Our Unsigned Senior Analysis moves on to infield play today. Our top ten emerged from over 30 infielders in attendance. Amongst the top prospects includes a variety of infield types from corners to middles, offensive standouts to savvy defenders and everything in between.

Highlighted by St. Joseph’s Ryan Flowers, who projects to stick at shortstop as an advanced defender, here’s a look at the top ten.

Top Infield Prospects

1. Ryan Flowers, 3B, St. Joseph, 2018
Lean athletic build, 6-foot-3, 175-pound middle infielder, projectable frame. Advanced defensive actions, middle infield profile, hands are soft, athletic and fluid footwork through the baseball. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, release is long at times, played with carry, 85 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, slightly open stance, short stride, maintains strong balance. Hands are athletic and loose, line drive contact, short path with bat speed, hits in rhythm. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran the 60 at 7.44.

2. Zachary Lauras, INF, Minooka, 2018
6-foot, 175-pound, athletically built infielder with plenty of room for continued physical development. 6.71 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Compact, fluid, repeatable swing, creates bat speed, consistent hard contact to the pull side; 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles best as a corner infielder. Funnels into exchange, ¾ arm slot, throws topped at 75 mph.

3. Jeremiah Williams, 2B/RHP, T.F. North, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound, athletic two-way prospect. Defensively, short arm action, over-the-top slot, accurate on some throws. Loose, athletic footwork, clean on exchanges, soft hands, body control, plays through the ball athletically, 77 mph across the infield. Offensively, balanced setup, loads back, leg lift stride. Gap-to-gap type hitter, long barrel path, fluid rhythm, flashed bat speed, 87 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.50 60. On the mound, high ¾ arm slot, short, quick, loose arm action. Drop and drive delivery, smooth rhythm, shoulders stay level, lands closed. Fastball, mostly straight, threw for strikes, 77-79 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gadual break, 66-68. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, flashed fade, showed feel for, 71-74.

4. Nico Gutierrez, INF, Joliet Central, 2018
Recent College of DuPage JC commit. 5-foot-11, 162-pound middle infielder. Defensively showed above-average hands while fielding the baseball out in front with a quick release, can play well on the move and through the baseball. Quick and short release from a high ¾ slot, arm plays athletically and threw 77 mph from across the infield. Right-handed hitter, hits from a balanced stance, slightly crouched; short, heel-lift stride and wraps his bat into his load and maintains good balance through contact. Long bat path that sweeps through the zone with rhythm, 83 mph exit velocity off the tee. Ran 7.56 60-yard dash.

5. Tevin Lee, 1B, Du Quoin, 2018
5-foot-11, 190 pound first baseman. Left-handed hitter, starts in an open stance, short stride during load, mostly balanced. Attacks the ball from a short path with above-average bat speed. Recorded 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Long arm action from high ¾ slot, 70 mph across the field. Ran a 7.86 60-yard dash.

6. Ben Seaman, INF/RHP, West Bend East, 2018
6-foot-2, 160 pounds middle infielder/pitcher, lanky, athletic build, with square shoulders. Clean and easy delivery on the mound, fastball sat between 79-81, maxed at 82. Threw from a high ¾ arm angle, short arm action, and easy effort. Landed in line, finished mostly square, occasionally open. Curveball had 11/5 shape with gradual break, sat between 67-70 mph. Changeup averaged 72 mph with some fade, and near fastball arm speed. Right-handed hitter, begins tall and balanced, small leg kick. Average bat speed on a level plane. Recorded 80 mph exit velocity off the tee. Easy, steady defender with short, loose arm action from an arm slot that varied between high and regular ¾. Athletic arm action and body control, 79 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.45 60-yard dash.

7. Hunter Johnson, INF/RHP, St. Viator, 2018
A lean, athletic 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, middle infielder and pitcher. Right-handed hitter with balanced stance, long stride. Demonstrated a short swing path, line drive approach that was fluid throughout. Average to slightly above-average bat speed, 88 mph exit velocity off the tee. Fluid footwork with clean, quick exchanges defensively. Arm action is short, and over the top with steady body control. Throws 80 mph across the infield. Righty on the mound and throws from an over-the-top arm angle, average arm speed. Toe lift to balance point with average effort leads to some rhythm and helps land in line. Straight fastball averages between 81-83 mph. Slider acts more like a cutter with 10/4 break, sits in the 70-74 range. Occasionally slows arm action down during changeup, averages 71 mph. Ran a 7.26 60-yard dash.

8. Stephen Insley, Jr., INF, St. Rita, 2018
5-foot-11, 165-pound middle infielder. Steady, solid defender who releases the ball with short, quick action out of a ¾ arm slot. Throws the ball 79 mph with accuracy, even while on the move. A right-handed hitter, stands balanced, short, quick stride without loading. Flashed some quick bat speed, simple, short path that produced line drives, controls the barrell, recorded a 91 mph exit velocity off the tee. In the 60-yard dash ran a 7.45.

