Unsigned Senior Games: Pitcher Analysis

September 3, 2015

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

Next up from the Unsigned Senior Games was the deepest position of the event, pitchers. Tyler Laux impressed on the mound with his projectable, put-together build and quick arm. The 6-foot-5 right-handed pitcher threw a clean two innings at the event sitting 84-85 mph with his fastball. After compiling all of the notes from the PBR scouting staff, Laux brought home the No. 1 spot.

Below is a list of the top 10 pitchers from the Unsigned Senior Games.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Tyler Laux, RHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2016
Prototypical pitchers body 6-foot 5, 195-pound, right-handed pitcher. Lanky, projectable frame. Quick, clean and loose arm. Rhythm in delivery, with the ability to repeat. Tall at balance point, level shoulders, lands athletically and square. Works from an over-the top arm slot. Fastball was 84-85 mph, with late life. Curveball showed 10/4 action at 72-75 mph. Change up was 78-80 mph. Filled up the zone, pitched well in game, resulting in a lot of weak contact. Threw two innings, going six up and six down, with two strikeouts and four groundouts.

2. Jack Lambert, LHP, St. Charles North, 2016
Recently committed to Parkland College. Lean, athletic 6-foot, 155-pound left-handed pitcher. Extremely easy, athletic and repeatable delivery. Loose, quick and clean-arm action from a ¾ slot. On-line finish, square landing and smooth rhythm throughout delivery. Lives at the bottom of the zone. Ability to work both sides of the plate with the fastball, slight run, 80-82 mph. Plus feel for both of his off-speed offerings. Curveball, featured fastball arm speed, sharp, tight break with 1/7 action ranged between 71-74 mph. Flashed a change-up consistently for strikes, fade action, fastball arm speed, sitting 76-77 mph.

3. Alex Herbst, OF/RHP, Hinsdale Central, 2016
6-foot, 175-pound, right-handed hitting, two-way player. Athletic build. Defensively showed an over the top, short arm action with carry and accuracy on throws. Hands play, fluid footwork, and plays through the ball well. Recorded 88mph from the outfield and had an outfield assist throwing out a runner at third base in game play. Ran 7.10 60 and was 4.76 home to first Hits from a balanced setup, low hands, short leg lift, with good lower half and rhythm in swing. Showed above average bat speed, good approach, short and quick to the ball, line drive and gap to gap hitter. Registered 81 mph exit velocity off of the tee. On the mound, arm works from a high ¾ arm angle, quick short arm action, rhythm in delivery, lands with an athletic finish. Fastball sat 82-84 mph with arm side run, touching 85 mph. Curveball sat 70-74 mph with 10/4 action. Changeup was 73-75 mph arm side run. Threw two innings, allowing one hit, one walk, no runs, while striking out two.

4. Jack Wolfe, RHP, Sandburg, 2016
5-foot-9, 150-pound right-handed pitcher, solid average frame. Delivery works slightly open, recoil finish with effort. Arm action is short and quick, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight arm side action, sat 83-85 mph, touched 87 mph. Slider showed advanced action, 77-79 mph, late cut type action. Changeup played at 78-80 mph, only showed between innings.

5. Josh Hart, LHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2016
6-foot 3, 175-pound solidly built left-handed two-way pitcher. Works from a high ¾ arm angle, with quick, clean arm action. Smooth, drop and drive delivery, level shoulders, stays in line, lands square with athletic finish. Fastball sat 80-82 mph touching 83. Curveball was 64-67 mph. Changeup was 69-70 mph. Hart threw two innings, struck out one and allowed a hit.

6. Matthew Meier, RHP, Joliet West, 2016
Athletic build 6-foot, 170-pound well-proportioned right-handed pitcher. One of the top pitchers at the Unsigned Senior Games. Long, quick arm and high ¾ slot. Some rhythm, on-line finish, slightly closed foot at landing and athletic finish. Fastball looked to be his go-to pitch. At times was able to get tilt, run and sink with some late life, sitting 83-85 mph. Change-up continually got better and developed feel as his outing went on, sitting 73-75 mph. When it is good, flashes sink and fade. Also, throws a slider for a strike, near fastball arm speed. Flashed late, sharp action in warmups. Stayed more on the same plane in the game, 10/4 action, clocked at 73-75 mph.

