The Prep Baseball Report’s Underclass Invitational Showcase on Jan. 22 was the best overall assemblage of young players we’ve had at one event since 2005. The overall talent was truly impressive, as most of the prospects were athletically and physically advanced for their age. Roughly 85 underclass prospects from all over the state convened at the Max-McCook’s 125,000 open-turf facility to show what they can do. And man, what they did was mighty impressive.

Although it was extremely hard to sort through all the talent, here is a look at the top Class of 2013 prospects at the event. The top 2014 and 2015 players will be posted later.

Top Class of 2013 Prospects

1. 1.    Brent Gibbs, Alton HS, Catcher, 2013
   Gibbs is a 6-foot, 195-pound physically advanced catcher who showed all the tools to become one of the most coveted Class of 2013 prospects in the Midwest. Unknown prior to the event, Gibbs definitely made a big name for himself, as he showed plus arm strength and overall receiving abilities. Gibbs had impressive arm strength (83 mph from the crouch), as he fired pop times of 1.97 and 1.98, all on the bag and with little effort. In bullpens, he demonstrated advanced catching abilities, showing quick feet, soft hands and a firm wrist. Gibbs was equally impressive at the plate. He has an easy and athletic right-handed swing with big power potential. Gibbs allows the ball to travel deep in the zone, and he uses his quick hands and strength to hammer the ball to all fields.

 

1. 2.    Keith Lehmann, Lyons Township HS, RHP/C, 2013
   The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Lehmann was impressive in all facets of the game, but perhaps his biggest upside is on the mound. His arm works with little effort, as he sat 84-85 mph with his fastball, topping at 86, and with sink.  He also showed advanced feel for his 74-75 mph changeup, which had run and sink as well. Lehmann was also impressive behind the plate, demonstrating quick feet and transfer, firing a top pop time of 2.01. At the plate, he has a clean, mechanically sound swing with quick hands and power potential. Lehmann also ran a 7.27 60. Overall, Lehmann looks to be a high-level prospect – both as a pitcher and as a position player.

 

1. 3.    Danny Mayer, Downers Grove South HS, RHP/OF, 2013
   The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Mayer is another top-level pitching prospect to come out of the school. Mayer uses his height and length well, staying tall on his backside and works downhill.  His fastball topped at an event-best 86 mph, sitting at 84. He also showed impressive feel for his changeup and curveball, demonstrating command with all three pitches. Mayer’s arm action and looseness leads us to believe he will continue to throw harder in the future.  As a position player, he showed legitimate power potential at the plate while demonstrating a plus arm from the outfield (85 mph).

 

1. 4.    Jacob Jarvis, O’Fallon HS, RHP/1B, 2013
   Jarvis is a wide-shouldered 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-hander who shows tremendous upside on the mound. Using a strong lower half and coming from a high ¾ arm slow, Jarvis sat at 83 mph with his fastball. He has a quick, easy arm, one that should continue to get stronger in the coming years. Like his fastball, Jarvis’ 73-mph changeup had late sinking action, and projects to be a plus pitch as well. As a position player, Jarvis had excellent footwork around first base and demonstrated some power potential.

 

1. 5.    Chuckie Robinson, Danville HS, C, 2013
   Robinson is a physically impressive 6-foot-1, 220-pound catcher who possesses elite natural abilities. Extremely strong and physical, Robinson features a plus arm, as he fired event-best pop times of 1.94 and 1.97. Robinson’s arm strength came into clear focus (81 mph from the crouch), and he has quick, agile feet behind the plate. For his size, Robinson runs well (7.4 60 yard dash). At the plate, Robinson has immense raw power. He has tremendous bat speed and a strong lower half. As he develops and mechanically fine-tunes his swing, he has the ability to be the most prodigious power hitter in the Class of 2013.

