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.

Sifting through all the talent was a difficult task, though identifying the top prospect at the Preseason All-State Showcase was somewhat easy. Zachary Burdi, a 6-foot-3 RHP from Downers Grove South HS, stole the show with his bullpen session.

Below are the top 30 prospects in the event. However, with the high level of talent there, many high-level players did not make the list. In the coming days we will post the top pitchers, middle infielders, corner infielders, outfielders and catchers at the event.

A look at the top 30 prospects:

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. Brent Gibbs, C, Alton HS, Class of 2013
Verbally committed to Indiana University, Gibbs is an elite catching prospect. The physically impressive 6-foot-2, 215-pounder has incredibly strong legs and arm strength: He was clocked at 84 mph from the crouch. His arm strength and advanced footwork added up to a top pop time of 1.91. Furthermore, Gibbs consistently was on the bag with his throws and receives with a firm wrist and soft hands. At the plate, Gibbs has a balanced setup and a strong lower half that he used to get good rotation on his swing.  He consistently barrels up the baseball and showed power potential to all fields.

3. Anthony Ray, OF, St. Rita HS, Class of 2013
Ray is a one of the premier athletes in the Class of 2013 with his ability to excel in all aspects of the game.  The lanky, 6-foot-1, 160-pound left-handed hitting outfielder moves with fluidity in the outfield, taking precise routes to the baseball.  He is aggressive at his position, playing through the ball and displaying soft hands.  He showed the best positional arm strength at the event, clocked at 88 mph with excellent carry. Ray, who ran a 6.88 60, also exhibited tremendously quick hands and barrel whip through the zone at the plate. He hits from an open setup, and has an aggressive plate approach. For his slight frame, he generates impressive torque in his swing.

4. Joe Hoscheit, OF, St. Charles East HS, Class of 2013
Hoscheit is a muscular 6-foot, 205-pound athletic outfielder who is one of the more physically impressive prospects in the class.  He uses every bit of his strength to his advantage, showing well in all facets of the game.  At the plate, Hoscheit has a balanced setup with a smooth load and takes an economical approach to the baseball.  He is quick and explosive to the ball, and he uses his strong lower half to power through the baseball.  He maintains excellent balance throughout contact and gets good extension on his swing.  Defensively, Hoscheit moves well in the outfield and showcased a solid arm (84 mph) that had carry.  Additionally, Hoscheit ran a 7.26 60.

5. 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.

6. Bradley Margolin, C/RHP, Glenbrook North HS, Class of 2013
Margolin impressed behind the plate, proving to be not only one of the best catchers at the event, but also one of the premier receivers in the Class of 2013. He exhibited one of the strongest arms from the crouch (79 mph), and had dead-on accuracy with every throw.  His quick, concise footwork allowed him to post the best pop time of the event with a 1.87 and 1.89.  At the plate, Margolin showed some pop in his bat as he sprayed line drives to all fields.  On the mound, Margolin has a feel for three pitches, featuring a fastball that was 80-83 mph with run and sink, he has been clocked at up to 85 mph.  His off-speed pitches consist of a sharp-breaking slider that has late action in the 70-75 mph range.  He also has a 75-76 mph changeup.  Additionally, Margolin ran a 7.0 60, and has been clocked before at 6.7.

7. Nicholas Kowalczuk, 1B, Oak Park River Forest HS, Class of 2013
Kowalczuk is a physically impressive 6-foot-3, 210-pound first baseman who impressed with his offensive prowess and athleticism. At the plate, the right-handed hitting Kowalczuk has a open setup and an explosive lower half with good barrel whip through the zone. He has a balanced and advanced plate approach; he has an easy yet explosive swing, and generates considerable power from his lower half.  The ball jumps off his bat with backspin carry to all fields. Defensively, Kowalczuk is an athletic first baseman with good footwork and soft hands around the bag. He showed advanced feel for the position.  Additionally, Kowalczuk showed his athleticism by running a 7.14 60.

8. Kyle Colletta, SS, Niles West HS, Class of 2013
Colletta is a 6-foot, 170-pound shortstop who impressed with his easy left-handed swing and defensive prowess. Colletta has a balanced setup with a smooth load and an economical approach to his swing.  He has an explosive lower half and maintains excellent balance throughout.  Defensively, Colletta is a slick-fielding shortstop with soft hands and excellent lateral movement.  He was one of the best infielders at the event with his combination of footwork, clean exchange and arm strength (83 mph) across the diamond.

9. Derek Bangert, C/3B, Lockport Township HS, Class of 2013
Bangert is a 6-foot-3, 225-pound physical specimen and uses his strength in every aspect of the game.  Bangert impressed at the plate with his ability to consistently square up the baseball with authority. Bangert has impressive juice in his bat; the ball comes off his barrel differently than most. For his power potential, he has remarkably quiet and balanced swing mechanics. Defensively, Bangert moves well for a big man, and showed off a strong arm, 84 mph from across the diamond.  Behind the dish, Bangert was 81 mph from the crouch and posted a top pop time of 2.0.

10. Jake Ring, OF, Grant HS, Class of 2013
Ring is a 6-foot, 175-pound outfielder who showed well in all facets of the game. He put his athleticism on display in the 60, running a 6.92, and in the outfield.  Defensively, Ring moves with ease and takes concise routes to the baseball.  He had one of the most accurate and strongest arms at the event (87 mph), with throws that were consistently around home plate.  Offensively, Ring has an advanced approach at the plate and takes an economical approach to the baseball.  He has an easy left-handed swing and an explosive lower half with excellent balance. 

