By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor - Wisconsin/Illinois

Continuing our coverage of the Madison Preseason I.D. today we roll out our outfield analysis. Eau Claire North's Adam LaRock (2016) took the top spot with one of the more impressive stat lines we've seen. LaRock ran a 6.76, was 96 mph from the outfield, 91 across the diamond and topped 90 mph off the tee from both sides of the plate. Connor Kimple (Marquette University, 2016) was shortly behind LaRock also running a 6.76 with a 90 mph arm and 99 mph exit velocity from the tee. His physical nature makes him even more impressive at 6-foot-3, 215-pounds.

Here's a look at the top outfielders.

Top Outfield Prospects

1. Adam LaRock, OF/INF, Eau Claire North, 2016
Iowa commit. 5-foot-11, 170-pound switch-hitting athlete, lean build with strength. Raw, plus potential toolsy prospect, showing continued improvements and polish. Showed plus arm strength at 96 mph from the outfield, 91 mph across the infield, long high ¾ arm action with carry and accuracy. Looks to project best in the outfield, looks more natural and has foot speed to stick in centerfield. Ran the 60 at 6.76, laser timed. Offensively hits from both sides of the plate, slightly open stance, short stride with good balance, setup mirrors on both sides of the plate. Swing looks short to the baseball, more polished than previously seen, excellent bat speed from both sides. 91 mph exit velocity from the right side, 93 mph exit velocity from the left side. One of the more dynamic prospects in the 2016 class, highly versatile and just starting to hit his stride on realizing potential.

2. Connor Kimple, OF, Marquette University, 2016
6-foot-3, 215-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder with a strong, athletic build. In the field has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot with carry. Plays thru the ball with aggressive actions and average hands. Impressed with arm strength throwing 90 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a wide, balanced setup, short stride with good balance. Line drive, gap to gap hitter with a shirt level swing path. Showed explosive bat speed with 99 mph exit velocity from a tee. Excellent runner running the 60 at 6.76. High level prospect.

3. Dominic Clementi, OF, Arrowhead, 2016
Michigan commit. 6-foot-2, 185-pound outfielder, athletically built, projects well. Left-handed hitter, open stance, short stride back to even, good athletic setup, hitterish. Hands are loose and quick, attacks the baseball, short to it, fast bat, can create more extension. Repeatable hard contact, high upside with the bat. 90 mph exit velocity form the tee. Good athlete, 6.84 runner in the 60. Moves well defensively aggressive crowhop. Did not throw at this event.

4. Zach Gilles, OF, McDonnell Central, 2016
5-foot-9, 160-pound left-handed outfielder, smaller frame with medium build, light footed athlete. Advanced runner, 6.77 laser timed 60, plays well in the outfield. Centerfield type defender, plays through the baseball, good footwork. Arm played at 78 mph, over the top slot, played on line. Left-handed hitter, slightly open stance, smooth load, short stride, good balance. Line drive opposite field type hitter, path is short, flat through the baseball, hits off back side. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.

5. Benjamin Graham, OF/RHP, Mukwonago, 2017
5-foot-10, 175-pound two-way player, medium frame with some strength. Tall and fall delivery, works online, falls slightly to first base side. Arm action is long and firm. Fastball has slight sinking action, showed control of the zone at 80-81 mph, touched 82 mph. Curveball flashed control, 69-70 mph, gradual action on 12/6 axis. Changeup has sink, 74-77 mph. Flashed advanced action on both secondary pitches, can improve consistency. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, lower half works. Takes aggressive hacks, loose hands, made hard contact, advanced bat speed for his age. Gap to gap approach, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.17 runner in the 60.

6. Cameron Cratic, OF, Madison East, 2017
5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed outfielder, long lanky frame, projectable build, lean athlete. Offensively hits from an open stance, short quick leg lift trigger, occasionally starts late. Showed bat speed, level path with occasional length around the baseball. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively moved athletically, played through the baseball, works through with a crowhop, good footwork, 7.26 runner. Arm played well, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, occasional carry, 82 mph from the outfield. Strong follow 2017 prospect.

7. Jacob Greenberg, LHP/OF, Wauwatosa West, 2016
Lean frame, 5-foot-10, 160-pound left handed two-way prospect. Delivery works online, slightly closed, upright finish. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, occasionally gets higher. Fastball showed occasional cut action, 80-82 mph, lively through zone. 1/7 curveball, flashed plus action at 73 mph, ranged 67-72 mph. Straight change is firm, 72-74 mph, lacked command. Lively action on all three pitches, swing and miss type stuff, lacked overall command. Left-handed hitter, balanced stance, short quick double stride, late trigger. Path is short and quick, line drive type hitter, works on top of the baseball, mostly opposite field contact. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed arm strength from the outfield, loose arm action, over the top slot, 87 mph from the crowhop, has the athleticism to transfer that to the mound as he matures. Plays through the baseball feet work, 6.9 runner in the 60.