 

1. 6.    Matthew James, Normal West HS, SS/RHP, 2013
   Everything the 6-foot-1, 160-pound James does on the field is smooth and easy. A natural two-way, top-level prospect, James has a clean, balanced left-handed swing with excellent mechanics. James has a gap-to-gap approach and should develop a lot more power as he physically develops. Defensively, he has top-level hands and has smooth defensive actions, to go along with a solid arm (80 mph). On the mound, James is very interesting, as he has an extraordinarily fluid arm, clean mechanics and commands three pitches for strikes, all coming out of the same window. His fastball topped at 81 mph, while his curveball had 12/6 break. His changeup looks to be a strong out-pitch as well.

 

1. 7.    Bryce Cantrall, Edwardsville HS, RHP, 2013
   At 6-foot-6, 205-pounds, Cantrall is an extremely projectable right-hander who has long limbs and a whippy arm action. Cantrall’s arm works with fluidity, as he topped out at 84 mph with late life. Cantrall showed feel for four pitches, including a cutter/slider that looks to be a strong go-to pitch. His curveball checked in at 66 mph, and his 72-73 mph changeup had some fade. With his size and arm action, it appears that Cantrall should continue to see his velocity climb in the coming years.

 

1. 8.    Miguel Hermosillo, Ottawa HS, OF/SS. 2013
   If there’s a better athlete in the Class of 2013 than Hermosillo, we haven’t seen him. Hermosillo, a physical 5-foot-9, 185-pound outfielder, ran an event-best 6.66 60, which shattered the record for an underclass player at a PBR event. Hermosillo obviously carries his athleticism to the outfield, where he also demonstrated solid arm strength (83 mph) and accuracy. At the plate, he uses his strong hands and lower half to generate bat speed, and flashed some power potential.

 

1. 9.    Anthony Drago, Lake Zurich HS, C, 2013
   This athletically built 6-foot-1, 175-pound left-handed hitting catcher was clearly one of the most impressive offensive players at the event. Drago has an easy, athletic left-handed swing, and showcased plus pull power. Drago generates a lot of bat speed, and ball explodes off his bat with impressive backspin carry. Defensively, Drago continued to impress. His 2.01 pop times were on the glove-side of the bag, all strikes. He also shined during bullpens, as he exhibited athletic feet, soft hands and sits low in the zone.  Drago looks to be one of the top all-around catchers in the Class of 2013.

 

10.  Kyle Colletta, Niles West HS, SS/RHP, 2013

The left-hand hitting shortstop had one of the best overall swings at the event, and also showed as one of the top infielders. The 6-foot, 142-pound Colletta showed advanced defensive actions, fielding the ball with rhythm and fluidity, and displayed an impressive arm across the infield (80). Colletta continued to show well at the plate, spraying line drives to all fields with a quick bat. Colletta showed a balanced swing with an active lower half; he should develop more power over time as he physically develops. On the mound, Kyle showed good rhythm and presence, topping at 77 to go along with a curveball with good depth and some bite.

 

11.  River Pitlock, York HS, SS, 2013
Pitlock is a projectable 5-foot-10, 140-pound middle infielder who impressed with his all-around tools. Defensively, Pitlock showed off his arm by firing 83-mph strikes across the infield. He also demonstrated advanced defensive actions, moving with rhythm and purpose while taking excellent paths to the baseball.  Offensively, Pitlock showcased a level , line drive-producing swing. He possesses quick, athletic hands and is mechanically very sound. Pitlock, who ran a 7.43 60, has a projectable, long-limbed body type, and should continue to improve as he physically develops.

 

12.  Joe Hoscheit, St. Charles East HS, OF, 2013
Hoscheit is a physical and athletic 6-foot, 195-pound outfielder who showed well in all facets of the game. Offensively, Hoscheit showcased an easy, mechanically sound, and athletic right-handed swing. Hoscheit has quick hands and an aggressive lower half, which enabled him to let the ball travel deep in the zone. The ball jumps off his bat and showed power to all fields. Hoscheit moves athletically in the outfield, and showed solid arm strength (80 mph). He also ran a 7.2 60.

