Underclass Showcase: Pitcher Analysis

On Oct. 21 at The MAX, the PBR Illinois staff hosted its final showcase of the 2018 season, the Underclass Showcase. There were more than 80 prospects from the area in attendance, predominantly representing the 2021 class, with a handful of 2022 prospects in the mix. It’s clear that the state’s underclass talent is as bright as ever.

In our final positional breakdown of the event, we’ll analyze the pitchers who toed the rubber at The MAX.

Four prospects of the top-five below are sophomores, including Charleston’s RHP Ben Hess. He’s a physical 6-foot-4, 215-pound righty who already demonstrates a feel for three above-average offerings. Hess’ fastball sits in the 83-85 mph range and his changeup flashes plus potential.

The lefty Eric Orloff (Glenbrook North) also landed near the top of the board. He’s stands in at an 6-foot-1 and has deception in his delivery, enhancing his arsenal. He lives in the 79-81 mph range with plenty more in the tank as he continues to develop and grow.

Finally, the two-way prospect Tyler Conklin (Kaneland, 2021) has short, quick, easy arm action and is already sitting 83-84 mph. The 5-foot-9 righty emerged as an arm to follow moving forward.

We have the complete reports on the aforementioned prospects below, as well as the write-ups on the rest of the pitchers who took the mound at the showcase last month. We previously published the Statistical Analysis from the event, which you can find here, in addition to this past week’s look at the catchers, outfielders, and infielders in attendance. Tomorrow, we’ll wrap up the showcase’s analysis by ranking the top-10 overall prospects from the event.

TOP PROSPECTS

1. Ben Hess, RHP, Charleston, 2021
6-foot-4, 215-pound, right-handed pitcher; extra-large, wide-shouldered, durable, workhorse type frame. Compact, hybrid delivery, works with rhythm, rides front hip down the mound, works slightly across his body, lands closed with effort throughout. Long, loose, quick arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, jumps out of the hand at times, late running action, sat 83-85 mph. Slider, thrown aggressively, 10/4 shape, tight spin, 73-75 mph. Changeup, potential plus offering, maintains arm speed, feel for the zone, fade action, 74-76 mph. High-follow 2021 pitching prospect.

2. Eric Orloff, LHP, Glenbrook North, 2021
6-foot-1, 185-pound, left-handed pitcher; strong, athletic, durable build, young look. Smooth delivery, high front side, works across his body, creates deception, lands closed. Arm action projects; clean, loose, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, comes out of the hand clean, plays up, late, heavy action, occasional run, sat 79-81 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, around it at times, potentially could back foot right-handed hitters, 62-64 mph. Changeup, swing-and-miss potential, feel for the zone, sinking action, arm-side-run at times, 72-74 mph. Follow 2021 prospect.  

3. Tyler Conklin, INF/RHP, Kaneland, 2021
5-foot-9, 170-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, athletic frame. On the mound, athleticism in delivery, live actions, works with tempo, sturdy balance, works in-line, spins to first at finish, rhythm involved. Short arm action, quick, easy arm speed, high ¾ window. Fastball, slight run to arm side, came out easy, 83-84 mph. Curveball, 10/4 gradual break, 67-68 mph. Changeup played 74-77 mph. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, leg kick trigger, slight dive. Level bat path with present  bat speed, strong hands, pull side tendencies, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 84 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through the ball, steady hands, long to release. Arm plays long and loose, winds up, high ¾ slot, throws carried at 86 mph across the diamond. 7.45 runner in the 60.

4. Jeremy Fox, RHP, Riverside-Brookfield, 2021
5-foot-9, 155-pound, right-handed pitcher, athleticism in frame. Quick foot turn to tall balance point, slight sit on back side, strides short and online to home, upright finish. Full arm swing with easy arm speed, looseness in action, high ¾ slot, effort is easy. Fastball, late sink in the zone, feel for the corners, 82-84 mph, topped 85 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, rolls in, 59-64 mph. Changeup, faded at 72-74 mph.

