Prep Baseball Report

Aurora Preseason I.D.: Pitcher Analysis


By Illinois Staff

On Feb. 27, the PBR Illinois team hosted the second annual Aurora Preseason I.D. at the Aurora Sports Dome in Aurora, Ill. The event featured nearly 100 players from high school graduates in classes 2022-25, from across the Chicagoland area.

Previously, our staff collaborated to highlight the biggest takeaways and highlights from this showcase, and published them within our Quick Hits piece. We also shared the event's traditional leaderboards, published inside this Statistical Analysis. Later on, with the help of the state-of-the-art technology we had on-site, we dove a little deeper into the data to see what we could find within our TrackMan Files and Blast Motion Board stories.

We began to publish our position-by-position analysis with the event’s catchers, outfielders, and infielders, and we’re onto the pitchers today.

Sophomore arms took four of the top-five slots on this ranking, but junior LHP Gavin Sitarz (St. Charles East; uncommitted) sits at No. 2. He’s previously showed a high level of in-game pitchability, and the increased velocity he showed at this event has his arrow pointed up ahead of a critical spring and summer for him, as an uncommitted prospect.

Marengo’s Christian Graves (2023) led the event in max fastball velocity, as a sophomore, and he’s emerged as a high-follow two-way player to monitor in the state. He claimed the No. 2 spot within this event’s Infield Analysis, and his size and arm strength helped him take the top spot on this list.

For full reports on these two, as well as each of the other pitchers who took part in this showcase, continue on below.

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Christian Graves, Marengo (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-2, 200-pounds. Strong, athletic build.
Delivery: Uptempo Tall and fall delivery with some effort, works in line, lands squared and finishes athletically.
Arm Action: RH. Long loose arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T88, 86-87 mph. Firm straight action. T1997, 1881 average rpm.
CB: 65-68 mph. 11/5 shape, flashes 12/6, near fastball arm speed. T2052, 1995 average rpm.
CH: 77-78 mph. Near fastball arm speed, plays straight, flashed sink at times. T1869, 1795 average rpm.

2. Gavin Sitarz, St. Charles East (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP/OF; High-pitchability left-hander with a recent uptick in velocity.
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Well-proportioned frame with present strength.
Delivery: Smooth, controlled delivery, stays balanced throughout and works with normal effort. Stays on-line, finishes square.
Arm Action: LH. Short, loose arm action works quick out of a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T86, 84-86 mph. Clean out of the hand, finish through the zone, showed control. T2320, 2160 average rpm.
CB: 71-73 mph. Above-average feel. More consistent action and feel than the slider. 1/7 shape, tight spin. T2168, 2149 average rpm.
SL: 69-71 mph. 2/8 shape, late bite at times. T2087, 2016 average rpm.
CH: 74-76 mph. Lowers arm slot, maintains arm speed. Sink and fade action at times, feel for the bottom of the zone. T1421, 1346 average rpm.

3. Daniel Krulak, Bartlett (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-2, 200-pounds. Athletic frame, strong build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with some effort, hands work over the head, shoulders stay leveled.
Arm Action: LH. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 80-82 mph. Slight arm-side run.  T2351, 2261 average rpm.
SL: 67-70 mph. Sharp 2/8 movement.  T2463, 2409 average rpm.
CH: 74-75 mph. Plays straight, flashes fading/sinking action, works down in the zone. T1946, 1890 average rpm.

4. Kyler Kennen, Jacobs (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-5, 180-pounds. Athletic, lanky frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm, shoulders stay leveled, works in line, lands squared and athletically.
Arm Action: RH. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T84, 84-84 mph. Arm-side run, thrown for strikes.  T2318, 2217 average rpm.
CB: 64-66 mph. Gradual 11/5 action, thrown down in the zone. T1993, 1952 average rpm.
CH: 77-79 mph. Plays straight, flashed fading action. T1877, 1766 average rpm.

