By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

All of our positional breakdowns are completed for the Southern Wisconsin Open and we wrap things up with the top overall prospects. This list has a mix of positions and graduating years which always makes things tough to compare, but there is a ton of projection in this group and a lot of names you will continue to hear.

1. Alex Rodriguez, SS, Cudahy, 2017
Small, super athletic middle infielder, 5-foot-7, 145-pounds. Plus potential defender at his age, feet work athletically with soft hands, advanced actions and body control. Possibly the best infield defender in Wisconsin’s 2017 class. Arm plays short and over the top with a quick release, accurate arm with carry, 82 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, smooth loading action, short stride, lower half works, athletic setup with good balance throughout. Fast bat on short path, line drive gap to gap type hitter, can cut down some head movement, loose athletic hitter. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. One of the top overall prospects in Wisconsin’s 2017 class.

2. Jack Thelen, C, West Bend West, 2017
Currently ranked No. 28 in the Wisconsin Class of 2017. Lean, lanky frame at 6-foot-3, 190-pound, Right-handed hitting catcher. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with carry. Soft hands receiving with a quick, clean transfer and fluid footwork. Popped 2.02-2.08 and threw 77 mph from the crouch. Flexibility in the lower half creating a low target for pitchers, showed ability to stick pitches in bullpens. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and good balance. Fluid rhythm with looseness in the hands. Level swing path with extension thru contact. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.59.