8. Nate Sorenson, OF, Eau Claire North, 2015
Athletically built, 6-foot, 185-pound outfielder, good frame and build. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short stride, good balance through contact. Occasionally lunges to contact, path is short, hands work, good bat speed, strong hands. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a long arm action, over the top slot, arm has carry, 85 mph from the crowhop. Plays well through the baseball solid outfield actions, 7.34 runner. Good overall athlete.

9. Paul Petit, RHP/OF/INF, Regis, 2017
5-foot-11, 165-pound two-way player, lean athletic frame, sloped shoulders, projects well. On the mound uses a high leg kick, loads well over rubber, works smoothly down the hill. Short quick arm action from a high ¾ slot, good arm speed, projects for continued velocity. Fastball pitched at 79-80 mph, topped out at 82 mph. Curveball works on 12/6 plane, flashed late action, controlled better from the stretch. Changeup sat 67-69 mph, mostly straight, fastball comparable arm speed. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short stride. Loose athletic hands, path worked well, hit in rhythm. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Showed arm strength defensively, 85 mph from the outfield, 80 mph across the infield. Better actions in the outfield, played through the baseball with crowhop. Well above average runner for age, 7.07 in the 60.

10. Nicholas Elsen, OF, Indian Trail, 2017
6-foot-1, 168-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder with a lanky athletic frame. In the field has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Some accuracy with average arm strength. Plays thru the ball with athletic actions. Threw 85 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from an open stance with a short stride and average balance. Showed a fast bat with an uphill swing path. Loud, hard contact. Showed strength thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.30.

10. Zachary Johnson, OF, Eau Claire Memorial, 2016
Athletic build with strength, v-shaped torso, wide shoulders, 5-foot-8, 165-pound outfielder. Hits from an open stance, short toe tap stride back to even. Path works slightly uphill, showed bat speed, lower half can get involved more, occasional opposite field contact. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively moved well through the baseball, aggressive crowhop with good arm that plays well. Arm action is loose and over the top, accurate arm with carry, 83 mph from the outfield. Ran the 60 at 7.43.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Justus Benson, OF, Sun Prairie, 2016
6-foot, 175-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. In the field has a long loose arm action from an over the top arm slot. Some accuracy and flashes carry on throws. Some actions with average hands. Threw 80 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from an open stance with a short stride and average balance. Line drive hitter with a long level swing path and extension. Showed strength thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity. Ran the 60 at 7.18.

Zachary Champine, OF, Green Bay Preble, 2016
5-foot-9, 175-pound outfielder, small frame with strength, stocky build. Right-handed hitter, short stride. Quick bat with strong hands, compact strong stroke, shows bat speed. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays through the baseball. Standard outfield arm action, long over the top slot, some carry, 83 mph from the outfield.

Javon Connolly, RHP/OF, St. Joseph Catholic, 2018
6-foot-2, 148-pound, left-handed hitting RHP/OF with a lanky build. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action and regular effort. Slow paced tall and fall online delivery with level shoulders and a square landing. Threw fastball for strikes at 69-70 topping out at 71 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape for strikes at 54-57 mph. Changeup flashed sink for strikes at 57-61 mph. In the outfield plays thru the ball well with an over the top arm action. Threw 70 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from an open stance, back load, and a short stride. Average balance with a level swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.87.

Chris DeKrey, RHP/OF, Jefferson, 2017
6-foot-2, 195-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a quick arm action. Works exclusively from the stretch, crouched knees at set, short leg lift before going to the plate. Online delivery with level shoulders and a square landing. Fastball showed run at 82 mph. Curveball at 69-70 mph. Cutter at 75-78 mph. In the outfield has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 84 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits form a tall balanced setup with a short stride and average balance. Showed strength thru contact with 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Solid runner. Ran the 60 at 6.84.

Johnny Duranso, OF, Arrowhead, 2016
6-fo0t-1, 200-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. In the field has a short arm action in back from an over the top arm slot. Accurate, online throws with slower actions. Threw 72 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a slightly closed stance, short load to backside, slight arm bar, with a leg kick stride, and good balance. Opposite field line drive hitter with average bat speed and a long swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.06.

