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Preseason All-State Showcase: Outfield Analysis

February 26, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Illinois

The Preseason All-State Showcase brought us some of the highest ranked outfielders in the Class of 2014 both in Illinois as well as Wisconsin. With the top five outfielders in the state of Illinois and the No. 2 prospect in Wisconsin this had all the makings of one of the best group of outfielders we have seen, and they did not disappoint. Our top ten outfielders include a mix of speedy top of the order guys, power hitting corner outfield types, and the overall athlete that does everything well. Here's how we ranked the top outfielders at the Preseason All-State Showcase.

Top Outfielders

1. Darius Day, Simeon HS, OF/LHP, Class of 2014
Strong build, wide shoulders, narrow waist, athletic frame 6-foot, 190-pound left handed two way player. One of the top prospects in the Class of 2014, projectable athlete. Legitimate two way prospect at the next level.  On the mound delivery shows little effort, rhythm is smooth, direction is on line, finish is athletic, delivery is highly repeatable. Arm action is loose, separates hands early, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball shows runs, easy life, thrown with command, 86-87 mph, touches 88 mph. Breaking ball has 11/5 shape, keeps it down, 68-72 mph. Change up has minimal action, 75-78 mph, thrown with comparable arm speed. Defensively shows athletic feet, plus foot speed, 6.68 runner. Arm works well, showed carry, lacked accuracy, 91 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from the left side, slightly open stance, smooth load, short stride, athletic setup. Athletic swing, easy pop, short path with uphill tendencies, smooth swing. Line drive, gap to gap hitter, above average bat speed, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee, could see even more carry with added extension.

2. Mizraim Fuentes, Roberto Clemente HS, OF, Class of 2014
Advanced frame, athletic build, wide shoulder, potential to be a plus body, 6-foot-2, 190-pound outfielder. One of the top outfielders in the state as well as the region. Above average runner, 6.96 60 yard dash. Defensively shows advanced actions, fields the baseball athletically, plays through the ball well, has excellent hands, advanced crow hop and release. Arm works like a traditional outfielder, long arm action, over the top slot, shows excellent accuracy, arm plays with life and above average carry, stays true off the turf, 90 mph from the outfield, arms plays better than velocity shows. At the plate, hits from a balanced setup, short stride, quiet approach. Swing shows excellent athleticism, stays through the ball well, creates excellent extension. Swing shows rhythm, swings with ease, creates easy hard contact, 88 mph exit velocity. Advanced approach, very quiet, easy effort, lets ball travel, creates extension. Very high projection, high level prospect.

3. Braden Mosley, Moline HS, OF, Class of 2014
Dynamic athlete, athletic build, athletic frame, 6-foot-1, 185-pound outfielder, explosive athletic abilities. Defensively takes aggressive routes to the baseball, aggressive crow hop, footwork is quick and fluid, fields the ball athletically while on the move. Arm action is long, shows carry, 88 mph from the outfield. Feet move aggressively and fluidly, plus runner, 6.65 runner in the 60. Offensively hits from a slightly crouched stance, toe tap trigger, some heel lift. Bat path is aggressive, attacks the baseball, swings hard, path shows whip, explosive lower half. Bat speed present, 81 mph exit velocity, solid balance throughout.

4. Aaron Fuller, St. Rita HS, OF, Class of 2014
Athletic frame, shows strength, 5-foot-11, 185-pounds, strong frame. Offensively shows advanced approach at the plate. Hits from balanced setup, uses short stride. Lower half works, solid balance throughout. Swing exhibits bat speed, 83 mph exit velocity, hands work well at the plate, makes consistent hard contact. Works the middle of the field well, shows opposite field pop, top hand works hard, hits off front foot some. Defensively shows a quick release of the baseball, 83 mph from the outfield, shows carry, transfer from glove to hand could improve. Defensive presence shows improvement, feet work quickly and athletically, 6.60 60 time. Fuller is one of the top level outfielders who shows the ability to drive the baseball with authority to the middle of the field.

5. Brian Richard, Oak Forest HS, OF, Class of 2014
Lanky frame, lean build, 6-foot-1, 170-pound outfielder. Offensively is one of the top pure hitters in his class. Hits from a balanced stance, smooth load, short stride. Hands work well through the zone, gets extension, stays long through the baseball, excellent barrel awareness, showed pull side approach. Pure hitter who finds the barrel regularly. Defensively shows fluid footwork to the baseball, arm works from a short high ¾ arm slot, 79 mph arm strength from the outfield.

