By Matt Yarber

The Prep Baseball Report Unsigned Senior Showcase on January 14 featured nearly 100 players at The Max in McCook. The event reconfirmed that there are a lot of talented Class of 2012 prospects who are still on the board.

Here, we examine the position players at the event. While there were several standout performers, St. Laurence left-handed hitting first baseman Brandon Mallder earned top honors among the position players.

 Below is a look at the position players at the Unsigned Senior Showcase.

1.) Brandon Mallder, 1B, St. Laurence HS, Class of 2012
Mallder was the best position player behind the strength of his smooth left-handed swing.  Standing at a solid 6-foot, 180-pounds, Mallder has a balanced setup and advanced approach at the plate.  He takes an economical path to the baseball, generating some bat whip with an easy, loose swing in which he sprayed line drives to all fields.  Defensively, the athletic first baseman showed range, concise footwork, and excellent glovework around the bag. He plays through the baseball well while displaying an accurate arm across the diamond (79 mph).  Additionally, Mallder exhibited his athleticism by running a 7.17 60.

2.) Mike Brennan, OF/RHP, Oak Park HS, Class of 2012
Brennan is an athletic 6-foot, 185-pound two-way talent who ran one of the top 60s of the event with a time of 6.83.  Brennan also demonstrated a solid, accurate arm from the outfield (84 mph) and moved with fluidity and purpose to the ball.  Offensively, Brennan has an open stance and takes an aggressive approach to the ball.  He exhibited some bat speed through the zone, and exhibited some pull-side power. On the mound, the right-hander throws from a high 3/4 slot and topped out at 85 mph. He also has a 65-68 mph curveball, and a 72-74 mph changeup. 

3.) Chad Bruce, OF, Glenbrook North HS, Class of 2012
Bruce is an athletically built 6-foot-3, 190-pound outfielder who showed well in all facets of the game.  He displayed an accurate arm (80 mph) as he is able to get on top of his throws with some ride.  In the field, Bruce showed good feet and took solid routes to the baseball.  Offensively, Bruce took one of the best rounds of BP of the day. He has a balanced setup and showed rhythm, balance and swing looseness throughout.  He takes a short stride and uses a strong lower half to create some barrel whip through the zone. Bruce also ran a 7.18 60.

4.) Connor Bieda, C, Fremd HS, Class of2012
Bieda was the best catching prospect at the event.  He is a strong-bodied 5-foot-10 polished catcher who had the most accurate arm of the event.  Bieda demonstrated quick feet and a clean exchange, as he was clocked at 79 mph from the crouch and had a top pop time of 2.04 with every throw right on the bag.  Bieda, who is also a top-level student, also shined during bullpens. At the plate, Bieda exhibited a quiet approach with a balanced setup and a short compact swing.  His short, level swing created barrel whip through the zone, resulting consistent hard contact to all fields.

5.) Chris Hoffman, RHP/OF, Lakes HS, Class of 2012
Hoffman was one of the most athletic prospects at the event, proving to be a solid two-way talent. On the mound, the 6-foot, 160-pound Hoffman has long limbs and a quick arm. He comes from an over-the-top arm slot, long and loose on the backside. Hoffman showed feel for three pitches, including an 83-84 mph fastball that had sink. As his lanky frame fills out physically, he should see a velocity spike. He also showed a solid curveball that had an 11/5 shape that flashed late break, and a changeup that had arm side run and sink.  Defensively, Hoffman moves with athletic fluidity, and got downhill well, as he delivered 84 mph strikes.  Hoffman also ran a 6.84 60.

6.) Jabari Brown, OF/INF, De LaSalle HS, Class of 2012
Brown is a fundamentally sound athlete who showed well in all facets of the game. The 5-foot-9, 150-pound Brown exhibited natural instincts for the game, as his athleticism played well both in the outfield and in the middle infield. He moves with fluidity and ease at either position.  He was clocked at 81 mph from the OF and 76 from the INF with accurate throws.  He also ran a 7.17 60.  At the plate, Brown has a relaxed approach with a balanced setup and economical approach to the ball.  He is able to create good barrel whip through the zone with a loose, easy swing. 

