PBR at The Rock: 13U & 14U Scout Blog
June 6, 2019
From May 31 to June 2, the PBR Wisconsin team hosted a handful of the best 13U and 14U club teams in the Midwest at The Rock Sports Complex in Franklin, Wis. We’ve taken the time to compile and share notes amongst our staff to produce the Scout Blog below, featuring nearly 100 of this past weekend’s standouts.
Continue on below for in-depth reports on those prospects, as they prepare to embark on their final summer circuit before making the leap to high school.
13U
RakeCity - Platinum
Jack Rozmus, OF/C, N/A, 2023
Right-handed hitting prospect who spent time behind the plate and in the outfield over the weekend, hitting third in Rake City’s line-up. Against Minnesota Blizzard on Saturday, he went 2-for-2 with a single, double, a walk, and drove in a run. Narrow stance, smooth load, balanced swing. Had a productive two-strike approach and was able to produce quality at-bats for his team. Rozmus played center against Blizzard and took an efficient and controlled route to a deep fly ball, demonstrating the instincts for the premium position.
Brady Chambers, RHP, Lyons Township, IL, 2024
6-foot-2, 150 pounds. Started on the mound for Rake City on Saturday against Minnesota Blizzard. Pitched four innings, only giving up one run on three hits, four walks, and he struck out four. Fastball sat at 70-71 mph, T71. Curveball ranged between 60-63 mph. Tall, lean frame, high ¾ arm slot, and lands square on his finish.
Yoshi Wicker, SS, Lane Tech, IL, 2024
Wicker is a middle infield prospect who has soft, reliable hands on defense and range, and his athleticism makes it so he’s able to field in rhythm, keeping his throws on target, even while moving to his right or left. At the plate, right-handed, balanced/crouched setup, pre-pitch bat waggle. Loads back, bat stays vertical, leg hang trigger, swing path is long and level through the zone with above-average bat speed and barrel control.
Coamo Legends
Alexis Cartagena, C, N/A, 2023
5-foot 7, 140 pounds. Right-handed hitting catcher. Spent time in the middle of Coamo’s order all weekend, showcasing some pull-side power potential for his age. On Sunday, against Fox Valley Freedom, he slugged a home run over the Fenway field’s replica Green Monster wall. He finished that game with two extra-base hits, a double and that homer. He has a strong, stocky build and hits from a tall/open stance. Has a short, violent swing that stays through the zone, working off a slight incline; prone to produce regular hard contact.
Peter Hernandez III, SS, New Trier, IL, 2024
5-foot-3, 110 pounds. Right-handed-hitting shortstop who batted second in Coama Legends’ lineup against Fox Valley Freedom. Had a single and two walks in the game, and showed athleticism at shortstop. He fielded balls cleanly and had accurate throws to first. Run time from home to first on his single was 4.75.
Angel Jimenez, RHP/C, N/A, 2024
5-foot-6, 138-pound two-way prospect with athletic build. On the mound, starts from a wide base in the windup and rocks into leg kick and big hip turn at his balance point; worked quick to home with slide step when runners reached. Arm action is long with above-average arm speed out front. Arm slot varies between a ¾ and high ¾. Fastball sat 72-75 mph, with some natural arm-side run. Curveball was inconsistently located but had feel to spin for his age, 10/4 shape with some sweep, 56-57 mph. A right-handed hitter, begins tall/open in stance. Simple swing, long and level bat path with above-average quality of contact. Showed some agility from behind the plate on defense; a vocal leader in the infield. Throws to second were short and loose.
Fox Valley Freedom
Sean Heetland, SS, West Aurora, IL, 2024
5-foot-7, 115 pounds. Left-handed hitter who batted third in Fox Valley Freedom’s line-up against Coamo Legends. Went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles and a line-out to the third basemen. Has some projection in his framel hits from a narrow, slightly open, stance. Line-drive approach at the plate. 4.52-4.84 run times from home to first.
Jackson Griegel, 3B/2B, Oswego, IL, 2024
5-foot-6, 120-pound right-handed hitter. Batted fourth in the lineup for Fox Valley Freedom against Coamo Legends. Went 1-for-2 with a single and a sac fly to right field to claim an RBI. Has a balanced setup and a smooth load. He had run times from home to first ranging between 5.20 and 5.39 seconds.
Mathyis Neuenkirchen, C, Metea Valley, IL, 2023
Left-handed hitting catcher for Fox Valley Freedom who flashed 2.63- 2.83 pop times during warm-ups, as well as during gameplay, where he threw out a would-be base stealer. Defensively, Neuenkirchen showed advanced defensive feel for his age, with the ability to block pitches in the dirt while moving laterally. More importantly, Neuenkirchen proves to be a leader behind the plate, being a positive motivating force for his team. Plenty of room to fill out his frame and be a productive left-handed-hitting catcher in the future.
GRB Rays Green
Tate Schmidt, RHP, Waunakee, 2024
Started for GRB in their game against Fox Valley Freedom. Worked a three-pitch inning and showed good instincts for the game in all facets, from pitching to baserunning all night long. On the mound, Schmidt gave up just one hit and left the game with a shutout intact after three innings of work. Schmidt has some arm speed for his age and size, and he works quickly in tempo, while also showing the early feel to spin a breaking ball. At the plate Schmidt went 2-for-2 with a single, double, and two walks, and tallied three RBIs. He has a feel for the strike zone and demonstrated solid bat-to-ball skills over the weekend.
Eason Hurd, SS/RHP, Ashwaubenon, 2024
5-foot-7, 135-pound two-way prospect with some projection. Hurd helped propel GRB Rays Green 13U to a 17-1 win over Fox Valley Freedom by blasting a two-run homerun over the left field wall. He finished the game 4-for-4, collecting four RBIs, and also added two doubles and a single to his line as well, all of which came off the barrel hard. Hurd showed an advanced approach for his age, hitting from a tall/open stance with a leg kick trigger. He has a pull-side approach with some power potential. On the mound, Hurd side steps into a high leg kick, working level and on line to his target. Compact arm action from a high ¾ slot, and his arm speed is quick for his age. Fastball sat 69-73 mph working downhill with a slight, occasional run. Showed some early feel for a tight curveball with 11/5 shape, 64-65 mph.