 

13.  Marcellus Sneed, Morgan Park HS, LHP/1B, 2013
Sneed is a physical 6-foot-2, 200-pound two-way talent who graded out well both on the mound and as a position player. The left-hander has wide shoulders and a fluid arm; his fastball sat at 79-80 mph, topping at 81, with some sink. At the plate, Sneed showcased pull-side power from the left side.  Using a strong lower half and quick hands, the ball jumps off his bat. Defensively, he moves nimbly around the bag at first base while showcasing soft hands. 

 

14.  Ted Snidanko, Lockport HS, OF, 2013
Snidanko has a long, extremely projectable 6-foot-3, 175-pound athletic frame, one that has the potential to develop into a high-level body type as he physically develops. Snidanko moves fluidly in the outfield, and gets on top of his throws well, resulting in a strong (83 mph), accurate arm. At the plate, he has quick, whippy hands and gets excellent extension through the baseball. He hit the ball hard to all fields; as he gets more physical, he has the athleticism and hand speed to hit for power. Snidanko, who ran a 7.31 60, showed as much upside as any player at the event.

 

15.  Matt Ryan, Carmel Catholic HS, 3B/RHP, 2013
Ryan is a physically gifted 5-foot-10, 165-pound two-way prospect. Ryan, who ran a 7.07 60, especially shined at third base, where he showcased arm strength (81 mph across infield), concise lateral movements and tremendous defensive actions. At the plate, he barreled balls to all fields, using his quick hands and strong lower-half to power through the ball. On the mound, Ryan sat at 80-81 mph with his fastball, while his 69-71 mph changeup had some late fade. Ryan also threw a splitter, which, with further development, showed promise of being an effective out-pitch.

 

16.  Jerry Houston, MIF, Mount Carmel HS, 2013

The 5-foot-8, 165-pound Houston has a pure, athletic swing and is an all-around talent. In the field, the shortstop showed good footwork and advanced defensive actions to go along with a solid arm across the infield. Houston played through the ball well and showed as one of the top infielders at the event. At the plate, Houston continued to impress with a smooth short swing in which he squared the ball up consistently. Houston also exhibited a dynamic lower half to go along with good bat speed.

 

17.  Kevin Smith, St. Laurence HS, RHP/SS, 2013

Smith is a physically impressive 6-foot-3, 190-pound two-way talent who impressed on the mound and as a position player. Smith showed good body control and a solid arm across the infield (80 mph). At the plate, Smith showed off an aggressive, powerful right-handed swing. On the mound, the right-hander continued to impress. Smith came from a high ¾ slot with a fastball topping at 83. Smith showed rhythm and threw a curveball with some depth. His changeup also displayed good downward arm side action.

 

18.  Paul Boidanis, Glenbrook North HS, RHP, 2013
Boidanis is a physically imposing 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-hander who topped out at 84 mph, sitting at 82-83 with his fastball. Boidanis comes from an over-the-top arm slot and gets good downhill tilt on his fastball. His 71-73 mph curveball has some depth and bite, while also showing feel for a changeup. With his size and physical strength, Boidanis should continue to see his velocity climb in the coming years.

 

19.  Colin Lyman, Huntley HS, OF/3B, 2013

The lean and athletic 6-foot, 155-pound OF showed well in all facets of the game. The quick-twitch left-handed hitting Lyman got behind his throws well and fired accurate strikes from the outfield (79 mph) with good carry. At the plate, he showed quick hands and displayed a balanced swing which consistently hit the ball hard. Lyman also ran a 7.1 60.

 

20.  Grant Amick, New Trier HS, 3B/RHP, 2013

The athletic and physically advanced 6-foot, 195-pound third baseman showed a strong arm across the infield at 83 mph. Amick, who ran a 7.1 60, also moved well laterally, displaying quick fee. At the plate, Amick has a strong lower half and showcased good bat speed. On the mound, the two way talent came from an over the top arm slot and topped at 81 mph. Amick’s 12/6 curveball flashed some bite and depth.

 

21.  Jordan Getzelmann, Prairie Ridge HS, OF/1B, 2013

The athletic 6-foot-1, 185-pounder showed well in the outfield, as he moves with fluidity and rhythm. He also had a solid arm (80 mph).  Getzelman  showed off his athleticism in the 60 by running a 7.0. At the plate, he has an athletic setup and quick hands, in addition to a level, mechanically solid swing. Getzelman also showcased projectable power potential.

