Top Prospect Showcase: Outfielder Analysis

July 26, 2016

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

Over 100 uncommitted 2017 prospects from Illinois and Wisconsin convened at Silver Cross Field in Joliet for the annual Top Prospect Showcase on June 16.

Throughout the week, we will roll out all reports from the event. Yesterday we took a look at the catchers. Today we continue with the analysis of the outfielders.

Here’s a look at the outfielders at the Top Prospect Showcase, starting with the top 10 prospects from the event:

TOP OUTFIELDERS

1. Cameron Cratic, OF/LHP, Madison East(WI), 2017
5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed hitting OF/LHP with a lanky, athletic frame. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Accurate throws with carry throwing 84 mph from the outfield. Athletic actions while playing thru the ball with fluid footwork and a clean exchange. At the plate hits from a tall, slightly open stance. Short stride with good balance. Line drive hitter with fluid rhythm and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 6.89. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with easy effort. Smooth rhythm with an athletic finish. Fastball showed slight running action at 80-82 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape at 67-69 mph. Maintained arm speed on his changeup that showed sinking action at 70-71 mph.

2. Michael Gunartt, OF, Niles West, 2017
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with an athletic frame. . Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a leg kick stride and good balance. Gap to gap hitter with an uphill swing path and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.18. Defensively has a long arm action form an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with carry throwing 89 mph from the outfield. Plays thru the ball with a clean exchange.

3. Robert Archbold, OF, Warren, 2017
6-foot-1, 195-pound left-handed hitting outfielder. Put on an impressive batting practice display hitting multiple home runs. Hits from a balanced setup with a big leg kick stride and good balance. Creates leverage thru contact. Pull hitter with a long, uphill swing path and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.37. Defensively has a long arm action from a high 3.4 slot. Plays thru the ball with a quick, clean transfer. Accurate throws flashed carry throwing 85 mph from the outfield.

4. Jason Cast, OF, Lake Forest, 2017
Strong, athletic frame at 5-foot-11, 177-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. Showed big time tools at the event. Ran the 60 at 6.74. In the outfield has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Athletic actions playing thru the ball with fluid footwork. Throws showed carry at 90 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a tall slightly open setup with a short stride and good balance. Gap to gap hitter with a long, uphill swing path and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 88 mph exit velocity from a tee.

5. Ashton Creal, OF, Metea Valley, 2017
6-foot-1, 180-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with an athletic frame. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with carry, throwing 89 mph from the outfield. Athletic actions, playing thru the ball with a clean exchange and fluid footwork. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short toe tap stride. Pull hitter with a long, uphill swing path and fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.07.

6. Zach Nogalski, OF, Marquette University(WI), 2017
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with an athletic frame. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with carry throwing 90 mph from the outfield. Athletic actions, playing thru the ball with fluid footwork and average hands. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly closed setup. Short stride with good balance. Gap to gap hitter with a long swing path and fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 6.98.

7. Matthew McNabb, OF, West De Pere (WI), 2017
5-foot-11, 178-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with a strong frame. At the plate hits from a balanced slightly closed setup. Short leg lift stride with average balance. Line drive gap to gap hitter with a long swing path and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 6.93. Defensively has a long arm action from a high 3/4 slot. Plays thru the ball with quick footwork and average hands. Threw 78 mph from the outfield.

8. Carl Valk, OF, Appleton North (WI), 2017
5-foot-11, 150-pound, switch-hitting outfielder with a lanky frame. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws flashed some carry throwing 84 mph from the outfield. Fluid, athletic actions in the outfield with a clean exchange and soft hands. From the left side, hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short leg lift stride. Short, level swing path, showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. From the right side has a toe tap stride and short swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity. Ran the 60 at 7.14.

9. Dain Hudson, OF, Waukesha West (WI), 2017
5-foot-8, 165-pound right-handed hitting, toolsy outfielder with a strong frame. Showed athleticism running the 60 at 6.83. In the outfield has a long, loose arm action from an over the top arm slot. Plays thru the ball with a long exchange. Throws showed carry at 87 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly closed setup. Short stride with average balance. Flashed line drive potential with a short swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 85 mph exit velocity from a tee.

10. Thomas Larson, OF/INF, Families of Faith Christian Academy, 2017
6-foot-1, 195-pound, right-handed hitting multi-positional prospect with a strong build. Ran an event best in the 60, running a 6.68. Offensively, balanced set up, leg kick stride. Bat speed, short path, strong swing, pull side pop. Recorded an exit velocity of 92 mph. Defensively, in the outfield, plays through the ball. Over the top slot, carry on throws. Clocked at 89 mph. In the infield, clean exchange, worked through the ball, clocked at 85 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Nathan Aide, OF, Franklin(WI), 2017
6-foot-1, 177-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. Showed athleticism running the 60 at 6.97. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with carry throwing 86 mph from the outfield. Plays thru the ball with athletic actions and quick footwork. At the plate this from a balanced setup with a short stride and good balance. Spray hitter with a short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 90 mph exit velocity from a tee.

