Every year the Underclass Showcase brings out fresh young talent some of which are just starting their high school careers. Again we have found some of the more highly regarded talent in the 2016 and 2017 classes. After analyzing the talent pool and projectability of these young prospects, here’s how we broke down the event.
Top Overall Prospects
1. Luke Shadid, SS, Peoria Notre Dame, 2016 Shadid is a physically developed 5-foot-9, 170-pound infielder who looks to possess elite-level athleticism. He proved it by running an event-best 6.88 60. A quick-twitch athlete, he displayed arm strength across the infield at 79 mph with accuracy. Fields with athletic actions, soft hands, and a clean exchange. Athletic abilities could easily transfer to multiple positions on the field.Offensively, he has an aggressive plate approach, one that he utilizes his strong lower half to create torque and bat speed. He hits from a closed position, and despite having a tendency to close himself off, his natural hand speed allows him to consistently square up the baseball. The 2016 grad is, without question, a high-follow for years to come. His brother, Andrew, is also a ranked prospect in the 2015 class.
2. Austin Galindo, OF/RHP, Normal, 2016 Galindo has the chance to be a high level prospect going forward.The projectable, 6-foot-5, 215-pound right-handed hitting and throwing two way player performed well in each aspect of the showcase.On the mound he showed repeatable mechanics – works with direction and a balanced finish.Throws with quick arm speed from a high ¾ slot.Fastball has life thrown at 82-83 mph with hard run and sink topping out at 84 mph.Curveball has bite with sharp 11/5 break around 68-70 mph.Changeup sits 71-72 mph with sink.Defensively showed off an advanced arm from the outfield at 82 mph with life.Hits from a wide setup at the plate with minimal load and no stride.Produced above average bat speed with pop, the ball jumps off his bat with full extension.Recorded an 83 mph exit speed off the tee.Hitting needs some refinement to make him a dangerous hitter moving forward.Ran a 7.25 60 that will improve with age.Galindo is a highly projectable two-way player.
3. Colton Johnson, LHP/1B, Kewanee, 2016 Johnson is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound athletic and projectable two way player.At first base moved athletically and showed some carry at 73 mph.Balanced setup at the plate with rhythm and a smooth load and long stride.Gets good extension after contact and showed some pop.Recorded an exit velocity of 74 mph and ran a 7.71 60.Tall-and-fall type delivery on the mound, releases from a high ¾ arm slot.Fastball thrown with slight run sitting 78-79 mph; curve thrown at 63-66 mph with 10/4 action. Splitter ranging from 66-69 mph.Definitely a player to follow as his athletic frame matures.
4. Jack Coney, MIF/RHP, Prospect, 2016 Coney is a 6-foot, 150-pound right handed hitting and throwing middle-infielder and pitcher.Displayed good athleticism throughout the showcase.On the mound he worked with good direction accelerating towards his target and with a balanced finish.Fastball sat 68-72 mph topping out at 75 mph; curve between 60-64 mph with gradual 10/4 action; and changeup which was his best pitch at 63-64 mph with sink.Line-drive hitter at the plate.Showed consistency with an advanced approach and athleticism throughout the swing.Has bat speed and gets good extension through the ball, finishing his swing with excellent balance.Recorded an exit velocity of 71 mph, ran a 7.38 60, and threw 73 mph across the infield.
5. Garrett Shea, LHP/1B, Warrensburg Latham, 2016 Shea is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed hitting, left-handed throwing pitcher and first-baseman. He showed well at both positions and at the plate.Strong, gap-to-gap hitter with bat speed showing off some pop, recording an exit velocity of 84 mph off the tee.Will improve with better balance and extension.Solid defense around the bag, showed athletic feet, 76 mph across the infield with carry.Ran a 7.34 60.On the mound, the left-hander throws from a tall-and-fall delivery, working from a high ¾ arm slot.Fastball had slight run and sink with some life at 74-75 mph; curve ranging 57-61 mph with 10/4 action; changeup showed best at 65-69 mph with sink.Showed to be a player to watch with projectability.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Nikolas Bell, MIF, Eureka, 2016 Bell is a 5-foot-8, 160-pound middle-infielder.Recorded a 78 mph exit speed off the tee; threw 71 mph across the infield; ran a 7.5 60.Inconsistent timing as a result of his toe-tap load, causing contact off the back leg.Simple timing adjustment will create much better results.
