swing and generated some bat speed through the zone, which enabled him to barrel up balls to all fields.  Defensively, Lucas solid footwork at both positions.  He had a best pop time of 2.00 and was clocked at 72 mph from the crouch.

24.) Jeff White, OF/LHP, Glenbard West HS, Class of 2014
White is an athletic 5-foot-10, 175-pound two-way player who showed well on the mound with feel for three pitches and deceptive arm action.  He works from a high 3/4 arm slot with an easy 76 mph fastball with sink, a sharp breaking 68-70 mph curveball, and a 72 mph changeup.  White continued to show his athleticism in the field, running a 6.96 60 and throwing 78 mph from the outfield.  At the plate, White has a solid left-handed swing with some power, having an exit speed off the bat of 82 mph.

24.) Brennan Street, 1B/RHP, Harrisburg HS, Class of 2014
Street is a physical 6-foot-1, 205-pound two-way a player who throws a hard 80-82 mph fastball with some run.  At the plate, Street showed good balance and demonstrated raw power potential as he barreled up some balls to right center field.

25.) Justin Reaves, OF, De La Salle HS, Class of 2014
Reaves is a 5-foot-11, 160-pound outfielder who impressed at the plate with his quiet, easy swing.  He has an easy, relaxed approached and demonstrated advanced rhythm throughout. He gets excellent extension after contact as he drove the ball with some authority. Defensively, Reaves took good routes to the baseball as he played smoothly through the baseball.  Additionally, Reaves ran a 7.39 60 and was clocked at 81 mph from his position.

Best of the Rest (Alphabetically)

Greg Anast, OF, Stevenson HS, Class of 2014
Anast is a 5-foot-8, 165-pound outfielder who displayed an accurate arm (68 mph).  At the plate, Anast has a crouched setup and takes an economical approach to the ball with his swing.

Matthew Barajas, OF/INF/RHP, St. Laurence HS, Class of 2014
Barajas is a 5-foot-7, 150-pound multi-positional player who showed well defensively and on the mound.  Barajas showed some rhythm on the mound, exhibiting good backside drive and a fastball that topped out at 78 mph.  In the field, Barajas moves well, showing solid actions and displaying an accurate arm (77 mph). Barajas also ran a 7.36 60.

Christian Bland, C/OF/INF, Harlan HS, Class of 2014
Bland is a 5-foot-8, 145-pound multi-positional talent who showed well in all facets of the game.  Bland showed best in the infield, using his athleticism as he moved with fluidity as he made each play.  His athleticism was continually noticed as he showed good actions in the outfield and had an accurate arm (80 mph).  Behind the plate, Bland had a top pop time of 2.14 with throws around the bag each time.  At the plate, Bland has a balanced setup and an easy swing maintaining good balance throughout. Additionally, Bland ran a 7.33 60.

Tommy Bordignon, SS/RHP, Loyola HS, Class of 2014
Bordignon is a 5-foot-10, 140-pound two-way player who showed some rhythm on the mound with his loose, quick arm action.  He has three pitches: an 81 mph fastball that flashed sink, a 71 mph curveball, and a 76 mph changeup that had sinking action. Defensively, Bordignon showed some quickness at the shortstop position and demonstrated his ability to play through the baseball, utilizing his soft hands and accurate arm (78 mph).  At the plate, Bordignon has a level bat path and sprayed line drives to the opposite field. Bordignon also ran a 7.59 60.

Connor Bowen, 1B/OF/RHP, Milton HS (WI), Class of 2014
Bowen is a lanky, athletically built 6-foot-3, 175-pound multi-positional player.  Bowen has long legs and a loose arm action in which he used to throw three pitches.  He has a 73-75 mph fastball, a 64-65 mph curveball with an 11/5 break, and a 69-71 mph changeup.  Defensively, Bowen moved well and was clocked at 78 mph from the outfield and 70 mph from across the diamond.  At the plate, Bowen has an athletic setup and showed some pop in his bat. Bowen ran a 7.45 60.

Dean Christakes, SS/RHP, Cary Grove HS, Class of 2014
Christakes is a 6-foot, 160-pound two-way player who impressed by running a 6.94 60. Offensively, Christakes had good rotation in his swing and recorded one of the higher exit speeds of the day, 82 mph.  On the mound, Christakes has three pitches: a 77-79 mph fastball, a 68-70 mph curveball, and a 67-71 mph changeup. 