5. Kaelan Natyshok, Coal City (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 205-pounds. Athletic, high-waisted frame.
Delivery: Stretch only, tall/fall type motion, quick to home. Level shoulders throughout, stays in line to target, square landing with an athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot. Above-average arm speed for age.
FB: T84, 81-84 mph. Four-seam type that plays straight with occasional arm-side action. Spotted up for strikes to all corners of the plate.  T2023, 1970 average rpm.
CB: 67-69 mph. 11/5 shape with some depth, developing feel to spin.  T1962, 1881 average rpm.
SL: 70-72 mph. Fastball intent, more vertical and sharp spin to it off an 11/5 plane.  T2003, 1980 average rpm.

6. Joshua Novak, Benet (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-3, 220-pounds. Large, broad-shouldered frame; strength attached throughout.
Delivery: Smooth/rhythmic drop and drive type delivery, lead leg swings to an open-toed landing, works direct to target.
Arm Action: RH. Long and loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T84, 83-84 mph. Flashed slight arm-side action; strikes.  T2054, 1931 average rpm.
CB: 70-72 mph. Sharp late break off an 11/5 shape. Thrown with fastball intent.  T2119, 2079 average rpm.
CH: 78-79 mph. Maintains near fastball arm speed. Developing feel but flashed fade and arm-side run.  T1633, 1574 average rpm.

7. Jake Kohanzo, Barrington (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 195-pounds. Strong, physical frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm, works in line, lands squared, finished athletically.
Arm Action: RH. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T87, 85-87 mph. Arm-side action, thrown for strikes. T2350, 2235 average rpm.
CB: 68-71 mph. 11/5 break. T1774, 1673 average rpm.
CH: 77-79 mph. Plays straight, flashed fading action. T1710, 1625 average rpm.

8. Ethan Storm, Sycamore (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-3, 187-pounds. Large, lanky frame with upside levers.
Delivery: Uptempo Tall and fall delivery with some effort, works in line, lands squared.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T86, 83-85 mph. Plays straight, works up in the zone. T2487, 2296 average rpm.
CB: 69-70 mph. Sharp 11/5 action, feel for the pitch down in the zone, thrown for strikes. T2230, 2154 average rpm.
CH: 75-76 mph. Arm-side movement, flashed sink at times, works down in the zone. T1846, 1629 average rpm.

9. Drew Piaskowy, South Elgin (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 180-pounds. Lanky levers that project.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, big swinging leg kick to balance point, front side stays strong throughout. Works in line to target, closed-toe landing, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short and loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T83, 82-83 mph. Flashed arm-side run with above-average spin traits; some strikes.  T2299, 2180 average rpm.
CB: 69-71 mph. Sharp 11/5 shape, feel for pitch.  T2234, 2153 average rpm.
CH: 69-72 mph. Near fastball arm speed, primarily straight action that flashed sink.  T1665, 1613 average rpm.

10. Jonathan Ciullo, Libertyville (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds. Lanky upside frame that projects.
Delivery: Side step initiates motion, tall/fall type delivery, upright posture at balance point. Stacks into back hip, lands square to target and works in line. Throws with some effort.
Arm Action: RH. Short compact arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T85, 83-85 mph. Plays straight with late action into the zone; worked the upper half.  T2105, 2042 average rpm.
CB: 67-69 mph. Sharp 11/5 shape that's thrown with fastball intent.  T1981, 1844 average rpm.
CH: 74-74 mph. Maintains fastball arm speed. Straight action, thrown for strikes. T1762, 1684 average rpm.
CUT: 74-75 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Christian Battista, Oswego East (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 185-pounds. Strong, durable frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, controlled and balanced, works on-line, lands front-toe slightly closed.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 79-82 mph. Plays straight. T1962, 1896 average rpm.
CB: 68-69 mph. Thrown aggressively, 12/6 shape, occasional depth, lands for strikes. T2121, 1983 average rpm.
SL: 68-70 mph. Tight action, 11/5 shape, feel. T2372, 2333 average rpm.

