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.

Danny Zimmerman, LHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2018
Louisville

Last Sunday at the Preseason All-State Showcase Zimmerman showed off his hard work from the offseason with noticeably added strength he sat 89-91 topping out at 92 mph with his fastball.

Future Games 2016 - 6-foot, 147-pound left-handed pitcher, thin, athletic frame with plenty of room for physical development. Arm is quick, athletic and loose from a 3/4 slot; ball comes out easy. Fastball ranged between 83-85 mph, touching 86 on occasion, some arm-side life, struggled with control, tendency to miss gloveside up. Feel for three pitches. Changeup shows at times to be a plus offering, flashing arm-side fade with aggressive arm action. Curveball ranged between 72-74, inconsistent shape but has feel for spin. Bounced back after tough first outing to throw well in brief one-inning stint.  

Clifton Slagel, RHP, Prairie Central, 2017
Heartland CC

8.16.16 - 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Drop and drive delivery with a high front side. Works in line with home plate. Uphill shoulders with some effort. Fastball showed occasional tilt at 82-84 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with some depth at 64-66 mph. Fastball arm speed on changeup that showed some arm side run at 74-75 mph.


Colton Strohl, OF, Prairie Central, 2017
Loras College

1.22.17 - 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed hitting OF/RHP with an athletic frame. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and no load. Short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.11. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Plays thru the ball with a compact exchange. Threw 81 mph from the outfield.  On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Square landing with some rhythm. Struggled to command pitches. Fastball sat 77-80 mph. Curveball has 12-6 shape with gradual action at 62-65 mph. Changeup was straight at 65-72 mph.

Anthony Gutierrez, C, Plainfield South, 2017
St. Francis (IL)

8.9.16 - 5-foot-11, 185-pound left-handed hitting C/OF. At the plate hits from a closed, spread out stance with an arm bar setup. Leg lift trigger with average balance. Opposite field hitter with an uphill swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.58. Defensively behind the plate has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Clean exchange. Popped 2.35-2.44 and threw 69 mph from the crouch. Also took dills in the outfield, plays thru the ball, threw 73 mph.

Nick Airola, C, Minooka, 2017
Joliet JC

8.9.16 - 5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Defensively, short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Quick transfer and footwork behind the plate. Pop times ranged between 2.01-2.09 and was clocked at 79 mph from the crouch. At the plate hits from a tall setup with a short stride. Simple mechanically. Line drive hitter with a level swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.03.

Josh Pawlowski, OF, Belvidere North, 2017
Dubuque

2.21.16 - 5-foot-9, 145-pound left-handed hitting, right-handed throwing outfielder. Offensively, loose hands, level bat path and gets extension through contact. Slightly open setup, short stride and average balance. 72 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, plays through the baseball and flashed carry on throws from the outfield; 82 mph. Ran a 4.51 home-to-first.

 

Ben Espinoza, OF, Willowbrook, 2017
UW-Platteville

 

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