6. James Davison, Morgan Park HS, OF, Class of 2014
Smaller body type, 5-foot-7, 160-pounds, frame shows strength, left handed hitting outfielder. Defensively shows extremely athletic feet, quick actions, quick feet. Plays through the ball well, arm plays well, 85 mph from the outfield. Offensively shows an advanced approach at the plate. Hits from the left side with an open stance, uses short stride with smooth load. Handles the bat extremely well, short bat path, fluid rhythm throughout, consistently works the middle of the field. Hard contact hitter, creates whip. Projects as a high level top of the lineup hitter.

7. Connor Rolain, Appleton North HS (WI), OF, Class of 2014
Physically advanced frame, strong upper body, developed forearms, 6-foot, 190 pound outfielder. Defensively has shown improved footwork and confidence attacking the baseball, crow hop still needs improvement, 7.03 runner. Arm plays well, 84 mph from the outfield, shows some carry. High level offensive threat, hits from a slightly open stance, uses short stride, quiet upper half, long high finish. Strong bat path, shows pop to the middle of the field, bat speed present. Lower half is highly active, shows explosiveness, excellent balance. Excellent approach, works the middle of the field.

8. Jeffery Hahs, O’Fallon HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Hahs is an athletically built 6-foot-4, 185-pound two-way prospect who features long arms and legs. Hahs is athletic in everything he does. On the mound, Hahs has an extremely quick arm from a high-3/4 slot. He showed excellent rhythm and athleticism throughout his delivery. His fastball registered consistently at 86 mph, while his changeup ranged between 70-75 mph and flashed some sink down in the zone. His athleticism and arm plays well in the outfield. He takes aggressive, confident routes to the ball; plays through the ball, and his throws (86 mph) showed carry and were on-line. Offensively, he demonstrated advanced bat speed. Hahs ran a 7.27 60.

9. Joe Becht, Downers Grove South HS, MIF/OF, Class of 2014
Athletically built, 5-foot-10, 155-pound multi positional player, left handed hitter. Defensively plays athletically, shows the ability to play multiple positions. In the outfield plays aggressively to and through the baseball, uses crow hop well, athletic feet. Arm works well defensively, loose arm action, shows accuracy, 85 mph from the outfield, 79 mph from the infield. On the infield shows solid hands, quick exchange of the baseball, arm works athletically. Offensively, hits from the left side, balanced setup that starts slightly open, uses smooth load and short stride. Bat path is short, shows bat speed, line drive hitter, shows bat control. Projects as an athlete who can play multiple positions and hit from the left side.

10. Mark Skonieczny, Huntley HS, C/OF, Class of 2014
Physically strong prospect, strong lower half, wide shoulder, 5-foot-11, 190-pound catcher/outfielder. Behind the plate shows a well above average arm, 81 mph from the crouch, pop times range from 1.97-2.15, footwork is quick out of the crouch but lacks direction, can improve pop times, could be consistent sub 2.0. In the outfield displays arm strength, 88 mph, some inconsistencies, athletic feet. Excellent runner for catcher, 7.06 60. Offensively shows strength, bat speed is present, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Bat path has flat tendencies, shows pop, creates extension, good balance throughout.  Illinois recruit.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Christian Bland, Harlan HS, C/OF, Class of 2014
Undersized athlete, 5-foot-8, 145-pounds, sneaky strong frame, quick twitch actions, ability to play multiple positions. Defensively, quick footwork behind the plate, 2.10-2.18 pop time. Shows actions from the outfield, 86 mph arm strength, arm shows carry, stays on line, true hop off turf, aggressive crow hop. Higher projection as an outfielder. Offensively hits from slightly open stance, uses short stride. Bat path is short, compact tendencies, line drive hitter. Could improve offensively by staying closed on front side.

Matthew Butler, Neuqua Valley HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot-1, 155-pound two way player. On the mound has a tall and fall approach with regular effort. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot, long arm action. Fastball has run at 80-83 mph, thrown with command. Curveball has 12/6 shape, flashes sharp bite, 72-73 mph, shows depth, thrown for strikes. Changeup has sink, thrown for strikes, 72-75 mph, thrown with similar arm speed to fastball. Defensively throws with a traditional outfield arm action, long over the top arm slot with accuracy, some carry, 84 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, smooth load, minimal stride. Creates some length, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Cody Carroll, Glenbrook South HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Athletic frame, strong body, 6-foot-2, 190-pound two way player. Defensively displayed a quick release from the outfield, quick short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, 84 mph from the outfield. No crow hop, uses shuffle step to transfer and release the baseball. Well above average runner, 6.72 60 yard dash. Offensively, hits from a balanced stance, stride dives to the plate, lower half has partial involvement. Flashes sneaky strong pop at the plate, 86 mph exit velocity. On the mound, delivery has slow tempo, easy effort, finish is athletic and upright. Arm operates from a high ¾ arm slot, short arm action. Fastball sits at 82-83, touches 84. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, decelerates arm speed, shows control, 71-74 mph, flashes 76 mph. Changeup has sink, 76-78 mph.

