By Matt Yarber and Sean Duncan

The Prep Baseball Report Preseason All-State Showcase on Feb. 19 featured 100 Class of 2013 from all over Illinois. The overall talent at the event was once again extremely impressive at The Max-McCook Athletic & Exposition Center in McCook, IL.

The pitching talent once again impressed. Zachary Burdi, a 6-foot-3 RHP from Downers Grove South HS, stole the show with his bullpen session which was enough to earn the top pitching prospect honor.

A look at all the pitchers at the Preseason All-State Showcase:

1. Zachary Burdi, RHP, Downers Grove South HS, Class of 2013
Burdi looks to be one of the premier arms in the Class of 2013. Simply put, his bullpen session was electric. His fastball registered 90 mph several times, and never dipped below 88. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-hander projects extremely well at the next level, just as his older brother, Nick, did (Nick is now a freshman at Louisville). The younger Burdi works from a 3/4 arm slot and has a quick, whippy arm action. The ball jumps out of his hand, and demonstrated late arm-side life. He also showed feel for all three of his pitches.  In addition to his fastball, he impressed with his 11/5 breaking ball in the 69-74 range, and a 76-79 mph changeup with arm side run. In all, the athletically built Burdi proved himself to be an elite right-handed prospect in the Midwest.

2. Kyle Pruemer, RHP, Teutopolis HS, Class of 2013
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Pruemer is a hulking presence on the mound. He has strong legs, wide shoulders and an arm that works with fluidity. He operates from a high 3/4 arm slot, delivering fastballs that topped at 87 mph with arm-side life. For his size, he showed good rhythm and tempo on the mound. Pruemer complimented his heavy fastball with a 73-75 mph changeup that demonstrated some late sink, and a 70-73 curveball. Pruemer looks to be one of the better power arms in the Class of 2013.

3. Bradley Elmore, RHP/3B, Bolingbrook HS, Class of 2013
Elmore is a wide-shouldered 6-foot-3, 245-pound two-way player who impressed on the mound with his loose arm action and solid feel for three pitches.  Elmore’s fastball, in the 84-85 mpg range, was heavy and down in the zone. He complimented his fastball with a 70-73 mph breaking ball with late action, and a 75-76 mph changeup. Elmore filled up the strike zone with all three pitches.  At the plate, Elmore continued to impress with his swing as he hit the ball hard to all fields and showed raw power.  The ball jumped of his bat with some backspin carry.

4. Matt Frawley, RHP, Glenbard North HS, Class of 2013
Frawley is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed pitcher who has a quick, loose arm action.  Everything Frawley threw was down in the zone and for strikes. His fastball sat at  82-83 mph with some arm-side action, though it looks like there is much more in the tank. His off-speed pitches consist of a 70-74 mph breaking ball, and a 73-75 mph changeup that demonstrated late sinking action.

5. Jake Herron, RHP, Joliet West HS, Class of 2013
Herron is a strong-bodied 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed pitcher who showed well and impressed with his feel for three pitches.  He demonstrated rhythm and tempo on the mound, throwing from over the top slot. His arm works with little effort, leading us to believe he has more in the tank. His fastball sat in the 81-83 mph range and was consistently thrown for strikes with movement.  His curveball looks to be a legitimate out-pitch, as it demonstrated tight spin and late break, thrown in the 67-70 range. His changeup also was a solid pitch, in the 71-74 mph range, with some arm-side sink.

6. Ryne Blanton, 3B/RHP, Richmond Burton HS, Class of 2013
Blanton is 6-foot-1, 190-pound two-way player who impressed in every aspect of the game.  On the mound, Blanton showed solid feel and easy effort in his delivery.  He throws from a high 3/4 arm slot and has three pitches: an 82-84 mph fastball with run, a 61-64 mph curveball, and a 77-78 mph changeup with sink.  Defensively, Blanton showed extremely well at third base, demonstrating good lateral range and solid hands.  He exhibited a strong, accurate arm across the diamond (83 mph). At the plate, Blanton has a balanced setup and maintains excellent balance throughout.  He creates good loft in his swing, as he consistently made hard contact to the power alleys.

7. Tyler Feece, LHP, Vernon Hills HS, Class of 2013
Feece is a 5-foot-10, 170-pound left-handed pitcher who has a quick, easy arm and advanced feel for everything.  Feece showed command of four pitches, with his best pitch being an 81-83 mph fastball with arm side run. Feece’s 78-79 mph cutter is an excellent pitch, one that will likely miss a lot of barrels. He also commanded a 68 mph curveball and a 73-75 mph changeup with arm-side run and sink.

