By Illinois Scouting Staff

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 The second annual Prep Baseball Report Preseason I.D. - McHenry at Pro Player Academy in McHenry, IL was held on Sunday, January 29, 2017. The event, which sold out, had over 100 2017-2020 high school graduates in attendance. We began the rollout of the event a couple of weeks ago taking a look at the Quick Hits and Stat Story.

Today we continue the analysis with the outfielders in attendance. 2019 C/OF Julio Cajigas (Romeoville) impressed behind the plate at McHenry and in the outfield. The athletic switch-hitter showed off a big arm from the outfield, clocked at 89 mph. He also took one of the more impressive rounds of batting practice on the day. Creates a lot of bat speed from both sides of the plate and made a lot of loud contact.

6-foot-1, 175-pound, athletically built Ryan Linkletter (Johnsburg) is another 2019 outfielder who made an impression at the event. Offensively, he has a fast bat and loose hands. In the outfield, he attacks and plays through the baseball with natural outfield actions.

Left-handed hitting outfielder Nicholas Gregory (Dundee-Crown) is a freshman with a wiry frame, short path and some looseness in his swing. In the outfield he is aggressive to the ball and has  soft hands.

OUTFIELDERS (Listed Alphabetically)

Nick Bacarella, LHP/OF, Downers Grove North, 2018
6-foot-1, 160-pound left-handed hitting LHP/OF with a lanky, athletic frame. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing. Showed feel for three pitches, down in the zone for strikes. Fastball was firm at 78-79 mph. Curveball has 2-8 shape with tight rotation and short-breaking action at 68-70 mph. Showed feel for his changeup with fastball arm speed at 72-74 mph. At the plate hits from a tall, open setup with a long stride and average balance. Uphill swing path. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.37 runner down the line. Defensively has a loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Quick footwork, playing thru the ball. Throws showed carry throwing 83 mph from the outfield.

Andrew Balkcom, OF/RHP, Jacobs, 2020
5-foot-10, 144-pound right-handed hitting OF/RHP. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Plays thru the ball with average hands and quick footwork. Threw 70 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and fair balance. Short, floppy swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.69 runner down the line. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort and an upright finish. Fastball has sinking action at 70-72 topping out at 73 mph. Slider has 10-4 shape at 62-64 mph. Changeup sat 64-67 mph for strikes.

Noal Brouwer, LHP/OF Delavan-Darien, 2018
6-foot, 160-pound left-handed hitting LHP/OF. On the mound works from a side arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Smooth, uptempo delivery. Fastball sat 76 topping out at 77 mph. Curveball has sweeping action with depth at 64-65 mph for strikes. Changeup has sinking action at 70-71 mph. Defensively has a short arm action from a ¾ slot. Showed off raw arm strength throwing 85 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a wide base with a short stride and good balance. Level path with extension thru contact and fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.61 runner down the line.

Julio Cajigas, C/OF, Romeoville, 2019
Strong stocky frame, 5-foot-9, 170-pound switch hitting catcher. Shows plus arm strength for his age, short over the top slot, carries well with accuracy, 80 mph out of the crouch, 89 mph from the outfield. Hands are soft, quick feet and exchange, plays athletically through the baseball in the outfield. Posted event best pop times at 1.94-2.08. Offensively hits from both sides of the plate. Open stance, leg lift stride back to even. Path works with uphill tendencies from both sides, showed stronger balance from the right side. Makes hard contact with aggressive swing, doubles type approach. 93 mph exit velocity from the right side, 89 mph from the left side. 4.30 runner down the line out of the left-hand box.

Andrew Deardruff, OF, York, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate hits from a balanced, open setup with a short leg lift stride back to even. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.54 runner down the line. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Plays thru the ball with quick footwork. Threw 81 mph from the outfield.