Dean Christakes, Cary Grove HS, OF/SS, Class of 2014
6-foot-1, 175-pound multi positional player. Defensively shows better from the outfield, arm shows carry at 86 mph, feet work well, runs 6.81 60, hesitant attacking the baseball. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, inside out bat path, stays inside the ball well. Quiet setup, excellent balance throughout. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Sam Cottingham-Beard, Oak Park River Forest HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Athletic build, strong lower half, 6-foot-2, 180-pound two way player. On the mound delivery show rhythm, little effort, good balance throughout. Arm works from high ¾ arm slot, long loose arm action. Fastball has slight sink, works the bottom of the zone, thrown for strikes, 80-83 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, solid depth, throws with arm speed, keeps it down, bottom of the zone or better, potential swing and miss pitch, 69-70 mph. Change up has control, minimal action, straight, 73-75 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, no stride, no load approach. Simple swing, quiet approach, good balance. Lacks pop, better timing and load could create more power.

Austin Covers, Prairie Ridge HS, OF/LHP, Class of 2014
Long lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot-3, 160-pound left handed outfielder. Lanky outfielder with projection, excellent runner, 6.89 in the 60. Defensively plays athletically, feet work well, plays through the baseball well. Arm plays at 81 mph from the outfield, displays some run to arm side. Offensively, hits from open stance, short stride. Low hands, good barrel awareness, bat path has whip. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Patrick Crowley, Vernon Hills HS, OF, Class of 2014
Athletic frame, 6-foot, 170-pound left handed outfielder. Defensively feet work well, shows athleticism, efficient crow hop, 6.82 60 runner. Arm works from high ¾ arm slot, arm shows run, lacks carry, 81 mph from the outfield. Offensively, hits from slightly open stance, short stride. Bat path is short, good balance throughout.

David Dobrinich, Mt. Carmel HS, OF, Class of 2014
Athletic outfielder, 5-foot-11, 160-pound left handed outfielder. Defensively shows athletic actions, 7.12 runner. Arm action is short and over the top, ball lacks carry, 81 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from the left side, open stance, dives back to the baseball, shows good balance throughout. Bat path is level, has long tendencies, moderate bat speed, 81 mph exit velocity, gets occasional extension.

Nicholas Garcia, Lincoln Way North HS, OF, Class of 2014
Small frame, 5-foot-7, 155-pounds. Defensively throws from a high ¾ arm slot, uses crow hop, eliminating steps before crow hop will lead to quicker release. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup, uses smooth load and short stride from the left side. Bat path shows extension, short path, lets the ball travel well, works opposite field gap.

Sean Grant, Bremen HS, OF/RHP, Class of 2014
Strong lower half, 5-foot-11, 170-pound left handed hitting two way player. On the mound operates from a high ¾ arm slot, delivery shows some rhythm, lower half coils. Fastball sits 73-74 mph, shows control, straight action. Throws a change up with fading action at 67 mph, and a curveball at 62-63 mph. Defensively throws with a short arm action, high ¾ slot at 76 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from the left side, slightly closed stance, short stride. Bat path is short, lower half lacks involvement, all hands, slap style hitter.

Matt Guenther, Geneva HS, OF/1B, Class of 2014
Strong lower half, 6-foot, 213-pound outfielder. Defensively, uses crow hop, arm action is short, 76 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a wide stance, short stride, hands load with slight forward press, good balance throughout. Bat path has uphill tendencies, good bat speed, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Austin Jetel, Fremd HS, LHP/OF, Class of 2014
Athletic frame, strong lower half, 6-foot-3, 195-pound left handed two way player. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced setup, slightly crouched, minimal load. Finds the barrel with consistency, low hands, some lift in swing, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound, fastball is straight, 73-75 mph, flashed 76 mph, showed control. Curveball has some control, decelerates arm action, 62-63 mph. Changeup flashes cut action, 67-68 mph, decelerates arm action.

Tanner Kehrer, Belvidere North HS, SS/OF, Class of 2014
5-foot-9, 150-pound multi-positional player. Defensively showed a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot, uses crow hop, 85 mph arm strength from the outfield. On the infield, athletic arm action, ability to release the baseball on the run, footwork lacks quickness. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup, short stride, great balance throughout. Bat speed is present, short bat path, line drive gap to gap style hitter. Shows bat speed and barrel awareness, makes hard contact, creates whip.