5. Tommy Boba, RHP, Wheaton Warrenville South, 2022
5-foot-10, 155-pound, well-proportioned, right-handed pitcher. Side-step delivery, hip-coil at balance point, high front side, creates deception and lands front toe closed. Long, loose, quick arm action from a high ¾ window. Featured a four-pitch repertoire all thrown with conviction and confidence. Fastball, underneath at times, when on top, thrown for strikes with arm-side-run, sat 74-77 mph, touched 78. Curveball, 11/5 shape, sharp action, 62-63 mph. Cutter, flashed slider action, 66-67 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, arm-side-run, sinking action, above-average offering for age; 68-69 mph.   

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Spencer Anton, RHP, Westmont, 2021
6-foot, 150-pound, right-handed pitcher, lanky frame. High knee, tall balance point, hips open early, stride is short and online, leg sweeps to first base at finish. Short arm action, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball, mostly straight with occasional cut, 68-70 mph. Curveball, 10/4 slight movement, 64-65 mph. Changeup, worked straight with fastball arm speed, 67-69 mph.

Daniel Baumgartner, INF/RHP, St. Laurence, 2021
6-foot-2, 180-pound, strong, athletically-built, two-way prospect. Offensively, balanced, wide setup, smooth load and short stride. Short bat path, line-drive approach and 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, clean transfer, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 77 mph across the diamond. 7.54 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slight drop and drive delivery, works on-line, lands closed with regular effort throughout. Short arm action comes out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, slight running action, sat 73-76 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 63-67 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, 68-70 mph.

Alex Bennett, RHP, St. Charles North, 2021
6-foot, 160-pound, well-proportioned, right-handed pitcher. Simple, compact delivery, works with rhythm, stays on-line and lands square. Arm works long and from a ¾ slot; slinger action. Fastball, slight run and sinking action when he stays on top; sat 70-72 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, feel, 61-64 mph. Cutter, ranged between 67-70 mph.

Jack Bikus, INF/RHP, Mundelein, 2021
6-foot-2, 160-pound, long-limbed, projectable, two-way prospect with plenty of room for continued physical development. Offensively, right-handed hitter, slightly crouched setup, short stride, loose levers at times, creates whip with effort throughout. Uphill path, gap-to-gap approach and registered an 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, works around and through the baseball, steady hands and winds up on exchange. Long and loose arm action, over-the-top slot, throws carried across the diamond and topped at 80 mph. 7.69 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm, works across his body and lands slightly closed. Long, loose, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, cutting action at times, sat 77-80 mph. Curveball, best secondary offering, 12/6 shape, depth, 64-65 mph. Changeup, works straight, 68-70 mph.

Mitchell Bilek, LHP, Hampshire, 2021
5-foot-10, 170-pound, left-handed pitcher, compact, strong frame. Stretch only delivery, works at a deliberate pace, sturdy balance, works online and lands toe closed, some rhythm involved. Arm action is short, hides on back side, quick arm speed, utilizes a lower ¾ slot with regular effort. Fastball thrown for strikes, mostly straight, 71-74 mph, topped 75 mph. Cutter had some sweep to it, 2/8 shape, 69-70 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, straight movement with occasional fade, 65-68 mph.

Yashion Boswell, RHP, Thornton Fractional, 2021
5-foot-9, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher, lanky, athletic frame. Works with a fast pace, drop and drive delivery, tall, high knee balance, toe lands closed and online with home, pop up finish. Short arm action, arm gradually speeds through an over the top slot, rhythm involved. Around the zone with all three offerings. Fastball, mostly straight, 73-74 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, nice shape with gradual break and arm speed, 59-62 mph. Changeup, faded with near fastball arm speed, 59-66 mph.

Matthew Cruise, RHP/INF, Seneca, 2022
5-foot-9, 162-pound two-way prospect with strength in frame, thick lower half. On the mound, right-handed, drop-and-drive type, works on line with some rhythm and effort, toe-closed landing, falls forward. Arm works from a short ¾ slot, slight deception in delivery, can hide the ball. Fastball, works as a sinker, 72-74 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, breaks early, thrown near-fastball arm speed, 63-65 mph. Changeup, decelerates arm speed, some fade, 65-67 mph. A right-handed hitter, balanced setup, wide base, smooth load back, drops hands, bat gets vertical, short leg lift stride. Long, uphill bat path, line drive contact, 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, footwork is quick but unorthodox, long arm action from ¾ slot, 72 mph throws to first. 7.82 runner in the 60.