Brayden Elliot, C/OF, Nicolet, 2017
6-foot-1, 180-pound catcher, frame carries present strength. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short toe tap stride, solid balance. Strong swing, hands worked, showed bat speed. Good approach, some presence in the box, gets extension with pull side lift approach. 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a short over the top arm action from the crouch (65 mph) and the outfield (73 mph). Showed some action in the outfield, most likely projects to corner outfield spot. 7.29 runner. Posted pop times at 2.29-2.43.

AJ Frisby, OF, Wilmont, 2018
6-foot-3, 180-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder with a lanky, athletic frame. In the field works from an over the top arm slot with some carry. Plays thru the ball with some athleticism. Threw 78 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a wide base with a balanced setup. Short stride with average balance. Long level swing path with some early rhythm. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.34. Player to watch for the upcoming years. Will continue to improve with maturity.

Ruben Galvez, OF, Cudahy HS, 2018
5-foot-3, 130-pound right-handed hitting outfielder who ran a 7.44 60. Offensively, hits from balanced setup, rotational swing, minimal extension; recorded 72 mph exit velocity. Defensively, works downhill with crowhop, short arm action, high-3/4 slot, clocked at 69 mph.

AJ Gutierrez, OF, Sheboygan South, 2016
6-foot, 175-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. In the field has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Some accuracy with carry on throws. Plays thru the ball with fluid footwork and average hands. Threw 82 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and average balance. Opposite field hitter with a long level swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.32.

Teagan Heilman, OF, Sun Prairie, 2017
6-foot, 175-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. In the field has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Some accuracy with carry on throws. Athletic actions, plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 82 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short leg lift stride. Average balance with a level swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.44.

Peyton Henry, SS/RHP, Columbus, 2017
6-foot-1, 170-pound, right-handed hitting SS/RHP. In the field has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Threw 79 mph across the infield. In the outfield has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Plays thru the ball with online actions. Threw 78 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and average balance. Opposite field hitter with a long uphill swing path. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.34. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with a slightly open landing and level shoulders. Fastball sat 78-80 mph. Slider sat 63-65 mph. Straight changeup sat 71-75 mph.

Jeff Holtz, C/OF, Arrowhead, 2018
6-foot-3, 181-pound lanky and athletic right-handed hitting catcher already committed to Indiana. Impressed with advanced catch-and-throw skills, pop times ranging from 2.00-2.01 consistently. 72 mph out of the crouch with carry to second. Short, over-the-top arm slot, carry on throws, plus direction to second out of the crouch, quick footwork, quick/clean, exchange from glove to hand. Impressed with soft hands receiving during bullpens. Also threw 81 mph from the outfield. Hits from a balanced setup, hands load back smoothly, leg kick stride, loose, fluid swing, short path, gets extension, plus bat speed for age, 86 mph exit velocity off the tee. Ran a 7.23 60. High-level prospect in the Midwest to follow over the next four years.

Kristopher Kastberg, RHP/OF, Green Bay Preble, 2016
6-foot-1, 165-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short quick arm action. Drop and drive online delivery with an open toed landing and athletic finish. Regular effort with some rhythm. Fastball sat 77-80 mph. Slider showed sweeping action at 67-70 mph. Changeup flashed sink at 70-72 mph. In the field has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with carry. Plays thru the ball with fluid footwork. Threw 82 mph form the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short toe tap stride. Average bat speed with a level swing. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.34.

Zachary Kessler, OF, Waterford Union, 2017
6-foot-1, 160-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. In the field has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Choppy feet with online throws. Threw 72 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a tall, open stance with a long toe tap stride. Line drive hitter with an uphill swing path. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.30. 

Weston Knutson, RHP/OF, DeForest, 2016
6-foot-1, 155-pound, left-handed hitting RHP/OF with a lanky build. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action . Crossfire delivery with level shoulders. Fastball sat 73-75 mph. Curveball sat 62-66 mph. Slider showed 10-4 shape at 66-69 mph. In the field has short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Threw 80 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from an open stance with a leg kick stride and average balance. Pull hitter with a long, uphill swing. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.61.

Carver Nolan, OF, Fond Du Lac, 2016
5-foot-9, 165-pound left-handed hitting outfielder, lean athletic shape with some visible strength. Hits from a slightly closed stance, stride stays closed. Path has some length, works around the baseball with pull side approach. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a long arm action from the outfield, over the top slot, 81 mph from the outfield. Ran the 60 at 7.31.

