Top Prospect Showcase: Infielder Analysis

July 28, 2016

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

Over 100 uncommitted 2017 prospects from Illinois and Wisconsin convened at Silver Cross Field in Joliet for the annual Top Prospect Showcase on June 16.

Throughout the week, we will roll out all reports from the event. Today we continue with the analysis of the infielders. Here’s a look at the infielders at the Top Prospect Showcase, starting with the top 10 prospects from the event:

TOP INFIELDERS

1. Ryan Altenberger, INF, Morton, 2017
5-foot-11, 160-pound, wiry infielder. One of the top uncommitted left-handed bats still available in the 2017 class. Offensively, consistent hard contact, stays on top of the baseball and sprayed line drives to all fields; Registered a 91 mph exit velocity. Fluid rhythm, present bat speed and looseness in swing. Balanced setup, smooth deep load and leg-kick timing trigger. Defensively, hands works soft and out in front. Fluid footwork and clean exchange. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot and strong arm with carry across the infield; clocked at 86 mph across the infield. 7.01 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

2. Gavin Lovesky, INF, Lockport, 2017
6-foot-2, 185-pound, infielder, strong, athletic build. Continues to show he is one of the top uncommitted right-handed hitters still available in the 2017 class. Offensively, flashed explosive bat speed and consistent loud, hard contact; registered a 100 mph exit velocity at the event. Present pull power and a long path through the zone. Narrow setup, slight leg-lift trigger and good balance. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder. Soft hands, athletic fielding position out in front of body. Exchange gets long at times, makes up for it with above-average arm strength across the diamond; clocked at 85 mph. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot. 7.05 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

3. Brian Fuentes, C/INF, Crystal Lake South, 2017
5-foot-10, 178-pound catcher/infielder, solid squared build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, leg kick trigger, smooth loading action, good timing, solid balance. Strong bat, attacks the baseball, hard contact on long path. Aggressive approach with some pull side pop tendences. 95 mph exit velocity from the tee. Advanced defender, showed well as a catcher/second base type prospect. Has soft hands and good footwork which works well at both positions. 6.98 runner in the 60. Arm played at 80 mph across the infield, 74 mph out of the crouch, over the top slot, short athletic arm action. Pop times ranged 1.94-2.01, quick clean transfer and solid willing blocker, agile feet behind the plate.

4. Billy Mote, INF, Normal University, 2017
Recent Baylor commit. 6-foot-1, 190-pound, strong, athletically built, left-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, fluid rhythm, gap-to-gap approach and present bat speed; recorded an exit velocity of 90 mph. Balanced, open stance, back load, toe-tap stride and path has some length through the zone. Defensively, soft hands, quick, clean exchange, athleticism at position, works through ball. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, flashed carry; clocked at 89 mph across the diamond. 6.97 runner in the 60.

5. Timothy Sullivan, INF, St. Francis, 2017
5-foot-8, 164-pound, strong lower half, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, projects as a top of the order type of bat. Fluid rhythm, hitterish look in the box, looseness in swing and consistent hard contact. Short path to the ball, extension through contact at times, present bat speed and line-drive approach at the plate. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short leg-lift timing trigger and maintains good balance throughout. Registered an 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, smooth, confident defender and athletic actions on the infield. Soft hands, athletic fielding position, quick and clean exchange. Arm works short and out of a high ¾ slot; accurate throws clocked at 77 mph. Also, ran a 7.28 laser-timed 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Jayden Adrians, INF, Green Bay Preble (WI), 2017
6-foot-2, 210-pound right-handed hitting infielder with a strong body. Offensively, balance set up, back load, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, uphill bat path, gap to gap approach, flashed power. Recorded one of the top exit velocities of the event at 94 mph. Defensively, fluid footwork, flashed soft hands. Long arm action, high ¾ slot. Clocked at 82 mph across the infield. 7.69 runner in the 60.

Drew Behling, INF/RHP, Waupun (WI), 2017
6-foot, 200-pound, two-way prospect with a strong frame. Left-handed hitter, present bat speed and pull power; registered an 87 mph exit velocity. Fluid rhythm, long, uphill path and rotational swing. Open setup, pre-pitch load and big leg-kick timing trigger. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder. Steady hands and clean exchange on the infield. Long arm action, ability to change his slot, throws clocked at 82 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.60 laser-timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm; stays in line and lands square. Fastball thrown for strikes, straight action and clocked at 80-82 mph, touching 83. Throws a curveball and a slider, feel for both. Slider, thrown from slightly lower slot, 10/4 action, ranged between 67-70 mph. Curveball works 12/6, 65-67 mph.