7.) Keith Browning, OF/INF, Fremd HS, Class of 2012
Browning proved himself to be a top-level athlete, as the 5-foot-11, 165-pound outfielder ran an event-best 6.69 60.  In the outfield, he exhibited an accurate, lively arm which was clocked at 84 mph.  Browning moved fluidly in the outfield took good routes to the baseball.  At the plate, Browning has a balanced setup.

8.) Corey Peterson, RHP/3B, Prairie Ridge HS, Class of 2012
Peterson impressed with his two-way abilities, as he showed well in all facets of the game.  Standing at 6-foot-2, 205-pounds, Peterson features a strong, athletic frame.   On the mound, Peterson comes from a 3/4 arm slot.  He has a smooth, clean delivery and good feel for all three of his pitches, all for strikes. His fastball sat at 79-82 mph and showed some run and sink.  His best pitch, however, was his curveball that had an 11/5 shape with sharp, late break to it. His arsenal also included a 72-73 mph changeup that also flashed sink. Peterson continued to impress at the plate, where he proved to be one of the best overall hitters at the event. He has a balanced setup, takes an economical approach to the baseball and is able to generate bat speed.  He uses his strong lower half and generates good torque; the ball jumps off his bat with good backspin carry.  Defensively, Peterson moves well laterally at third base, and was clocked at 79 mph from his position. 

9.) John Orlando, OF, Lake Zurich HS, Class of 2012
Orlando was one of the top athletes at the event, as he ran a 6.87 60. His athleticism played well in the outfield, as he moves with fluidity to the ball. The  5-foot-11, 155-pound Orlando showed an accurate arm (78 mph) that had some carry to it. At the plate, Orlando is a left-handed hitter who hits with a slightly open approach.

10.) Dominic Albanese, OF, Brother Rice HS, Class of 2012
Albanese is a 5-foot-11, 150-pound left-handed outfielder who moved with fluidity and ease at his position.  He showed a live arm that had some carry (81 mph).  At the plate, Albanese showcased an easy left-handed swing. He hits with an open setup and demonstrated some swing looseness through the zone.  Albanese ran a 7.45 60. 

11.) Wes Hall, MIF, Streator HS, Class of 2012
Hall is a projectable, athletically built 6-foot-4, 170-pound infielder who possesses long legs and considerable upside. Offensively, he has balanced setup and demonstrated swing looseness through the zone. Hall, who ran a 7.26 60, showed athletic feet at shortstop.

12.) John Boidanis, RHP/3B, Glenbrook North HS, Class of 2012
Boidanis is a 6-foot, 190-pound two-way player who showed solidly in all aspects.  On the mound, he operates from from a high-3/4 arm slot with a fastball that was in the 82-84 mph range. He also flashed a solid curveball that demonstrated some late bite at 72 mph. Offensively, Boidanis has a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride.  He has an explosive lower half with good balance throughout and generated some bat whip as he drove the ball with authority to both power alleys.

13.) David Henke, C, Wisconsin Lutheran HS (WI), Class of 2012
Henke was one of the better catchers at the event. The solidly built 5-foot-11, 182-pound Henke showed good balance behind the plate as he showed proper footwork and soft hands during bullpen session.  Henke had a best pop time of 2.09 and displayed an accurate arm from the crouch (75 mph).  Offensively, Henke has a balanced setup with a smooth load and took a short path to the baseball.  He showed some rhythm at the plate and a level swing as he sprayed line drives to all fields. Additionally, Henke ran a 7.26 60.

14.) Adam Hillebold, C/ 1B, Lockport HS, Class of 2012
Hillebold is an athletic, solidly built 6-foot, 180-pound catcher/first baseman.  Hillebold showed good actions around the bag at first base and a live arm (79 mph).  As a catcher, Hillebold was clocked at 78 mph from the crouch and had a pop time range of 2.1-2.26.  Offensively, Hillebold has a balanced setup and showed rhythm in his swing as he sprayed line drives to all fields.

15.) Zach Bava, C, Glenbard South HS, Class of 2012
Bava is a 6-foot-1, 200-pound catcher who showcased some real juice in his bat.  Featuring a balanced setup and a strong lower half, Bava uses his strength to create some bat whip through the zone.  He took an short and explosive approach to the baseball and displayed good gap-to-gap power with his swing.  Behind the dish, Bava was clocked at 72 mph and had a pop time range of 2.19-2.26.