Brendan Duffy, LHP/OF, Marian Central, 2020
5-foot-6, 110-pound left-handed hitting LHP/OF. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing and crossfire action. Athletic finish with good balance. Fastball was straight at 67-68 topping out at 70 mph. Curveball has gradual action at 58 mph. Changeup blended with fastball at 65 mph. At the plate hits from a tall, balanced setup with a short stride. Line drive hitter with a long swing path. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.36 runner down the line. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 68 mph from the outfield. Will continue to improve with maturity.

Joshua Edmundson, OF, Shoreland Lutheran (WI), 2020
6-foot, 161-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a wide base with a short keel lift stride and good balance. Line drive hitter with a long, level swing path. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. 5.08 runner down the line. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 67 mph from the outfield.

Jimmy Fairley, RHP/OF, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF with a lanky frame. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a long, loopy arm action. Tall and fall, slow paced delivery working in line with home plate. Slow paced delivery with good balance. Fastball sat 73-74 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 61 mph. Changeup sat 65-69 mph. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride. Line drive hitter with a long, level swing path and fluid rhythm. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.92 runner down the line. Defensively has a long arm action with slower actions. Threw 74 mph from the outfield.

Drew Fryer, OF/RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2020
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitting OF/RHP. Offensively hits from a tall, open setup. Sinks into load, short, uphill swing path. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.35 runner down the line. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 74 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a square landing and some rhythm. Fastball was straight at 71-73 mph. Curveball has gradual action at 64 mph. Changeup was straight at 64-65 mph.

Jake Fulton, OF/LHP, Crystal Lake South, 2020
5-foot-6, 150-pound left-handed hitting OF/LHP. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a high back elbow. Short stride with average balance. Opposite field hitter with a long, uphill swing path. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. 5.18 runner down the line. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 72 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action and high draw out of the glove. Tall and fall, online delivery with a square landing and smooth rhythm. Fastball showed running action at 71-72 mph for strikes. Curveball has 1-7 shape at 58-61 mph for strikes. Changeup worked down in the zone at 66-69 mph.

Garrett Gillund, RHP/OF, McHenry, 2018
6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF. O the mound works form a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Drop and drive delivery with a closed landing and crossfire action. Fastball sat 75-77 mph. Curveball has 12-6 shape with short breaking action at 66-68 mph for strikes. Changeup sat 70-73 mph. At the plate hits from a crouched, opens setup. Long, leg kick stride with fair balance. Uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.85 runner down the line. Defensively has a short, loose arm action from an over the top slot. Plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 81 mph from the outfield.

AJ Golembiewski, RHP/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2018
6-foot-4, 175-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF with a lanky frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ slot with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Square landing with an athletic finish. Fastball was straight at 82-83 mph. Slider has short sweeping action at 66-69 mph for strikes. Showed feel for his changeup at 74-76 mph with sinking action. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short leg lift stride. Line drive hitter with a long swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.22 runner down the line. Defensively showed off arm strength in the outfield throwing 81 mph.

Ryan Goudschaal, RHP/OF, Prairie Ridge, 2020
5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF. Works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing and slow tempo. Fastball was straight at 68-69 topping out at 71 mph. Changeup was mostly straight showing occasional sinking action at 63-64 mph. Also threw a knuckleball at 60-62 mph. At the plate hits from a balanced, open setup with a leg lift stride. Long, uphill swing path with fluid rhythm. 72 mph exit velocity from a tee. 5.05 runner down the line. Defensively has a stiff arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 71 mph from the outfield.

Nicholas Gregory, OF/RHP, Dundee-Crown, 2020
5-foot-9, 140-pound left-handed hitting OF/RHP. Offensively hits from a narrow, balanced setup with a short stride. Fluid rhythm with an uphill swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Plays thru the ball with athletic actions and quick, fluid footwork. Threw 76 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with an upright finish. Fastball sat 74-75 mph. Curveball has 12-6 shape with depth at 60-61 mph. Changeup was straight at 63-64 mph. Will continue to improve with maturity.

