By Sean Duncan

Who are the best defensive infielders in Illinois? Class of 2011? We examine the top 10 defensive gloves in the state, led by Ottawa Marquette SS Mason Snyder and Harrisburg 3B Keelin Rasch.

1.) Mason Snyder, Ottawa Marquette HS, SS
Snyder has been the highest-profile middle infielder in the state since early in his sophomore year, and he has done nothing but bolster his status since. The 5-foot-11, 165-pounder has all the tools to be a top-level shortstop: good speed, strong arm, quick hands and, above all, he can flat-out hit. In two varsity seasons, Snyder has a career .456 BA to go along with 27 doubles, 8 HRs, 7 triples, 74 RBI and 69 runs. As a junior, Snyder batted .474 with 17 doubles, 6 homers, 50 RBI, 47 runs and 14 stolen bases. Committed to Louisville.

2.) Keelin Rasch, Harrisburg HS, 3B/OF
A gritty, hard-nosed competitor, Rasch was not only the best defensive third baseman we saw last season, but he?s also extremely impressive from the outfield, where he was clocked at 93 mph at the PBR Southern Illinois Top Prospect Showcase. Rasch has tremendous hands at third base, moves well laterally, and has a plus arm across the diamond. One more thing about Rasch: he seemingly barrels everything that is thrown his way. A three-year varsity standout and a PBR second-team All-State selection as a junior, he broke Harrisburg?s single-season hits record with 67 last spring, which included 10 doubles, 9 home runs and 2 triples. He finished his junior year with a .471 batting average, 51 RBI and 48 runs, which helped power 40-1 Harrisburg to a second-place finish in Class 2A. Committed to John A. Logan JC.

3.) Kevin Goergen, Lemont HS, SS
The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitting Goergen has all the tools to become a big-time prospect, including a plus arm and top-level defensive actions at shortstop. A three-year varsity standout, Goergen finished his junior year with a .376 batting average that included 9 doubles, 2 homers, 43 runs, 30 RBI and 22 walks. He also swiped 15 bases. As a sophomore, Goergen batted .407 with 11 doubles. Committed to Michigan State University.

4.) Michael Barajas, Nazareth Academy HS, SS
Since his freshman year, Barajas has been known as one of the slickest defensive middle infielders in the state. A three-year standout, Barajas possesses top-level hands and an incredibly quick transfer. As a junior, he committed only four errors at shortstop, and his defensive stability helped propel Class 3A Nazareth to the summer state championship. Offensively, Barajas finished with 17 doubles and 3 home runs while batting .412 for the Roadrunners in the spring. Committed to Lewis University.

5.) Sam Travis, Providence Catholic HS, 3B
A hard-nosed competitor, Travis has established himself as one of the premier right-handed hitters in the class, in addition to being one of the finest defensive third basemen in the state. A standout since his sophomore year, Travis? impressive junior campaign was punctuated with several clutch, game-winning hits for the state-ranked Celtics. He finished the spring with a .486 BA, 9 doubles, 5 homers, 2 triples and 32 RBI while slugging at a .752 clip. Committed to Indiana University.

6.) Cody Bobbit, Palatine HS, SS
Bobbit first established himself as one of the top middle infielders in the class when he was named the starting varsity shortstop as a freshman. He has been a fixture up the middle for the Pirates ever since. The athletic, left-handed hitting Bobbit possesses quick hands at the plate and a top-level glove in the field. Also a standout football player, he batted .445 with 4 home runs, 23 RBI and 13 stolen bases as the Pirates? leadoff man.  Committed to Heartland CC.

7.) Dane Sauer, West Chicago HS, SS
Few middle infielders in the state pick it as well as Sauer. He has shown advanced defensive actions that include an ultra-quick transfer, excellent footwork and rhythm, soft hands and above-average arm strength. Committed to Eastern Illinois University.

8.) J.C. Davis, DuQuoin HS, SS
This left-handed hitting shortstop possesses ultra-quick hands at the plate and is a smooth defender up the middle.  At the plate, Davis enjoyed a breakout junior campaign in which he batted .465 with 5 home runs, 7 doubles, 2 triples and 32 RBI for the Indians. Davis scored 45 runs and collected 46 hits. Committed to Southern Illinois University.

9.) Brandon Ley, Quincy Notre Dame HS, SS/RHP
The 6-foot-1 Ley is one of the best-kept secrets in the state. With little fanfare, the two-way standout has produced big numbers. Ley also possesses all the athletic tools for continued success: He?s a 6.7 runner; he has been clocked at 86 mph across the infield and has been up to 88 mph on the mound. Committed to Quincy University.

10.) Chris Godinez, Lake Forest HS, MIF
No middle infielder in the state enjoyed a more beneficial summer than Godinez, who proved to be one of the class?s most impressive quick-twitch athletes. A 6.7 runner, Godinez possesses lightning-quick hands at the plate, and showcased surprising power over the summer. Godinez is also extremely quick in the field and can play either middle infield spot. Committed to Bradley University.

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