Brady LaViolette, C, Notre Dame Academy, 2024
5-foot-6, 165-pound right-handed-hitting catcher. Physical build, strong lower-half. Started behind the plate for GRB against Top Tier in a rain-shortened game. Went 1-for-2 with a single out of the five-hole. Balanced setup, short stride with a leg kick. Level path through the zone, fluid rhythm throughout swing, made consistent hard contact in both his at bats. Defensively, recorded an in-game pop time of 2.64 on a play where he threw a runner out. Adept blocker, receives the ball smoothly, presents strikes well, quick and clean exchange from glove to hand.
Tevyn Montgomery, 1B/3B, Bay Port, 2024
5-foot-9, 185-pound corner infield prospect with an advanced build, strength throughout his frame. Right-handed hitter, tall/balanced setup, swings a loose, quick bat on a level swing plane. Was caught a little over-aggressive this weekend, but it’s clear he has the simple, quick, and strong swing to become a next-level, middle-of-the-order prospect. He also runs/defends with some athleticism, which checks out when you consider he is the son of a former standout defensive lineman at the University of Iowa and the current defensive line coach of the Green Bay Packers.
Landen Seymour, OF, Hononegah, IL, 2024
5-foot-3, 110-pound outfield prospect. Seymour plays the game with all of the right actions and is consistently on time at the plate and in the outfield. Hits with a plan in mind and a knowledge of the strike zone. Begins in a crouched/open setup in the left-handed batter’s box. Simple load, toe-tap trigger. Swings with fluidity and rhythm on a level bat path. As he continues to grow, his body will catch up with his feel and instincts for the game.
MN Blizzard
Colin Rowe, RHP, Totino-Grace, MN, 2023
Starting pitcher for Minnesota Blizzard and batted third in their line-up on Saturday against Rake City - Platinum. Pitched four innings and allowed three runs on three hits, two walks, and struck out six. Right handed pitcher, high ¾ slot, lands square, calm demeanor on the mound. Fastball was 69-71 mph, topped at 73 mph, and showed slight glove side cut. Right-handed hitter, went 1-for-3 with a double and a deep fly out to center. Slightly open stance, with a subtle load. Was able to generate power in his swing.
Teddy Juaire, C, All Saints Catholic School, MN, 2025
5-foot-8, 121-pound catcher. Natural defender behind the plate, soft hands and presents pitches well, showed feel for the game. Showed 2.57 pop time between innings. Right-handed hitter, swung it in the two-hole, swing works with short path, uses hands, made hard contact to middle of the field on fly out to center.
PTA Cardinal
Grayson Flugaur, SS/RHP, Franklin, 2024
Lean, athletic build. Started at shortstop for PTA Cardinal on Saturday against Quad City Hitmen Elite and would later get some work on the mound. Balanced/crouched setup, smooth load, short stride with a slight leg kick, hands separate, simple and fluid swing. Reliable defender with soft hands, is able to play on the move with bounce. On the mound, threw two scoreless innings with a strikeout, walk, and a hit. Short, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Drop and drive delivery, fluid rhythm throughout. Fastball topped out at 72 mph, sat between 70-71 mph with run, consistently worked inside and down in the zone. Curveball played at 54-57 mph, 11/5 shape, gradual action.
Quad City Hitmen - Elite
Dawson Peterson, 1B/RHP, Riverdale, IL, 2024
One of the top overall performers of the weekend, regardless of age. Combined to go 8-for-11 in his team’s four games with five doubles, two walks, and never struck out. 6-foot, 220-pound two-way prospect with thick, large, strong frame. Right-handed hitter with advanced traits in the box. A measured approach, swings at strikes, waits out pitchers. Hits from a tall/balanced setup, simple load with controlled leg hang trigger. Short and ultra-quick path to the ball, loose and strong hands. Bat is long through the zone and geared to make hard gap-to-gap contact – and maybe even all-fields-type of power one day as he keeps growing and progressing. He consistently barreled balls all weekend with an elite quality of contact. Peterson also started the Hitmen’s first game on Saturday and struck out seven batters in three innings of work and actually earned a save later in the day. His fastball reached a top speed of 77 mph, and sat between 72-76 mph. His curveball sat between 57-60 mph with a 12/6 shape, while his changeup’s velocity ranged between 63-64 mph and he was mostly able to maintain his typical arm speed. Peterson filled up the zone with all his pitches, especially his fastball, as he threw 71 percent of his pitches for strikes. His final line on the mound, in two Day Two appearances: 4 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, BB, 9 K, SV.
Payton Dye, RHP/IF, Bureau Valley, IL, 2024
5-foot-9, 170-pound RHP/INF. Mature, physical build with a durable lower half. Had a strong overall showing at the plate and off the mound. Went 7-for-10 with a double, four RBI, three walks, and two runs scored in the tournament primarily out of the four spot for the Hitmen. Dye works from an open, balanced setup with a short stride and swings a quick bat with a level path through the zone. Threw 6.2 innings over a two-game span, struck out six batters, walked four, and gave up three earned runs. Works from a high ¾ slot with a long loose arm action. Lands closed off from his target, clean delivery with fluid rhythm, threw 63 percent of his pitches for strikes over the weekend. Fastball topped at 74 mph, sat between 72-73 mph. Curveball sat between 67-70 mph, 12/6 shape, thrown for strikes, kept hitters off balance well. Changeup was between 61-62 mph, used sparingly.