Todd Brown, RHP/INF, East Aurora, 2017
6-foot, 150-pound, lean, two-way prospect. Profiles best on the mound. Right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, stays on-line, lands square and finishes athletically. Arm works long and quick out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, thrown for strikes, flashed arm-side-run and sat 83-85 mph, touching 86. Curveball, works 11/5 and clocked at 68-71 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes and clocked at 72-74 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, long and level bat path through the zone and fluid rhythm. Balanced setup, short stride and average balance throughout. Registered an 85 mph exit velocity. Defensively, on the infield, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot and clocked at 81 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 6.97 laser-timed 60.

Tanner Bykowski, INF, Westosha Central (WI), 2017
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitting infielder with a strong build. At the plate, open set up, balanced, smooth load, short stride. Fluid rhythm, short path, gap to gap approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 91 mph. Defensively, flashed soft hands, athleticism at position. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy with carry. 7.0 runner in the 60.

Kyle Fitzgerald, INF, Riverside-Brookfield, 2017
5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, open set up, short stride, short path, line-drive approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 83 mph. Defensively, flashed soft hands, quick, clean exchange, athleticism at position, plays through ball. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, flashed carry. Clocked at 80 mph across the diamond.

Sam Fradin, 3B, Deerfield, 2017
6-foot-1, 195 pound, strong right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, slightly open setup, leg kick, showed ability to maintain balance through contact. Gap-to-gap approach, , long, uphill path, bat speed; 98 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, reliable hands, fields position athletically. Flashed a short, accurate arm from an over the top arm slot; 89 mph across the diamond. 7.33 runner in the laser time 60.

Zach Frieling, INF, Chicago Christian, 2017
5-foot-11, 170-pound, strong, right handed hitting infielder. 6.97 runner in the laser timed 60. Offensively, flashed bat speed, short path, line drive approach, and fluid rhythm; exit velocity clocked at 81 mph. Balanced setup, smooth load and short stride. Defensively, fluid footwork and reliable hands on the infield. Athletic fielding position, out in front of his body and clean exchange. Flashed an accurate arm from a high ¾ arm slot; 78 mph across the diamond.

Nick Gile, INF Menomonee Falls (WI), 2017
5-foot-11, 185-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, fluid rhythm and flashed present bat speed. Uphill path with a pull-side approach. Balanced set up, short leg-lift timing trigger and maintains balance through contact. Recorded an exit velocity of 86 mph. 7.12 runner in the 60.

Logan Grunenwald, INF/RHP, Wausau West (WI), 2017
6-foot-3, 192-pound right-handed hitting two-way prospect. Offensively, closed, balanced set up, drop load, leg lift, short stride. Flashed bat speed, long bat path, line drive approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 89 mph. Defensively, short loose arm action, high ¾ slot, flashed carry and accuracy. Clocked at 85 mph across the diamond. 7.18 runner in the 60. On the mound, high ¾ slot, quick arm speed, short arm action. Smooth rhythm, in-line direction, square landing, and athletic finish. Fastball, run, hard action, sat 82-84. Slider, 11/5 action, tight spin, sat 72-77. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, sink movement, sat 75-78. Showed feel for all three pitches.

Harrison Hayes, INF, Fenwick, 2017
6-foot-3, 205-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall, balanced set up, short stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, uphill path, gap to gap approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 90 mph. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾, flashed accuracy with carry. Clocked at 81 mph. 7.67 runner in the 60.

Peyton Henry, INF/OF/RHP, 2017
6-foot-1, 185-pound, right-handed hitting multi-positional prospect. One of the top runners in the event running a 6.85 in the 60. Offensively, balanced set up, short stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, level path, extension, line drive approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 87 mph. In the outfield, quick exchange. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, showed athleticism. Was clocked at 83 mph. In the infield, quick, clean exchange, high ¾ slot, short action. Clocked at 83 mph. On the mound, over the top angle, quick arm speed, short action. Smooth rhythm, in line direction, square landing, athletic finish. Fastball topped at 83, sitting 80-82. Curveball with 10/4, sweeping action, sat 66-69. Featured a changeup sitting 73-75.

Griffin Klein, INF, Indian Trail (WI), 2017
5-foot-6, 160-pound right-handed hitting defensive minded infielder. Offensively, balanced set up, leg lift, short stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, short, level bat path, opposite field approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 83 mph. Defensively, soft hands, fluid footwork, quick, clean exchange, athleticism at position, played through the ball. Loose, short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, but showed multi angle release. Clocked at 83 mph across the infield. 7.53 runner in the 60.