8. Nick Hieb, RHP/OF, Normal Community HS, Class of 2013
Hieb is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound two-way player who has raw arm strength.  On the mound, Hieb has a quick arm and displayed little effort in his delivery.  His fastball topped at 85 mph; he also flashed a 64-67 mph breaking ball, and 68-71 mph changeup.  Defensively, Hieb again put his arm strength on display from the outfield (86 mph) with accurate throws that showed carry and life.  Additionally, Hieb ran a 7.2 60.

9. Andrew Asken, RHP, Naperville Central HS, Class of 2013
Asken is a lanky, athletic and extremely projectable 6-foot-6, 190-pound right-hander who has a quick, loose arm. Asken, who operates from a high-3/4 arm slot, has feel for three pitches, including a fastball that topped at 81 mph. He also threw a sharp 68-69 mph breaking ball that had an 11/5 shape, and a73-75 mph changeup that demonstrated sink down in the zone - a pitch that has the potential to be a bread-and-butter outpitch.

10. Austin Foote, LHP, Lake Zurich HS, Class of 2013
Foote is a lanky, athletic 6-foot-2, 155-pound left-handed pitcher who impressed with his loose arm, feel for three pitches, and showed some deception in his delivery.  Foote showed good run on his 79-81 mph fastball, and throws two off-speed pitches.  His off-speed consists of a 67 mph curveball with some two-plane bite, and a 70-75 mph changeup with arm side run.  Foote projects well, as his long frame should fill out nicely in the coming years.

11. Riley Pawelski, RHP, Hononegah HS, Class of 2014
Pawelski looks to be one of the better Class of 2014 pitching prospects in the state. At 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, Pawelski has a solid athletic build and wide shoulders. Pawelski’s arm works with ease as he delivered heavy 80-83 mph fastballs from a high 3/4 arm slot. In addition to his fastball, he also showed feel for a 74-77 mph changeup. 

12. Dominic Demicco, OF/RHP, Lake Zurich HS, Class of 2013
Demicco is a 6-foot, 190-pound two-way player who showed well in all facets of the game. On the mound, Demicco features an 83-85 mph fastball with some late life. He demonstrated feel for three pitches, which included a 68-71 mph sweeping breaking ball, and a 73-75 mph changeup. His changeup demonstrated sink and looks to be a promising outpitch. Defensively, Demicco showed well in the outfield, using his strong, athletic frame to get downhill on his throws (84 mph).  At the plate, the left-handed hitting Demicco has quick hands and creates impressive torque in his swing. His barrel stays through the zone and showed the ability to drive the ball with authority and loft. Additionally, Demicco ran a 7.2 60.

13. Jeremy Kravetz, LHP, Fenwick HS, Class of 2013
Kravetz is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound left-handed pitcher who has a short arm action and throws from a high ¾ arm slot.  Kravetz commands the strike zone with three pitches, all with good deception. His repertoire consisted of an 80-81 mph fastball with arm side run, a 63-64 mph breaking ball, and a 70-74 mph changeup that exhibited fade down in the zone. Kravetz’s changeup looks to be a legitimate out pitch at the next level.

14. Thomas Prescott, LHP/1B, Lyons Township HS, Class of 2013
Prescott is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound two-way player who showed well on the mound and impressed with his left-handed swing.  On the mound, Prescott commanded the zone with four pitches, and all with movement. He works from a high 3/4 arm slot and has a short back arm action.  His fastball topped at 82 mph, while his cutter sat in the 77-79 range. Prescott also filled up the zone with a 69-71 mph changeup, which exhibited sink, and a 63-65 mph curveball. Prescott hides the ball well, and with his short arm action and funk in his delivery, he should give hitters fits. Offensively, Prescott has a solid left-handed swing with good extension and whip through the zone.  A line drive hitter, Prescott took an impressive round of BP in which he squared the baseball up with consistent authority.

15. Ricardo Ramirez, 3B/RHP, De La Salle HS, Class of 2013
Ramirez is a 6-foot, 190-pound two-way player who opened eyes with his offensive prowess and defensive abilities at third base.  He impressed defensively, with soft hands, concise footwork and solid arm strength (84 mph) from across the diamond.  Offensively, Ramirez has a balanced setup and creates good whip through the zone with his strong upper body.  He maintained good balance throughout his line drive swing. The ball jumps off his bat with carry and force.  On the mound, Ramirez continued to impress. Operating from a high 3/4 arm slot, he has three different pitches: an 81-83 mph fastball with run, a 70-73 mph curveball, and a 72-76 mph changeup.