Brett Bagus, OF, Brother Rice, 2017
5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with a strong, athletic frame. Showed athleticism running the 60 at 6.80. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Throws showed carry throwing 87 mph from the outfield. Plays thru the ball with a quick transfer and release. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and average balance. Line drive hitter with a short, uphill swing path. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee.

Andrew Bartholow, OF, Loyola, 2017
5-foot-10, 170-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with a strong frame. In the outfield has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Throws showed carry at 84 mph from the outfield. Plays thru the ball with a full crow hop. Offensively hits from a balanced, open setup with a leg kick stride and average balance. Line drive pull hitter with early rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Above average runner in the 60 running a 6.90.

Charlie Bourbon, RHP/OF, Stevenson, 2017
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Smooth rhythm with an a square landing an athletic finish. Slide step delivery from the stretch. Fastball showed slight running action at 81-84 mph. Curveball has 10-4 shape with sharp breaking action at 74-77 mph. Maintained arm speed on changeup that showed sinking action at 77-78 mph for strikes. Defensively has a long, loose arm action form a high ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws with a clean exchange. Threw 83 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and good balance. Gap to gap line drive hitter with fluid rhythm. Long swing path. Showed strength through contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.21.

Robert Chayka, OF, Solorio, 2017
5-foot-10, 145-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with a thin, athletic frame. Defensively has a short, quick, loose arm action from an over the top slot. Plays thru the ball with a quick exchange. Threw 83 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced, open stance. Leg kick stride with average balance. Pull hitter with a long, uphill swing path an fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Showed athleticism in the 60 running a 6.85.

Nick Cramer, RHP/OF, Janesville Craig (WI), 2017
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Tall and fall, athletic delivery, works in line with home plate. Smooth rhythm with an athletic finish. Three pitch mix for strikes. Fastball was straight at 80-82 mph. Curveball has 12-6 shape at 62-67 mph. Maintained fastball arm speed on changeup wit arm side run at 73-74 mph, has swing and miss potential. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Athletic, rangy actions with a quick, clean exchange. Threw 83 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a heel lift stride and good balance. Line drive hitter with a short, level swing path. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.39.

Sean Cummins, OF, Lake Park, 2017
6-foot, 170-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a leg kick stride with average balance. Short, uphill swing path with a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 96 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.10. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Quick footwork with online actions. Threw 78 mph from the outfield.

Bryant Diel, OF, South Elgin, 2017
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate, balanced set up, smooth load, short stride, balance on follow through. Short path, go to gap approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 91 mph. In the field, soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange, showed athleticism, and played through the ball. Short arm action, over the top slot, flashed accuracy. Clocked at 86 mph from the outfield. 7.01 runner in the 60.

DJ Donofrio, OF, Plainfield East, 2017
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short leg lift stride and slight collapse on the backside. Line drive gap to gap hitter with a short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.34. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Slower actions and footwork with a clean exchange. Threw 84 mph from the outfield.

Martin Dosen, OF, Benet, 2017
5-foot-10, 190-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with a strong frame. Showed strength thru contact with 97 mph exit velocity from a tee. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a leg kick stride with good explosion in the lower half. Pull, power hitter with fluid rhythm. Long, uphill swing path with a fast bat. Ran the 60 at 6.80. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Plays thru the ball with slower actions and a clean exchange. Threw 83 mph from the outfield.

Benjamin Graham, RHP/OF, Mukwonago (WI), 2017
5-foot-11, 210-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works form a high 3.4 arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery, works in line with home plate with easy effort. Upright finish. Fastball was straight at 80-81 topping out at 82 mph for strikes. Curveball has 12-6 shape with loose rotation at 69-71 mph. Slows arm on changeup that flashed fading action at 72-75 mph. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Fluid rhythm with a long, uphill swing path and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.03. Defensively has a long arm action from a high 3.4 arm slot. Accurate throws with carry throwing 86 mph from the outfield. Plays thru the ball with a long exchange.

