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Future Prospect Showcase: Player Analysis

April 24, 2014

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin/Illinois

The Future Prospects Showcase featured an impressive group of young prospects in the 2018 and 2019 graduating classes. Many showed advanced abilities for their age and will surely be high follow prospects as they mature.

Here’s a look at all of the prospects in attendance and their performance at the event.

Justin Baker, CIF/C, Undecided, 2018
6-foot, 185-pound, corner infielder/catcher type, solid build. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, toe tap trigger, lower half works, showed balance. Pull side approach with occasional pop, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm works from a long over the top slot, 70 mph across the diamond. Behind the plate, posted pop times at 2.51-2.65, arm played at 66 mph out of the crouch, shorter arm action will lead to better pop times.

Tyler Brandenburg, INF/RHP, Undecided, 2018
5-foot-8, 148-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, toe tap stride. Long path, flat through the zone. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a short arm action, over the top slot, 59 mph arm across the diamond. 4.83 runner down the line. On the mound fastball flashed run, 61-64 mph. Slow curveball at 44-47 mph. Changeup had occasional sink 58-59 mph.

Max Bruff, INF/C/RHP, Undecided, 2019
5-foot-8, 148-pound utility player. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, heel lift load, has some quick twitch athleticism. Inconsistent stride, better timing could see much more consistent contact. Showed excellent bat speed, posted 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ironing out some timing issues could make him a high level hitter. Defensively showed the ability to play multiple positions, again showed some quick twitch athleticism, raw actions. Arm played at 65 mph from the infield and behind the plate. Posted pop times at 2.43-2.65. On the mound fastball showed run, feel for the strike zone, 66-68 mph. Slider worked at 61-64 mph, downward action. Changeup flashed sink, 50-57 mph.

Ben Cameron, C/3B, Undecided, 2018
5-foot-10, 178-pound catcher/infielder, shows strength. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, leg lift stride. Hard contact, excellent bat speed, pull power approach, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed promise behind the plate, over the top arm action, stays on line, gains ground well with good direction, solid blocker. Posted pop times at 2.19-2.34. Arm played at 70 mph both from the crouch and across the infield.

Kyle Connell, RHP/3B, Sun Prairie, 2018
5-foot-7, 145-pound two-way player, showed strength. On the mound arm action is short, over the top slot, regular effort. Fastball is mostly straight, showed control of the zone, 68-69 mph, touched 70 mph. Breaking ball had 12/6 shape, 55-57 mph, showed control. Straight changeup at 61-63 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Made hard contact maintaining good balance. Produced line drives, 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Randon Dauman, RHP/OF/INF, Columbus, 2018
5-foot-11, 140-pound two-way player, lanky frame with projection. Showed advanced arm strength. Delivery showed good hip load, front side has some coil, smooth rhythm and athleticism. Arm operates from high ¾ slot, regular effort. Advanced fastball ranged from 74-78 mph, occasional heavy feel, mostly straight with some sink. Curveball works on 12/6 plane, has feel, high level potential, 65-66 mph throws aggressively. Throws changeup with conviction, fastball arm speed, slight fading action, 71-74 mph. Defensively was aggressive attacking the baseball, excellent footwork in the outfield, played throught he baseball well, advanced arm for age, 82 mph from the outfield. On the infield showed similar athleticism and aggressiveness attacking the baseball, average body control, arm played at 76 mph. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, short stride, good balance. Bat path is shorter than most with extension, line drive type approach working the middle of the field. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Jack Doubek, MIF, Pewaukee, 2018
5-foot-7, 120-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from a crouched setup, short stride, good balance throughout. Made consistently hard contact, two piece swing mechanics, gets front foot down early. 66 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively made a quick exchange on the infield, short over the top arm action, showed the ability to get rid of it quickly. 59 mph arm across the infield. 4.68 runner down the line.

Jimmy Frusciante, LHP/OF/1B, Middleton, 2018
5-foot-9, 145-pound left handed two way player, athletic frame with length. On the mound arm worked from a high ¾ slot, long arm action, short stride. Fastball has slight sink, arm side run with finish, showed the ability to command the zone. Curveball showed action on 11/5 plane, near fastball arm speed, showed feel, 59-64 mph. Changeup has slight cut, some sink, kept down in the zone, 62-63 mph. Offensively hits from an open stance, smooth loading action, short stride, good balance throughout. Athletic loose hands, hits with rhythm, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played through the baseball quickly and athletically in the outfield, aggressive actions. Arm played at 75 mph from the outfield and 71 mph across the infield. Natural actions and footwork around the bag.

Johannes Haakenson, OF/INF/RHP, Evansville, 2018
5-foot-1, 93-pound multi-positional player. Undersized frame but showed natural baseball actions all over the field. Offensively hits from the right side, balanced stance, short stride, maintains good balance throughout. Good setup and repeats swing well. Line drive type hitter, showed the ability to spray the baseball, 66 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed natural actions, in the outfield used traditional outfield arm action, played through the baseball with a crowhop, 65 mph arm from the outfield. On the infield was able to use an athletic arm action to play on the move, showing body control, arm played at 59 mph across the diamond. Also ran a 4.72 home to first. On the mound fastball touched 61 mph, sat 58-60 mph. Curveball worked on 11/5 plane, 51-53 mph, occasional backup action. Changeup had sink at 53-54 mph.