Zachary Brown, OF, Kewanee, 2016 Brown is a 5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed hitting and throwing outfielder.Hits from a wide setup with minimal load and no stride.Throws from an over the top slot in the outfield at 69 mph.Brown showed advanced foot speed running a 6.97 60, leading for potential to run down balls in the outfield at a high rate. Recorded an exit velocity of 71 mph.
PJ Byrd, OF/RHP, Morgan Park, 2016 Byrd is a 5-foot-8, 130-pound outfielder and right-handed pitcher.Showed athleticism running a 7.13 60 and defensivelythrew 70 mph with accuracy from the outfield.Hits from a tall, open setup with a long stride and relaxed hands.Displayed above average bat speed but top hand needs work.Recorded a 72 mph exit speed.On the mound, Byrd delivers with long, loose arm action coming from a ¾ arm angle.Fastball sits 70-71 mph, curve at 55-56 mph, changeup at 63-64 mph.
Tommy Drake, 3B, Sacred Heart Griffin, 2017 Drake is a 5-foot-11, 180-pound right-handed hitting and throwing third-baseman.Hits from a balanced setup in a slight crouch and gets full extension.Ran a 7.64 60, threw 65 mph across the infield, and recorded a 72 mph exit velocity.
Josh Hart, LHP/1B, Lincoln-Way North, 2016 Hart is a 6-foot-2, 148-pound left-handed pitcher and first-baseman.Showed some rhythm on the mound, drop-and-drive delivery with long arm action, releasing from a ¾ arm slot.Fastball between 71-73 mph with run, sweeping curve ranging 57-60 mph, and changeup between 58-62 mph.Ran a 7.94 60 and recorded a 74 mph exit velocity off the tee.
Hunter Keim, SS/RHP, Rock Island, 2017 Keim is a 5-foot-10, 130-pound shortstop and right-handed pitcher who impressed most on the mound and at the plate.Off the mound, Keim showed the beginnings of control for four pitches.Fastball sat 71-73 mph; curve at 64-65 mph with 11/5 action; slider ranging 67-71 mph; and a solid change sitting 68-70 mph with sink.Showed athleticism at the plate.The line-drive hitter displayed an aggressive swing with bat speed, a level path and full extension, finishing with good balance.Recorded an 80 mph exit velocity off the tee.Defensively showed athleticism but footwork needs refinement; threw 71 mph across the infield.Ran an 8.31 60.Good player to follow as he fills out.
Alex Lilly, 3B/SS, Mattoon, 2016 Lilly is a 5-foot-7, 160-pound infielder who showcased solid defense.Hands work well and threw across the infield at 70 mph with accuracy and some carry, uses a long arm action.Displayed aggression at the plate with bat speed and full extension.Recorded a 78 mph exit speed off the tee and ran a 7.46 60.
Eastin May, C, Joliet West, 2017 May is a 5-foot-9, 150-pound catcher who knows how to play the position.Made accurate throws from the crouch and receives well but lacks quickness in his transfer.Recorded pop times between 2.36 and 2.5 at 62 mph.Hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride.Displayed solid mechanics at the plate throughout the swing.Recorded a 63 mph exit velocity and ran a 9.0 60.
Alex Santiago, C, Guerin Prep, 2016 Santiago is a 5-foot-8, 135-pound catcher.Hits from a balanced setup, smooth load, and short stride.Recorded pop times between 2.5-2.82 at 64 mph, ran a 7.51 60, and recorded a 74 mph exit velocity.
Adam Schuck, C, Dunlap, 2016 Schuck is a strong-built, 5-foot-9, 170-pound catcher with athletic defensive abilities.Recorded pop times between 2.19 and 2.44 throwing 69 mph from the crouch with accuracy and some carry.Displayed athletic footwork, staying low on throws down to second and has a quick exchange.Schuck showed some pop at the plate recording a 77 mph exit velocity.Ran a 7.56 60.The 2016 grad is a player to watch.