Jacob Cribbet, C, Central HS (WI), Class of 2014
Cribbet is a 6-foot, 180-pound catcher who has a sturdy frame and some juice in the bat. He gets good extension after contact and created some bat speed through the zone.  Defensively, Cribbet had a velocity of 69 mph from the crouch and had a top pop time of 2.29.

Nick Davis, 3B, Harrisburg HS, Class of 2014
Davis is a 5-foot-11, 155-pound third basemen who has a balanced setup at the plate and a line drive swing.  Davis showed athleticism by running a 7.21 60.

David Dobrinich, OF/LHP, Mt. Carmel HS, Class of 2014
Dobrinich is a lanky 5-foot-11, 150-pound left-handed hitting two-way player.  At the plate, Dobrinich has an open setup and a level bat path with a line drive approach to his swing.  On the mound, Donbrinich showed some rhythm, throwing from over the top.  The left-hander has three pitches: a 76 mph fastball that was thrown with easy effort, a 67 mph curveball, and a 59-66 mph changeup.

Buck Domabyl, 1B, Lyons Township HS, Class of 2014
Domabyl is a 6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed hitting first-baseman with an easy, line-drive swing.  He has an overall polished approach at the plate for his age, as he remains balanced and quiet throughout his swing. He has little excess movement as he created good barrel whip through the zone. Defensively, Domabyl showed solid footwork around the bag and was clocked at 65 mph from across the diamond.

Mike Enriquez, RHP/1B, Brother Rice HS, Class of 2014
Enriquez is a 6-foot-2, 235-pound two-way player who impressed on the mound with his live, quick arm.  He comes from a high 3/4 slot and throws an 80-82 mph fastball with heavy sink when down in the zone, a breaking ball that has an 11/5 shape and flashed sharp break, and a 75 mph changeup.  Defensively, Enriquez showed an accurate arm throwing 77 mph from across the diamond.  At the plate, Enriquez has power potential with his size and strength.

Tommy Flahaven, SS, Prospect HS, Class of 2014
Flahaven is a 6-foot, 165-pound shortstop who showed his ability to play well on the move.  He has solid hands and was clocked at 73 mph from across the diamond.  Offensively, Flahaven has a balanced setup as he made consistent hard contact.  Additionally, Flahaven ran a 7.31 60.

Joseph Flores, RHP/OF, West Aurora HS, Class of 2014
Flores is a 5-foot-11, 165-pound two-way player who impressed with his accurate arm from the outfield (78 mph) that showed some carry.  At the plate, Flores has a balanced setup and smooth load with an economical approach to the baseball.  Flores showed some gap-to-gap power with his line drive swing.  On the mound, Flores throws from a high 3/4 arm slot and threw three pitches for strikes. His fastball topped at 82 mph, sitting in the 78-79 range.

Justin Freeman, RHP, Rich Central HS, Class of 2014
Freeman is an interesting prospect for the Class of 2014 with his athletic, lanky 6-foot-4, 185-pound frame.  With his projectable frame, he should continue to develop and throw harder as he physically matures.  Freeman throws from an over the top arm angle and has a very controlled delivery.  He threw three pitches: a 77-78 mph fastball, a 65-73 mph breaking ball, and a 68-70 mph changeup. Freeman is the son of former MLB standout RHP Marvin Freeman.

Nick Goldsmith, RHP/3B, St. Rita HS, Class of 2014
Goldsmith impressed with his ability to barrel up the baseball, posting one of the highest exit velocities for the event, 84 mph.  Standing at 6-foot-2, 200-pounds, Goldsmith uses his big frame to generate good whip through the zone.  Defensively, Goldsmith stays through the ball and plays the position well, showing off an accurate arm (72 mph) from across the diamond.  On the mound, Goldsmith uses his strong lower half to drive off the mound and topped out at 81 mph with his fastball. 

Gabriel Grant, C/3B, Brother Rice HS, Class of 2014
Grant is a 6-foot-3, 200-pound multi-positional player who showed well offensively, using his solid frame to generate some whip through the zone.  He has a good rotation and level bat path which tends to find barrel.  Defensively, Grant was clocked at 69 mph from the crouch and had a best pop time of 2.25.