 

22.  Tyler Parquette, Crystal Lake South HS, LHP/OF, 2013

One the mound, the 5-foot-10, 155-pound Parquette showed as one of the top left-handed arms at the event with command and feel for three pitches. Parquette came from a ¾ arm slot with a fastball that topped at 80 mph with arm-side run. Parquette’s breaking ball showed an 11/5 shape with tight and late break. His change showed downward arm side sink to go with a great arm action.

 

23.  Robbie Bowman, Batavia HS, OF, 2013

The lean 6-foot-1, 180-pound Bowman is an impressive athlete. Not only did he run a 6.89 60, but he showed solid arm strength from the outfield (81 mph). Defensively, Bowman displayed athletic movements. With his projectable body type and athleticism, Bowman has the potential to hit for power in the coming years.

 

24.  Seth Rosenberg, New Trier HS, C/RHP, 2013

The 6-foot, 200-pound left-handed hitting catcher showed a strong arm and quick release behind the plate, with a top pop time of 2.0. He also impressed during bullpens, as he stays low and handles pitches with ease. At the plate, Rosenberg drove line drives to all fields. Rosenberg displayed a short, balanced swing which consistently found the barrel. On the mound, Rosenberg showed good rhythm and was consistently checked in at 79 mph from a high ¾ arm slot. His changeup also flashed some downward action.

 

25.  Ryan Sample, Manteno HS, C, 2013

The lean 6-foot, 180-pound catcher threw an impressive pop time of 2.07. The catcher showed quick feet and an accurate arm throughout his throws. At the plate, Sample is an aggressive hitter who demonstrated bat speed and the ability to barrel the ball up. Sample also displayed some pull-side power which looks to continue to develop.

26.  Troy Vandenbroek, Belvidere HS, OF/SS/RHP, 2013

The physically strong 5-foot-10, 183-pound athlete is a high-energy, aggressive prospect who impressed with his outfield abilities. He gets behind the ball well and showed good carry on his throws (81 mph). At the plate, Vandenbroek certainly doesn’t get cheated, as he attacks the ball with ferocity. He showed power potential and bat speed at the plate. On the mound, Troy topped at 79 with his fastball coming from a high ¾ arm slot. His breaking ball showed some bite with 12/6 break.

 

27.  Ricardo Ramirez, De La Salle HS, 3B/RHP, 2013

The  5-foot-11, 175-pound third baseman had  an eye-opening round of batting practice, spraying line drives to all fields. Ramirez showed quick hands at the plate and had excellent extension through contact . In the field, Ramirez exhibited good hands and a soft backhand while displaying a solid arm across the field at 79. On the mound Ramirez topped at 78 and showed a good feel for his changeup.

 

28.  Richard Velez, C/INF, St. Rita HS, 2013

The 5-foot-7, 145-pound third baseman showed good footwork and actions at third base. Velez also displayed a solid arm across the diamond. Behind the plate, Velez also impressed, showing quick feet and threw a top pop time of 2.08. At the plate, he displayed some bat speed and a balanced swing, spraying line drives to all fields. 

 

29.  Kurt Palandech, Plainfield North HS, SS, 2013

The long and athletic 6-foot-1, 150-pound middle infielder has a projectable frame and showed impressive foot speed by running a 6.91 60. Palandech moved well laterally in the field and showed some arm strength across the infield.

 

30.  Alexander Cain, Oregon HS, SS/RHP, 2013

      The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Cain has an impressive, projectable frame and showed solidly in all facets of the game. At shortstop, he showed a strong arm across the infield at 81 mph and moved well laterally. At the plate, Cain displayed a level swing which produced line drives. On the mound, Cain continued to impress. He comes from a high ¾ arm slot with a smooth delivery and arm action. His fastball topped at 80 and curveball showed an 11/5 break. 