16.) John Salvi, C, Carmel Catholic HS, Class of 2012
Salvi is a 5-foot-9, 175-pound catcher who showed quick, concise footwork behind the dish.  He has a solid base and demonstrated quick, clean transfers with a pop time range of 2.11 – 2.26 and was clocked at 75 mph from the crouch.  Offensively, Salvi has a balanced setup with a smooth load and economical approach to the ball.  He showed rhythm at the plate with quick hands and a level swing as he sprayed line drives to all fields.

17.) Nick Bianchi, OF, Prairie Ridge HS, Class of 2012
Bianchi is a physically advanced 6-foot-4, 230-pound left-handed swinging outfielder who has a strong lower half.  He showed off an accurate arm that was clocked at 82 mph.  Offensively, Bianchi has an open setup and uses his strength to create some whip through the zone.  He showed some raw power potential.

18.) Roger Smith, MIF, Andrean HS (IN), Class of 2012
Smith is a 5-foot-7, 140-pound middle infielder who demonstrated smooth actions in the infield.  He moves well laterally, taking excellent routes to the baseball.  He also displayed an accurate arm across the diamond (71 mph).  At the plate, Smith had a balanced setup.  He has a loose, easy swing with some barrel whip through the zone.

19.) Cosimo Cannella, 1B/OF, St. Viator HS, Class of 2012
Cannella is a solidly built 6-foot-4, 215-pound first baseman.  Using his strong lower half, Cannella exhibited good balance throughout his swing and used his lower half to create some whip to his swing. Cannella demonstrated good power potential, as the ball jumps off his bat with backspin carry. Defensively, Cannella was clocked at 72 mph from his position and ran a 7.31 60.

20.) Jacob Tepp, INF, Stevens Point Area HS (WI), Class of 2012
Tepp is a solidly built 5-foot-10, 177-pound infielder who showed well at the plate.  He has a crouched setup and short stride to the ball.  He is able to create solid bat whip through the zone with a level, line drive swing.  Defensively, Tepp displayed good actions in the infield, playing through the ball well with fluidity and natural instincts.  He was clocked at 75 mph and ran a 7.34 60.

Best of the Rest

Ruben Anguiano, MIF, Elmwood Park HS, Class of 2012
Anguiano is a 5-foot-11, 155-pound middle infielder who displayed soft hands and the ability to play through the baseball.  He was clocked at 71 mph from across the diamond and ran a 7.27 60.  Offensively, Anguiano has a slightly open setup.

Tevin Brown, OF/SS, Bolingbrook HS, Class of 2012
Brown is an athletic 5-foot-8, 160-pound multi-positional talent who showed an accurate arm from both the outfield and infield, with velocities of 83 mph OF and 78 mph INF.  He moved well in the outfield, taking good routes to the ball and displaying some natural actions.

Matt Branchaw, INF, Joliet West HS, Class of 2012
Branchaw is a 5-foot-10, 180-pound infielder who showed an accurate arm across the diamond with a velocity of 65 mph.  Offensively, Branchaw has a wide setup and with a swing that showed some power to the opposite field.

Blake Bucsa, MIF/OF, Carmel Catholic HS, Class of 2012
Bucsa is a 5-foot-10, 165-pound middle infielder who showed well in all facets of the game.  Bucsa demonstrated clean, smooth actions in the field while playing through the ball.  He exhibited soft hands and a quick exchange with an accurate arm (73 mph).  Offensively, Bucsa has an open stance and showed good balance throughout his swing.  He has a level bat path and created some whip through the zone.

Tanner Butler, 3B/RHP, Linton Stockton HS (IN), Class of 2012
Butler is a physical 6-foot-2, 215-pound two-way player.  On the mound, Butler topped at 85 mph, sitting in the 83-84 range. He also threw a curveball with an 11/5 shape that ranged between 68-72 mph, and a changeup in the 76-79 mph range. Butler also showed some feel for a 72-75 mph splitter. Defensively, Butler played through the ball and showed some carry on his throws across the diamond (83 mph).  Offensively, Butler has an aggressive approach, flashing some pull-side power potential.  Additionally, he ran a 7.56 60.