Chris Grazioli, INF/RHP, Lockport HS, Class of 2014
Grazioli showed well in all facets of the game, using every bit of his 5-foot-9, 155-pound frame.  On the mound, Grazioli has a free back arm action and a fastball that sat at 78-80 mph.  He works from a high 3/4 arm slot and showed a 72 mph curveball and a 76 mph changeup.  Defensively, Grazioli plays through the ball well and moved fluidly while making the difficult plays. He was clocked at 81 mph from the OF. At the plate, Grazioli has a wide setup and a short stride to the ball while creating some whip through the zone.

Adam Harvey, C, Antioch HS, Class of 2014
Harvey is a 5-foot-10, 178-pound catcher who showed well behind the plate, posting a top pop time of 2.01 with an accurate arm (74 mph).  Harvey continued to shine in the bullpen session, as he handled the pitchers with ease. Offensively, Harvey demonstrated good hands as he consistently barreled up the baseball.  He showed some bat whip through the zone as he sprayed line drives to all fields.

Tyler Hasper, RHP/OF, Waubonsie Valley HS, Class of 2014
Hasper is a 5-foot-10, 170-pound two-way athlete who showed rhythm on the mound and used his strong lower half to drive through his pitches.  He has three pitches: a fastball that had a top speed of 79 mph, a 67 mph curveball that had tight spin, and a 74 mph changeup that showed sink.  Defensively, Hasper has good carry on his throws and gets downhill well (79 mph).  At the plate, Hasper has a balanced setup and a compact swing. Hasper, who ran a 7.48 60, had a top exit speed of 83 mph.

Christian Howell, RHP, Metea Valley HS, Class of 2014
Howell is a lanky 6-foot, 145-pound right-handed pitcher with long legs and the ability to throw strikes.  He works from the stretch and showed four pitches: a 76-78 mph fastball that showed some arm-side sink, a 61-63 mph curveball, a 67-68 mph changeup, and a 67 mph slider.  He demonstrated rhythm and tempo and comes from an over-the-top arm angle.

Storm Joop, MIF, St. Thomas Moore HS, Class of 2014
Joop is a 5-foot-11, 185-pound middle infielder who displayed solid footwork at the shortstop position.  He had an accurate arm that was clocked at 71 mph.  Offensively, Joop has a balanced setup and and makes solid contact. Joop ran a 7.65 60.

Tanner Kehrer, MIF/OF, Belvidere North HS, Class of 2014
Kehrer is a 5-foot-6, 130-pound multi-positional player who showed good lateral movements in route to fielding the baseball.  He exhibited an accurate arm (74 mph infield; 75 mph OF) and natural instincts at his positions.  At the plate, Kehrer has a balanced, fundamentally sound approach. He is short and quick to the baseball, and has a level line-drive producing swing

Daniel Kelly, SS, Loyola HS, Class of 2014
Kelly is an athletic 5-foot-8, 145-pound middle infielder who showcased as one of the best defensive infielders at the event.  With his soft hands and quick feet, Kelly moved fluidly and made each play with ease.  He plays through the ball well and showed an accurate arm (75 mph).  At the plate, Kelly is a line drive hitter who ran a 7.5 60.

Kendall King, SS, Homewood Flossmoor HS, Class of 2014
King is a 5-foot-10, 145-pound shortstop who showed solid range in the field. His throws (77 mph) were on-line and accurate.  Offensively, King has a balanced setup and sprayed line drives to the opposite field.

Tyler Koazaritz, RHP, Mundelein HS, Class of 2014
Kozaritz is a solidly built 5-foot-11, 190-pound right-handed pitcher with a strong lower half.  He throws from a 3/4 slot and flashed some rhythm on the mound.  He threw three pitches: a 78-79 mph fastball, a breaking ball that showed some bite when down in the zone, and a 74-77 mph changeup.

Glenn Kubek, 1B, De LaSalle HS, Class of 2014
Kubek is a 6-foot-4, 190-pound left-handed hitting catcher who possesses pull-side power potential.  He has a level bat path and an economical approach to the baseball. Kubek utilized his strong lower half to drive the ball with authority.  Defensively, Kubek had pop times of 2.39, 2.39, and 2.36 and was clocked at 68 mph from the crouch.