16. Alexander Cain, RHP/SS, Oregon HS, Class of 2013
Cain is a 6-foot-3, 185-pound two-way talent who is physically strong and has a very projectable frame. Cain especially impressive with his defensive prowess at shortstop, where he exhibited concise footwork, athletic rhythm, soft hands, and ability to play through the baseball. Furthermore, he delivered strikes across the infield, clocked at 84 mph. Cain, who ran a 7.27 60, hits from a slightly open approach. He exhibited rhythm, barrel whip through the zone and overall sound hitting fundamentals. On the mound, Cain has four pitches: a 79-81 mph fastball, a 70-71 mph curveball, a 73-75 mph changeup, and a 73-75 mph slider. 

17. Quinn Ahern, RHP, Joliet West HS, Class of 2013
Ahern is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed pitcher who throws from over the top slot.  His fastball topped at 84 mph, sitting in the 82-83 range, with some sinking action. His off speed pitches consisted of a 65-70 mph breaking ball that has a 11/5 shape, and a 71 mph changeup. 

19. Michael Koscielniak, LHP/OF, Marian Catholic Central HS, Class of 2013
Koscielniak is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound two-way player who impressed on the mound with his ability to throw three pitches for strikes.  Koscielniak showed some rhythm on the mound as he delivered 80-81 mph fastballs with run and sink.  His off-speed pitches consisted of a 62-66 mph breaking ball, and a 67-68 mph changeup.  Defensively, Koscielniak showed athletic actions in the outfield and was clocked at 73 mph.  Additionally, Koscielniak ran a 7.31 60.

20. Chans Sugden, RHP/1B, Galesburg HS, Class of 2013
Sugden is an athletic 6-foot-2, 187-pound two-way player who showed well on the mound with a loose, live arm.  He showed some rhythm in his delivery and his arm works with little effort.  He throws four different pitches: a 77-79 mph fastball, a 69-71 breaking ball that flashed tight spin and had a 12/6 break, a 75 mph changeup with arm side run and sink, and a71 mph splitter.  Defensively, Sugden showed good hands and an accurate arm (75 mph) with sound footwork around first base.  At the plate, Sugden has an open setup and showed good balance throughout contact.  Sugden showed good whip in his swing and exhibited gap-to-gap power.  Additionally, Sugden ran a 7.32 60.

Best of the Rest (Alphabetically)

Grant Amick, RHP, New Trier HS, Class of 2013
Amick is strong-bodied 6-foot-1, 197-pound right-handed pitcher who throws from a high 3/4 arm slot and topped out at 82 mph with a fastball that had some arm side life.  He also showed two off-speed pitches: a 65-68 mph curveball that, when down in the zone, had sharp late bite, and a 68-71 mph changeup.

Jace Anderson, RHP, Rock Falls HS, Class of 2013
Anderson is a 6-foot, 170-pound right-handed pitcher who has a quick arm and works from a high 3/4 slot.  He showed three pitches: a 78-80 mph fastball, a 68 mph curveball that flashed tight spin and above-average break, and a solid 71-76 mph changeup that demonstrated sinking action down in the zone. 

Justin Blanchett, RHP/OF, Bartlett HS, Class of 2013
Blanchett is a strong-bodied 6-foot-4, 195-pound two-way player who showed well at the plate with balanced setup and short stride to the ball.  Blanchett flashed some raw power potential at the plate.  Defensively, Blanchett was clocked at 75 mph from the outfield.  On the mound, Blanchett has three pitches: a 70-75 mph fastball, a 59-60 mph breaking ball, and a 65-67 mph changeup.

Zach Carlson, RHP, Lyons Township HS, Class of 2013
Carlson is a 6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed pitcher who has a quick arm and throws from a 3/4 slot.  Carlson showed the ability to throw four pitches for strikes: a 79-81 mph fastball with some arm-side run, a 66-68 mph slider, a 72 mph changeup, and a 71-73 mph splitter. 

Jake Domsky, LHP, Lane Tech HS, Class of 2013
Domsky is a strong-bodied 6-foot-2, 170 left hander who works from a high 3/4 slot.  Domsky threw three pitches; a 75-78 mph fastball, a 64-66 mph curveball, and a 69-71 mph changeup.

Brogan Fischer, RHP/OF, Alton-Marquette Catholic HS, Class of 2013
Fischer is a two-way player who impressed with his all-around abilities.  In the outfield, the 5-foot-8, 160-pound Fischer moved with fluidity and ease, taking good routes and showed the ability to play through the baseball.  Fischer showcased one of the strongest arms of the event, 85 mph, with good carry and accuracy.  Offensively, Fischer has a balanced setup and exhibited a sense of rhythm in the box.  He used his solid lower half to create whip through the zone and maintained excellent balance throughout and good extension after contact.  On the mound, Fischer features a 78-82 mph fastball that had some arm side run and sink.  His off-speed pitches consisted of a 70-71 mph slider that flashed tight spin, and a 75-78 mph changeup.