Grant Fowler, INF/OF/RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2021
6-foot-1, 157-pound, long and lean, multi-positional prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, pull approach and registered a 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, worked out in the infield and in the outfield. On the infield, quick release, short arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ slot and throws clocked at 66 mph across the diamond. In the outfield, works through the baseball, clean transfer and throws topped at 71 mph. 7.91 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slight tall and fall delivery, works online down the mound and lands slightly front toe closed. Short arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball works mostly straight, slight running action on occasion, sat 69-71 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 59-62 mph. Changeup, ranged between 56-62 mph.

Jacob Furmanek, OF/RHP, Thornton Fractional, 2021
5-foot-11, 140-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, lanky frame. At the plate, balanced, wide setup, hands load back, short stride. Long bat path, stays level, middle of the field approach, exit velocity topped 79 mph from a tee. Defensively plays deep, exchanges are clean, loose arm action, full arm swing, high ¾ slot, throws topped 72 mph from the outfield. 7.64 runner in the 60. On the mound, short side step to compact balance point, foot lands square to home, some recoil at release. Arm plays long, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball played straight, 70-71 mph, topped 73 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, early break with arm speed, 55-59 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, 66-67 mph. Slider played 56-59 mph.

Justin Gutierrez, INF/RHP, Nazareth, 2021
5-foot-8, 160-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player. At the plate, balanced, open setup, top wrap load, long stride. Short bat path, line drive ability, uses all fields, rhythm in swing, exit velocity topped 79 mph from a tee. Defensively, hands work, clean exchanges, square up the baseball. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws topped 69 mph across the diamond. 8.48 runner in the 60. On the mound, crunched balance point, strides in-line to home, foot lands square, rhythm in delivery. Arm action is long and loose, lower ¾ arm slot, regular effort. Fastball, flashed ability to sink it, 69-71 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 59-62 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, 63-66 mph.

Kyle Hussey, INF/RHP, Providence Catholic, 2021
5-foot-11, 163-pound, lean, athletically-built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, controlled, tall and fall delivery and works on-line. Long, quick arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, straight action, sat 79-81 mph. Curveball, best out of the wind up, 12/6 shape, sharp action, 66-69 mph. Chaneup, arm-side-run and sinking action, 73-74 mph. Ran a 7.15 laser-timed 60. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride and maintains balance throughout. Fluid rhythm, bat works level through the zone, gap-to-gap approach; 77 exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, winds up through exchange, long, loose arm action, throws carried across the diamond and topped at 80 mph.

Jack Irwin, INF/RHP, Plainfield Central, 2021
5-foot-9, 150-pound, left-handed hitting/right-handed throwing two-way player, athletic frame. On the mound, short side step to crunched balance, works in-line to home, foot lands square, rhythm in delivery, closed setup in stretch. Short arm action, arm speeds through a high ¾ window, some arm recoil after release. Filled up the zone with strikes. Fastball worked straight, 76-78 mph, topped 79 mph. Curveball, 12/6 gradual break, 61-65 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, played 65-71 mph. Offensively balanced, crouched setup, body/hands load back, leg lift trigger. Short barrel path, flashed hard line drive contact to all fields, rhythm throughout. Quick bat speed, exit velocity topped 78 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays deep, steady hands, exchanges are quick and clean. Short, quick arm, high ¾ slot, ball comes out, throws topped 73 mph across the diamond. Present foot speed, 7.13 runner in the 60.  

Ethan Kaiman, RHP, Naperville North, 2021
6-foot-1, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher; well-proportioned build, strong lower half. Side-saddle delivery, coiled at balance point, works on-line down the mound and lands square. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, sinking action, occasional run, sat 76-77 mph, touched 78. Curveball, 12/6 shape, sharp action at times, 61-63 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, fade action, 69-71 mph.

Aidan Kress, RHP/INF, Fenton, 2021
6-foot-2, 185-pound, two-way prospect with a strong build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tilt and topple delivery, works on-line down the mound and lands slightly open at times. Short arm action from a high ¾ window. Fastball, cutting action at times, sat 78-80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, occasional late action, 66-68 mph. Changeup, cutting action, 72-75 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, long, level bat path and registered a 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, arm works short and from a ¾ slot, accurate throws topped at 77 mph. Ran the 60 at 7.74.