Chandler Meseberg, C, Burlington HS, Class of 2014
Meseberg is a 5-foot-10, 1600-pound who showed well offensively, generating good whip through the zone.  He uses his lower half well to turn on the baseball while maintaining good balance throughout his swing.  Defensively, Meseberg had a best pop time of 2.21 and was clocked at 70 mph from the crouch.

Brennan Morell, SS, Geneva HS, Class of 2014
Morell is a 5-foot-6, 140-pound switch-hitting middle infielder who has a loose left-handed swing.  He has a relaxed, balanced approach as he showcased a level line drive swing with more power from the left side (exit velocity: 72 mph).  Defensively, Morell showed solid range up the middle and exhibited a quick transfer.  He was clocked at 73 mph from his position.

Joey Morris, C, Stevenson HS, Class of 2014
Morris is a left-handed hitting catcher who exhibited good rotation through his swing.  He has an open, crouched setup and takes a short approach to the baseball.  Defensively, Morris was clocked at 73 mph from the crouch and had a best pop time of 2.16.

Brian Musielak, RHP/3B, Brother Rice HS, Class of 2014
Musielak is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound left-handed hitting two-way player.  Musielak has a good approach at the plate and used the entire field to his advantage.  On the mound, Musielak has three pitches and works from a high 3/4 arm slot.  He throws a 77 mph fastball with slight action, a 66-68 mph curveball with a 10/4 shape, and a 66-69 mph changeup.

Jeff Ostling, OF, York HS, Class of 2014
Ostling is a 6-foot, 150-pound left-handed hitting outfielder who sprayed line drives to the opposite field.  Defensively, Ostling has a short, accurate arm (67 mph) and ran a 7.21 60.

Kyle Polaski, RHP/3B, Joliet Catholic HS, Class of 2014
Polaski is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound two-way player who showed well on the mound and defensively.  On the mound, Polaski has a good drive and loose back arm action.  He showed feel and command of three pitches: a a79-81 mph fastball, a slurve-type breaking ball (67-69 mph), and a 70-72 mph changeup.  Defensively, Polaski showcased solid hands and showed well at third base.  He was clocked at 78 mph across the diamond.

Brian Seymour, SS, Thornton Fractional South HS, Class of 2014
Seymour is a 5-foot-9, 156-pound middle infielder who has an aggressive approach at the plate.  With a balanced setup and athletic hands, Seymour consistently barreled up the baseball while maintaining good balance throughout.  Defensively, Seymour showed a quick exchange and good positioning.  Additionally, he ran a 7.19 60 and was clocked at 75 mph.

Sam Smith, LHP/OF, Riverside-Brookfield HS, Class of 2014
Smith is a 5-foot-11, 140-pound left-handed pitcher who works from a high 3/4 arm slot and short back arm action.  He throws three pitches: a 65-68 mph fastball, a 63 mph curveball, and a 60 mph changeup.

Brandon Tepper, 3B/RHP, Munster HS, Class of 2014
Tepper is a 5-foot-8, 160-pound two-way player who showed well defensively, moving well laterally as he smoothly fielded every ball hit his way.  He showed soft hands and an accurate arm (70 mph).  Offensively, Tepper made solid contact during his bp round and used the entire field.  On the mound, Tepper throws from a high 3/4 slot with a 73-75 mph fastball, a 62-65 mph curveball, and a 63-64 mph changeup. 

Eric Tucker, OF/1B, Lemont HS, Class of 2014
Tucker is a 6-foot, 175-pound multi-positional player who has an active lower half which generated barrel whip and torque.  He gets excellent extension after contact as he remains balanced throughout his swing.  Defensively, Tucker was clocked at 76 mph from the outfield and moved well at his position.

Brandon Valente, LHP/OF, Wheaton Academy HS, Class of 2014
Valente is a 5-foot-9, 145-pounder who impressed on the mound.  Valente showed good feel for three pitches with a clean and controlled delivery.  He works from a high 3/4 arm slot and exhibited an easy arm action that resulted in a 77 mph fastball with some run.  His best pitch was a 71-72 mph changeup that he was able to keep down in the zone with some sinking action.  He also has a 65 mph curveball that exhibited tight spin.  In the outfield, Valente moved with fluidity and took good routes to the baseball.

All the Class of 2015 write-ups will follow shortly.

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