Brandon Komar, RHP/INF, Elkhorn Area (WI), 2017
6-foot, 182-pound, two-way prospect with a strong lower half. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, flashed three-pitch feel. Delivery works up-tempo, some rhythm, stays in-line, lands square and finishes athletically. Loose, quick arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, thrown for strikes, mainly straight action, sat 81-83 mph, touching 84. Feel for curveball, flashed depth, 11/5 shape, sharp action and ranged between 67-73 mph. Changeup thrown for strikes, arm-side-run and sat 74-77 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, strength through contact; registered a 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Flashed fluid rhythm, loose hands, and level bat path at times. Balanced setup, smooth load and leg-lift timing trigger. Defensively, profiles as a third baseman. Soft hands, athletic fielding position and a clean exchange. Loose arm, flashed carry across the diamond, clocked at 83 mph. Also, ran a 7.59 laser-timed 60.

Thomas Larson, OF/INF, Families of Faith Christian Academy, 2017
6-foot-1, 195-pound, right-handed hitting multi-positional prospect with a strong build. Ran an event best in the 60, running a 6.68. Offensively, balanced set up, leg kick stride. Bat speed, short path, strong swing, pull side pop. Recorded an exit velocity of 92 mph. Defensively, in the outfield, plays through the ball. Over the top slot, carry on throws. Clocked at 89 mph. In the infield, clean exchange, worked through the ball, clocked at 85 mph.

Ricky Lee, INF, Warren, 2017
6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, wide, balanced set up, slight lift load, short stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, long path, uphill path. Recorded an exit velocity of 86 mph. Defensively, short arm action, over the top slot. 71 mph across the diamond. 7.74 runner in the 60.

Ryan Lin-Peistrup, INF, Loyola, 2017
Illinois-Chicago commit. 5-foot-11, 170-pound, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall and balanced setup, short stride, gap-to-gap approach. Long, uphill bat path, flashed fluid rhythm; exit velocity clocked at 83 mph off the tee. Defensively, soft hands and flashed fluid footwork. Athletic fielding position, short and loose arm from a high ¾ arm slot; 77 mph across the infield. 7.2 runner in the laser timed 60.

Pat Mayo, 3B, Brother Rice, 2017
6-foot-1, 165-pound, lanky, infielder. Offensively, right handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, maintains balance through contact. Flashed bat speed, short uphill path with a pull approach; exit velocity clocked at 85 mph. Defensively, fields position athletically, reliable hands. Short, loose arm, from an over the top to high ¾ arm slot; 77 mph across the diamond. 7.41 runner in the laser timed 60.

Paul Petit, INF/OF/RHP, Eau Claire Regis (WI), 2017
6-foot, 175-pound, right-handed hitting multi-positional prospect. At the plate, balanced set up, short, leg lift stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, flashed bat speed, short path, line drive, opposite field approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 95 mph. In the outfield, showed athleticism, worked through the ball. Long arm action, over the top arm action, flashed some carry. Clocked at 85 mph from the outfield. In the infield, flashed a clean exchange, showed athleticism at position. Shorter arm action, over the top slot, flashed carry. Clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. On the mound, over the top slot, long action, tall balance, regular effort. Rhythm, in line direction, athletic finish. Fastball, topped at 84, sat 81-83. Curveball, sat 67-71, 11/5 shape, tight spin, late action. Changeup, sat 72-73, near fastball arm speed.

Nick Plankenhorn, 3B/OF, St. Bede Academy, 2017
5-foot-11, 180-pound right-handed hitting 3B/OF. Defensively in the infield has a loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fluid footwork with solid hands. Threw 78 mph across the infield. In the outfield has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Plays thru the ball with uphill throws. Threw 85 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly open stance with a short leg lift stride. Gap to gap hitter with a short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.38.

Justin Reinkall, RHP/INF, Superior (WI), 2017
6-foot-2, 178-pound right-handed hitting two-way player. Offensively, balance set up, leg kick stride, lower half, balance on follow through. Bat speed, longer bat path, line drive approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 86 mph. Defensively, athleticism at position. Short arm action, over the top slot, flashed accuracy with carry. Clocked at 83 mph across the diamond. 7.12 runner in the 60. On the mound, high ¾ arm slot, quick arm speed, long, loose arm action with rhythm. Fastball, run, slight action, thrown for strikes, sat 84-85 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, feel, near fastball arm speed, sat 70-72 mph. Changeup, fade, sat 71-73 mph.

Felix Rosario, INF, Lane Tech, 2017
5-foot-10, 165-pound, athletically built, right-handed hitting infielder. Started off the day running a 6.80 laser-timed 60. Offensively, present bat speed and fluid rhythm throughout. Natural lift in swing, gap-to-gap approach and some looseness. Balanced, open setup, smooth load and short leg-lift timing trigger. Registered an 87 mph exit velocity. Defensively, athletic actions and soft hands on the infield. Feet work fluidly, with bounce and athletic fielding position, out in front of his body. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot, clocked at 80 mph across the diamond.