Peyton Henry, INF/OF/RHP, Columbus (WI), 2017
6-foot-1, 185-pound, right-handed hitting multi-positional prospect. One of the top runners in the event running a 6.85 in the 60. Offensively, balanced set up, short stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, level path, extension, line drive approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 87 mph. In the outfield, quick exchange. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, showed athleticism. Was clocked at 83 mph. In the infield, quick, clean exchange, high ¾ slot, short action. Clocked at 83 mph. On the mound, over the top angle, quick arm speed, short action. Smooth rhythm, in line direction, square landing, athletic finish. Fastball topped at 83, sitting 80-82. Curveball with 10/4, sweeping action. Sat 66-69. Featured a changeup sitting 73-75.

Matthew Kann, OF, New Trier, 2017
6-foot-3, 185-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with a strong, athletic build. Offensively, wide, balanced set up, leg lift stride, short path, line drive type approach. Loose, strong swing, fluid rhythm. Recorded an exit velocity of 89 mph. Defensively, long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, flashed accuracy. Clocked at 81 mph from the outfield. 7.33 runner in the 60.

Zak Kosloske, C/OF, Hortonville (WI), 2017
5-foot-10, 180-pound right-handed hitting catcher/outfield. Balanced setup, smooth loading action, quite hands and eyes, short stride, excellent balance. Path stays on top of the baseball, hard line drive contact, ball jumped off bat with backspin on a line. Short path, gap to gap line drive type hitter. 95 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played short and over the top, well above average arm strength, 77 mph out of the crouch, 86 mph from the outfield, accuracy present. Deliberate feet out of the crouch, 7.12 runner in the 60. Pop times range 2.01-2.10.

John LaMantia, OF, St. Ignatius, 2017
6-foot-3, 190-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, open, balanced set up, back load, leg kick stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, gap to gap. Recorded an exit velocity of 91 mph. In the field, quick footwork, plays through the ball. Short arm action, ¾ slot, flashed accuracy and carry. Clocked at 83 mph from the outfield. 7.03 runner in the 60.

Jonah Landowski, LHP/OF, Oconomowoc (WI), 2017
5-foot-10, 180-pound left-handed hitting LHP/OF with a strong frame. On the mound works from a high 3/4 arm angle with a long, quick arm action. Drop and drive, online delivery with an athletic finish and smooth rhythm. Gets good tilt on fastball with running action at 83-85 mph. Curveball has 1-7 shape at 66-71 mph. Fastball arm speed on changeup working down in the zone at 74-77 mph. Knuckleball is a plus offering at 65-67 mph for strikes. Defensively in the outfield showed a plus arm throwing 89 mph with carry. Athletic actions, playing thru the ball the fluid footwork and good crow hop. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short, leg kick stride. Pull hitter with a short swing path and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.32.

Connor McCormick, C/OF, Manteno (IL), 2017
Lean lanky frame, 5-foot-11, 155-pound catcher/outfielder. Shows a big arm defensively, short over the top action, loose and lively, carried well, 79 mph out of the crouch, 91 mph from the outfield. Pop times ranged, 2.00-2.07. Above average runner, could translate in the outfield, 7.07 in the 60, laser timed. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, reverse knee knock trigger, average balance. Path has some length, flashes sneaky pop. 89 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Paul Petit, INF/OF/RHP, Eau Claire Regis (WI), 2017
6-foot, 175-pound, right-handed hitting multi-positional prospect. At the plate, balanced set up, short, leg lift stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, flashed bat speed, short path, line drive, opposite field approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 95 mph. In the outfield, showed athleticism, worked through the ball. Long arm action, over the top arm action, flashed some carry. Clocked at 85 mph from the outfield. In the infield, flashed a clean exchange, showed athleticism at position. Shorter arm action, over the top slot, flashed carry. Clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. On the mound, over the top slot, long action, tall balance, regular effort. Rhythm, in line direction, athletic finish. Fastball, topped at 84, sat 81-83. Curveball, sat 67-71, 11/5 shape, tight spin, late action. Changeup, sat 72-73, near fastball arm speed.

Nick Plankenhorn, 3B/OF, St. Bede Academy, 2017
5-foot-11, 180-pound right-handed hitting 3B/OF. Defensively in the infield has a loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fluid footwork with solid hands. Threw 78 mph across the infield. In the outfield has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Plays thru the ball with uphill throws. Threw 85 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly open stance with a short leg lift stride. Gap to gap hitter with a short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.38.

Levi Ransom, OF, Pontiac, 2017
6-foot, 190-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, open, balanced set up, short stride, balance on follow through. Flashed bat speed, uphill path, line drive, gap to gap approach, flashed some pull side pop. Recorded an exit velocity of 86 mph. Defensively, clean exchange, high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy and carry. Was clocked at 84 mph from the outfield. 7.16 runner in the 60.