Zach Almaguer INF/C, Monmouth/Roseville, IL, 2024
5-foot-4, 130-pound INF/C, athletic build. Started behind the plate against the Coamo Legends and played second base against PTA Cardinal. Went 1-for-3 on Saturday with an RBI and two walks out of the eight-hole. Closed balanced setup at the plate, wide base, short stride with a toe-tap, confident and patient at the plate. Defensively, recorded pop-times of 2.51 and 2.59 in game, threw one runner out, presents strikes well, clean and quick transfer.
Top Tier Americans
Randall Nauden, C/RHP, N/A, 2024
Premium build; strong, durable lower half. Profiles best as a catcher. Showed advanced actions out of the crouch for his age, popping between 2.34 and 2.43 – and that 2.43 mark came in-game when he fired a strike on the bag to nab a would-be base stealer. He has typical catcher actions; short arm action, throws featured carry, and he showed some side-to-side agility as a blocker. Right-handed hitter, balanced/athletic setup, open front foot, brief and simple bat wrap load, weight shift back. Level bat path, above-average bat strength. On the mound came out of the pen in championship game. Stock repeatable delivery with short arm action and big arm strength for age. Fastball played at 74-78 mph with four seam finish up in the zone. Typically served as Americans’ starting catcher, led Top Tier with two hits, including his team’s only extra-base hit (a double).
Tomas Valincius, 1B/LHP, St. Laurence, IL, 2024
Demonstrated an advanced feel for the strike zone all weekend, and it played a big role in the title game. He barreled a single in his first at-bat, and walked in his three other plate appearances, to help keep the Top Tier line moving. Valincius also recorded the game’s final five outs and struck out three in his 1.2 innings of clutch relief work. He hits from the left side on an uphill swing path, long through the zone. He created hard, lofted contact with consistency over the entirety of the weekend, and carries with him some pop potential to his pull side. On the mound, he works with some rhythm, short arm circle, high front side, high ¾ slot, lands wide open. Fastball sat 68-70 mph, with some arm-side run, coupled with a downer 1/7 curveball that has above-average depth.
Joseph Bedtke, RHP, St. Rita, IL, 2023
Started for Top Tier in a rain-shortened game on Saturday afternoon. Threw three innings, striking out two, walked one, and did not give up a run. Long lanky frame, projects with lean limbs, 5-foot-11, 135-pounds. Clean arm and delivery, works out of high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 71-74 mph, touched 75 mph. Curveball 64-65 mph with 11/5 shape.
Ryan Sloan, RHP/SS, York, IL, 2024
On the mound, Sloan rocks into his delivery from the wind-up, works in rhythm and balance, compact arm circle, ¾ arm slot. The slot allows for Sloan to get consistent arm-side run on his fastball with above-average lateral break, sitting 69-71 mph, T72. He also showed feel for his curveball, working in between a 10/4 and 11/5 plane, with depth. Sloan also operated as his team’s shortstop when he wasn’t on the mound, where he showed natural feel for the position. From the right-handed batter’s box, Sloan has a tall/open setup with feel for the barrel, and was a regular on the basepaths.
14U
RakeCity - Platinum
Max Waszkiewicz, 2B, N/A, 2023
Played second base and also batted in the four-hole for Rake City - Platinum against the 29ers. Although undersized, Waszkiewicz plays larger than his frame presents. In a rain-shortened game, Waszkiewicz hit a loud double to center and also earned a walk. He’s a lightning rod on the field, and it allows his team to feed off his energy -- he’s a hard-nosed ballplayer who plays with bounce. At the plate, Waskiewicz hits from a balanced setup, with a short leg lift trigger, and is athletic in all his movements, which allows him to get the bat to the ball quickly and efficiently, with no wasted energy. He has the potential to be a middle-of-the-lineup bat who plays an up-the-middle position.
Waylan Deck, LHP, Homewood-Flossmoor, IL, 2022
In a rain-shortened game against the 29ers, Deck sat 74-76 mph with his fastball while topping out at 77 mph. Deck has a long loose frame, that helps him produce fast, whippy arm action on the mound. He has 12/6 curveball in his arsenal as well. Deck has the potential to be a high-level arm as he continues to progress.
Marco Arroyo, RHP/C, Loyola Academy, IL, 2023
6-foot-1, 155-pound two-way player, showed well on the mound in relief. Stretch-only delivery, arm works with short draw, over-the-top slot. Fastball played up with finish, got several swing and miss, sat 76-78 mph, touch 80 mph on a swinging strikeout. Curveball works 64-66 mph.
29ers Baseball
John Weidenbach, C, N/A, 2023
Behind the plate, showed advanced blocking skills for age. Above-average arm strength as well, showcased it by throwing out a runner at third and picking a kid off at second base. Between innings, had pop times ranging from 2.38-2.51. At the plate, wide setup, leg kick stride, short and uphill path to the ball. Finished the game 1-for-1 with an RBI double down the right field line, a walk, a stolen base and a run scored. Finished the weekend 2-for-6 with two RBIs.
Anthony Estrada, 3B/RHP, Marmion Academy, IL, 2023
6-foot-3, 160 pound Estrada presents a large, long, lanky frame for his age. Estrada went 2-2 with two single through the middle of the diamond against Rake City- Platinum. At the plate Estrada hits from a balanced open set up with a leg-kick trigger with present bat speed for his age. Estrada showed the ability to square up good pitching, as shown when facing high velocity pitching.
Mark Wagner, C, Neuqua Valley, IL, 2023
5-foot-9, 180-pound right-handed-hitting catcher. Strong, physical build. Started behind the plate for 29ers on Friday night. Slightly open balanced setup, short stride with a slight leg kick, slight bat tip during load. Hands separate well, level path through the zone. Patient approach at the plate, worked a full-count walk in his first at-bat. Adept blocker behind the plate, squares himself up with the ball. Pop times ranged between 2.32-2.44, threw a runner out in game. Quick, clean transfer, fluid footwork, arm has carry to it. Vocal on the field, showed the ability to handle a staff.