Tristan Hughes, C/INF, Oregon, 2018
5-foot-6, 145-pound catcher/infielder. Offensively hits from a tall setup, short foot lift load. Showed some bat speed, athletic hands, works uphill, sprayed the baseball to both gaps. 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed the ability to play through the baseball on the infield, arm action is short and over the top. Arm played at 60 mph across the infield and 63 mph out of the crouch. Posted pop times at 2.57-2.82. Quicker footwork and better direction will help lower pop times.

Reagan Klawiter, LHP/OF, Verona, 2019
5-foot-5, 100-pound two way player. On the mound arm worked from a high ¾ slot, long arm action with looseness. Showed an impressive feel for three pitches at his age. Fastball has slight run, 62-64 mph, showed feel for the zone. Has the ability to throw strikes with his curveball, 51-54 mph, occasionall sweep, mostly 11/5 tilt. Changeup flashed fade at 56-59 mph. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced stance, short stride. Uphill path, front foot hitter, lifts the baseball, made opposite field contact, 62 mph exit velocity from the tee. In the outfield used a shuffle to play through the baseball, two handed approach 64 mph arm strength.

Brodie Klukas, INF/C, Madison, 2018
5-foot-11, 155-pound multi-positional player. Showed a well above average arm for his age, with a long loose arm action, could profile better on the mound as he gets older. Defensively showed above average infield actions, gets footwork setup before receiving the baseball, excess steps working through the baseball, 76 mph arm across the diamond. Behind the plate arm played at 71 mph, posted pop times at 2.47-2.51. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, gap to gap approach, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Jake Lee, OF/INF, Verona, 2018
5-foot-3, 115-pound utility player. Offensively hits out of a balanced stance using short stride. Pull side approach, occasionally drops barrel. 63 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 58 mph from the outfield and 54 mph across the infield. Showed similar arm action at both, longer arm action from high ¾ slot. Occasionally plays through the baseball got down the line at 5.13.

Stephen Lund, C/INF/RHP, Verona, 2018
5-foot-10, 150-pound multi-positional player, solid build with strength. Offensively hits from an open stance, smooth loading action, short stride. Bat path is short with extension, line drive gap to gap type hitter, above average bat speed. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee, advanced hitter. Defensively showed advanced abilities both on the infield and out of the crouch. Arm action is athletic and showed the ability to adapt to the position played, 74 mph out of the crouch, 76 mph across the infield. Out of the crouch stayed low, received the ball well with soft hands, mechanically sound blocking, advanced defensive actions on the infield as well, could physically grow into a strong hitting third base/catcher type. On the mound arm worked from a high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run, showed the ability for command, 73-75 mph touched 76 mph. Curveball showed excellent action on 12/6 plane, sharp with fastball arm speed, 62-64 mph with knowledge of the zone. Changeup flashed occasional sink, near fastball arm speed, 67-70 mph.

Connor Mantheny, C/INF/RHP, Columbus, 2018
5-foot-8, 155-pound multi-positional player, long legs, projectable frame. Offensively hits from a wider balanced stance, smooth loading action, short stride. Well above average bat speed, gap to gap approach, loose hands made hard contact, front foot hitter. Defensively on the infield showed softer hands, plays through the baseball, athletic arm action, showed body control. Arm played at 65 mph across the diamond and out of the crouch. Pop times registered at 2.41-2.43. Made efficient transfers and showed excellent accuracy to the bag. On the mound worked from a high ¾ slot, longer arm action. Fastball has sink with occasional run, showed control, 70-71 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, with above average depth, near fastball arm speed, showed control, 57-60 mph. Changeup has above average action 64-63 mph.

Jack McNeil, 1B/RHP, Edgewood, 2018
Physically advanced for his age, 6-foot-3, 200-pound two-player. Projects well on the mound, big frame with loose arm action. Delivery lacks some coordination, delivery should get better as he learns his body. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot. Fastball is lively, late heavy feel, 73-75 mph touching 76 mph. Breaking ball has 11/5 shape with action, near fastball arm speed, 63-66 mph. Changeup has slight fade, near fastball arm action, 68 mph. Offensively hits from a tall narrow stance, short stride. Gets some extension, power potential, 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed natural actions around first baseball.

Calvin Nowak, OF/INF, Waukesha West, 2018
5-foot-8, 135-pound multi-positional player. Showed excellent foot speed for his age, 4.18 runner down the line. Hits from the left side, slightly open stance, short stride, low hands setup. Path is short, minimal extension, occasionally rolls over. 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm worked from a high ¾ slot. Clean exchanges but can be quicker. Short quick footwork defensively. Arm played at 63 mph from the outfield, 57 mph across the infield.