9. Connor Bauer, C/INF, Hinsdale Central, 2018
5-foot-11, 175-pound catcher/infielder, athletic frame. One of the better catching defenders at the event, quick bounce out of the crouch, athletic defender, hands play soft. Arm action is short and over the top, carries at 75 mph out of the crouch and across the infield. Pop times ranged 2.04-2.12. Showed actions on the infield as well, 2B/3B type. 7.76 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, slightly open stance, toe tap stride. Solid middle of the field approach, long level path, linde drive contact. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.

10. Freddie Morales, SS/2B, Roberto Clemente, 2018
5-foot-10, 160-pound, athletic right-handed hitting middle infielder. Defensively, loose arm action, high ¾ arm slot, throws across the infield carried at times, 78 mph. Fields position athletically with soft hands, maintains body control. Offensively, balanced setup, short reverse tap stride, maintains some balance through contact. Line drive hitter with pull tendencies, short barrel path, present bat speed, 78 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.71 laser-timed 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Zach Brandenburg, 1B, Grafton (WI), 2018
6-foot-2, 215-pound right-handed hitting first baseman. Hits from an open stance, leg lift stride, slight arm bar load. Path has some length on uphill path, pull side power approach. 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.31 runner in the 60. Defensively showed some footwork around the bag, average hands. Arm action plays from a high ¾ slot, long action, 70 mph across the diamond.

John Brei, 3B/RHP, Dekalb, 2018
6-foot, 175-pound, athletically built, corner infielder and right-handed pitcher. Right-handed hitter, open setup, pre-pitch load and slight leg-kick trigger. Occasional bat speed, lift in swing, 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped at 69 mph. Ran a 7.27 laser-timed 60. Right-handed pitcher, full wind up, works across his body with some effort throughout. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 74-76 mph, touched 78. Curveball, 68-69 mph. Slider, drops arm slot, ranged between 66-69 mph.  

Jarrett Budde, 2B, Breese Central, 2018
5-foot-9, 165-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Defensively, short arm action, ¾ arm slot, clean on exchanges, 74 mph across the infield. Offensively, balanced setup, leg lift stride, maintains balance, 80 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.49 laser-timed 60.

Tanner Cole, 2B, Marinette (WI), 2018
5-foot-8, 154-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Defensively, short arm action, over-the-top slot, accurate with some carry on throws, 82 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.34 laser-timed 60. Offensively, open setup, short stride, incorporates lower half into swing, maintains balance, long, uphill barrel path, 80 mph exit velocity.

Bobby Dockendorf, 2B/SS, Joliet Catholic, 2018
5-foot-8, 150-pound, lean middle infielder. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, wrap load, short stride, maintains balance through contact. Opposite field approach, long, uphill barrel path, 79 mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 7.77 laser-timed 60. Defensively, long arm action, ¾ arm slot, 71 mph across the infield.

Xavier Free, 1B, Rich Central, 2018
Extra-large frame, 6-foot-5, 202-pound first baseman. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride to even, loads hands back. Path is long, works uphill, 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long and over the top, 71 mph across the diamond. Rangy target around the bag, long transfer. 8.15 runner in the 60.

Diego Gaines, 2B, Lake View, 2018
5-foot-8, 168-pound, left-handed hitting infielder, possesses thick lower-half. Defensively, short arm action, slot varied between over-the-top and high ¾, 76 mph across the infield. Offensively, balanced setup, strong hands through contact, 85 mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 7.67 laser-timed 60.

Seth Germann, INF, Carbondale, 2018
6-foot-3, 190-pounds, long lean frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, big leg kick trigger, solid balance. Short loose path, hands create bat speed, projectable traits at the plate. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively projects as a corner infielder, hands played, tall actions at times. Arm played short, 75 mph across the diamond, lacked accuracy. 7.53 runner in the 60.

Kiefer Kroll, 1B, York, 2018
6-foot-1, 240-pound first baseman. Left-handed hitter, wide, balance setup, heel-lift stride. Flashed bat strength; 89 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, long arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 68 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.78 60.

Michael Lopez, SS/2B, Grant, 2018
5-foot-8, 165-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively, open setup, short stride, maintains balance through contact, uphill barrel path, 80 mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 7.75 laser-timed 60. Defensively, long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, 71 mph across the infield.

Griffin McIlwee, C/INF, Waterford (WI), 2018
5-foot-9, 160-pound catcher/infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, wider setup, long stride. Path has length through contact, 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short and over the top, 68 mph out of the crouch, 71 mph across the infield. Pop times ranged 2.30-2.34. Ran the 60 at 8.80.