Best of the Rest

Dylan Balogh, Barrington HS, RHP/3B, 2013

On the mound, the long and loose 6-foot-1, 165-pound right-hander topped at 78 mph. His arm works free and easily, and has a projectable frame, leading us to believe he should continue to see a velocity increase as he physically develops. His curveball showed some depth with an 11/5 shape. Balogh also showed feel for a developing changeup.

 

Derek Bangert, Lockport HS, C/3B, 2013

At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Bangert is an imposing physical specimen who has advanced strength for his age. Defensively, Bangert showcased quick feet and a top pop time of 2.18. At the plate, Bangert used his strong lower half and level swing to drive the ball with some authority.

 

Grant Bartell, Lincoln Way Central HS, LHP/1B, 2013

Physically, Bartell has few peers in his class, as he is a chiseled 6-foot-3, 200-pound two-way talent. On the mound, the left-hander’s fastball topped at 80 mph. Using a short arm action, he comes from a high ¾ arm slot, and his fastball had significant arm-side run.  Bartell’s slider flashed a tight, short break. At the plate, Bartell showed some bat speed and has the potential to hit for significant power in the future. Bartell also showed some footwork around the bag.

 

Kraemer Brandt, OF/2B, Conant HS, 2013

The 5-foot-8, 165-pound outfielder displayed a level left-handed swing and quick hands at the plate. He used a compact swing to lace line drives. Defensively, Brandt  showed solid fielding fundamentals.

 

Kurtis Brown, Champaign Central HS, 1B, 2013

Physically strong, Brown is a 5-foot-11, 205-pound left-handed hitting first baseman who showcased big power potential. Using his strong lower half and an economical swing path, Brown showed pull-side power and gets excellent extension through the ball. 

 

Steven Chamberlain, Guilford HS, RHP/SS, 2013

Chamberlain has a projectable 6-foot-2, 167-pound athletic frame. On the mound the right-hander sat at 79 with a clean arm action. His curveball showed some bite and depth, and change flashed some downward arm side movement. At the plate, the left-handed hitting shortstop showcased a good setup to go with a smooth, balanced swing in which he squared up the ball. Chamberlain in the field showed some good actions.

 

Jonathan Chudacoff, 2B/3B, New Trier HS, 2013

The 5-foot-7, 143-pound infielder displayed a level swing, which he used to sprayeline drives to all fields. In the field Chudacoff displayed soft reliable hands and an accurate arm across the diamond.

 

Eric Davis, Mundelein HS, RHP/1B, 2013

The 6-foot, 185-pound two-way player showed a good arm action on the mound, coming from a high ¾ arm slot. He also showed a good feel for his changeup.

 

Will Farmer, SS/RHP, Mundelein HS, 2013

The 5-foot-9, 170-pounder showed a solid arm across the infield, in addition to demonstrating fluid defensive actions and body control. At the plate, Farmer showed well, displaying some bat speed to go along with a level, balanced, line drive-producing swing.

 

Robert Fletcher, Simeon HS, MIF/3B, 2013

The athletic 5-foot-10, 150-pound shortstop moved well and showed great energy and actions in the infield. Fletcher displayed a solid, accurate arm across the infield and good foot work at shortstop. At th plate, Fletcher displayed a polished, balanced swing in which he sprayed line drives to all fields. Fletcher let his quick hands work by letting the ball travel deep before initiating his swing.

 

Dalton Garst, Winnebago HS, C/RHP, 2013

The 6-foot, 180-pound catcher threw a pop time of 2.34 with a solid accurate arm. On the mound Garst topped at 81 from a high ¾ arm slot with an easy arm action. His curveball proved to be an impressive pitch flashing tight, late bite.

 

Alex Gaydos, Wheaton North HS, RHP/OF/INF, 2013

The 6-foot-1, 150-pound right-hander threw in the mid 70’s with arm side run. Gaydos came from a high ¾ arm slot with a tight curveball that showed some bite with an 11/5 shape. He also showed some feel for his changeup which displayed some arm side downward action.