Hitters Baseball
Adam Switalski, RHP, Westosha Central, 2023
An athletic and lanky 5-foot-10, 150-pound prospect with projectability. He started on the mound for the Hitters on Sunday against Naperville Renegades American. Pitched 3.2 innings and allowed three runs on three hits, three walks, and he also struck out three batters. He has a simple delivery, rocks into motion, stays tall. Arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot, arm speed is quick, especially for his age. Fastball, 79-81 mph, with consistent arm-side run, flashed hard action; sat in the 76-79 mph range after the first frame. Curveball has swing-and-miss potential, with power 11/5 shape and depth when he gets on top of it.
Alexander Alicea, SS, St. Thomas More, 2023
Switch-hitting shortstop who filled the leadoff spot in the Hitter’s lineup on Sunday against Naperville Renegades American and went 2-for-3 with two singles. Alicea is a premium defender who exhibits all of the essential traits to stick to shortstop at the next level and beyond. He consistently fields the ball in rhythm, with smooth and soft hands, an ultra-quick exchange, and an arm that is accurate while throwing on the move. He’s a true switch-hit type but looks a little more natural in the right-handed batter’s box. He’s the ideal top-of-the-order type, with his patient approach and advanced knowledge of the strike zone, which complements his plus speed. He’s a spray-type at the plate with quality barrel control, capable of barreling baseballs into the gaps, too. Alicea is constantly looking to get on base by any means necessary in order to impact the game as quickly as possible.
Nicholas Lacson, C/RHP, Barrington, IL, 2023
5-foot-11, 165-pound two-way player with an above-average strong, durable build. He’s a natural behind the plate with premium catch-and-throw skills; quick out of the crouch and he has advanced arm strength for his age. A right-handed hitter, he has a fast bat that works off a slight incline path. He started Hitters’ first game on Saturday, sitting in the 78-80 mph range, and touched 81 mph, in his first few innings of work. He mixed in an 11/5 slurve-y breaking ball that also flashed some depth to it.
Evan Shapiro, RHP, Wauwatosa East, 2023
6-foot-4, 172-pound right-handed pitching prospect with premium projectability; long and lanky limbs. Came into Saturday’s first game in relief, and was electric in the role. Rocks into high leg kick and hip turn. Long arm action accelerates very fast out front, and the extension he gets to his release point increases the perceived velocity from the vantage point of the batter. Fastball, sat in the 79-80 mph range, T81, with hard downhill tilt. Shapiro is becoming a high-level prospect in the state’s 2023 class.
Zachary Rechner, RHP, Catholic Memorial, 2023
5-foot-9, 150-pound right-handed pitcher. Forward rocker step into medium leg lift, short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball played 77-78 mph, touched 79 mph, showed action to arm side. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 60 mph. Went 5.2 IP, struck out four allowing four hits and two earned runs.
Indiana Bulls - Black
Max Clark, LHP/OF, Franklin Community, IN, 2023
Clark is establishing himself as one of the top players in the Midwest’s 2023 class, if not, the country’s. He combined to go 6-for-7 at the plate over the weekend with three walks and a pair of doubles. At 5-foot-11, 158 pounds, Clark is an elite athlete with quick-twitch ingrained in his game. In the left-handed batter’s box, Clark hits from a balanced/open setup with pre-pitch rhythm. His hands load back, small front foot hang to help his quick trigger. His hands are ultra-quick and his bat speed is electric through the zone, and he demonstrates a mature feel for the barrel – he knows when to unload and when to take what he’s given. When he’s not on the mound, he patrols center with confidence where his footspeed helps him track down fly balls on efficient routes. He’s also a highly talented pitching prospect. From the left side, Clark pitched the Bulls’ first game on Friday night. He has a smooth, repeatable, and easy delivery with a quick arm from a high ¾ slot that surprises hitters. Fastball, 82-84 mph, touching 85 mph multiple times and even reaching 86 mph once, with little effort. Curveball, 1/7 plane, with above-average depth, flashed bite occasionally. He knows how to hold a baserunners, too, and can incorporate an effective slide step when he needs.
Mitchell Dean, LHP, Western, IN, 2023
6-foot, 142-pound left handed pitcher. Started on the mound against Pro Player Canes on Sunday. Pitched four innings and gave up no runs, struck out six and walked no one. Highly projectable lanky frame with long limbs. High ¾ arm slot and lands slightly closed on his finish. His fastball showed slight cut and sat at 74-76 mph, topped at 77 mph. His curveball had 2/8 action, 59-60 mph.
Charlie Schebler, 3B, Oldenburg, 2023
5-foot-10, 143 pound left-handed hitting third baseman. Batted fourth in the lineup against Pro Player Canes and second in the lineup against GRB Rays. Went a combined 2 for 5 on the day with 2 singles, 2 walks, and an RBI. Tall, lean frame. Has an open stance and a toe tap stride to bring him to a square, balanced position.
Indiana Elite
Ben Murphy, RHP, Center Grove, IN, 2023
Murphy was impressive in a 4-3 win over the ProPlayer Canes. Over four innings pitched in relief, Murphy surrendered just one run while striking out three, and earned the victory for the Elite. He has a premium, proportional 6-foot-4 frame with some athleticism. His fastball sat 76-78 mph, featuring some late arm-side run. His curveball was typically 66-69 mph off an 11/5 plane and showed above-average lateral movement. Murphy starred back on day one in a four-inning relief appearance, and showed more of the same in the title game.
Ben Orrill, RHP, Madison, IN, 2023
Orrill relieved Murphy in the 14U championship game over the weekend and was just as effective. He worked with tempo, rocking into a hip turn at balance point, with a high front side and long arm action, over-the-top arm slot. Arm speed was fast and he worked square to home and fell off to the first base side. Fastball, 73-75 mph, some downhill tilt. Curveball, feel to spin, flashed tight, bite action, 11/5, 67-68 mph.