Brian Bednarkiewicz, Plainfield South (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-7, 163-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, shoulder stay leveled, lands closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T68, 64-67 mph. Plays straight. T1878, 1783 average rpm.
CB: 57-59 mph. Gradual 11/5 break. T1512, 1439 average rpm.
CH: 61-64 mph. Fading action. T1577, 1533 average rpm.

Anthony Biancalana, Addison Trail (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds. Athletic, muscle-bound frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, minimal leg-lift and works directionally.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, high ¾ to ¾ slot.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Run and sink action. T2198, 1921 average rpm.
CB: 65-68 mph. 1/7 shape, short wrinkle. T2281, 2139 average rpm.
CH: 69-70 mph. Varying action, cut and sink at times. T1779, 1548 average rpm.

Zach Bostrand, Marmion (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 5-11, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Drop/drive delivery with some effort, lands squared and athletically.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 75-78 mph. Late arm-side run. T2233, 2081 average rpm.
CB: 62-64 mph. Sweeping 10/4 movement. T2517, 2373 average rpm.
CH: 69-71 mph. Sinking action, flashes fading, maintains arm speed, throws for strikes. T1697, 1655 average rpm.

Johnny Carter, Belvidere (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/C
Body: 5-9, 175-pounds. Athletic frame, room to add strength in the lower half.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, sinks into the back leg, leveled shoulders, lands closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 76-78 mph. Plays straight, slight fade. T2227, 2088 average rpm.
CB: 59-61 mph. Gradual 11/5 break. T2529, 2404 average rpm.
CH: 66-68 mph. Plays straight, occasional cut. T1457, 1351 average rpm.

Connor Corrigan, Yorkville (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Athletic build.
Delivery: Drop/drive delivery with some effort, shoulders stay level, lands open, finishes athletic. 
Arm Action: RH. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 81-82 mph. Plays straight, flashes sinking action. T1917, 1821 average rpm.
CB: 67-67 mph. 11/5 break, has feel for the pitch. T2009, 1877 average rpm.
CH: 74-75 mph. Plays straight, works down in the zone. T1835, 1784 average rpm.

Coy Dettmer, United Township (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-10, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with some effort, works in line, lands squared.
Arm Action: LH. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T75, 72-74 mph. Plays straight, downward movement. T2210, 2101 average rpm.
CB: 63-65 mph. 12/6 breaker. T2360, 2311 average rpm.
KN: 63-65 mph. Sinking action.

Charles Filipek, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds. Strong, athletic build.
Delivery: Tilt/topple delivery with some effort, works in line, lands squared.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Straight, downward movement.  T2210, 2139 average rpm.
CB: 65-66 mph. Gradual 1/7 break. T2036, 1989 average rpm.
SL: 66-70 mph. 2/8 movement. T2076, 1996 average rpm.

Mateusz Gapinski, Lake Forest (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-0, 195-pounds.
Delivery: Drop/drive delivery with some effort, lands squared.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T75, 73-75 mph. Plays straight, flashed arm-side run. T1848, 1766 average rpm.
CB: 60-62 mph. 12/6 breaker. T1568, 1471 average rpm.
CH: 67-69 mph. Plays straight. T1595, 1526 average rpm.

Javy Garcia, Harlem (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-3, 205-pounds. Big frame, strong build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm, some effort, works in line, lands squared.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 80-81 mph. Plays straight, occasional sink at times. T2220, 2057 average rpm.
CB: 66-69 mph. Sweeping 11/5 action. T2085, 1995 average rpm.

