By Matt Huck          
Area Scout

Every Friday National Scouting Supervisor Nathan Rode provides a roundup of insider recruiting information and commitments throughout the PBR coverage area: The Buzz. CLICK HERE to take a look at this week’s National Buzz. With that in mind, let’s take an in depth look at the Illinois prospects who have committed to colleges, with detailed scouting information.

Jake Kapers, C, Mount Carmel, 2018
Valparaiso

6.8.16 - 6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitting C/2B. Offensively hits from a balanced, slightly open stance with a short stride and good balance. Gap to gap hitter with a short, level swing path and fluid rhythm. Back spinned balls in batting practice. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.42. Defensively took drills behind the plate and in the infield. Short arm action from an over the top slot. Quick exchange behind the plate. Popped 2.09-2.19 and threw 73 mph from the crouch. Soft hands in the infield with fluid footwork and athletic actions. Threw 82 mph across the infield.

Joe Prestamer, RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2017
Illinois Wesleyan

6.16.16 - 6-foot, 170-pound well-proportioned, right-handed pitching prospect. Throws from a high ¾ window, long arm action with some effort. Stays in line with the plate, lands square. Fastball, slight arm side run, sat 84-85 mph. Curveball, near fastball arm speed, 10/4 sweeping breaking ball, sat 63-66. Changeup, fastball arm speed, some fade, ranged between 80-82 mph.


Cade Thornberry, RHP, Plainfield Central, 2017
St. Francis (IL)

10.20.16 - 6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, large frame. Arm plays from a high ¾ slot. Tall and fall delivery, occasionally gets on heels, lands square with closed toe. Fastball is straight, 78-80 mph, topped at 81 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, occasionally gets 12/6, had feel and action, 64-67 mph. Changeup flashes arm side run, 72-74 mph.  

 

Eric Fitzmaurice, RHP, Plainfield South, 2017
St. Francis (IL)

10.20.16 - 6-foot, 195-pound, strong, well-proportioned right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, slight pause at balance point, square landing, upright finish and regular effort throughout. Slide step out of the stretch. Short arm action out of a high ¾ to over-the-top slot. Fastball, arm-side-run and sat 78-82 mph. Curveball looks to be best secondary offering; thrown confidently with feel, sharp 12/6 action and ranged between 65-71 mph. Changeup, firm, fade action, 73-77 mph.

Michael Chaffin, 2B, Mascoutah, 2017
Benedictine

7.7.15 - 6-foot, 155-pound, lanky build, right-handed hitter. Hits from a balanced set up, short stride, average balance. Average bat speed, level bat path, showed pull-side power, 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showed average hands, clean exchange, short arm action, high ¾ arm a lot, some accuracy, 70 across the infield. Ran a 7.23 60-time.

Jordan Jackson, 3B, Bolingbrook, 2017
Missouri Western State

Malik Binns, RHP, Bolingbrook, 2017
Waubonsee CC

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