Keaton Rice, C/OF, Geneseo, 2017
Longer lean frame, projectable body type, 6-foot-2 180-pound left-handed hitting catcher. Plus arm strength out of the crouch, arm carries well, 81 mph out of the crouch, 86 mph from the outfield. Showed ability to receive the baseball, pop times ranged 1.94-2.01. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, good balance, athletic hitter. Showed barrel control and pull side pop, well above average bat speed. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.37 runner in the 60.

Jake Ridgway, C/OF, Brother Rice, 2017
6-foot-2, 185 pound, multi-positional prospect. Offensively, right handed hitter, Flashed bat speed with a line drive and gap-to-gap approach; exit velocity clocked at 89 mph. Balanced setup, short stride, fluid rhythm, maintained balanced through contact. Defensively, fluid footwork behind the plate. Arm works short from an over the top arm slot. Throws clocked at 77 from the crouch and pop times ranged from 2.11-2.19. In the outfield, similar arm action, works through the baseball, throws clocked at 84 mph. 7.45 runner in the laser timed 60.

Noel Rodriguez, OF, Lincoln Park, 2017
5-foot-7, 135-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with an athletic frame. Above average runner in the 60 running a 6.91. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Plays thru the ball with athletic actions and fluid footwork. Threw 77 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from wide base with a slightly open setup. Short stride with average balance. Long, uphill swing path. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee.

Jarrett Scheelk, OF, Green By Preble(WI), 2017
6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate hits from an open stance with a low hand set. Leg kick stride, gets foot down early creating leverage through contact, fluid rhythm. Short swing path with extension through contact. Works gap to gap creating backspin with a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.18. Defensively has a short arm action from a high 3.4 slot. Plays thru the ball with quick footwork. Threw 86 mph from the outfield.

Lukas Schmitt, OF, Warren, 2017
6-foot, 185-pound, left-handed hitting outfielder. At the plate, wide set up, back load, leg kick stride, balance on follow through. Bat speed, long path, hard contact, flashed pull side power. Recorded an exit velocity of 94 mph. In the field, clean exchange, showed athleticism at position, works through the ball. Clocked at 78 mph from the outfield. 7.14 runner in the 60.

Jackson Shepherd, OF, Minooka, 2017
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. Plus runner running the 60 at 6.77. At the plate hits from a crouched, slightly open stance. Short hand load and left lift stride. Quiet, simple approach. Opposite field, line drive hitter with a short swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 90 mph exit velocity form a tee. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 81 mph from the outfield.

Nick Strysik, C/OF, Lockport, 2017
6-foot-1, 180-pound, strong, multi-positional prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter. Flashed bat speed, short path, gap-to-gap approach; 92 mph exit velocity off a tee. Open setup, leg kick timing trigger, maintains balance through contact. Defensively, worked out as a catcher and an outfielder. Behind the plate, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Long arm from an over the top to high ¾ arm slot; 75 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged from 2.16-2.19. In the outfield, similar arm action, throws clocked at 80 mph. 7.14 runner in the laser timed 60.

Zach Teegen, OF, Prairie Ridge, 2017
6-foot-1, 200-pound, strong, squared shouldered, left-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, flashed a short path and strength through contact; registered an 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Wide setup, short heel-lift stride and minimal pre-pitch rhythm. Defensively, steady hands in the outfield, arm works short, clean, from an over the top slot; throws flashed carry, true flight and clocked at 86 mph. Also, 7.11 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Eliot Turnquist, 2B/OF/RHP, Columbus (WI), 2017
5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed hitting utility player. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short leg lift stride and good balance. Line drive hitter with a short, level swing path and fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.26. In the infield has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Accurate throws with soft hands. Threw 83 mph across the infield. In the outfield has a clean exchange with accurate throws. Threw 85 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with good balance. Fastball sat 83-84 topping out at 85 mph for strikes. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 70-71 mph. Changeup flashed fading action at 75-77 mph.

Wyell Woods, OF, Marian Catholic, 2017
6-foot, 180-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. 6.93 runner in the 60. At the plate, wide balanced set up, smooth load, short stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, short path, line drive, gap to gap approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 91 mph. In the outfield, showed athleticism, works through the ball. High ¾ slot, flashed accuracy, showed carry. Clocked at 85 mph from the outfield.

Sam Zarling, OF/INF, Kettle Moraine (WI), 2017
6-foot, 200-pound, right-handed hitting multi-positional prospect. Offensively, balanced set up, short stride, balance on follow through. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, gap to gap approach, flashed pull side pop. Recorded an exit velocity of 93 mph. Defensively, in the outfield quick exchange, plays through the ball. Short arm action, ¾ slot, flashed carry. Clocked at 82 mph. In the infield, quick exchange, ¾ slot. Clocked at 84 mph. Ran a 6.96 in the 60.