Keegan Manowitz, RHP, Jennings County, IN, 2023
5-foot-5, 120-pound right-handed pitcher. Athletic build. Starting pitcher on Friday against Pro Player Canes. Pitched three innings, struck out three batters, walked two, and surrendered two earned runs. Short, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball topped out at 75 mph, sat between 72-74 mph. Curveball played at 63-64 mph with 11/5 shape and bite. Changeup sat between 65-65 mph, used sparingly.
Caden Cornett, RHP, Center Grove, IN, 2023
6-foot-2, 147-pound right-handed pitcher, long frame, lean build. Clean arm action, works quick, loose high ¾ slot. Fastball played 74-77 mph, touched 78 mph, fastball showed swing and miss finish when elevated up in the zone, four seam type. Curveball played with occasional depth, slurve at times, 11/5 shape, occasionally decels, 60-62 mph.
Brent Stone, Westfield, IN, 2023
Physically strong right-handed hitter, 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Well above average bat strength, hands create level path, line drive contact with ability to backspin. Ball jumps off the bat with bat strength.
Lou Collier/DBA’s
Frederick Ragsdale, OF, Lyons Township, IL, 2023
5-foot-3, 115-pound left/left outfielder. Light-footed top of the order type spark plug, easy athlete, smooth easy run tool. Premium defender likely to stick in centerfield. Short compact bat path, balanced approach, line-drive punch and run type hitter, can spray to all fields, above average off the bat for his size. One of his more impressive at bats finished with a line drive up the box against a tough left-on-left matchup.
Zion Rose, UTL, N/A, 2023
Physically advanced for his age, strong athletic build, with plus athleticism. Multi-positional player who shows above average tools all over the field. Hit tool stood out the most this weekend. Right-handed hitter, using wood showed impressive bat strength and speed. Ball jumped off the bat and showed explosive hands. Lets ball travel with ability to see it well and commit late and still get the barrel to hard pull side contact. Made hard contact in nearly every at bat for extra base hits, 4.75 and 4.80 on turns.
Cam Collier, RHP/SS, N/A, 2023
The big-bodied 6-foot righty was sitting at an easy 80-82 mph, and touched 83 mph in his day of work from the rubber. He also operates as the team’s starting shortstop when he’s not on the mound and is a natural with the glove, and obviously has the arm strength to play on the left side of the infield.
Kameron Gethers, OF, Brother Rice, IL, 2023
High ceiling frame, long lean and projectable, high waisted. Easy athlete, light footed and easy runner, floats around the bases and in the outfield. Raw bat/hand speed at the plate, loose swing, showed hard contact and bat speed against premium velocity for his age, with a double to right-center. 4.60 and 4.64 on turns down the line.
Midwest Astros
Grant Shepherd, LHP/1B, Greenfield Central, IN, 2023
5-foot-8, 140-pound frame. On the mound, side rocker step, tall balance point, lands closed, tall and fall delivery. Long arm action and throws from a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 72-74 MPH, topped at 75 MPH. Curveball was 54-62 MPH with 1/7 shape and late action. Showed ability to throw curveball for a strike in all counts. At the plate, stands tall and slightly open. Short and level path to the ball. Finished 1-1 with an RBI single. Walked and had a sacrifice bunt in his other two plate appearances. Gets down the line well, ran a 4.03 home to first.
Brayden Dowd, OF, N/A, MI, 2023
Athletic frame, L/L centerfield prospect. Natural actions in the outfield, plays easy and confident in centerfield, showed ability to go back on the baseball and track with ease, advanced instincts for his age. Leadoff hitter, loose swing with above average run tool.
Blake Herdes, RHP, Evansville Central, IN, 2023
6-foot-2, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, long lean frame that projects. Big arm strength for age, fastball topped at 76-77 mph, sat 73-75 mph working out of a high ¾ slot. Curveball played 58-60 mph.
Naperville Renegades American
T.J. McMillen, 1B, St. Francis, IL, 2023
2-for-3 on the day for the Naperville Renegades however it was not enough to push them past PTA Cardinal 14U. However even in defeat McMillen made hard contact consistently in two of his three plate appearances. He finished the day with a line drive single to center and a double to right center field. Premier bat in the renegades line up. Could be a potential bat that can play at the next level. Plus body type for his age especially when he fills his frame. Hits with a presence that is advanced for his age presence at plate, quiet rhythm, missle to CF for hit.
Jake LaVine, RHP, Metea Valley, IL, 2023
Two way player. RHP, started on the mound against Hitters Baseball on Sunday. Pitched 6.1 innings, 11 strikeouts, 0 walks, 2 earned runs, and 5 hits. Fastball had life and sat 75-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball with an 11/5 shape was working for him, 60-64 mph. Athletic frame, high ¾ arm slot, and lands slightly closed. Right handed hitter who went 2 for 2 with 2 singles and a HBP.
Pro Player Canes - Cohn
Cooper Cohn, RHP, McHenry, IL, 2023
Athletic, projectable frame, two way player. Started on the mound for Pro Player Canes on Sunday against Indiana Bulls. Pitched 5.1 innings, 7 strikeouts, 1 walk, 4 earned runs, and 6 hits. Quick, short arm action. Had a high ¾ arm slot and landed square on his finish. Fastball sat at 75-78 mph, topped at 80 mph. Curveball had an 11/5 shape and ranged from 61-63 mph. Changeup arm action was similar to his fastball, sat 67-68 mph. The right handed hitter went 1 for 2 at the plate with a double and a walk. Defensively, showed natural instincts behind the plate on Friday against Indiana Elite. Adept blocker that boasts an above-average arm with carry. Smooth receiver, presents the ball well, clean/quick transfer of the baseball. 1.98-2.13 pop time in between innings, threw a runner out as well. Overall, has the tools necessary to stick behind the plate in the long-term.