Sean Lindquist, RHP, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2021
5-foot-9, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher, athletic, thick build. Sets up wide on the rubber, deliberate rocker step, heel lift, coiled balance, works slightly across body, toe lands open, some recoil at finish. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, occasionally dropped slot, regular effort. Fastball, mostly straight with occasional run, 74-75 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 64-65 mph. Changeup played straight, 63-69 mph.

Joe Liss, INF/RHP, Evanston, 2021
5-foot-10, 180-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, strength in frame. On the mound, works at a quick pace, compact balance point, works in-line, foot lands open and heel first, some rhythm. Shoulders leveled, short arm action, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, drops down occasionally. Fastball played straight, some same plane run, 77-78 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 67-69 mph. Changeup, occasional fade, 71-74 mph. At the plate, open setup, minimal load back, toe tap stride to even. Strong hands, short, uphill bat path, exit velocity topped 78 mph from a tee. Defensively, gets low to field, pats glove at exchange, short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, throws topped 72 mph across the diamond. 7.96 runner in the 60.

Ezekiel Lopez, 2B/RHP, Morton West, 2022
5-foot-4, 146-pound right/right two-way prospect. At the plate, pre-pitch movement, balanced setup, shifts weight back, slight bat wrap load, short stride. Long, level bat path; 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, controlled footwork, arm action is long from high ¾ slot; 70 mph across the infield. 8.74 runner in the 60. On the mound, rocks into drop-and-drive delivery, works on line, lands slightly open. Long arm action from high ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, 66-67 mph, touched 70 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 49-50 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, 57-61 mph.

Ethan Pequette, LHP, Manteno, 2021
5-foot-8, 145-pound, left-handed pitcher. Stretch only delivery to home, balance is coiled and compact, foot lands cross-bodied to home, shoulders leveled, rotates with leg swing quick to third after release. Arm action is long and loose, full arm swing after hand break, arm gradually speeds through a ¾ window, rhythm in delivery. Fastball showed run to arm side, cut to gloveside, 75-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, gradual break, 64-65 mph. Changeup, arm side run with arm speed, 70-71 mph.

Matthew Peterson, OF/RHP, Mundelein, 2021
5-foot-11, 140-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, wiry frame. At the plate, tall setup, drop/bar load, leg kick trigger. Uphill path, hands are strong, gets inside the baseball, works middle of the field, exit velocity topped 77 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through the ball, clean exchange, short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 74 mph from the outfield. 7.62 runner in the 60. On the mound, high knee lift balance, lands cross bodied, recoil at finish. Short arm action, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, some effort involved. Fastball, played up, 71-74 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 64-65 mph. Changeup played 67-69 mph.

Matt Santarelli, INF/RHP, Lockport, 2021
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, athletic frame. Offensively, balanced setup, front foot closed, hands pre-loaded back, short toe drag stride. Barrel path is level and long, line drive ability to all fields, fluid rhythm through contact. Generates bat speed, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively quick footwork, hands work through the baseball, exchanges are quick and clean. Early draw out of the glove, arm plays long with arm speed, high ¾ slot, throws topped 82 mph across the diamond. 7.26 runner in the 60. On the mound, quick foot turn to high knee balance, works in-line, toe lands closed, athletic finish. High front side, short arm action, arm speeds through an over the top slot, easy effort and rhythm throughout. Fastball worked straight, 77-78 mph. Curveball, 12/6 break, tight spin down, 62-66 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, occasional fade, 65-70 mph.

Jordan Scholl, C/RHP, Wheaton Warrenville South, 2022
5-foot-11, 135-pound, long and lean, two-way prospect; plenty of room for continued physical development. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm, online and lands square. Arm action projects; long, loose and clean from a ¾ slot. Fastball, slight running action, thrown for strikes, sat 73-74 mph, touched 75. Curveball, 11/5 shape, action at times, 58-64 mph. Changeup, worked 66-69 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, long bat path, works level through the zone at times; 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, behind the plate, active, fundamentally sound blocker. Arm works from a ¾ slot and throws topped at 68 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 2.52-2.70. Ran a 8.10 60.