Dillon Nowicki, RHP/OF, Stoughton, 2018
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic frame with sloped shoulders, high follow pitching prospect in the 2018 class. Athletic delivery, works online, slight open toe landing, finishes to first base side. Arm action is loose and lightning quick for his age, high ¾ slot. Fastball finishes late through the zone, occasional running action, sat 85 mph, touched 86 mph, plus arm strength for his age. Changeup is a plus pitch for age, throws aggressively with fastball arm speed, hard action to his arm side 80-81 mph. Slider was left arm side, throws with aggressive arm speed, simply didn’t get through the baseball, worked around it and had back up type action, ranged from 67-71 mph. Hits from a balanced stance, arm bar load, short stride. Athletic setup and loose hands, level path. Defensively showed arm strength from the outfield, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, showed arm strength at 85 mph. 7.62 runner in the 60. Looks to project as one of the top pitching prospects in the Midwest’s 2018 class.

Cam Porter, OF/RHP, Madison West, 2016
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed hitting OF/RHP. In the field has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Some accuracy with average arm strength. Choppy feet with online actions. Threw 80 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from an open stance with a toe tap stride. Average balance with an uphill swing path. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.11. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Drop and drive delivery with open shoulders. Fastball sat 76-77 topping out at 78 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape with some sharp action and good depth at 66-67 mph. Changeup flashed armside run at 70-72 mph.

Jacob Sandy, OF, Brookfield Central, 2016
5-foot-11, 200-pound outfielder, muscular build, carries current strength. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Strong grip, muscled swing, bat speed present, level path. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran a 7.01 in the 60. Defensively played through the baseball, excess steps to release, can cut down and quicken exchange. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 80 mph from the outfield.

Trevor Tietz, OF/INF/RHP, Watertown, 2018
5-foot-11, 140-pound two-way player, hits from a balanced stance, short toe tap stride, sets hands high, slight arm bar load. Path works down to the baseball, recorded exit velocity at 75 mph from the tee. Showed arm strength for his age, 80 mph from outfield crowhop, 73 mph across the diamond. Showed actions both on infield and outfield, good crowhop, arm showed carry. Infield actions worked, solid hands. On the mound arm action is long and firm, over the top slot. Fastball showed average control for age, sat 75-77 mph. Breaking ball works on 11/5 plane, 62-64 mph. Changeup has tendency to decelerate arm action, 62-66 mph, slight sink.

Eliot Turnquist, OF/INF, Columbus, 2017
5-foot-9, 135-pound multi-positional player, thin build with some projection. Hits from a slightly open stance, short stride, average balance. Showed loose hands at the plate, good bat speed for his age, uppercut path. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed arm strength for his age, 78 mph across the diamond, 79 mph from the outfield. Showed some athleticism defensively, hands showed softness on the infield, most likely projects better there. Showed the ability to play through the baseball, solid footwork and actions. 7.69 runner in the 60.

Carl Valk, OF/LHP, Appleton North HS, 2017
Lanky build, 5-foot-10, 145-pound two-way prospect. Switch hitter at the plate with similar approaches from both sides. Utilizes short stride, quiet load, rotational approach; athletic hands, more whip generated from left side. Registered 81 mph exit velocity from right side; 83 from left. Defensively, shows fluid outfield actions, high-3/4 slot, clocked at 76 mph from outfield and ran a 7.31 60. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, works from high-3/4 slot with longer arm action. Tall and fall delivery, in-line direction. Fastball sat at 73-74 with slight run, consistent strikes. Slider ranged between 66-68 mph, more lateral sweep. Changeup is thrown with fastball arm action with similar fastball velocity, 70-72, with some running action.

Jacob Varick, RHP/OF, Kettle Moraine, 2016
6-foot-2, 175-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall slow paced delivery with a closed landing. Fastball sat 79-80 topping out at 82 mph. Slider showed 10-4 shape at 72-75 mph. Changeup blends with fastball at 78-79 mph. In the field has a loose arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 80 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a tall open stance with a short stride. Short, level swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Good runner running the 60 at 6.93.

Jordan Vonbehren, OF/C, Deforest, 2018
5-foot-11, 175-pound, right-handed hitting OF/C. In the outfield has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Threw 76 mph from the outfield. Behind the plate his a short arm action from an over the top arm slot, average hands with some stiffness in the lower half. Popped 2.30-2.47 and threw 67 mph from the crouch. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and average balance. Opposite field hitter with a short swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.03. On the mound has a short quick arm action from a high ¾ arm angle. Cross fire delivery with level shoulders and a closed landing. Armside run on fastball at 73-75 mph. Curveball showed 10-4 shape at 66-68 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup with cutting action at 68-70 mph. Will continue to improve with maturity.

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