Dalton Garst, RHP/3B, Winnebago HS, Class of 2013
Garst is a solidly built 6-foot, 190-pound two-way player. On the mound, the right-hander throws from over the top slot and has three pitches.  He throws a 78-79 mph fastball, a 68-71 mph curveball that demonstrated some late bite, and a 72-73 mph changeup.  At third base, Garst moved well laterally and showed an accurate arm (74 mph).  At the plate, Garst used his strong build to generate some pop in his swing.

Dennis Jenkins, RHP, Olympia HS, Class of 2013
Jenkins is a solidly built 5-foot-11, 190-pound right-handed pitcher who uses his strong lower half to his advantage.  Jenkins works from over the top slot and has three pitches.  He displayed a 79-81 mph fastball, a 67-70 mph curveball, and a 72-76 mph changeup.

Tanner Kiser, OF/LHP, Lake Zurich, Class of 2013
Kiser is a physical 6-foot-1, 202-pound two-way player. Offensively, the left-handed hitter has an aggressive approach and fast hands, as he showcased raw pull-power potential. The ball jumps off his bat with backspin carry. Defensively, Kiser took aggressive, athletic routes to the baseball and plays through the baseball well.  Kiser, who ran a 7.27 60, showed an accurate arm from the outfield, clocked at 80 mph.  On the mound, the left-hander operates from a high 3/4 arm slot and uses his strong body to his advantage.  Kiser’s three pitches included: an 80-81 mph fastball with run, a 68-71 mph breaking ball, and a 76-77 mph changeup.

Hayden Krimer, RHP/INF, Oak Creek HS (WI), Class of 2013
Krimer is a 6-foot-1, 170-pound two-way player who showed well offensively with a level bat path and economical approach to the ball.  Krimer has a balanced setup and exhibited some pop in his swing as he consistently barreled up the baseball.  Defensively, Krimer showed athletic actions in the outfield and in the infield, being clocked at 78 mph from the OF and 81 mph INF. He continued to show his athleticism by running a 7.21 60.  On the mound, Krimer throws from over the top slot and has four pitches.  His fastball checked in at 80 mph, while his curveball registered at 68-71 mph. He also threw a 73-75 mph changeup, and 76 mph cutter.

Jake McCabe, RHP/SS, Lincoln-Way North HS, Class of 2013
McCabe is a lanky, athletic 6-foot-2, 165-pound two-way player who performed well in all aspects of the game.  On the mound, McCabe has a quick, loose arm coming from a high 3/4 slot.  His fastball sat in the 80-82 range with some late life. He also threw a 67 mph breaking ball, and a 71-73 mph changeup.  He showed feel for all three pitches and used his whippy arm action to create natural arm-side run.  Defensively, McCabe showed athletic feet, as he covered a lot of ground up the middle.  He was clocked at 80 mph from across the diamond.  McCabe continued to show his athleticism by running a 7.08 60.

Antuan McHerron, MIF/RHP, Thornton HS, Class of 2013
McHerron is a 6-foot, 170-pound two-way player who ran a 7.3 60. At shortstop, he was clocked at 74 mph from across the diamond.  On the mound, McHerron has a 75-77 mph fastball and a 63-65 mph changeup. 

Matt Mikolajczak, LHP, Lincoln-Way Central HS, Class of 2013
Mikolajczak is an athletically built 6-foot-2, 190-pound left-handed pitcher who demonstrated rhythm and tempo throughout his delivery. Operating from a high 3/4 arm slot, he filled up the zone with three pitches. His fastball registered at 78 mph, while his 70-72 mph changeup exhibited some sink down in the zone. He also threw a curveball for strikes.

Paul O’Toole, INF/RHP, Fenwick HS, Class of 2013
O’Toole is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound two-way player. On the mound, O’Toole’s fastball topped out at 78 mph. He also threw a 73-74 mph slider, a 71-74 mph changeup that demonstrated some arm-side sink, and a 64-71 mph curveball that had 12/6 break.  Offensively, O’Toole has a balanced setup with a compact swing and a level bat path.  O’Toole generated solid barrel whip through the zone as he sprayed line drives.