 

Jack Granath, Rockton Hononegah HS, SS/3B, 2013

With long legs and arms, Granath has an extremely projectable 6-foot-4, 165-pound frame. The infielder showed good footwork and an accurate arm in the infield. At the plate the tall right-handed hitter showed bat control and a compact swing that found the barrel consistently.

Jake Hargis, Metamora HS, 1B/OF, 2013

The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Hargis got behind his throws and displayed an accurate outfield arm with some carry. At first base, Hargis fielded the ball out front and showed good footwork around the bag. At the plate, Hargis showed a smooth left hand hitting swing. Hargis was short to the ball and showed impressive barrel-whip through the zone.

 

Tyler Johnson, MIF, Harlan HS, 2013

The 5-foot-7, 140-pound middle infielder moved well in the field and showed quick defensive actions. At the plate, Johnson showcased a short, balanced, line drive swing which consistently squared up the baseball. Johnson also showed some foot speed running a 7.19 60.

 

Lucas Jones, OF, Lincoln Way Central HS, 2013

The 5-foot-9, 130-pound Jones impressed with his defensive actions in the outfield. Jones showed an accurate, solid arm with some carry from the OF which came in at 77. The left-handed hitting Jones moved aggressively to the ball and threw on a downhill plane.

  

Jeremy Kravetz, Mount Carmel HS, LHP, 2013

The 6-foot, 170-pound left-hander showed some funk on the mound, working on a downward plane from a high ¾ arm slot. Kravetz fastball topped at 77 with arm side run. Kravetz’s changeup showed to be his best pitch, as it had downward arm side movement. Kravetz also showed some depth and bite on his curveball.

 

Cal Laird, Fenwick HS, LHP, 2013

The left-hander came from a high ¾ arm slot with a smooth arm action and was consistently throwing quality strikes down in the zone. Laird was able to throw his fastball which exhibited some run and his changeup also showed well with downward action.

 

Nicholas Loggarakis, Glenbrook South HS, SS/RHP, 2013

The 5-foot-11, 143-pound two-way talent has a long, projectable frame. In the field, he showed fluid movements and a solid arm across the infield (79 mph). Loggarakis displayed good actions and worked his hands out front, playing through the baseball. At the plate, he showed some bat speed to go along with a level swing. On the mound the right-hander topped at 78 from a high ¾ arm slot.

 

Bradley Margolin, C/RHP, Glenbrook North HS, 2013

The strong-bodied 5-foot-8, 150-pound right-hander on the mound showed a feel for three pitches and filled up the strike zone. Margolin topped at 81 mph on the mound, coming from a high 3/4 arm slot. He also flashed a tight slider and a changeup with good downward action.

 

Kyle Mathews, Winchester HS, RHP/3B, 2013

The 5-foot-10, 150-pound right-hander came from a high ¾ arm slot. Mathew’s fastball consistently sat at 77 and showed some arm side run. The lean righty threw a tight slider with short break that came in at 72. Mathews also displayed a changeup with downward movement that was consistently located down in the strike zone. 

 

Nick Naber, Rockton Hononegah HS, MIF/OF, 2013

The 5-foot-11, 160-pound athlete showed good foot speed by running a 7.07. Naber in the field moved well laterally.

 

Alex Owings, Providence Catholic HS, C/OF/1B, 2013

The 6-foot-1, 175-pound catcher showed solid footwork behind the plate. Offensively, Owings has a balanced, level swing and flashed some power potential

 

Jeffrey Reynolds, De La Salle HS, OF, 2013

In the outfield Reynolds got behind his throws well and showed an accurate arm with some carry. At the plate, he displayed a level swing. The 5-foot-9, 150-pound outfielder also showcased some foot speed running a 7.31 60.

 

Ricky Salazar, Plainfield South HS,3B/RHP/C, 2013

The strong-bodied 5-foot-10, 180-pound infielder moved well in the field and displayed a solid arm across the infield. Behind the dish Salazar threw a pop time of 2.15 with a quick release. At the plate Ricky exhibited a level swing with some bat speed as he sprayed line drives with some carry.