7. Justin Vivar, LHP, Taft, 2016
6-foot, 200-pound left-handed pitcher, large build. Delivery works directionally down the hill, loads well at the top. Arm action is loose, easy, ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, 80-82 mph, touched 83 mph. Curveball plays on a 2/8 plane, sweeping type action, slurve type, 64-69 mph. Flashed a changeup at 74 mph.

8. Jake McLauglin, RHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2016
6-foot 4, 220-pound, right-handed pitcher, physical projectable frame. Works from an over the top arm angle with a long arm action. Shoulders tilt up, stays in line, lands square with athletic finish. Fastball sat 82-85 mph with arm side run. Curveball was 69-72 mph. Changeup was 73-76 mph. Fastball was best pitch showing good life. Threw two innings, allowed one run while striking out two.

9. Matt Pizur, RHP, Willowbrook, 2016
6-foot, 180-pound right-handed pitcher, solid athletic frame. High front side delivery, works from first base side of rubber, up-tempo worked fast in game play. Showed arm speed, high ¾ slot with some length. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam action, 80-83 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 69-71 mph, short action. Changeup showed slight sinking action, near fastball arm speed, 74-75 mph. Worked efficiently in game, two perfect innings, six up six down with a strikeout.

10. Connor Sharp, RHP/1B, Mercer, 2016
6-foot 3, 180-pound, right-handed hitting, two-way player. Physical frame. Hits from a tall, open setup, short stride, bat wrap on load with uphill bat path. Registered exit velocity of 86 mph off the tee. Defensively works from a ¾ arm angle, with a long arm action. Showed soft hands, fluid, clean exchange with accurate throws. Threw 77 mph from across the diamond. On the mound Sharp works from a ¾ arm angle with a long loose arm action. Slow pace delivery, tall at balance point, stays in line and lands square. Fastball sat 78-80 mph. Slider was 70-72 with late life. Change was 72-73. Slider and changeup were best pitches. Threw two innings allowing one walk while striking out four. Two strikeouts came via the slider.

10. Benjamin Dolezal, RHP, Cary Grove, 2016
6-foot-1, 160-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall, lanky, works from a high ¾ arm angle, rhythm in delivery, short arm action, stabs, displaying some effort. Shoulders stay level and in line, lands square with an athletic finish. Fastball sat 82-84 with slight cut. Curveball was 68-71 and threw it with good feel. Dolezal threw two innings allowing two hits, no earned runs and striking out two.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Casey Becker, 1B/RHP, Wheaton North, 2016
6-foot 1, 215-pound, left handed hitting two-way player. Defensively shows average hands with long exchange. Works from a high3/4 arm angle, with long arm action. 77 mph across the diamond. Hits from a tall open stance with good balance. Short stride, uphill tendencies with pull side/ power approach. Registered 86mph exit velocity off the tee. Went 1-3 with a walk, and a single. Was 4.86 home to first and ran an 8.37 60. On the mound Becker works from a ¾ arm angle, with a long arm action. Shows some rhythm in delivery stays in line and lands square. Fastball sat 74-78 touching 79 with arm side run. Curveball was 63 mph with 11/5 action. Flashed a sharp slider at 69 mph. Changeup was 73 mph.

Joshua Caceres, SS/RHP, Simeon, 2016
5-foot-8, 150-pound left-handed hitting two way player. Hits from a balanced setup, starts with a flat bat, short stride with uphill bat path with pull side tendencies. In game play, Caceres went 1 for 3 showing pop with a right center triple. Ran a 4.80 from home to first and 7.25 60. Threw 78mph across the diamond with some carry and accuracy. Showed average hands, quick feet with a clean exchange. One the mound Caceres comes over the top with a high ¾ are angle, good rhythm, with 76-79 mph, falls off to first base side. Curveball flashes 11/5 action at 66 mph. Changeup was 64-68.