Michael Pilas, OF/RHP, Mt. Carmel HS, Class of 2013
Pilas is a 5-foot-11, 165-pound two-way player who showed well in all facets of the game.  On the mound, Pilas has a quick, loose arm. His fastball topped at 82 mph, while his off-speed pitches included a 75-76 mph slider,  a 75 mph changeup with some sink, and a splitter that showed hard action when down in the zone.  Defensively, Pilas has an accurate arm that showed some carry to it (81 mph) and took aggressive routes in the outfield.  Offensively, Pilas has a balanced setup and a short, compact swing.  Pilas, who ran a ran a 7.27 60, sprayed line drives to all fields. 

Samuel Reuter, RHP/OF, Illinois Valley Central HS, Class of 2013
Reuter is a strong-bodied 6-foot-3, 195-pound two-way player who ran a 7.27 60. showed On the mound, Reuter showcased a three-pitch repertoire, including a fastball that topped at 81 mph.  He also threw a 65-67 mph curveball, and a 66-68 mph changeup.  Defensively, Reuter was clocked at 80 mph from the outfield with accurate throws.  Offensively, Reuter has a wide setup and showed some raw power potential at the plate.

Seth Rosenberg, C/RHP, New Trier HS, Class of 2013
Rosenberg is a 6-foot, 200-pound two-way player. As a position player, Rosenberg is a left-handed hitting catcher who showcased some pull-side power potential.  Defensively, Rosenberg was clocked at 75 mph from the crouch and had a top pop time of 2.07.  On the mound, Rosenberg throws out of the stretch and operates from a high 3/4 arm slot.  His three-pitch mix consisted of a 82-83 mph fastball, a 69-71 mph breaking ball that flashed sharp break when down in the zone, and a 75-76 mph changeup.

Alexander Shake, LHP/1B, Canton HS, Class of 2013
Shake is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound two-way player who showed well on the mound.  Throwing from a high 3/4 arm slot, Shake has a 78-80 mph fastball with run, a 62-65 mph breaking ball, and a 70-73 mph changeup.  Offensively, Shake impressed with his left-handed swing, as he barreled up the baseball.

Chase Thurston, RHP/SS, Danville HS, Class of 2013
Thurston is 5-foot-10, 165-pound two-way player. On the mound, the right-hander features three pitches and throws from an over the top arm angle.  Thurston has a quick, easy arm; his fastball sat at 80-81 mph with some arm-side life. He also threw a 67-69 mph curveball that flashed tight, late break, and a 77-78 mph changeup.  Defensively, Thurston was clocked at 73 mph from across the diamond.

Alex Ventrella, LHP/1B, Lisle HS, Class of 2013
Ventrella is a 5-foot-11, 180-pound two-way player who impressed with his easy left-handed swing.  He has a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride to the baseball.  Ventrella is able to generate some whip through the zone, resulting in some pop to his swing.  On the mound, Ventrella works out of the stretch, and throws from a high 3/4 arm slot. He has three pitches: a 77-78 mph fastball, a 60-69 mph curveball, and a 69-76 mph changeup.

Mike Virgilio, LHP/OF, Maine South HS, Class of 2013
Virgilio is a 6-foot-2, 165-pound two-way player who looks to be a promising left-handed pitching prospect.  Virgilio throws from over the top slot and has little effort in his delivery.  He commanded the zone with three pitches: a 78-81 mph fastball with some arm-side run, a 65-66 mph curveball that flashed tight spin, and a 70-74 mph changeup that has sink.  Defensively, Virgilio showed well in the outfield with his accurate throws (78 mph) and good routes to the baseball. Virgilio ran a 7.52 60.

Ethan Wild, RHP/1B, O’Fallon HS, Class of 2013
Wild is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound two-way player who impressed at the plate with his left-handed swing.  He made hard contact in his round of BP. Wild has a balanced setup, has a level bat path and gets excellent extension after contact. On the mound, Wild throws operates from the stretch with an over the top arm slot.  He showcased three pitches: a 78-79 mph fastball, a 64-68 mph breaking ball, and a 69-71 changeup with arm side run and sink.

Zack Zyburt, MIF/RHP, Plainfield North HS, Class of 2013
Zyburt is a 5-foot-10, 160-pound two-way player who impressed with his smooth, fluid footwork and soft hands in the field. Everything Zyburt did was fundamentally sound. Defensively, he displayed an accurate arm and was clocked at 77 mph from across the diamond.  Offensively, Zyburt features a balanced setup and short stride to the baseball.  He maintains excellent balance throughout his swing and is able to generate good whip through the zone through his active lower half.  He also ran a 7.2 60.  On the mound, Zyburt has a quick arm and throws from a high 3/4 arm slot.  He commanded the zone with three pitches: a 77-79 mph fastball with slight arm side run,  a 66-67 mph curveball and a 72-76 mph changeup.

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