 

Jacob Scudder, Rock Island HS, C/3B, 2013

The 6-foot, 185-pound left-handed hitting catcher displayed a solid arm with some carry, throwing a top pop time of 2.27. At the plate, Scudder showed well with a short, balanced swing and an economical swing path. Jacob also showed some bat speed which whipped though the zone, hitting line drives consistently.

 

Alec Semersky, Libertyville HS, 1B/RHP, 2013

Semersky has a projectable athletic and lean 6-foot-2, 175-pound frame. He showed off his athleticism by running a 7.26 60. At the plate, Semersky showcased a level swing while staying tall and working his hands inside and through the baseball. He showed solid bat speed and power potiential at the plate. At first base, he fielded the ball out front and showcased an accurate arm. On the mound, Semersky is a submariner, coming from down south while filling up the bottom half of the strike zone. His fastball had natural arm-side run.

Brett Shimanovsky, Highland Park HS, LHP/1B, 2013

The lean 6-foot, 170-pound left-hander showed feel for three pitches, including a fastball that topped out at 81 mph with arm side run coming from a high ¾ arm slot. Brett displayed some depth on a 12/6 breaking ball which flashed tight break. Shimanovsky’s changeup also showed well with arm side action.

Blake Szurkowski, Yorkville HS, C/RHP, 2013

The strong 5-foot-11, 180-pound catcher showed a solid arm behind the plate, throwing a pop time of 2.3. At the plate, Blake demonstrated some strength with the ability to barrel up the baseball with some pop. On the mound, Blake came from a low ¾ arm slot with a fastball coming in at 80 with arm-side run. The strong two-way player also showed the ability to drop his curveball in for a strike.

 

Zach Trusk, C/3B, Plainfield North HS, 2013

The catcher showed an accurate arm and threw an impressive pop time of 2.06. The 5-foot-6, 160-pound catcher also was a good receiver and blocker behind the dish. At the plate he displayed a level, line drive swing.

 

Chris Tschida, Joliet HS, SS/3B, 2013

The lean 6-foot-2, 180-pound shortstop displayed good actions and hands in the infield. Tschida fielded the ball out front while playing through the baseball, showing a solid arm across the diamond. At the plate, Tschida displayed a well-balanced swing and looks like he should hit for some power in the coming years.

 

Matt Ulrich, Bettendorf HS (Iowa), RHP/3B/1B, 2013

The lean 6-foot-3, 164-pound right-hander came from an over the top arm slot with a fastball that topped at 77. His curveball showed an 11/5 break and solid depth, with the ability to drop it in for a strike. Ulrich’s change also showed some downward action.

 

Mike Virgilio, Maine South HS, LHP/OF, 2013

On the mound, the lean 5-foot-11, 160-pound left-hander came from a high ¾ arm slot with a fastball that topped at 77 with arm side run. Virgilio showed a good feel for his secondary pitches dropping his curveball in for a strike with good depth and throwing a change with some downward action. A two-way talent, Virgilio showcased an impressive left-handed swing, as he long and athletic in the box. Quick to the ball, Virgilio gets excellent extension after contact as he drove the ball to all corners of the field.

 

Zach Wade, C/1B, Deerfield HS, 2013

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound catcher soft hands and good footwork behind the plate, while throwing a top pop time of 2.19. At the plate, Wade showcased a balanced, line-drive swing in which he drove the ball to both power alleys. Wade’s swing was highlighted by an aggressive lower half and an economical swing path to the baseball.

Reed Watson, Rochester HS, C/3B, 2013

The strong and physical 6-foot-1, 190-pound catcher showed big power potential at the plate. He has an aggressive approach and stays strong through the baseball as he demonstrated pull-side power potential. Behind the plate, Watson’s top pop time registered at 2.38. 

 

Jeremy Wright, Andrean HS (IN), SS/3B, 2013

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound infielder demonstrated smooth defensive actions and a solid arm across the infield. Wright showed good footwork and followed his throws which displayed some carry across the diamond. At the plate, Wright had an impressive round of batting practice, highlighted by a level  swing with some bat speed. Wright has an aggressive approach and attacks the ball, as he consistently found the barrel.