Christopher Derue, LHP/1B, Lakes Community HS, Class of 2012
Derue is a 6-foot, 170-pound two-way player. On the mound, he comes from an over the top arm slot. DeRue has a loose, repeatable delivery.  He has three pitches, a fastball that topped out at 81 mph, curveball that sat at 64 mph, and a 68-69 mph changeup.  Offensively, Derue swings from the right side with a balanced setup and is able to generate some bat whip through the zone.

Kyle Doubet, OF/1B, Peoria Christian HS, Class of 2012
Doubet is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound multi-positional player who ran one of the best 60s of the event, boasting a time of 6.85.  In the outfield, he took solid routes to the ball and was clocked at 72 mph.  At first base, Doubet demonstrated athletic feet around the bag and had a velocity of 71 mph. 

Jamaal Edwards, OF, Westside HS (IN), Class of 2012
The left-handed hitting Edwards is a 5-foot-10, 165-pound outfielder who ran a 6.97 60 and was clocked at 72 mph from his position.

Trevor Froehling, MIF, Cissna Park HS, Class of 2012
Froehling is a 5-foot-10, 160-pound middle infielder who exhibited clean actions and good hands up the middle.  Froehling was clocked at 68 mph from across the diamond and ran an 8.00 60.  At the plate, Froehling takes an economical approach to the ball and uses a solid foundation to create some bat whip through the zone.

Joseph Gray, OF, Oak Lawn HS, Class of 2012
Gray is a left-handed hitting 6-foot, 185-pound outfielder who ran a 7.78 60 and was clocked at 78 mph.  Defensively, Gray displayed solid actions at his position and showcased an accurate arm.  At the plate, Gray has an athletic setup and maintained solid balance throughout his swing.

Jordan Grubb, OF, Schaumburg HS, Class of 2012
Grubb is a 5-foot-9, 160-pound outfielder who showed well at his position, displaying an accurate arm (76 mph) while taking good routes to the baseball.  At the plate, Grubb has a balanced setup with a smooth load and economical approach to the ball.  He showed athleticism by running a 7.27 60.

Aaron Hall, OF, Westside HS (IN), Class of 2012
Hall is a 5-foot-6, 150-pound outfielder who ran a 7.54 60 and was clocked at 69 mph from his position. 

Matthew Harper, RHP/3B, Peotone HS, Class of 2012
Harper is a 6-foot-1, 220-pound two-way player. On the mound, the right-hander’s fastball sat at 80-82 mph. He also threw a 72 mph curveball and a 71-74 mph changeup. As a position player, Harper showed solidly at third base, displaying soft hands and clean transfer.  Also, he showed an accurate arm that was clocked at 80 mph. 

Zach Hatton, C, Springfield Southeast HS, Class of 2012
Hatton is a 6-foot-1, 210-pound catcher who displayed an accurate arm from the crouch (77 mph).  He had a pop time range of 2.09-2.26 with throws on the bag.  Offensively, Hatton has a balanced setup and showed some bat whip through the zone.  Additionally, Hatton ran a 7.53 60.

Michael Imrie, OF, Carl Sandburg HS, Class of 2012
Imrie is an athletically built 5-foot-11, 190-pound outfielder who has a strong lower half that he utilized in all aspects of the game.  At the plate, Imrie has a balanced setup and an economical approach to the baseball.  Defensively, he ran a 7.43 and was clocked at 76 mph from his position.

Kyle Janowski, INF, Thornton-Fractional South HS, Class of 2012
Janowski is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 185-pounds infielder.  He showed well offensively, with a balanced setup and a smooth load.  He showed hand quickness that generated bat speed as the ball jumped off his bat when he barreled up.  Defensively, Janowski is a middle infielder who some feel for the position and posted a velocity of 74 mph from across the diamond.  Additionally, Janowski displayed athleticism by running a 7.22 60.

Eric Jarvis, OF, Canton HS, Class of 2012
Jarvis is a 6-foot, 165-pound outfielder who displayed an accurate arm (80 mph) and took good routes to the baseball.  Jarvis ran a 7.53 60.  At the plate, Jarvis has a short stride and good balance throughout his swing. 