Kellen Sarver, C/3B, Champaign Centennial, 2017
6-foot-2, 200-pound left-handed hitting catcher/third baseman. Hits from a slightly open stance, slight leg lift stride, average balance. Well above average bat speed, made hard contact in BP, pull side hitter. Path has some length on slight uphill plane, showed pull side pop. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed soft hands, athletic setup behind the plate. Gets out of the chute well with a short over the top arm action, carried at 79 mph out of the crouch, 84 mph across the diamond. Pop times ranged 1.97-2.04. Ran the 60 at 7.58.

Griffin Summers, INF/RHP, Green Bay Preble (WI), 2017
5-foot-9, 155-pound right-handed hitting two-way prospect. Offensively, balanced open set up, smooth back, leg kick stride. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, spray hitter, level path. Recorded an exit velocity of 89 mph. Defensively, flashed soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange, athleticism at position, plays through the ball. Clocked at 78 mph across the infield. 7.27 runner in the 60. On the mound, high ¾ slot, quick arm speed, short action, some effort. Smooth rhythm, in line direction, square landing, athletic finish. Fastball sat 80-82. Curveball sat 73-75 with 10/4 action, tight movement, thrown for strikes. Changeup sat 73-75, fastball arm speed with sink.

Alex Tricoli-Walkanoff, INF, Indian Trail (WI), 2017
5-foot-11, 180-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup with a short stride. Long, uphill bat path, pull approach; 82 mph exit velocity. Defensively, soft hands, clean exchange, fields position athletically. Flashed a long, accurate arm from a high ¾ arm slot; 85 mph across the diamond. 7.29 runner in the 60.

Eliot Turnquist, 2B/OF/RHP, Columbus(WI), 2017
5-foot-11, 155-pound, right-handed hitting utility player. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short leg lift stride and good balance. Line drive hitter with a short, level swing path and fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.26. In the infield has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Accurate throws with soft hands. Threw 83 mph across the infield. In the outfield has a clean exchange with accurate throws. Threw 85 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with good balance. Fastball sat 83-84 topping out at 85 mph for strikes. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 70-71 mph. Changeup flashed fading action at 75-77 mph.

JD Villafuerte, INF, Normal, 2017
5-foot-8, 155-pound middle infield prospect. 7.28 runner in the laser timed 60. Offensively, right handed hitter, short, uphill path. Balanced setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact; exit velocity clocked at 78 mph off a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork. Short, loose, accurate arm from a high ¾ to ¾ arm slot; 78 mph across the diamond.

Colin Walton, RHP/SS, Bremen, 2017
6-foot, 180-pound, strong bodied prospect. In the field, short, high ¾ arm, 71 mph across the diamond. Offensively, right handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride. Short, uphill bat path, pull side approach; exit velocity registered at 85 mph. Also, ran a 7.65 laser timed 60. On the hill, long, high ¾ slot with some effort. Drop and drive delivery style, lands in line, athletic finish. Fastball, sat 79-82, topped 83 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, ranged between 66-68 mph. Straight changeup, flashed sink, ranged between 74-76 mph.

Tyler Woynerowski, INF, St. Rita, 2017
6-foot-2, 200-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, open set up, short, leg kick stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, line drive approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 84 mph. Defensively, soft hands, fluid footwork. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy and carry. Clocked at 78 mph across the infield. 7.26 runner in the 60.

Sam Zarling, OF/INF, Kettle Moraine (WI), 2017
6-foot, 200-pound, right-handed hitting multi-positional prospect. Offensively, balanced set up, short stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, gap to gap approach, flashed pull side pop. Recorded an exit velocity of 93 mph. Defensively, in the outfield quick exchange, plays through the ball. Short arm action, ¾ slot, flashed carry. Clocked at 82 mph. In the infield, quick exchange, ¾ slot. Clocked at 84 mph. Ran a 6.96 in the 60.

JJ Zywiciel, SS/RHP, Plainfield East, 2017
6-foot-1, 160 pound, lanky, two-way prospect. 7.00 runner in the laser timed 60. Offensively, right handed hitter, open setup, smooth load, long stride, with a line drive approach. Flashed bat speed, uphill swing, fluid rhythm; exit velocity clocked at 81 mph. Defensively, reliable hands, clean exchange. Long, loose arm from a ¾ arm slot; 81 mph across the diamond. On the mound, right handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, flashed rhythm, stays in line and lands square. Short, loose arm from a high ¾ to ¾ arm slot. Fastball, thrown for strikes, flashed some run; sat 80-81 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape; 66-68 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, flashed sink, sat 70-72 mph.