By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

Follow @PBRIllinois

The Preseason I.D. - Illiana took place on January 28th at the Southland Center in Chicago Heights, Illinois. The event was open to all high school classes and featured players from Illinois and Indiana. We started the analysis of the event a couple of weeks ago with the Quick Hits and Stat Story.

Today we continue the analysis with a look at the infielders in attendance. There were a number of quality infielders from Illinois and Indiana, so as a result we decided to separate the top performers by state

TOP ILLINOIS INFIELDERS

1. Brian Adams, INF, Marist, 2019
6-foot-2, 165-pound, athletically built infielder with plenty of room for continued physical development. Offensively, switch-hitter with a high ceiling. Currently, left-handed swing is more advanced; smooth, fluid rhythm, looseness throughout with present bat speed and makes a lot of hard contact. Balanced setup, subtle pre-pitch load, short stride and maintains excellent balance. Registered his best exit velocity from the right side, 87 mph. Defensively, fluid feet, plays through the baseball, soft hands and maintains body control on the move. Short arm action, from a ¾ slot, ability to change slot when need be. Also, ran a 7.09 laser-timed 60.

2. Cherokee LeBeau, INF, Minooka, 2018
6-foot-1, 185-pound, solidly built, right-handed hitting infielder. Defensively, athletic fielding position, hands work soft, out in front of his body and plays through the baseball. Arm works from a ¾ to ¾ slot, clocked at 79 mph across the infield. Offensively, aggressive, free swinger, flashed bat speed and occasional hard contact; registered an 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Narrow, slightly open setup and long, leg-kick timing trigger. 7.41 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

3. Dylan Hauck, INF/RHP, Crete-Monee, 2018
6-foot-2, 175-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher with feel for a three-pitch mix. Repeats delivery, stays on-line, lands square and some effort throughout. Arm works long and out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, arm-side-run, sinking action, located down in the zone, 80-81 mph. Curveball, maintains arm speed, slurvy action, 11/5 shape, 66-68 mph. Changeup, feel, located at the bottom of the zone, fade action, sat 71-72 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, relaxed, open, balanced setup, leg-kick trigger, long path through the zone and average balance throughout. Registered an 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, fields athletically, plays through the baseball with soft hands and maintains body control. Short arm action from a ¾ slot, throws were accurate clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. 7.14 runner in the laser-timed 60.  

3. Matt Kocinksi, INF, Sandburg, 2018
5-foot-10, 155-pound, lean, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, pre-pitch rhythm, smooth load and excellent balance through contact. Fluid swing, loose hands, flashed bat speed and made a lot of hard contact to the pull side. Registered an 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, soft, receptive hands, makes plays on the move, plays through the baseball and maintains body control. ¾ arm slot and throws clocked at 77 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.51 laser-timed 60.

TOP INDIANA INFIELDERS

1. Conner Hoffman, 1B, Lake Central HS (IN), 2018
6-foot-2, 190 pound, strong, athletic build, left-handed hitting first basemen.  Offensively, balanced setup, occasionally dives during his stride.  Excellent balance throughout the swing.  Displayed a loose, quick swing with choppy rhythm.  Showcased plus barrel control, creates lift, power potential.  Registered a high exit velocity of 86 mph  Defensively, short ¾ arm action with carry.  Throws clocked at 81 mph.  Average hands, flat footwork.  Tendency to field the ball deep.  7.68 runner in the laser timed 60.

2. Payton Kerr, SS, Penn HS (IN), 2018
5-foot-11, 165 pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup with a slight leg kick timing trigger.  Excellent balance throughout the swing.  Flashed a loose, simple swing with above average bat speed.  Registered a high exit velocity of 85 mph.  Defensively, showcased sure hands with fluid footwork. Long, high ¾ arm action, throws clocked at 81 mph.  7.05 runner in the laser timed 60.    

3. Marek Bauner, SS, Crown Point HS (IN), 2019
6-foot-1, 160 pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder.  Offensively, showcased quick, loose hands.  Front arm bar during the load, over rotates the lower half.  Good balance.  Above average bat speed.  Advanced approach. Long, level swing plane, gets to extension.  Registered a high exit velocity of 84 mph.  Defensively, long, high ¾ arm action, throws clocked at 81 mph.  Takes good angles, fields the ball out front.  Athletic fielder.  7.90 runner in the laser time 60.

