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Class of 2016 Showcase: Pitching Analysis

November 7, 2014

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

The Prep Baseball Report’s Class of 2016 Showcase took place on Sunday October 19th indoors at the MAX in McCook, IL. The event featured 100 uncommitted prospects in the junior class and also saw several Division-I coaches in attendance.

CLICK HERE to see complete statistics from the event in PDF format.

Over the past several days we highlighted catchers, corner infielders, middle infielders, and outfielders. Today we will take a look at the top pitching prospects at this year’s Class of 2016 Showcase. Over the weekend we will roll out the top overall prospects from the event.

Evanston’s Dylan Mulvihill has taken a big jump since we saw him last in June working at 78-81 mph. Mulvihill came out firing 86-87 mph fastballs during, that coupled with his physically imposing frame makes him the top overall pitching prospect at the event. His 66-68 mph slider back in June also improved into a power slurve in the 71-74 mph range.

A pair of lefthanders were also in consideration for the top spot, as both Brandon Petersen (Waubonsie Valley) and Michael Sebby (Glenbard East) impressed the PBR scouting staff.

Petersen is a physical 6-foot-2, 220-pounder with size 15 shoes, possesses a compact delivery that he repeats with a three-pitch mix.

Sebby is lanky and projectable at 6-foot, 155-pounds with a loose arm and explosive lower half that delivered 82-84 mph fastballs coupled with a hard, late breaking slurve in the 73-74 mph range.

La Salle Peru’s Brady Huebbe had perhaps the nastiest secondary pitch of the event, as his 69-71 mph knuckleball with hard, late, downward action drew praise from several coaches and the PBR scouting staff. Huebbe is no one trick pony though, as the two-way athlete also impressed with 84-85 mph fastball velocity paired with a 68-70 mph spike curveball.

Enough talking about it, let’s take a look at the Top Overall Pitching Prospects at this October’s Class of 2016 Showcase.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Dylan Mulvihill, RHP, Evanston, 2016
6-foot-5, 220-pound lanky, wide shouldered, and athletic right-handed pitcher currently ranked No. 143 in Illinois’ 2016 class; works from a long, loose, high ¾ to ¾ arm slot, loads knee/coils over the rubber at balance point, lead leg straightens out, lands in line with home plate, shoulders stay level throughout. Fastball sat 86-87 mph from the windup, 84 mph from the stretch for strikes with arm side run. Throws 71-74 mph slurve for strikes with 10/4 shape, horizontal action across the strike zone. Drops arm slot slightly on 76-79 mph changeup that displays occasional plus run to his arm side. Mulvihill is highly projectable with a prototypical workhorse pitcher’s frame.

2. Brandon Petersen, LHP, Waubonsie Valley, 2016
6-foot-2, 220-pound physical, wide shouldered, strong lower half left-handed pitcher currently ranked No. 46 in Illinois’ 2016 class; works from a short, quick, loose, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, closes off shoulders to load over rubber, foot stays under knee, compact delivery, lands slightly closed, throws slightly across his body, but creates deception hiding the baseball. Fastball sat 83-84 mph for strikes with heavy action. Curveball thrown hard with 1/7 shape with depth at 71-72 mph from the wind, 67-69 mph from the stretch. Also threw strikes with 76-79 mph changeup with late cutting action. Keeps ball down in the zone and has a feel for three pitches.

3. Michael Sebby, LHP, Glenbard East, 2016
6-foot, 155-pound lanky left-handed pitcher works from a quick, loose, long, high ¾ arm slot, slight stab in the back of arm swing, coils/loads over the rubber, drop-and-drive type delivery, shoulders are closed at balance point, lower half stride direction opens up towards third base side, lands open, athletic delivery, hips get through. Fastball sat 82-84 mph both the two seam, and four seam variety flashing arm side run. Slurvy breaking ball flashed 2/8 shape, thrown with power and late break 73-74 mph. 76-79 mph changeup exhibited arm side run and occasional plus sinking action, thrown aggressively off his fastball. Sebby is one of the better left-handed arms available in the 2016 class that projects to throw harder.

4. Brady Huebbe, RHP/SS, La Salle Peru, 2016
6-foot, 165-pound strong, lanky, and athletic right-handed pitcher/shortstop impressed both in the field and on the mound as one of the top prospects in attendance at the Class of 2016 showcase. Offensively, hits from an open setup, high back elbow, hands load back smoothly, toe tap/rock back stride, took a solid round of batting practice with several line drives to right center field, 81 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 87 mph across the infield from short, loose, high ¾ arm slot, highly athletic arm. Average hands, fluid footwork, exchange takes time to get rid of baseball due to gearing up to throw. On the mound, fastball sat mostly 84-85 mph from short, quick, high ¾ slot, simple up and down leg lift to toe up balance point, tall/fall delivery, regular effort, shoulders stay level throughout, lower half stride direction is in line with home plate, lands square. Spike curveball shows sharp 11/5 shape at 68-70 mph. Slowed arm slightly on 69-70 mph changeup with sinking action. 69-71 mph knuckleball is a true plus pitch with unpredictable, late, hard downward action. The PBR scouting staff sees below average knuckleballs from younger prospects all the time, but Huebbe’s drew audible gasps and comments from us as well as college coaches in attendance. It’s a legitimate out pitch. Ran a 7.21 60.

5. Ryan Pfutzenreuter, RHP, Deerfield, 2016
6-foot-1, 165-pound athletic right-handed pitcher works from a long, loose, and quick high ¾ arm slot, easy effort, tall-and-fall type delivery, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate, lands slightly closed at foot strike. Fastball sat 83-85 mph with late life and slight arm side run. 11/5 shaped curveball sat 71-75 mph from the windup, slowed arm from the stretch at 69 mph. Threw 78-79 mph changeup aggressively with heavy action to his arm side.