Joey Garlin, RHP, N/A, 2023
Athletic build. Started Friday’s game against Indiana Elite for Pro Player. Pitched six innings, five strikeouts, two walks, three hits, and one earned run. Threw 84-pitches in the game, 54 of them for strikes. Quick worker, operates from a high ¾ slot, short and loose arm action. Fastball sat 73-75, topped out at 76 mph, showed ability to control his fastball and throw it for strikes. Curveball sat 59-61 mph, 12/6 shape, thrown for strikes. Changeup plays at 63-65 mph, thrown near fastball arm speed. Showed the ability to work backwards in counts and throw all three of his pitches for strikes. Went 1-for-4 at the plate with a single and an RBI out of the five spot for Pro Player.
J.R. Nelson, SS/2B, Stevenson, IL, 2023
Lean, athletic build. Started at shortstop for Pro Player on Friday night. Hit in the leadoff spot for the Canes and went 2-for-3 with two singles and a hit by pitch. Patient at the plate with a quick bat. Natural defender in the field, smooth hands, clean exchange, with an above-average arm. Fielded all the balls hit to him cleanly, including one spectacular play up the middle. Pitched a third of an inning as well. Short, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball topped at 75 mph, sat between 72-74 mph. Curveball played at 60-64 mph, 12/6 shape with bite.
Ryan Bakes, C, Huntley, IL, 2023
A physical, strong right-handed-hitting catcher with some natural feel behind the plate. Quick catch-and-throw actions and strong hands/wrists help him receive pitches well. Swings hard, aggressively, and flashes gap-to-gap ability.
A similar build to his brother; proportional strength throughout, though he hits from the left side. A smooth left-handed hitter with fluidity and rhythm, which helps him find the barrel with ease, with bat speed. Uses his strength to generate hard contact into the gaps. Is quick out of the box with above-average foot speed. Has some instincts in center field, and the speed to chase down balls in the gaps.
PTA Cardinal
Max Hennemann, SS/RHP, Oak Creek, 2023
Shined in Franklin on Saturday. That could be something the local high school will have to get used to, considering Hennemann looks like he’ll be joining rivals Oak Creek in the fall. He’s a left-handed-hitting middle infield prospect who spent the day setting the table for his teammates, as they got off to a quick 3-0 lead. He’s already demonstrating an elite defensive feel and athleticism for his age. Hennemann has a knack for making the hard plays look easy, showing advanced arm strength and actions for his age, and it plays short and over-the-top with carry. At the plate, he showed above-average bat speed and strength, and was also able to speed up and around the basepaths. Most notably, he crushed a triple into the right-center gap, offering up the potential of some pull-side pop if he’s able to add some strength to his 5-foot-10 frame as he continues to grow and mature. Looks the part, smooth rhythmic swing, middle of the field approach. Hard line drive base hit to center and hard line out to center field. Game 2: hard fb, 11/5 bb, works quick, high ¾ slot. Scattered 6 hits in 5 innings of work. Fastball ranged from 70-72 mph, while flashing a curveball at 64 mph. Produced soft contacts on majority of pitches put in play.
EJ Kuster, 1B, Greendale, 2023
Tennemann’s teammate EJ Kuster (Greendale, 2023) provided the middle-of-the-order punch for PTA Cardinal 14U. The right/right first baseman was aggressive in the batter’s box on Day Two and it led to two hard-hit doubles, both pulled into the left-center gap – and one actually looked like it had to juice to clear the fence off the barrel. Kuster’s big 6-foot-2 frame helps him create some leverage at the plate, leading to some power potential from the right side. projectable Plus body, athletic lanky, rocket 2b to left. Reached on an error, double to left field where he picked up and rbi, and a walk. Shows an aggressive approach throughout the game and produced hard contact when he got his pitch. Game 2: smoked a double over the center fielder’s head,shows an aggressive approach for his age.
Nathan Cumberbatch, RHP
RHP Nathan Cumberbatch helped lead PTA cardinal 14U to a 2-0 start by pitching 5 innings of 3 hit ball by striking out 8 and giving up 1 run, en route to a 9-1 victory over PBA 14U. RHP Cumberbatch is a tall, long framed RHP, worked 71-73 mph on his fastball, topping out at 74 mph. Looks to add velocity as he adds to his frame. His fastball played harder than his velo shows as it presented hard late life, consistently producing late, soft contact. His curveball 12/6 shape was consistently at 60 mph. Cumberbatch is a quick worker, with a fluid, athletic rhythm.
Matt Merlo, RHP
RHP. Tossed a complete game for PTA Cardinal 14U against the Quad City Hitmen Elite. Only allowed 1 run and struck out 5, and only allowing 3 hits. On the day for the Cardinal Merlo showed control of his fastball and curveball. Keeping hitters off balance by mixing his speeds and pitching backwards.
Quad City Cannons
Solen Munson, LHH C/CF, Dubuque Hempstead, IA, 2023
Son of former MLB catcher Eric Munson. For Munson, he demonstrated some premium arm strength from behind the plate. He showed it off several times on Days Two and Three, most notably from his knees. Pop times ranged between 2.29-2.45. At 5-foot-10, 140 pounds, Munson possesses a typical strong catcher’s build. His defensive actions stood out the most, with accuracy. He’s a natural receiver with soft and quiet hands, and showed above-average skills as a blocker. On day three, split time between center field and catcher. Made a diving catch on a ball over his head in center. On top of his defensive prowess, Munson swings a compact left-handed bat that flashed some jump off the barrel hitting out of the two-hole.
Riley Fuller, 3B/RHP, Moline, IL, 2023
Two-hitter in the lineup. At the plate, tall and open stance, toe tap stride, uphill path to the ball. 4-7, 3 RBI on the day. On the mound, side rocker step, tall balance point, works in line and lands slightly closed. Long arm action, throws from a 3/4 slot. Complete game, 2 ER, 8 K, 1 BB, 5 H. Fastball sat 73-75 MPH, topped at 76 MPH with straight action. Curveball was 62-65 MPH, 11/5 shape that showed swing and miss potential. Maintained similar arm speed and slot between both pitches. Showed control of both pitches as he had a strike percentage of 68.2%.