Jack Glasgow, Libertyville (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-3, 175-pounds. Lanky, long-limbed frame; high waist.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, creates momentum downhill at leg lift, heavy quad load, level shoulders throughout. Open toed landing at footstrike, works direct to target, athletic finish. 
Arm Action: RH. Short and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 77-78 mph. Primarily straight action, flashed sink at the knees.  T2183, 2112 average rpm.
CB: 61-63 mph. Thrown from a higher average release height than fastball. 12/6 shape, gradual action with some depth. Decelerates arm action.  T1755, 1701 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Decelerates arm action. Plays straight, thrown for strikes.  T1835, 1797 average rpm.

Nicholas Gniedziejko, Taft (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-5, 185-pounds. Large, physical frame.
Delivery: Stretch only, simple tall/fall motion, high front side, strides direct to target and lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Short compact arm stroke, over-the-top slot.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Comes out of a steep downhill angle and plays with tilt. Spotted for strikes down in the zone.  T2055, 1932 average rpm.
SL: 72-75 mph. 10/4 shape, some lateral action.  T1965, 1884 average rpm.
CH: 75-77 mph. Near fastball arm speed. Primarily straight action but flashed sink.  T1418, 1340 average rpm.

Nicholas Gottfried, Jacobs (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-9, 160-pounds. Athletic frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm, works with leveled shoulders, works directionally in line, lands squared and athletic.
Arm Action: LH. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 81-82 mph. Arm-side movement, flashed sink. T1692, 1622 average rpm.
CB: 62-66 mph. Gradual 1/7 break. T1456, 1397 average rpm.
CH: 66-70 mph. Plays straight.  T1219, 1158 average rpm.

Sean Hollendoner, Lemont (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Athletic frame.
Delivery: Drop/drive delivery, shoulders get uphill, lands squared.
Arm Action: RH. Long loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 75-77 mph. Straight, 4-seam type. T1937, 1920 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. Sweeping 11/5 action. T1932, 1873 average rpm.
CUT: 69-71 mph. Downward cutting movement.

Derek Huber, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-7, 125-pounds. Athletic frame, lean build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, big leg kick, shoulders stay leveled throughout, lands open.
Arm Action: RH. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 77-79 mph. Sinking action, thrown for strikes. T2020, 1932 average rpm.
CB: 65-68 mph. Gradual 11/5 breaker. T1994, 1864 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Fading action, thrown for strikes, near fastball arm speed. T1679, 1613 average rpm.

Jeremy Jaehnig, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 5-10, 125-pounds. Thin, lanky build.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, utilizes lower half, works on-line, lands front toe closed.
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77, 75-77 mph. Thrown for strikes, works mostly straight. T2104, 1987 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. Advanced offering. High-spin pitch. Showed well above-average feel, thrown aggressively, sharp/tight spin, 12/6 shape, potential swing-and-miss pitch. T2476, 2397 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Feel down in the zone, fade action. T1597, 1502 average rpm.

Conner Kendall, Marmion (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-10, 157-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, minimal wasted movement throughout delivery, repeatable, stays on-line down the mound, lands front-toe closed.
Arm Action: LH. Long draw out of the glove, comes out of a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T72, 69-71 mph. Works mostly straight. T#N/A, #N/A average rpm.
CB: 59-61 mph. 1/7 shape, occasional depth. T#N/A, #N/A average rpm.
CH: 63-66 mph. Thrown with arm speed, flashed sink and fade action. T#N/A, #N/A average rpm.

Kaden Kumzi, Benet (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-3, 145-pounds. Lean, long-levered frame.
Delivery: Methodical tall/fall type delivery, works with some deception, lands closed to target and finishes in line.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T77, 73-76 mph. Four-seam type, wrist works around to cut it at times.  T1798, 1686 average rpm.
CB: 65-67 mph. Spins early off a 12/6 plane.  T1739, 1671 average rpm.
CH: 68-69 mph. Thrown with near fastball arm speed. Flashed cutting action.  T1793, 1758 average rpm.
KN: 64-66 mph. 