Dillon Nowicki, RHP/OF, Stoughton, 2018
5-foot-10, 150-pound two-way player, long limbed, projectable build. Projects well on the mound with advanced arm strength for his age. Delivery has rhythm, open toe landing, regular effort. Arm action is loose, quick arm speed, high ¾ slot. Fastball has run, showed feel for the zone, 75-77 mph, advanced arm strength. Curveball showed above average action, 11/5 plane, near fastball arm speed, 62-64 mph. Changeup has feel, sink, decelerated arm action, 65-70 mph, lacks conviction. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Line drive approach, short path with bat speed. Defensively has a strong loose arm action, 77 mph from the outfield, shuffles through the baseball.  4.61 runner down the line.

Sean O’Brien, SS/RHP, Marquette University, 2018
5-foot-10, 145-pound two-way player, long lanky frame. Offensively hits from an opened and tall setup, regular stride back to even. Line drive, gap to gap hitter, showed bat speed, loose hands with whip, 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 70 mph across the diamond, short arm action. Long gangly actions, corner infield type, clean exchange showed body control. 4.58 runner home to first. On the mound arm action is loose and quick, short arm action from high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight sink, 71-73 mph, showed feel for the zone. Advanced curveball for age, 12/6 action, sharp bite for age, near fastball arm speed with feel, 60-61 mph. Straight changeup with feel, 67-69 mph, showed control of the zone.

Trajan Prochnow, RHP/OF, Rio, 2018
5-foot-11, 173-pound two way player. Profiled well on the mound. Arm works with regular effort, long loose action, whippy arm, high ¾ slot. Head stays on line very well, good direction. Fastball showed arm side run, showed feel for the zone, sat at 77 mph, occasionally dropped to 74-75 out of the stretch. Changeup has well above average action, 68-70 mph, near fastball arm action with arm side run, showed feel of the zone. Slider lacked feel, mostly up in the zone 61-63 mph, arm is athletic enough to develop this pitch down the road. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride with balance. Line drive gap to gap style approach. Defensively from the outfield works with a big crowhop through the baseball, 74 mph from the outfield. Ran home to first at 4.36.

Sam Renlund, MIF, Verona, 2018
5-foot-6, 130-pound left handed hitting middle infielder. Defensively showed smooth actions, field baseball out in front, left of center, soft hands. Athletic footwork plays through the baseball, shows body control. Arm played at 62 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from the left side, no stride approach, good balance. Simple approach, repeats well, middle to opposite field approach, 70 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.75 runner down the line.

Eric Sadorf, OF, Oconomowoc, 2018
5-foot-10, 137-pound outfielder, long legs, thin build. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, short stride, good balance through contact. Showed bat speed, lacked extension, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively made clean exchanges in the outfield, short arm action from an over the top slot, arm played at 67 mph.

Lucas Schroeder, INF, Antigo, 2018
5-foot-6, 117-pound infielder. Defensively showed above average actions for his age, showed the ability to play through the baseball. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, showed accuracy across the diamond at 66 mph. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, short stride. Level path through the zone, line drive hitter, 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Showed foot speed running a 4.22 down the line.

Nathan Stevens, C/OF, Waunakee, 2019
5-foot-5, 117-pound left handed hitting catcher/outfielder. Offensively displayed an impressive game. Hits from a slightly open stance, smooth loading action with short stride. Front foot type hitter, short path, with occasional extension, line drive type with occasional pull side approach, loose athletic hands. 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played out of the crouch with a short loose arm action, over the top slot. Posted pop times at 2.32-2.47, arm played at 66 mph from the crouch. In the outfield arm registered at 73 mph, athletic footwork, played through the baseball. 4.44 runner down the line.

Jordan VonBehren, OF/RHP, DeForest, 2018
5-foot-11, 160-pound two-way player. On the mound arm works from a ¾ slot, longer and looser arm action, regular effort. Fastball sat 67-68 mph, touched 70 mph, showed sink and feel for the zone. Changeup has sink, 61-64 mph, showed control of the zone, near fastball arm speed. Hits from a taller setup, balanced stance, longer bat path, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a short arm action from a high ¾ slot, shows the ability to play through the baseball. 4.79 runner down the line.

Ryan Wagner, C/INF, Pewaukee, 2018
5-foot-9, 140-pound catcher/infielder, lanky frame, slender build. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, minimal stride, heel lift load. Two-piece swing mechanics, 64 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a long over the top arm action, long high draw. 64 mph arm strength from the infield and out of the crouch. Posted pop times at 2.54-2.76 out of the crouch.

Marshall Westfall, RHP/OF/INF, Undecided, 2018
5-foot-11, 175-pound multi-positional player, good frame with strength. Showcased a strong arm both on the mound and in the outfield. Fastball flashed run and sink to his arm side, 74-75 mph. Curveball had steep action, 63-65 mph. Changeup had sink, 65-69 mph. Defensively showed a strong arm from the outfield, 78 mph, short over the top arm action, gets some carry. Showed the ability to play through the baseball, showed similar athletic traits on the infield. Offensively this from a tall setup, slight leg lift. Short path produced line drives, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran a 4.64 down the line.

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