Nathan Noble, SS/RHP, Alleman, IL, 2022
Middle of the lineup hitter, was put in the four or five spot in all three games this weekend. Tall, slightly open stance, short stride, long and uphill path to the ball. Finished the weekend 6-12 with a double. Consistent hard contact. On the mound, starts with a side rocker step and high balance point. Works in line, lands square, has long arm action and throws from a high ¾ slot. Tossed six shutout innings with six strikeouts, six hits, and two walks.
Rhino Baseball
Matt Santana, RHH C, Marian Catholic, IL, 2023
Tall, open stance, short leg kick stride, long and uphill path to the ball. Advanced bat speed for age. Finished the day 1-4 with a single and hit by pitch. Lined out to the warning track in dead center. Ball sounds different off the bat. Behind the plate, above average defender for age. Blocked every ball, soft hands and advanced framing skills stole a couple strikes. Premium arm strength, throws to second have life on them. 2.19-2.27 pop times.
Cal Sefcik, RHH SS/3B, Marist, IL, 2023
5-10, 155 pound projectable frame. Tall, balanced set up, slightly open, occasional leg kick, short stride. Short path and stays inside the baseball. Finished the day 2-4 with a pair of doubles, four RBI, and two walks. Two-hopped the left field wall against Top Tier Nationals for a three-run double.
Hunter Sefcik, 3B/RHP, Marist, IL, 2023
5-6, 148 pound strong build, defined lower half. Sets up balanced and slightly open, smooth load and toe-tap stride. Short path to the ball, advanced bat speed for his age. Finished 2-3 with a triple, a single, and an RBI against Top Tier Nationals. On the mound, starts with a side rocker, high balance point, lands closed. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 72-74 MPH, topped out at 75 MPH. Curveball was 62-64 MPH with 11/5 shape. Changeup at 70-71 MPH with fading movement. Showed control on all three pitches, finishing with a strike percentage of 64.8%. Finished four IP, three hits, two runs, one earned run, four strikeouts, one walk.
Sam Gurgone, OF/LHP, Marist, IL, 2023
5-foot-10, 150-pound athletic build and projectable frame. Side rocker step, tall balance point, lands square. Long arm action, throws from an over-the-top slot. Fastball sat 73-75 mph, topped at 77 mph. Curveball at 59-61 mph that showed swing and miss potential. Changeup at 60-63 with fading movement. Threw 4.1 innings and finished with 3 hits, 3 earned runs, 4 strikeouts, and 5 walks.
A.J. Vinci, LHP, Marist, IL, 2023
5-foot-11, 121-pound left-handed pitching prospect with lanky limbs. Competed against a solid Indiana Bulls - Black lineup on Friday night. Worked from the middle of the rubber and side-stepped into a full windup delivery. Drop-and-drive, high-front side, long and loose arm action that works from high ¾ slot. Vinci has a quick arm and hides the ball well, which adds to his effectiveness. Fastball, 73-76 mph, arm-side run. Curveball, knows how to spin it, 2/8 shape with ability to land for strikes, 67-68 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, power potential, features fade, 65-67 mph.
Jake Stefanos, RHP, Marist, IL, 2023
5-foot-6, 130-pound two-way prospect with athletic build. Put together an interesting performance in relief on the mound against the Bulls on Friday night. Struck out four batters in two innings of work. Tilt-and-topple type who works quickly, gets it and goes. Big leg kick and hip turn, arm action is long and quick, works on line and lands closed. Fastball, arm-side action, some hard, 73-75 mph. Curveball, gradual 10/4 shape, change-of-pace offering right now that he can land for a strike. Changeup, swing-and-miss potential, sinks and fades at arm speed, 63-64 mph.
STiKS Baseball Academy - Black
Thomas Curry, C, Arrowhead, 2023
Curry also looks the part from behind the dish. He looks to be high-level backstop at the next level, demonstrating the ability to block, receive, and has plus arm strength for his age. The future Arrowhead prospect has a strong, athletic frame and is already an advanced receiver and blocker. He was popping the 2.19-2.37 range between innings with the help of his plus arm strength for his age. From the right-handed batter’s box, Curry also takes an advanced approach at the plate and flashed the kind of bat strength that produced gap-to-gap results. In Day Two action, Curry went 1-for-2 with a single and hard line-drive out hit right to the second baseman. It looks like he’s going to have a chance to make an early impact in high school if he keeps this pace up.
Ryan Drumm, OF, Madison Edgewood, 2023
Played center field for STicks Academy Black against the Quad City Hitmen Elite. Drumm presents a long loose athletic frame. Drumm is a plus athlete for his age and showed the ability to cover ground in the outfield from gap to gap, taking good routes to every ball that was hit in his direction. At the plate Drumm walked and smoked a double over the left fielder’s head that two hopped the left field wall. Drumm shows some present pull side power and gap to gap potential for his age. Looks to add power as he begins to fill out his frame.
Top Tier Americans
John Hughes, LHP/1B, N/A, 2024
2024 grad playing against 2023 competition. Side rocker, mid balance point, drop and drive delivery. Throws from a high ¾ slot. FB sat 71-73, topped at 74 with arm side run. Curveball had 1/7 shape, occasionally 12/6 shape. Showed ability to throw curveball for strikes, also showed swing and miss potential. Finished five IP, two ER, three K, two BB and a W.