Bradley Lins, St. Charles North (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 5-8, 155-pounds. Small, athletic frame.
Delivery: Drop/drive delivery, shoulders get uphill, lands squared.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T76, 72-75 mph. Arm-side movement. T1898, 1767 average rpm.
CB: 59-63 mph. 12/6 break, flashed depth at times. T1874, 1828 average rpm.
CH: 66-69 mph. Sinking action, near fastball arm speed. T1390, 1282 average rpm.

Dylan Mannino, Belleville East (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-3, 165-pounds. Lean, lanky frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm, lands squared and finished athletically.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 76-78 mph. Straight action. T2181, 2023 average rpm.
CB: 61-63 mph. 11/5 breaker, flashed depth.  T2198, 2151 average rpm.
CH: 66-69 mph. Plays straight, flashes a cut. T1757, 1682 average rpm.

Logan Samaniego, Plainfield South (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/C
Body: 6-0, 153-pounds. Long, lean, high-waisted frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, repeats and stays directional down the mound, lands front-toe open.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 81-82 mph. Run and sink action. T2077, 1970 average rpm.
CB: 69-71 mph. 11/5 to 10/4 shape, gets around it at times. T2142, 2110 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Maintains arm speed at times, flashed fade. T1352, 1222 average rpm.

Ty Schafer, Saint Viator (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-9, 150-pounds. Athletic frame.
Delivery: Stretch-only, tall and fall delivery, works with rhythm, stays on-line and lands front-toe slightly closed.
Arm Action: LH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 75-79 mph. Slight arm-side-run. T2032, 1871 average rpm.
CB: 60-65 mph. Feel for the pitch, 1/7 shape, occasional depth. T2142, 2044 average rpm.
CH: 67-69 mph. Maintains arm speed, up in the zone at times. T1434, 1388 average rpm.

Dominic Stringham, Oswego (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 150-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only with easy effort, shoulders stay leveled, works in line, lands squared.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T74, 69-72 mph. Sinking action. T2161, 2050 average rpm.
CB: 57-58 mph. Gradual 11/5 break. T2429, 2238 average rpm.
CH: 65-67 mph. Plays straight, flashed sink. T1587, 1460 average rpm.

Eric Swanson, Wheaton Warrenville South (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds. Wiry athletic frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, controlled and balanced at leg-lift. Directional down the mound, lands front-toe slightly closed.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 82-83 mph. Creates above-average spin; sinking action, locates down in the zone. T2458, 2345 average rpm.
CB: 73-74 mph. 11/5 shape, short wrinkle. T2287, 2222 average rpm.
CH: 75-77 mph. Looks to be best secondary offering. Maintains arm speed, feel for the zone and hard sinking action at times. T1834, 1707 average rpm.

Anthony Valenza, Plainfield North (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 245-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with easy effort, shoulders stay leveled, works in line, lands squared.
Arm Action: RH. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 76-77 mph. Arm-side movement. T1919, 1838 average rpm.
CB: 69-71 mph. Gradual 11/5 action. T2040, 1978 average rpm.
CH: 71-74 mph. Plays with some arm-side run. T1976, 1923 average rpm.

Kiran Yasuda, Batavia (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 5-7, 185-pounds. Durable lower half.
Delivery: Stretch-only, tall and fall delivery, high front side, and front-toe lands slightly open.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T78, 77-78 mph. Works mostly straight. T2035, 1873 average rpm.
CB: 59-62 mph. Knuckle-curveball;12/6 shape, occasional depth. T1522, 1124 average rpm.
CH: 68-69 mph. Fading action at times. T1772, 1681 average rpm.

Liam Zickert, Benet Academy (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-0, 190-pounds.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery with effort, works in line, lands open.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T69, 68-69 mph. Cut action on a downward plane. T1420, 1363 average rpm.
SL: 61-62 mph. Gradual 10/4 movement. T1543, 1419 average rpm.
CH: 64-66 mph. Cut action, has feel down in the zone. T1041, 968 average rpm.

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