Ben Klebba, MIF, Mount Vernon HS, Class of 2012
Klebba is a 5-foot-11, 180-pound middle infielder who showed well at the plate.  Klebba exhibited good extension after contact while maintaining solid balance and a level bat path.   He created some bat whip in his swing while spraying line drives to all fields.  Defensively, Klebba ran a 7.66 60 and was clocked at 72 mph from his position.

Brock Koelz, C, Breese Central HS, Class of 2012
Koelz is a 5-foot-11, 220-pound catcher who has very aggressive approach at the plate. He demonstrated some pull-side power potential, as the ball jumped off his bat with backspin carry at times.  Behind the plate, Koelz was clocked at 68 mph and had a pop time range of 2.19-2.26.

Tyler Kwiatkowski, C/INF, Prairie Ridge HS, Class of 2012
Kwiatkowski is a 5-foot-8, 170-pound catcher who can also play the middle infield.  Kwiatkowski had a pop time range of 2.25 – 2.31 and was clocked at 68 mph from the crouch.  At the plate, Kwiatkowski is a switch hitter who works out of a crouched set-up.  He has an easy swing from both sides of the plate and a short path to the ball.

Matthew Miller, INF/OF/RHP, Oswego East HS, Class of 2012
Miller is a 5-foot-11, 200-pound multi-positional talent who showed well in all aspects of the game.  Defensively, Miller moves with athletic instincts, showing concise lateral movements and demonstrating the ability to play through the ball.  He showed a good, accurate arm that had some carry to it (82 mph OF, 81 mph INF).  Offensively, Miller has a slightly open stance and has an aggressive plate approach. He uses his active lower half to make hard, consistent contact.

Justin Missner, C, Whitney Young HS, Class of 2012
Missner is 5-foot-11, 200-pound catcher who displayed an economical swing as he sprayed line drives to all fields.  With his slightly open stance, Missner showed balance throughout his swing and create some backspin when he barreled up.  Defensively, Missner was 72 mph from the crouch and had a best pop time of 2.25.

Nicholas Mozwecz, 3B, Oak Lawn HS, Class of 2012
Mozwecz is a 6-foot, 200-pound third basemen who showed well at the position.  He had fluid footwork and a quick exchange as he demonstrated the ability to play through the baseball.  Offensively, Mozwecz uses a strong lower half and good extension to create some pullside pop.  His balanced setup and short path to the ball help him stay through the baseball well.

Steven Nelson, INF/RHP, Vernon Hills HS, Class of 2012
Nelson is an athletic 5-foot-11, 180-pound two-way player who performed well at third base, showing good lateral movement and range.  He had an accurate arm and showed some life on his throws (78 mph).  On the mound, Nelson demonstrated clean mechanics.  He had a fastball that topped out at 81 mph with slight movement, a 67-73 mph curveball that had an 11/5 shape, and a changeup that flashed cut.  Offensively, Nelson has a balanced setup with a smooth load; he showed good balance throughout and flashed some power potential.

Daniel O’Connor, C/3B, Lake Zurich HS, Class of 2012
O’Connor is a 5-foot-9, 195-pound left-handed hitting catcher.  He showcased an accurate arm (75 mph from the crouch) and quick feet.  He had a pop time range between 2.1 – 2.25.  Offensively, O’Connor has a balanced setup and a short stride. 

John Perez, C, Chicago Washington HS, Class of 2012
Perez is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound catcher who showed fluid footwork and exhibited a clean exchange.  He was clocked at 72 mph from the crouch and had a pop time range of 2.15-2.22.  Offensively, Perez has a balanced setup and is able to generate some barrel whip through the zone.

Tom Pumo, MIF, Marquette Academy HS, Class of 2012
Pumo is a 5-foot-10, 175-pound middle infielder who showed solid lateral movement and range at the position.  He had an accurate arm and was clocked at 69 mph from across the diamond.  Offensively, Pumo has a balanced setup with a short path to the ball.  He uses his lower half to create good rotation in his swing while maintaining solid balance throughout.  Additionally, he ran a 7.59 60.

Joe Pursel, LHP/1B, Plainfield North HS, Class of 2012
The left-handed Pursel has a projectable 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame and showed solidly as a two-way player.  Offensively, Pursel has a slightly open stance and has a relaxed approach. Pursel demonstrated swing looseness and some barrel whip through the zone. On the mound, Pursel throws from an over the top slot and had a fastball that sat at 70 mph, a curveball between 63-68 mph, and a 62 mpg changeup.