Benjamin Oosterbaan, RHP/INF, Hinsdale Central, IL, 2023
The 14U Top Tier Americans started off the day with an excellent pitching performance, turned in by Benjamin Oosterbaan. The long and lanky right-hander was dominant on the day, tossing a complete game shutout while only allowing three hits and striking out eight batters. Oosterbaan had control of all three of his pitches, throwing 53 of his 80 pitches on the day for strikes. His fastball generated consistent soft contact while topping out at 78 mph and sitting between, 75-77 mph. Oosterbaan’s curveball sat between 68-70 mph with a 10/4 shape, while his changeup was thrown near fastball arm speed and ranged between 67-70 mph. His ability to locate his fastball, and throw his offspeed for strikes, kept opposing hitters off balance, leading to Oosterbaan’s dominant performance on the mound.
Tommy Townsend, OF, Sycamore, IL, 2023
Another standout for the Top Tier Americans was left fielder Tommy Townsend. The 6-foot, 155-pound left-hander went 2-for-3 with an RBI double and a walk out of the four-hole for Top Tier. He consistently made hard contact to his pull-side and showed an advanced approach at the plate for his age.
Jake Warkentein, 3B, Lyons Township, IL, 2023
Batted sixth in the lineup for Top Tier Americans on Sunday against Quad City Hitmen. He went 2 for 3 with a triple and a single. He also finished the game with 3 RBIs. Athletic frame, with a balanced setup, small stride, and subtle load.
Brooks Barofsky, C, Downers Grove North, IL, 2023
5-foot-8, 155-pound right handed hitting catcher. He batted seventh in the lineup on Sunday against Quad City Hitmen. He went 2 for 2 with a single, a double, a walk, and 3 RBIs. Closed, balanced setup, with a short stride and an uphill bat path.
Top Tier Nationals
Jake VanBooven, CF/LHP, Conant, IL, 2023
Leadoff hitter. At the plate, has an advanced approach for his age, worked the count in all of his ABs. Sets up open from the left side, long stride. Short and level path to the baseball. On the day finished 4-8, two doubles, two singles, a walk, consistent hard contact. Doubled off the top of the right field wall. Above average speed for his age. On the mound, side rocker step, tall balance point, lands closed, tall and fall delivery. Long and loose arm action, throws from a high 3/4 slot. Fastball sat 67-70 MPH, topped at 72 MPH. Curveball at 58-60 MPH, 1/7 shape. Changeup at 62-65, fade movement. Maintained similar arm speed for all three pitches.
Quad City Hitmen Elite
Tyler Hansen, OF/RHP, Rock Island, IL, 2022
Looks to be one of, if not the best athlete on the field when he is playing. Hansen showed plus athleticism for his age in center field and on the base paths for the Hitmen. Hansen stole multiple bases for the Hitmen. He also possess a plus arm for his age when he almost threw out a runner advancing to third on a bang bang play. At the plate Hansen showed an advanced approach at the plate, presenting a still head and getting his “A” swing off on pitches in the zone, showing that he has a plan at the plate. Hansen finished with a line of 1-2 with a base hit to center field, and a base on balls. Looks to be a top level player at the next level. In the Hitmen’s second game on the day Hansen got the ball. Hansen’s fastball sat around 74-76 mph, with his fastball topping out at 77mph, curveball at 59, and a changeup at 60-63 mph. At the plate in game 2 against PTA Cardinal Hansen went 1-1 with a single and a base on balls.
Mac Resetich, C/OF, N/A, IL
In Game One against STiKS Academy Black, Resetich was doing the catching for the Hitmen. Behind the plate Resetich flashed the ability to be a top level catcher at the next level, showing advanced receiving ability for his age, as well as the ability to block balls in the dirt well and move laterally well. He also showed a plus arm behind the plate flashing pop time of 2.32 multiple times during warm ups and during gameplay. At the plate Mac batted leadoff for the Hitmen and showed an advanced approach from the position for his age. He has the speed and the bat to ball ability to stay in the leadoff role at the next level. In game 2 against PTA Cardinal Resetich batted leadoff again for the Hitmen as well as playing center field. In the outfield he showed the ability to cover lots of ground from gap to gap as well as having a plus arm. At the plate on the day Resetich went 2-5 on the day with two singles and a base on balls.
Seamus Boyle, 3B, Moline, IL, 2023
His right-handed bat has natural loft and his super quick hands allow him to pull his barrel through the zone fast and with advanced bat strength. He roped a double off the Fenway fence against Top Tier’s 14U Americans team in action on Sunday.
Hunter Warren, SS
Lean lanky frame, projectable build. Loose hands at the plate creates above average bat speed. Hands showed softness on defense, cushions the baseball and works through it, projectable middle of the infield defender.
GRB Rays 14U Green
Jackson Hunley, RHP, Sun Prairie, 2023
Started on the mound for GRB Rays on Sunday against Indiana Bulls. Pitched 6 innings -- 3 strikeouts, 2 walks, 1 earned run, and 4 hits. Tall, lanky frame. Has a high ¾ arm slot, with short, loose action. Fastball showed run action and ranged from 73-75 mph, topped at 76 mph. Curveball had a sharp 11/5 shape and sat between 65-69 mph.
Jack Shepski, 2B/RHP, Waunakee, 2023
GRB Rays 14U finished off the nightcap with an overwhelming 13-1 win against Lou Collier DBA’s. Got the win in dominant fashion, striking out eight in four innings of work in the run-ruled contest. Shepski is the younger brother to Jake Shepski, a 2014 graduate out of St. Rita HS (IL), who went on to pitch at Notre Dame. Jack looks well on his way following a path that looks a lot like Jake’s. His fastball jumped on hitters at 77-79 mph, working with relative ease.
Cal Fisher, SS, Deerfield, 2023
5-foot-10, 155-pound shortstop. One of the better right-handed hitters in the state’s class. Balanced approach, loose hands, barrel aware. Ball jumps off the bat at contact, gap to gap approach. Went 2-for-3 in game vs. Lou Collier/DBA with two plus contacts off the bat. High baseball IQ, gets excellent reads on the basepaths. Arm carries well across the diamond, easy defender, showed well on the infield.
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