Mark Skarzynski, INF/RHP, Mundelein, 2021
5-foot-9, 150-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, high-waisted, lanky frame. At the plate, balanced setup, minimal load, leg kick trigger. Uphill barrel plane, short path, used all fields, flashed line drive contact, present bat speed, exit velocity topped 78 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick footwork, plays deep, long to release, short, whippy arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 75 mph across the diamond. 7.43 runner in the 60. On the mound, up-down-out delivery, compact, high-knee balance, slightly cross-bodied to home, foot lands square, spin to first at finish. Short arm action, hides on back side, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball, slight run, played up, 70-73 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 61-63 mph. Changeup, slight fade with arm speed, 67-70 mph.

Kyle Steele, INF/RHP, Naperville Central, 2021
5-foot-10, 155-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player. On the mound, long rocker step to high knee, coiled balance, short stride in-line to home, toe lands closed, recoil at finish. Short arm action, arm speeds through an over the top slot, some effort. Fastball played straight, favored glove side, 79-80 mph, topped 81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, early off the hand, 57-60 mph. Changeup faded, 70-72 mph. Offensively, balanced setup, active body, back load, long leg kick trigger. Barrel path is long, works on an uphill plane, exit velocity topped 75 mph from a tee. Defensively, gets low to field, squares up the ball, long to release. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 83 mph across the diamond. 7.63 runner in the 60.

Ethan Uftring, LHP, Peoria Notre Dame, 2021
6-foot, 150-pound, left-handed pitcher, lanky, long-limbed frame. Works at a deliberate pace, tilt and topple delivery, low hanging knee balance, high front side, in-line to home, foot lands square, some rhythm. Long arm action, over the top slot, regular effort. Fastball, slight run, thrown for strikes, 73-74 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, gradual break through the zone,62-65 mph. Changeup, faded with fastball arm speed, 60-64 mph. Cutter, 2/8 bend, late movement, feel for it, 69-70 mph.

Logan Van Heuklon, C/INF/RHP, Dunlap, 2021
5-foot-10, 165-pound, athletically-built, multi-positional prospect. 7.55 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, pre-pitch load and long stride. Long bat path, level through the zone at times and 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, worked out behind the plate and on the infield. Behind the plate, flexible hips, sure hands, loose arm action and throws topped at 74 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.22-2.43. On the infield, throws clocked at 73 mph across. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, side rocker step delivery, lands square and finishes towards first base with regular effort throughout. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball worked straight, sat 74-75 mph, touched 77. Curveball 11/5 shape and sat 62-64 mph.

Grant Vosburgh, INF/RHP, Oswego, 2021
6-foot-3, 175-pound, two-way prospect with a strong, athletic build. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced slightly open setup, leg-lift timing trigger, aggressive, lift in swing and registered an 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, reliable hands, clean release, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 77 mph. 7.58 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow and controlled delivery, works on-line and lands square. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and regular effort. Fastball, cutting action at times, 75-77 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, around the zone, 64-67 mph. Changeup down in the zone, 70-71 mph.

Jack West, RHP, Mount Carmel, 2021
6-foot, 150-pound, right-handed pitcher. Narrow setup on rubber, high knee, wrap balance, slight sit on back side, shoulders leveled, stride is short and online, toe lands closed. Long arm action, full arm swing at hand break, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball, mostly straight with occasional run, 73-76 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape with gradual break, 58-61 mph. Changeup, slight fade, 69-72 mph.

Robert Hunter Woods, OF/LHP, Moline, 2021
5-foot-8, 125-pound, left-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, high-waisted, lanky frame. Defensively plays through the ball with confidence, fields in rhythm, fluid footwork, soft hands, quick exchange. Clean, athletic arm action, pays loose out of a high ¾ slot, throws topped 71 mph from the outfield. At the plate, balanced setup, hands load down and back, short toe tap trigger. Long, uphill barrel path, occasional line drive contact, rhythm in swing, exit velocity topped 76 mph from a tee. 7.33 runner in the 60. On the mound, tall balance point, shoulders close, works slightly across body, some rhythm involved. Arm plays short, over the top slot, regular effort. Fastball, mostly straight, run at times, 69-70 mph, topped 71 mph. Curveball, 12/6 gradual break, 53-57 mph. Changeup, faded with arm speed, 62-64 mph. Slider played 57-61 mph.

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