Joey Christensen, LHP, Benet, 2016
6-foot, 165-pound, left-handed pitcher. Works from a high ¾ arm angle off the mound. Uptempo pace, with regular effort, falls off to the third base side, lands open in an athletic position. Made two athletic plays in the game. Showed feel for three pitches; fastball, curveball, and changeup. Fastball was 77-79 mph, curveball was 60-62 mph, and changeup was 71-72. Christensen threw all three pitches for strikes.

Dali Durazo, 3B/RHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2016
5-foot-11, 200-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, short stride. Path is fairly level, can get more out of lower half, balanced approach, showed feel for the barrel. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed some actions at third base, arm played loosely and on the move, high ¾ slot. Hands showed softness. 75 mph across the diamond. 7.96 runner in the 60. On the mound delivery repeats, slide step from the stretch. Over the top arm slot with length. Fastball is is mostly straight, good control of the zone, 78-81 mph, touched 82 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, 68-72 mph. Flashed a changeup at 75 mph.

Daniel Heiden, RHP, St. Laurence, 2016
6-foot, 160-pound right-handed pitcher. Works from a high ¾ arm angle, with a short, quick arm action. Good rhythm, works fast, shoulders stay level, tall at balance point, lands square with athletic finish. Fastball sat 80-83 touching 84mph with cutting action. Curve ball sat 68-71 mph with 11/5 action that was consistently in the zone. In two innings of work, Heiden recorded one strikeout, one walk, and no earned runs.

Brian Herrera, RHP, Immaculate Conception, 2016
6-fott-1, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with a square landing, and upright finish. Fastball showed running action down in the zone at 72-74 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape with gradual action at 62-65 mph. Threw changeup for strikes with slight fading action at 66-67 mph.

James Holm, RHP, Wheaton North, 2016
6-foot-4, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher with a long and lanky frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a short stride. Works slightly across his body with a closed landing and upright finish. Fastball sat 72-76 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape with gradual action at 66-69 mph. Maintained arm speed on straight changeup at 66-70 mph.

Zach Kaloustian, LHP, Lyons Township, 2016
6-foot 3, 200-pound, left-handed pitcher. Works from an over the top arm angle, tall at balance point, stays in line with some rhythm in delivery. Fastball sat 75-77 mph, touching 78 mph. Curveball was 67-68 mph. Threw two innings, allowing no runs, one hit and two strikeouts.

Brady Kauppila, RHP, Yorkville, 2016
5-foot-11, 155- pound slender build right-handed pitcher. Operates from a tall and fall delivery that works online, with level shoulders and a square landing. Short-arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball played at the top of the zone, touching 82 mph, sitting 77-80 mph. Curveball flashed sweeping action, ranging between 64-66 mph. Change-up had inconsistent action at times, 70-72 mph.

Jackson Lewis, RHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2016
Well-proportioned 6-foot, 180-pound right-handed pitcher. Ability to repeat delivery and keeps rhythm throughout. Level shoulders, directional delivery, lands square and stays on line. Long-arm action, over-the-top slot. Fastball was thrown for strikes and had slight arm-side-run. Breaking ball played on 11/5 plane, firmer, shorter action at the top end of velocity range.

Bronson Litcher, RHP, Stevenson, 2016
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, average frame. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort, squared landing with level shoulders. High ¾ arm slot, slight wrapping action. Fastball flashed cut action 79-81 mph. Curveball showed good action at times, looking more like slider, hard action at 71-74 mph. Changeup fades to arm side, 75-77 mph.

Adam Locke, 1B/RHP, T.F. South, 2016
5-foot 10, 186-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player. Hits from a tall balanced setup, short stride with short bat path. Registered 77 mph exit velocity off the tee. In game went 1-2 with a triple, a walk, a stolen base, and one run scored. Was 4.83 home to first and ran a 7.31 60. Defensively works from high ¾ arm angle in the infield, with accuracy on throws. On the mound Locke works from a ¾ arm angle, long arm action, stays in line. Fastball sat 74-76 mph touching 78mph. Curveball was 57-62 mph. Threw two innings allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out one.