Todd Porter, SS/OF, Westside HS (IN), Class of 2012
Porter is a 5-foot-4, 126-pound multi-positional player who ran a 7.41 60 and was clocked at 67 mph from his position.

Mark Reardanz, INF, Manteno HS, Class of 2012
Reardanz is a solidly built 5-foot-10, 170-pound infielder who exhibited solid actions in the infield.  Reardanz was clocked at 71 mph from across the diamond and showed some athleticism by running a 7.38 60.  Offensively, Reardanz has a balanced setup and uses his strength to create some whip through the zone.

Justas Sadaunikas, INF, Peoria Christian HS, Class of 2012
Sadaunikas is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 175-pound athlete who showed well at the plate.  Featuring a balanced setup and short stride, Sadaunikas put on a good round of BP.  He used his lower half well, maintaining balance throughout his swing.  Defensively, Sadaunikas was clocked at 76 mph from across the diamond and ran a 7.17 60.

Cody Smith, RHP/OF, Canton HS, Class of 2012
Unknown to us heading into the event, Smith opened eyes with his potential on the mound. Smith, who has a projectable 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame, should continue to throw harder as he fills out.  Working from over the top slot, Smith has a quick, long arm action and throws with easy effort. Smith’s fastball sat in the 84-86 range with some run. He also throws a 67-69 mph curveball that has an 11/5 shape and a changeup that sits 71-72 mph.  Smith continued to display his athleticism in the field, showing solid actions in the outfield, clocked at 83 mph.  Additionally, Smith ran a 7.29 60.

Kevin Varitek, C/3B, Lakes Community HS, Class of 2012
Varitek is a 6-foot, 170-pound two-way player who showed well in all facets of the game.  Offensively, Varitek has a smooth load and short stride to the ball.  He has excellent balance throughout his swing and uses a solid lower half to create rotation and whip through the zone.  Defensively, Varitek showed well in the field and behind the plate during bullpen session.  He had a pop time range of 2.11-2.28 and was clocked at 73 mph from the crouch.  On the mound, Varitek is a high 3/4 guy with a fastball that topped out at 77 mph, a curveball that was 67-69 mph, and a 68-74 mph changeup.

Matthew Venn, C/1B, Romeoville HS, Class of 2012
Venn is a solidly built 6-foot-2, 200-pound multi-positional player who displayed good hands at first base.  He was clocked at 78 mph from across the diamond and 76 from the crouch position.  He had a pop time range of 2.14-2.19.  Offensively, Venn has a balanced setup and takes an economical approach to the baseball. Venn used his strong lower half well to generate some pull-side power.

David Wadzinski, INF, Middleton HS (WI), Class of 2012
Wadzinski is a lanky 6-foot-1, 155-pound infielder who showed well at his position.  He demonstrated a natural feel and exhibited athletic movements up the middle with range.  He also had an accurate arm that was clocked at 78 mph from across the diamond.  Offensively, Wadzinski has an open setup and takes an economical approach to the ball.  He is able to generate some whip through the zone with his line drive-producing swing.

Nico Witanen, MIF, Prospect HS, Class of 2012
Witanen is a 5-foot-8, 145-pound middle infielder.  He ran a 7.46 and was clocked at 68 mph from across the diamond.  At the plate, Witanen has a short stride and easy approach to his swing.

Michael Wojtanowski, SS/OF, Crete Monee, Class of 2012
Wojtankowski is a 5-foot-8, 150-pound who showed well in the outfield and up the middle.  He showed fluidity with his movements, playing through the baseball.  He demonstrated an accurate arm, which was clocked at 81 mph from the outfield and 79 from across the diamond.  At the plate, Wojtanowski has an open set-up with a short stride and economical approach to the ball.  He had a level swing with quick hands in which he sprayed line drives to all fields.

Jordan Zeeb, OF, Greenville HS, Class of 2012
Zeeb is a 5-foot-8, 180-pound left-handed hitting outfielder.  At the plate, Zeeb has a balanced set-up with a smooth load and short stride.  He used his strong build to generate hard contact. He ran a 7.65 60 and was clocked at 72 mph from the outfield.

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