4. Joey Wells, SS, Lake Central HS (IN), 2019
5-foot-10, 165 pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder.  Offensively, balanced setup, average bat speed, good approach.  Level swing path, occasionally gets to extension.  Hips tend to get locked, lacks separation. Average balance throughout the swing.  Registered a high exit velocity of 78 mph.  Defensively, short arm action with some accuracy.  Displayed feel for the position, soft hands, quick feet.  Packs during the exchange, shows some athleticism.  Throws clocked at 76 mph.  7.13 runner in the laser timed 60.

5. Josh Lindeman, SS, Crown Point HS (IN), 2019
6-foot, 175 pound right-handed hitting middle infielder.  Offensively, balanced setup, leg kick timing trigger.  Average bat speed, uphill swing path, gets to extension. Average lower half, lacks separation. Registered a high exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, soft hands, quick feet, slow exchange, showcased some athleticism. Long, high ¾ arm action, throws clocked at 84 mph with carry.  7.56 runner in the laser timed 60.  

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Michael Bohlen, RHP/INF, Marian Catholic, 2019
6-foot-5, 205-pound, wide-shoulder, strong, athletic, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, works with some rhythm, toe lands closed. Long arm action from a from an over the top angle. Fastball, works mostly straight, sat 79-80 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes and kept down in the zone, occasional fade action, 67-70 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual action, tendency to slow arm, 60-62 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, strong contact, above average bat speed. Recorded an 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced setup, deep pre-pitch load with a long stride. Defensively, arm works short from a high ¾ slot, throws flashed accuracy and clocked at 77 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.46 in the laser-timed 60.

Ryan Brown, INF, Marian Catholic, 2018
5-foot-7, 140-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, line-drive approach, with some looseness in swing; 69 mph exit velocity from a tee. Starts from a balanced setup, smooth load, maintains balance through contact. Defensively, showed quick footwork. Throws from a low ¾ slot; clocked at 71 mph across the infield. 7.73 runner in the laser timed 60.

Kyle Fasbinder, 1B Vernon Hills, 2018
6-foot-2, 190-pound, wide-shouldered, left-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively, fluid rhythm, present bat speed, gap-to-gap approach with looseness throughout. Registered an 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Hits from a slightly open setup, maintains balance through contact. Defensively, clean exchange, long arm action from a high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy and clocked at 75 mph across the infield. 7.73 runner in the laser timed 60.

Josh Fleming, RHP/INF, Plainfield North, 2019
5-foot-11, 155-pound, strong frame, two-way player. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, stays in line, lands closed. Long arm action from an over the top angle. Fastball, thrown for strikes, tilt, works mostly straight, sat 79-80 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual action, 67-68 mph. Changeup, sink action, kept down in the zone, 71-72 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, hands drop pre-pitch, path stays flat through the zone. Registered an 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, long arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ slot. Throws clocked at 74 mph across the infield. 7.81 runner in the laser-timed 60.

Xavier Free, 1B, Rich Central, 2018
6-foot-5, 193-pound, projectable frame with room for physical development, first baseman. Offensively, right-handed hitter, wide setup, short stride, long, path. Registered a 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, clean exchange, long arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ slot, flashed accuracy and clocked at 71 mph across the infield. 8.01 runner in the laser-timed 60.

Raymond Hansen, INF/RHP, Crete-Monee, 2018
5-foot-9, 140-pound, two-way player. Ran a 7.22  laser-timed 60. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, early, short stride. Bat stays level through the zone. Registered a 66 mph exit velocity from a tee.  Defensively, throws from a ¾ to low ¾ slot; clocked at 69 mph across the infield. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, stays in line, lands square. Long arm action from an over-the-top angle. Fastball, works mostly straight, sat 67-71 mph. Curveball, gradual action, 58-61 mph. Cutter, 62-65 mph.

Coliani Martinez, INF, Holy Trinity, 2018
5-foot-10, 190-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, right-handed hitter, open setup, hands load back, leg kick. Pull approach with a slighty uphill path. Registered an 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands on the infield. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Throws clocked at 78 mph across the infield. Ran an 8.12 laser-timed 60.

Ryan Pawlak, INF, Plainfield South, 2019
6-foot-1, 180-pound, athletically built, left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, fluid rhythm, bat speed and looseness throughout. Balanced setup, deep pre-pitch load and maintains good balance. Bat gets extension through the hitting zone and a gap-to-gap approach. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action from a ¾ to high ¾ slot. Throws clocked at 67 mph across the diamond. 8.19 runner in the 60.