Xavier Vega, OF, Elmwood Park, 2017 Vega is a 5-foot-7, 130-pound left-handed hitting and throwing outfielder.Showcased fluid footwork defensively and plays through the ball.Threw 66 mph with accuracy from the outfield.Hitting could improve with use of his lower half.Recorded a 68 mph exit velocity and ran a 7.59 60
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1. Luke Shadid, SS, Peoria Notre Dame, 2016 Shadid is a physically developed 5-foot-9, 170-pound infielder who looks to possess elite-level athleticism. He proved it by running an event-best 6.88 60. A quick-twitch athlete, he displayed arm strength across the infield at 79 mph with accuracy. Fields with athletic actions, soft hands, and a clean exchange. Athletic abilities could easily transfer to multiple positions on the field.Offensively, he has an aggressive plate approach, one that he utilizes his strong lower half to create torque and bat speed. He hits from a closed position, and despite having a tendency to close himself off, his natural hand speed allows him to consistently square up the baseball. The 2016 grad is, without question, a high-follow for years to come. His brother, Andrew, is also a ranked prospect in the 2015 class.
2. Austin Galindo, OF/RHP, Normal, 2016 Galindo has the chance to be a high level prospect going forward.The projectable, 6-foot-5, 215-pound right-handed hitting and throwing two way player performed well in each aspect of the showcase.On the mound he showed repeatable mechanics – works with direction and a balanced finish.Throws with quick arm speed from a high ¾ slot.Fastball has life thrown at 82-83 mph with hard run and sink topping out at 84 mph.Curveball has bite with sharp 11/5 break around 68-70 mph.Changeup sits 71-72 mph with sink.Defensively showed off an advanced arm from the outfield at 82 mph with life.Hits from a wide setup at the plate with minimal load and no stride.Produced above average bat speed with pop, the ball jumps off his bat with full extension.Recorded an 83 mph exit speed off the tee.Hitting needs some refinement to make him a dangerous hitter moving forward.Ran a 7.25 60 that will improve with age.Galindo is a highly projectable two-way player.
3. Colton Johnson, LHP/1B, Kewanee, 2016 Johnson is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound athletic and projectable two way player.At first base moved athletically and showed some carry at 73 mph.Balanced setup at the plate with rhythm and a smooth load and long stride.Gets good extension after contact and showed some pop.Recorded an exit velocity of 74 mph and ran a 7.71 60.Tall-and-fall type delivery on the mound, releases from a high ¾ arm slot.Fastball thrown with slight run sitting 78-79 mph; curve thrown at 63-66 mph with 10/4 action. Splitter ranging from 66-69 mph.Definitely a player to follow as his athletic frame matures.
4. Jack Coney, MIF/RHP, Prospect, 2016 Coney is a 6-foot, 150-pound right handed hitting and throwing middle-infielder and pitcher.Displayed good athleticism throughout the showcase.On the mound he worked with good direction accelerating towards his target and with a balanced finish.Fastball sat 68-72 mph topping out at 75 mph; curve between 60-64 mph with gradual 10/4 action; and changeup which was his best pitch at 63-64 mph with sink.Line-drive hitter at the plate.Showed consistency with an advanced approach and athleticism throughout the swing.Has bat speed and gets good extension through the ball, finishing his swing with excellent balance.Recorded an exit velocity of 71 mph, ran a 7.38 60, and threw 73 mph across the infield.
5. Garrett Shea, LHP/1B, Warrensburg Latham, 2016 Shea is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed hitting, left-handed throwing pitcher and first-baseman. He showed well at both positions and at the plate.Strong, gap-to-gap hitter with bat speed showing off some pop, recording an exit velocity of 84 mph off the tee.Will improve with better balance and extension.Solid defense around the bag, showed athletic feet, 76 mph across the infield with carry.Ran a 7.34 60.On the mound, the left-hander throws from a tall-and-fall delivery, working from a high ¾ arm slot.Fastball had slight run and sink with some life at 74-75 mph; curve ranging 57-61 mph with 10/4 action; changeup showed best at 65-69 mph with sink.Showed to be a player to watch with projectability.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Nikolas Bell, MIF, Eureka, 2016 Bell is a 5-foot-8, 160-pound middle-infielder.Recorded a 78 mph exit speed off the tee; threw 71 mph across the infield; ran a 7.5 60.Inconsistent timing as a result of his toe-tap load, causing contact off the back leg.Simple timing adjustment will create much better results.