AJ Henkle, C/OF, Huntley, 2019
6-foot, 175-pound catcher/outfielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, quiet toe tap load. Pull side contact, path works with slight lift. 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Runs a 4.61 home to first. Defensively arm played efficiently from a short over the top slot, clean exchange, 83 mph from the outfield, 74 mph out of the crouch. Pop times posted at 2.04-2.29. Solid versatile defender.

Dymitri Kanellakis, OF, Cary Grove, 2020
5-foot-8, 160-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride. Uphill swing path with a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.32 runner down the line. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top slot. Plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 77 mph from the outfield.

Ryan Linkletter, RHP/OF, Johnsburg, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall, up tempo delivery with an athletic finish. Fastball showed running action at 78-79 topping out at 81 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with short breaking action at 65-68 mph. Changeup has downer action at 71-74 mph. At the plate hits from a crouched setup with a smooth load and leg kick stride. Gap to gap hitter with an uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.59 runner down the line. Defensively has long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Aggressive routes with quick footwork. Threw 80 mph from the outfield.

Connor Milton, OF, Champaign Central, 2020
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate hits from a crouched, open setup with a short stride back to even. Line drive hitter with a short, uphill swing path and a fast bat. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.33 runner down the line. Defensively has a stiff arm action from a high ¾ slot. Compact exchange with average hands. Threw 71 mph from the outfield.

Benjamin Minneci, LHP/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2020
5-foot-9, 135-pound right-handed hitting LHP/OF. Works out of a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action and wrap on the backside. Tall and fall slow paced delivery with a closed toe landing. Fastball flashed sinking action at 66-67 topping out at 68 mph. Slider has gradual action at 60-61 mph. Changeup showed sinking and occasional fading action at 59-61 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with no load and a long stride. Line drive hitter worked the middle of the field with an uphill swing path. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.36 runner down the line. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 70 mph from the outfield.

Davis Pasco, RHP/OF, Huntley, 2019
6-foot, 160-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with an open toed landing. Fastball sat 76-78 mph. Curveball has 12-6 shape at 64-66 mph. Showed feel for his changeup with fading action at 70-72 mph. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly open setup. Heel lift stride with minimal lower half involvement. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.51 runner down the line. Defensively has a long, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Aggressive routes to the ball. Threw 81 mph from the outfield.

Nathan Ricken, RHP/OF, Oswego, 2018
6-foot-1, 180-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF with a strong frame. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a stiff arm action. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Fastball flashed sinking action at 78-79 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with loose rotation at 67-68 mph. Changeup was firm at 73-75 mph. At the plate hits from a balanced, open setup with a short stride and minimal lower half. Short, level swing path. 77 mph exit velocity form a tee. 4.43 runner down the line. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 80 mph from the outfield.

Nick Rockweiler, OF, Elkhorn, 2019
5-foot-11, 170-pound left-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly open setup. Hel lift stride with a short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.58 runner down the line. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Quick exchange, threw 72 mph from the outfield.

Michael Rooney, OF, Highland Park, 2019
6-foot-1, 180-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with a strong frame. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly open setup. Short stride back to even. Short, uphill swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.82 runner down the line. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Hesitant actions with a full crow hop. Threw 81 mph from the outfield.

Georgio Sakkos, OF, Buffalo Grove, 2018
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate hits from a balanced, open setup with a long stride and average balance. Long, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.94 runner down the line. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Plays thru the ball with a full crow hop. Threw 80 mph from the outfield.

Jake Staples, OF/LHP, Crystal Lake Central, 2018
6-foot, 182-pound left-handed hitting OF/LHP with a strong frame. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short heel lift stride and good balance. Line drive hitter with a short, uphill swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.00 runner down the line. Defensively has a loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Plays thru the ball with solid footwork. Threw 83 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with easy effort. Slow paced delivery with an open landing. Fastball flashed heavy sinking action at 80-81 mph. Curveball has slurve action with loose rotation at 70-72 mph. Changeup flashed sink at 74-76 mph.

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