Zach Pawlak, INF/RHP, Plainfield South, 2020
6-foot, 150-pound, lanky, two-way player. Offensively, left-handed hitter, balanced setup, toe tap trigger, path works uphill. Registered a 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action from a high ¾ slot, accurate throws clocked at 72 mph across the diamond. 8.32 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow rhythm, stays in line. Short arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, slight run action, sat 74-75 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 64-66 mph. Knuckleball, 67-69 mph.

Ryan Piontek, INF, St. Charles North, 2018
5-foot-11, 180-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup, short stride and path works uphill. Recorded an 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Throws clocked at 74 mph across the infield. 7.79 runner in the laser timed 60.

Alex Pittman, INF/RHP, Morgan Park, 2019
6-foot, 185-pound, two-way prospect with a defined, strong lower half. Offensively, right-handed hitter with fluid rhythm, bat speed, a lot of hard contact and the ball jumps off his bat. Tall, balanced setup, long stride, good balance and hits off his front side. Registered an 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, profiles as a third baseman. Hands work soft, arm works short, quick, from a high ¾ slot and throws carry across the diamond, clocked at 83 mph. Ran a 7.89 laser-timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm, stays on-line and lands square. Short, quick arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, straight, 80-82 mph. Curveball maintains arm speed, 12/6 shape and ranged between 65-68 mph. Knuckleball, firm, 70-73 mph.

Nathaniel Quinn, INF, Morton West, 2018
5-foot-9, 161-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Defensively, showed body control, fluid footwork, clean exchange, flashed soft hands. Arm works short from a high ¾ slot, accurate throws. Clocked at 83 mph across the diamond. Offensively, balanced setup, leg kick, level path through the zone. Exit velocity registered at 76 mph from a tee. 7.68 runner in the laser timed 60.

Tyrone Simpson, INF/RHP, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2019
6-foot, 160-pound, two-way prospect. Worked out on the infield and on the mound. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, deep pre-pitch load and short stride. Bat speed and long path through the zone. Registered an 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, steady hands, feel around the bag, quick transfer. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws clocked at 75 mph across the diamond. 7.56 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Right-handed pitcher, slow, deliberate delivery, stays on-line, lands square and finishes athletically. Arm is short from a high ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, 75-77 mph, topped at 78. Curveball clocked at 62-65 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes, firm, 74-77 mph.

Juilo Trevino, INF, Holy Trinity, 2019
5-foot-9, 245-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, open setup with a leg kick timing trigger. Flashed some power, path works slightly uphill. Registered an exit velocity of 90 mph from a tee. Defensively, long arm action from an over the top slot. Throws clocked at 76 mph across the infield. 8.25 runner in the laser timed 60.

Tommy Windt, INF/RHP, Sandburg, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect. Worked out on the infield and on the mound. Right-handed pitcher, full leg-lift at balance point, lands square, stays on-line, finishes athletically with some effort throughout. Long arm action out of a high ¾ to over-the-top slot. Fastball sat 81-82 mph. Curveball, flashed feel, 11/5 shape, maintains arm speed, 67-69 mph. Changeup, works mainly straight, 71-74 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, flashed bat speed, looseness and strength through contact; 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced slightly closed setup, long toe-tap stride and average balance through contact. Defensively, soft hands, fields out in front of body and long transfer. Long arm action, ¾ slot and throws clocked at 78 mph across the diamond. 7.86 runner in the 60.

Kyle Wisch, RHP/INF, Hinsdale Central, 2019
6-foot-4, 195-pound, physically advanced, strong, well-proportioned two-way prospect. Right-handed pitcher, advanced arm speed and arm strength on the mound. Arm is short, loose and quick out of a high ¾ window. Delivery works with rhythm, slight hip coil at balance point and lands slightly closed. Fastball, life, sat 86-88 mph. Threw a curveball and slider. Curveball, works 11/5, good depth and spin at times, 68-70 mph. Slider, tighter, more lateral action than curveball, 10/4 shape, 71-74 mph. Changeup, slows arm action at times, thrown for strikes, straight action, 74-77 mph. Offensively, balanced, open setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Creates easy bat speed, occasional hard contact and gap-to-gap approach. Registered an 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles as a third baseman. Soft hands, plays through the baseball tall, short, loose arm clocked at 81 mph across the infield. 7.96 runner in the 60.

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