Zachary Brown, OF, Kewanee, 2016 Brown is a 5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed hitting and throwing outfielder.Hits from a wide setup with minimal load and no stride.Throws from an over the top slot in the outfield at 69 mph.Brown showed advanced foot speed running a 6.97 60, leading for potential to run down balls in the outfield at a high rate. Recorded an exit velocity of 71 mph.
PJ Byrd, OF/RHP, Morgan Park, 2016 Byrd is a 5-foot-8, 130-pound outfielder and right-handed pitcher.Showed athleticism running a 7.13 60 and defensivelythrew 70 mph with accuracy from the outfield.Hits from a tall, open setup with a long stride and relaxed hands.Displayed above average bat speed but top hand needs work.Recorded a 72 mph exit speed.On the mound, Byrd delivers with long, loose arm action coming from a ¾ arm angle.Fastball sits 70-71 mph, curve at 55-56 mph, changeup at 63-64 mph.
Tommy Drake, 3B, Sacred Heart Griffin, 2017 Drake is a 5-foot-11, 180-pound right-handed hitting and throwing third-baseman.Hits from a balanced setup in a slight crouch and gets full extension.Ran a 7.64 60, threw 65 mph across the infield, and recorded a 72 mph exit velocity.
Josh Hart, LHP/1B, Lincoln-Way North, 2016 Hart is a 6-foot-2, 148-pound left-handed pitcher and first-baseman.Showed some rhythm on the mound, drop-and-drive delivery with long arm action, releasing from a ¾ arm slot.Fastball between 71-73 mph with run, sweeping curve ranging 57-60 mph, and changeup between 58-62 mph.Ran a 7.94 60 and recorded a 74 mph exit velocity off the tee.
Hunter Keim, SS/RHP, Rock Island, 2017 Keim is a 5-foot-10, 130-pound shortstop and right-handed pitcher who impressed most on the mound and at the plate.Off the mound, Keim showed the beginnings of control for four pitches.Fastball sat 71-73 mph; curve at 64-65 mph with 11/5 action; slider ranging 67-71 mph; and a solid change sitting 68-70 mph with sink.Showed athleticism at the plate.The line-drive hitter displayed an aggressive swing with bat speed, a level path and full extension, finishing with good balance.Recorded an 80 mph exit velocity off the tee.Defensively showed athleticism but footwork needs refinement; threw 71 mph across the infield.Ran an 8.31 60.Good player to follow as he fills out.
Alex Lilly, 3B/SS, Mattoon, 2016 Lilly is a 5-foot-7, 160-pound infielder who showcased solid defense.Hands work well and threw across the infield at 70 mph with accuracy and some carry, uses a long arm action.Displayed aggression at the plate with bat speed and full extension.Recorded a 78 mph exit speed off the tee and ran a 7.46 60.
Eastin May, C, Joliet West, 2017 May is a 5-foot-9, 150-pound catcher who knows how to play the position.Made accurate throws from the crouch and receives well but lacks quickness in his transfer.Recorded pop times between 2.36 and 2.5 at 62 mph.Hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride.Displayed solid mechanics at the plate throughout the swing.Recorded a 63 mph exit velocity and ran a 9.0 60.
Alex Santiago, C, Guerin Prep, 2016 Santiago is a 5-foot-8, 135-pound catcher.Hits from a balanced setup, smooth load, and short stride.Recorded pop times between 2.5-2.82 at 64 mph, ran a 7.51 60, and recorded a 74 mph exit velocity.
Adam Schuck, C, Dunlap, 2016 Schuck is a strong-built, 5-foot-9, 170-pound catcher with athletic defensive abilities.Recorded pop times between 2.19 and 2.44 throwing 69 mph from the crouch with accuracy and some carry.Displayed athletic footwork, staying low on throws down to second and has a quick exchange.Schuck showed some pop at the plate recording a 77 mph exit velocity.Ran a 7.56 60.The 2016 grad is a player to watch.