Joshua Kuntz, Lyons Township HS, OF, Class of 2014
Average build, 5-foot-10, 165-pound outfielder. Moves well in the outfield, shows above average feet, aggressive to the baseball, 6.9 runner. Outfield arm plays extremely well, plays better than velocity, 86 mph, arm shows carry from an over the top slot, shows advanced accuracy, ball plays well off the turf. Exchange is quick and clean and fields through the baseball athletically. Offensively, hits from slightly open stance. Lower half is involved, lacks some rhythm, swing shows effort.

Anthony Metz, Downers Grove South HS, OF, Class of 2014
5-foot-10, 165-pound left handed hitting outfielder. Defensively arm works from a high ¾ slot, short arm action, displays accuracy. Fields the ball with both hands, works uphill on exchange. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride. Shows some whip through the zone, swing works, lower half shows stiffness, lacks athleticism.

Frank Nicholas, New Trier HS, OF, Class of 2014
Strong, athletic build, 6-foot, 180-pound outfielder, excellent runner. Defensively shows athletic feet, arm action is short, over the top arm slot, 78 mph from the outfield, some stiff actions. 6.88 runner. Offensively uses short stride, occasional toe tap trigger, slightly wider stance. High back elbow, 86 mph exit velocity.

Andrew Owen, Loyola HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Average build at 6-foot, 175 pounds, two way player with arm strength. On the mound delivery shows some rhythm, arm works from a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball is flat, flashes occasional cut action, 86-87 mph touching 88 mph. Breaking ball shows slurve action, 72-75 mph, pitch showed better control form the stretch. Change up has sinking action, thrown with fastball similar arm speed, showed some late life. Defensively uses a short, over the top arm slot, creates carry, occasional arm side run, 90 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from an open stance, slightly crouched, slightly longer stride. Bat path is short to the ball, short through hitting zone, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Trevino Rodriguez, De La Salle HS, RHP/OF, Class of 2014
Strong body, 6-foot-1, 210-pound two way player. On the mound delivery shows some rhythm, has some effort. Arm action is long, shows some stiffness, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball showed command, 80-83 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 74-76 mph. Change up has some feel, demonstrates arm side run, 76-79 mph. Defensively has long arm action from the outfield, demonstrates arm strength, 87 mph from the outfield. Offensively, uses toe tap trigger. Strong swing, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee, swing lacks looseness.

Brendan Saak, Bellville West HS, OF/RHP, Class of 2014
Average build, 5-foot-9, 160-pound two way player. Defensively showed arm strength from the outfield, over the top arm slot, 88 mph, efficient crow hop, quick release, arm showed carry. Athletic footwork defensively. At the plate, hits from an open stance, uses smooth load, short stride. Barrel head shows some speed through the zone, tendency to hit off of back side, good balance throughout. On the mound operates from a high ¾ arm slot, arm shows quickness with some effort. Fastball flashes run, 80-82 mph, touching 83 mph. Curveball display advanced action, flashes sharp break, 12/6 axis, thrown with advanced control, 66-69 mph, potential to be a plus out pitch. Changeup sits at 73-75 mph, lacked control, consistently down. Demonstrated good velocity splits between pitches.

Evan Sandman, Lincoln Way East HS, C/OF/INF, Class of 2014
Average build, 6-foot, 155-pound two way player. Defensively shows excellent accuracy from the crouch, pop times range from 1.99-2.12, 79 mph from the crouch. Also shows arm strength from the outfield (86 mph) and infield (81 mph). Offensively hits from open stance, short stride, dives some. Hits off back side, average pop, lacks timing, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Henry Sperry, Herscher HS, OF, Class of 2014
Big body, 6-foot-3, 210 pound left handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a wide stance, toe tap trigger. Long bat path, works to pull side, lacks extension, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Runs 8.00 60. Defensively arm works at 75 mph from the outfield, uses two hands defensively.

Blake Thompson, Rochester HS, OF/LHP, Class of 2014
Average frame, 6-foot-165-pound left handed two way player. On the mound shows little effort in delivery, full windup, smooth rhythm, slow tempo, excellent balance throughout, athletic finish. Arm works from over the top slot, short arm action, quick arm. Fastball has sink, thrown for strikes, 79-80 mph. Breaking ball shows slurve action, 65-67 mph, arm speed is less than fastball. Change up has sink, thrown with similar arm speed to fastball, 72-75 mph. Defensively, arm action is long, throws uphill, 82 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from the left side, slightly open stance, smooth load. Rhythm hitter, squared the ball up consistently, pull side approach.

Jeff Tucker, Lyons Township HS, OF, Class of 2014
5-foot-11, 160-pound outfielder. Defensively shows average arm strength, 81 mph from the outfield, throws uphill. Above average runner, 6.96 60 time. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, uses leg kick trigger. Shows some whip in bat head, hard contact. Lower half stays involved, shows solid balance throughout.

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