Nicholas McLawhorn, 3B, Shepard, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound, third baseman. Defensively, short arm action, over-the-top slot, competent hands, 71 mph across the infield. Offensively, balanced setup, loads back, short stride, maintains balance. Opposite field hitter, level barrel path, 78 mph exit velocity off a tee. Ran a 7.59 60.

Cameron Nahf,  RHP/1B, Shoreland Lutheran (WI), 2018
6-foot-2, 195-pound two-way player, solid build with wide shoulders. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, crouches into load, long stride. Strong hands at the plate, body creates bat speed, 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively works deliberately around the bag, arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 77 mph across the diamond. 7.7 runner in the 60. On the mound arm action is long and firm, ¾ slot, works from the stretch only. Fastball topped at 75 mph, sat 72-74 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 60-62 mph. Changeup sinks, slight fade, 60-63 mph.

Dwayne Overton, 3B, T.F. South, 2018
5-foot-8, 200-pound third-baseman, solid stocky build. Right-handed hitter, slightly closed stance, short stride, average balance. Path is level through finish, late trigger, average bat speed, 66 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays short, high ¾ slot, 63 mph across the diamond. 7.93 runner in the 60.

Daniel Rueth, INF, Wauwatosa West, 2018
6-foot-1, 175 pounds middle infielder. Average hands and footwork defensively, clean and quick exchanges with some athletic body control. Throws with stiff arm action from a high ¾ slot, 75 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced, short stride with double toe tap. Average bat speed, opposite field approach. Off the tee, 81 mph exit velocity. Recorded a 7.53 60-yard dash.

Gage Sisek, 1B, Logan (OH), 2018
Long lanky build, lean strength with squared shoulders, 6-foot-3, 165-pound first-baseman. 7.22 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, short stride, lift and replace. Path works long and uphill, sweeping path works underneath the baseball, bat strength. 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 77 mph across the diamond. Footworks played through the baseball and showed feel around the bag.

Ben Steiner, 3B/RHP, Montini Catholic, 2018
5-foot-10, 175-pound strong two-way prospect. Defensively, short, athletic arm action, slot varied between over-the-top and high ¾, throws occasionally carried at 79 mph across the infield. Offensively, Balanced setup, short leg lift stride, present bat speed, 90 mph exit velocity. On the mound, short arm action, high ¾ slot, some effort. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands square. Fastball, flashed slight run, 79-82. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 65-69. Changeup, firm, some sink, 75-77.

Zachary Stirnaman, SS/RHP, Dunlap, 2018
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting two-way prospect. Defensively, long arm action, ¾ slot, quick release, accurate on some, 74 mph across the infield. Offensively, open setup, loads back, leg kick timing-trigger, long barrel path, flashed bat speed, 78 exit velocity. On the mound, high ¾ arm slot, short arm action, some effort and rhythm, works on-line, lands closed. Fastball, mostly straight, kept in the zone, 73-75, touched 77. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual break, near fastball arm speed, 59-62. Changeup, has feel for, breaking ball type action, 64-68. Ran a 7.88 60.

Jake VanderWoude, INF, Lincoln-Way East, 2018
5-foot-11, 165-pound infielder with lean strength. A right-handed hitter, stands balanced with a smooth load, takes a pronounced leg kick stride, producing some above-average bat speed. Fluid, uphill swing creates hard contact gap to gap with occasional pull-side power. Produced an exit velocity of 88 mph off the tee. With a 7.19 60-yard dash time, quick to the ball in the infield. Short arm action from a mostly high ¾ slot, 72 mph across the diamond.

Kameron Van Natta, 2B/SS, Milton (WI), 2018
5-foot-8, 170-pound, middle infielder with wide shoulders and present strength. Offensively, balanced setup, leg lift stride, maintains balance, strong hands, 84 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.14 60. Defensively, short arm action, over-the-top slot, 64 mph across the infield.

Tanner Williams, 1B, Milton (WI), 2018
5-foot-10, 195-pound strong first baseman. Offensively, tall, open setup, leg kick timing-trigger, gap-to-gap hitter, 89 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action, over-the-top slot, competent hands, 75 mph across the infield. Ran an 8.01 60.

Beau Wills, RHP/2B, Coal City, 2018
5-foot-8, 165-pound, two-way prospect. Defensively, long arm action, arm slot varies between ¾ and side, soft hands at times, quick on exchanges, 74 mph across the infield. Offensively, open setup, leg kick timing trigger, long, uphill barrel path, 83 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.92 60. On the mound, long, loose arm action, sidearm slot, quick arm speed, smooth rhythm, closed landing, falls off the mound to finish. Fastball, heavy sink action, commanded, 71-74 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, showed feel for, 63-66. Changeup, fastball arm speed, fade action, 65-67.

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