Xavier Vega, OF, Elmwood Park, 2017 Vega is a 5-foot-7, 130-pound left-handed hitting and throwing outfielder.Showcased fluid footwork defensively and plays through the ball.Threw 66 mph with accuracy from the outfield.Hitting could improve with use of his lower half.Recorded a 68 mph exit velocity and ran a 7.59 60
Every year the Underclass Showcase brings out fresh young talent some of which are just starting their high school careers. Again we have found some of the more highly regarded talent in the 2016 and 2017 classes. After analyzing the talent pool and projectability of these young prospects, here’s how we broke down the event.
Top Overall Prospects
1. Luke Shadid, SS, Peoria Notre Dame, 2016 Shadid is a physically developed 5-foot-9, 170-pound infielder who looks to possess elite-level athleticism. He proved it by running an event-best 6.88 60. A quick-twitch athlete, he displayed arm strength across the infield at 79 mph with accuracy. Fields with athletic actions, soft hands, and a clean exchange. Athletic abilities could easily transfer to multiple positions on the field.Offensively, he has an aggressive plate approach, one that he utilizes his strong lower half to create torque and bat speed. He hits from a closed position, and despite having a tendency to close himself off, his natural hand speed allows him to consistently square up the baseball. The 2016 grad is, without question, a high-follow for years to come. His brother, Andrew, is also a ranked prospect in the 2015 class.
2. Austin Galindo, OF/RHP, Normal, 2016 Galindo has the chance to be a high level prospect going forward.The projectable, 6-foot-5, 215-pound right-handed hitting and throwing two way player performed well in each aspect of the showcase.On the mound he showed repeatable mechanics – works with direction and a balanced finish.Throws with quick arm speed from a high ¾ slot.Fastball has life thrown at 82-83 mph with hard run and sink topping out at 84 mph.Curveball has bite with sharp 11/5 break around 68-70 mph.Changeup sits 71-72 mph with sink.Defensively showed off an advanced arm from the outfield at 82 mph with life.Hits from a wide setup at the plate with minimal load and no stride.Produced above average bat speed with pop, the ball jumps off his bat with full extension.Recorded an 83 mph exit speed off the tee.Hitting needs some refinement to make him a dangerous hitter moving forward.Ran a 7.25 60 that will improve with age.Galindo is a highly projectable two-way player.
3. Colton Johnson, LHP/1B, Kewanee, 2016 Johnson is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound athletic and projectable two way player.At first base moved athletically and showed some carry at 73 mph.Balanced setup at the plate with rhythm and a smooth load and long stride.Gets good extension after contact and showed some pop.Recorded an exit velocity of 74 mph and ran a 7.71 60.Tall-and-fall type delivery on the mound, releases from a high ¾ arm slot.Fastball thrown with slight run sitting 78-79 mph; curve thrown at 63-66 mph with 10/4 action. Splitter ranging from 66-69 mph.Definitely a player to follow as his athletic frame matures.
4. Jack Coney, MIF/RHP, Prospect, 2016 Coney is a 6-foot, 150-pound right handed hitting and throwing middle-infielder and pitcher.Displayed good athleticism throughout the showcase.On the mound he worked with good direction accelerating towards his target and with a balanced finish.Fastball sat 68-72 mph topping out at 75 mph; curve between 60-64 mph with gradual 10/4 action; and changeup which was his best pitch at 63-64 mph with sink.Line-drive hitter at the plate.Showed consistency with an advanced approach and athleticism throughout the swing.Has bat speed and gets good extension through the ball, finishing his swing with excellent balance.Recorded an exit velocity of 71 mph, ran a 7.38 60, and threw 73 mph across the infield.
5. Garrett Shea, LHP/1B, Warrensburg Latham, 2016 Shea is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed hitting, left-handed throwing pitcher and first-baseman. He showed well at both positions and at the plate.Strong, gap-to-gap hitter with bat speed showing off some pop, recording an exit velocity of 84 mph off the tee.Will improve with better balance and extension.Solid defense around the bag, showed athletic feet, 76 mph across the infield with carry.Ran a 7.34 60.On the mound, the left-hander throws from a tall-and-fall delivery, working from a high ¾ arm slot.Fastball had slight run and sink with some life at 74-75 mph; curve ranging 57-61 mph with 10/4 action; changeup showed best at 65-69 mph with sink.Showed to be a player to watch with projectability.