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Adam McGinnis, C/3B, Normal West HS, Class of 2013
McGinnis is a 5-foot-11, 185-pounder who proved himself to be one of the better defensive catchers in the class. Behind the dish, McGinnis exhibited an accurate arm (77 mph) and had a best pop time of 1.98. Furthermore, he demonstrated quick feet and soft hands during bullpens.  At third base, McGinnis moved well laterally and once again showed an accurate arm across the diamond, being clocked at 79 mph.  Offensively, McGinnis has a balanced setup and takes an aggressive approach at the plate.  He consistently squared up the baseball with authority, showing gap-to-gap power.

15. Danny Rafferty, OF, Loyola HS, Class of 2013
Rafferty is a 5-foot-11, 180-pound outfielder who impressed with his quick and compact left-handed swing.  Rafferty has an explosive lower half and is able to create good whip through the zone.  Rafferty has an aggressive plate approach, and the ball jumps off his bat. He exhibited good extension after contact.In the outfield, Rafferty exhibited a solid arm with carry (83 mph).  Additionally, Rafferty ran a 7.32 60.

16. 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.

17. Tyler Johnson, SS, Harlan Community HS, Class of 2013
Johnson is a 5-foot-8, 150-pound shortstop who impressed with his smooth fielding, soft hands and all-around defensive actions. Johnson was one of the best middle-infielders at the event with his quick footwork and ability to play through the baseball, showing excellent lateral range and the ability to play the baseball on the run.  He displayed accurate throws across the diamond and was clocked at 83 mph.  Offensively, Johnson has a slightly open setup with a smooth load and short, compact swing.  He showed good extension through his swings and created some whip through the zone.  Additionally, Johnson ran a 7.23 60.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. Bill Hayes, C, Lemont HS, Class of 2013
Hayes is a 5-foot-11, 165-pound catcher who has proven to be one of the Class of 2013’s better defensive backstops. He impressed with his quick, athletic feet, ability to stay low, and solid, accurate arm. Hayes was clocked at 77 mph from the crouch and had a best pop time of 2.07 at the event. His throws were on the bag.  Offensively, Hayes has a balanced setup and a short, compact swing.  He sprayed line drives to all fields, and displayed some gap-to-gap power. 

21. 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.

22. Ryan Lidge, C, Barrington HS, Class of 2013
Lidge is an athletic 6-foot-2, 180-pound switch-hitting catcher who impressed at the plate with his economical approach to the baseball.  Lidge showed especially well from the left side of the plate, using an explosive lower half to consistently barrel up the baseball to all fields.  He uses his strong hands to create good whip through the zone.  Defensively, Lidge showcased solid fundamentals and glovework while in bullpen session. Lidge was clocked at 80 mph from the crouch and had a top pop time of 2.03.

23. Trayvond Crockett, 3B/RHP, Brooks College Prep HS, Class of 2013
Crockett is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound two-way player who impressed with his athletic left-handed swing at the plate.  Crockett has a balanced setup and uses his strength to create solid whip through the zone.  He has a relaxed plate approach, and showcased bat speed and the ability to drive the baseball with authority.  Crockett also ran a 7.31 60. On the mound, Crockett has a quick, short arm action and throws from over the top.  His fastball topped at 84 mph, and he also threw a 66-70 mph curveball, and a 76-78 mph changeup.

24. 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.

25. Kurt Palandech, SS, Plainfield North HS, Class of 2013
Palandech is a quick-twitch athlete who ran one of the best 60 times at the event, a 6.87. The 6-foot-1, 150-pound shortstop has long legs and moves fluidly in the field. He had an accurate arm from his position, posting a velocity of 76 mph from across the diamond.  Offensively, Palandech has a balanced setup and easy swing, one that featured quick, whippy hands. 

26. 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. 

27. Matthew Malecki, C/OF, Richmond Burton HS, Class of 2013
Malecki is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound multi-positional talent who impressed at the plate with his advanced approach and easy swing.  Malecki has a balanced setup with a smooth load and takes an economical approach to the baseball.  He gets good extension on his swing and maintains solid balance throughout. The ball comes off his bat with considerable authority.  Defensively, Malecki showed solidly behind the plate, posting a best pop time of 2.06 and was clocked at 78 mph from the crouch.  In the outfield, Malecki showed his athleticism with an accurate arm (84 mph) and solid hands.

28. Frankie Perrone, OF, Maine South HS, Class of 2013
Perrone is an athletic, solidly built 5-foot-9, 165-pound outfielder who impressed with his outfield play, taking good routes to the baseball and getting on top of his throws.  Perrone showed aggressiveness in the outfield with his ability to play through the baseball. His throws were clocked at 85 mph. At the plate, Perrone has an aggressive approach. He showed impressive whip through the zone and drove the ball with gap-to-gap authority. Additionally, Perrone showed his athleticism by running a 7.05 60.

29. 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.

30. Zach Trusk, C/3B, Plainfield North HS, Class of 2013
Trusk was one of the event’s biggest surprises, as he impressed with his ability to play multiple positions well.  Behind the dish, Trusk exhibited soft hands and the ability to handle all types of pitching with ease.  He posted a best pop time of 2.00 and was clocked at 75 mph from the crouch.  Trusk continued to impress at third base with soft hands and good lateral range, being clocked at 78 mph from across the diamond.  At the plate, Trusk had a balanced setup and a compact swing, maintaining excellent balance throughout.  Trusk has a strong lower half and an easy swing in which he sprayed line drives to all fields.

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