Max Maney, 2B/RHP, Boylan Central Catholic, 2016
5-foot 9, 160-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player. Defensively works from a ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Showed average hands with fluid footwork and clean exchange. In game Maney flashed athleticism with a backhand play. Hits from an open stance, short stride, good lower half, whippy bat, with middle to pull side tendencies. Was 4.86 home to first and ran a 7.70 60. On the mound, Maney works from a high ¾ arm angle. Rhythm in delivery, level at balance point with drop and drive towards the plate. Fastball sat 78-80 mph. Curveball showed 12/6 action at 67-69 mph. Change up was 72 mph. Threw two innings, no hit baseball with two strikeouts.

Liam McKeough, RHP/OF, Loyola Academy, 2016
6-foot-2, 185-pound two-way player, solid frame. Defensively showed arm strength from the outfield, 87 mph from a crow hop, loose over the top arm action, showed carry. Feet played through the baseball at times, 7.71 runner in the 60, projects to a corner outfield spot. Offensively hits from the right side, tall setup, short stride. Path has slight uphill plane, lifts the baseball, 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound fastball flashed occasional cut action, 77-79 mph, topped at 82 mph. Curveball has 12/6 action, 67 mph. flashed a changeup at 74 mph.

Luke McMahon, RHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2016
6-foot, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, average lean build. Tall and fall delivery works directionally. Arm action is long and firm, over the top slot. Fastball showed slight run at times, showed the ability to work the bottom of the zone, 81-84 mph. Curveball worked at 69-71 mph, 11/5 plane. Changeup showed some arm speed, 79 mph.

Jarren Norman, RHP, Morgan Park, 2016
6-foot, 200-pound, right-handed pitcher. Works from an over the top arm angle. Long arm action, good at balance point, with some effort in delivery. Shows rhythm and pace in delivery, stays in line and lands closed. Fastball sat 78-81 mph, touching 82 mph. Curveball was 67-69 mph with 11/5 action and threw it for strikes in game play. Change up was 67-69 mph.

Ryan O’Reilly, RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2016
6-foot 1, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher. Lanky build with loose arm. Works from a ¾ arm angle, shows rhythm in delivery, stays in line and lands square. Fastball was 79-82 mph, touching 84 mph. Slider showed 10/4 action at 68-72 mph. Threw two innings and struck out two batters.

Anthony Pomponi, RHP, Mount Carmel, 2016
6-foot, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher. Arm works from an over the top slot with short arm action. Some rhythm in delivery, stays in line, lands square with athletic finish. Fastball was 75-78 mph touching 79 mph twice. Curveball was 68-70mph. Threw two innings, one hit, and struck out three batters.

Justin Rasmussen, RHP, Westminster Christian, 2016
5-foot-10, 150-pound right-handed pitcher. Solid athletic frame. Arm works from a high ¾ slot with long arm action. Shows some effort in delivery with athletic finish. Fastball sits 80-83 touching 84 with action. Curveball flashed a 12/6 break and changeup was 78-79 with some feel. In game play registered a line of two innings pitched, two strikeouts and lots of weak contact.

Dan Rizzo, RHP/3B, Lemont, 2016
6-foot-1, 220-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/3B. On the mound works from a n over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with a toe closed landing and upright finish. Showed a feel for three pitches for strikes in game. Fastball sat 75-78 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape at 64-68 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup with armside run at 72-74 mph. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Average hands with slower actions. Threw 76 mph across the infield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, deep load to backside with a short stride. Uphill swing path with fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.45.

Nathaniel Rodriguez, LHP, Warren, 2016
5-foot-7, 162-pound left-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, stays online, shows effort. Arm action has length, draws low with a cupped wrist, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball sat 79-81 mph, touched 82 mph. Slider has short lateral action, appears cutter at times, 74-75 mph. Changeup sat 75-76 mph.

Jason Santos, OF/RHP, Mundelein, 2016
Athletic body 5-foot-11, 165-pound strong build right-handed hitter and pitcher. Offensively, starts from an open, upright stance with pre-pitch rhythm in hands. Toe-tap trigger, with above-average balance. Uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Some looseness in swing and looks to pull the baseball in batting practice. Exit velocity registered at 77 mph off a tee. Defensively, long-arm action, ¾ slot, clocked at 70 mph from the outfield. Also, pitched during the event. The right-handed pitcher operated from a high ¾ slot with a long arm action, easy effort and some rhythm throughout his delivery. On-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Fastball sat 69-71 mph during his outing. Threw two breaking balls. Curveball sat 64-65 mph with 12/6 action and developed some feel as his outing progressed. Also, mixed in a slider, with 10/4 action at 65-66 mph.

Elijah Schlabach, RHP, Mattoon, 2016
6-foot, 200-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a slightly closed landing. Smooth rhythm with level shoulder and an athletic finish. Showed pitchability throughout his outing. Worked down in the zone with his fastball at 77-79 mph. Shoed some feel for spin on his curveball with 11-5 shape at 64-68 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup with fading action at 72-73 mph.

Jordan Scrimpsher, RHP, Warrensburg-Latham, 2016
6-foot, 190-pound, right-handed pitcher. Works from an over the top, with a long arm action. Shows some effort with a tall and fall delivery. Flashed some big run and sink on occasion with his fastball sitting 79-81 mph, touching 82 mph. Curveball was 69-73 mph with 11/5 action. Threw two innings, struck out two batters.

Neal Shah, RHP, Glenbard North, 2016
Lean 5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed pitcher. Opereates from a high ¾ slot, long-arm action and regular effort. Slight coil at balance point, on-line direction, square and athletic landing. Fastball, occasional run, ranged between 72-76 mph in his two inning stint. Curveball thrown for strikes, gradual shape and 12/6 action, sat 64-66 mph. Also, threw a change-up near fastball arm speed, slight sink and tumble action, clocked at 69-71 mph. Allowed one hit and struck out one during his two innings of work.

Justin Stark, RHP, Stevenson, 2016
5-foot-11, 180-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, stays on line, rotational finish stays upright. Arm plays from a high ¾ slot, draws down out of the glove, wrist wrap. Fastball has slight running action, 75-78 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 66-67, showed feel. Changeup looked confident in warmups, 71-73 mph, controlled the zone.

Jeremy Stouffer, RHP, Indian Trail (WI), 2016
6-foot 2, 185-pound, right-handed pitcher. Works from a high ¾ arm angle, loose arm, with good balance point in delivery. Some rhythm in delivery, stays in line, lands square with athletic finish. Fastball was 76-82 with slight run. Curveball was 68-73 with 11/5 action, and threw for strikes in game.

Ian VanWitzenburg, LHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2016
Lean 6-foot, 160-pound left-handed pitcher. Worked from the stretch only. Repeatable delivery with smooth rhythm throughout. On-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Short-arm action, high ¾ slot and easy effort. Mostly straight fastball, thrown for strikes, sat 74-76 mph. Mixed in a curveball, with feel, near fastball arm speed, 1/7 action and ranged between 60-64 mph. Also, featured a change-up, fastball arm speed and mostly straight action, 67-69 mph.

Justin Willner, OF/RHP, Plainfield Central, 2016
Wiry 6-foot, 160-pound right-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. Defensively, turned some heads with his arm strength, 88 mph with carry from the outfield. Short-arm action, over-the-top slot and some accuracy. Athletic actions, fluid footwork and a quick exchange. Athletic fielding position and ability to play through the baseball. Offensively, hits with his hands. Slightly open, tall setup, long stride. Uphill bat path and average balance through contact. Exit velocity registered 81 mph. Also, ran a 7.32 60 yard dash. On the mound the right-hander commanded three pitches, throwing them all for strikes. High ¾ slot, short-arm action, some quickness in arm. Decent amount of effort in the delivery, on-line direction, square landing, athletic finish falling off slightly at times. Fastball worked mainly straight ranging between 75-81 mph, touching 82. Feel for a curveball, soft, 11/5 action, thrown for strikes, sitting 59-64 mph. Flashed plus feel for a change-up, near fastball arm action, worked straight, 67-69 mph.

Unsigned Senior Games: Pitcher Analysis

Top Pitching Prospects

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

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