6. Neil Udelhofen, LHP/OF, Loyola, 2016
5-foot-9, 175-pound left-handed two-way player, athletic build. Showed upside on the mound as a left-handed pitcher. Delivery has rhythm, toe lift to balance position, level shoulders and worked on line. Arm action is short and loose, high ¾ slot, regular effort, quick arm. Showed above average command of his fastball for his age, mostly straight, 82-84 mph. Curveball has gradual action, tends to get underneath 66-68 mph, showed some feel. Changeup was mostly down, 71-73 mph. Left-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, good balance through contact. Line drive approach, contact type hitter, good approach, bat speed present stays inside the baseball, opposite field hitter. In the outfield showed advanced arm strength for his age, 86 mph from the crowhop, short, high ¾ arm action with accuracy and carry. Athletic actions in the outfield, plays through the baseball with clean transfer, softer hands. 7.80 runner in the 60.

7. Jack Cavanaugh, OF/3B/RHP, St. Laurence, 2016
6-foot-1, 195-pound two-way player, lean build with strength. Hits from a wide base, short stride, above average bat speed with right center field approach during batting practice, slightly uphill bat path produced 81 mph exit velocity. Defensively, profiled better in the infield throwing 81 mph across the diamond at third base from short, loose, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy and carry. Possesses soft hands, fluid footwork, and clean exchanges. Threw 82 mph from the outfield. On the mound worked from a stretch only delivery, slightly across his body, athletic delivery. Arm action is short, loose, ¾ slot. Fastball has running action, showed feel for the zone, worked at 82-84 mph, touched 85 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 64-66 mph. Changeup has fading action, throws aggressively with fastball arm speed, 73-75 mph. Splitter has downer action, mostly arm side, 68-70 mph.

8. Tyler Hankins, LHP, South Elgin, 2016
6-foot-9, 210-pound extremely long levered and lanky left-handed pitcher currently ranked No. 79 in Illinois’ 2016 class; works from a long, loose, slinging  ¾ arm slot, tall-and-fall type delivery, level shoulders throughout, stride direction works online, lands square. Fastball sat 77-79 mph with running action. Slow, sweeping breaking ball with 2/8 shape was thrown for strikes with lateral break at 60-63 mph. Slowed arm slightly on 71-72 mph changeup with occasional cutting action.

9. Connor Spear, RHP, Mount Carmel, 2016
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed pitcher with physically defined lower half. Pitched from a long, sweeping, high ¾ arm slot, tall-and-fall type delivery, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, stride direction is in line with home plate, lands square. Fastball ranged from 81-84 mph with occasional arm side run. Struggled to throw 66-70 mph curveball with 11/5 shape for strikes. 77-79 mph cutter backed up or stayed straight. 74-76 mph changeup showed cutting action and was thrown at fastball arm speed.

10. Johnny Galvan, 3B/RHP, De La Salle, 2016
5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed hitting third baseman/right-handed pitcher hits from an open, spread out stance, short stride, short, level bat path, contact orientated approach with line drives from gap-to-gap and 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 82 mph across the diamond from short, loose, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Average hands fielding, clean exchanges. Ran a 7.69 60 yard dash. On the mound, fastball sat 81-83 mph with running action from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot. 67-69 mph breaking ball showed some bite and 11/5 shape. Throws 74-76 mph changeup aggressively. Also threw a 70-73 knuckleball.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Anthony Ackerly, LHP/1B, Lake Park, 2016
6-foot-2, 205-pound left-handed hitting first baseman/left-handed pitcher hits from an open setup, hands start high, drop and move back to load, average bat speed with opposite field tendencies created 76 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 73 mph across the diamond from long, ¾ arm slot, showcasing average hands fielding the baseball. Ran a 7.9 60. On the mound, fastball sat 73-75 mph from long ¾ to low-3/4 slinging arm action, creating tough angle for a hitter, especially from the left side. 59-61 mph sweeping breaking ball flashed 2/8 shape, and 64-69 mph changeup flashed sinking action to his arm side.

Ryan Anderson, RHP/1B, Palatine, 2016
6-foot-1, 175-pound lanky and athletic right-handed hitting first baseman/right-handed pitcher hits from a tall, open setup, short stride, barrel whips through the zone, gap-to-gap type hitter with several line drives during batting practice, 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 75 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot at first base. On the mound, fastball sat 79-80 mph from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, slight hook/stab in the back of arm slot. 62-64 mph curveball flashes 12/6 break, backed up at times. Threw strikes with 70-72 mph sinking changeup with occasional cutting action.

Blake Beckmann, RHP, Mater Dei, 2016
6-foot-3, 180-pound lanky right-handed pitcher works from a long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, regular effort, tall-and-fall type delivery, toe down at balance point, straight up and down leg lift, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, flexes front knee at landing, lands square, crouch setup from the stretch. Fastball sat 79-80 mph with slight running action. 67-70 mph curveball showed 11/5 shape, occasional late break. 73-74 mph changeup flashes solid sinking action, thrown for strikes down in the zone.

Christian Bullock, OF/1B/LHP, Morgan Park, 2016
6-foot, 170-pound lanky and athletic left-handed hitting outfielder, first baseman, and left-handed pitcher, committed to Michigan impressed as the top overall player at the Class of 2016 Showcase. Hits from a tall, open setup, hands load smoothly, utilizes a leg kick stride, lower half is aggressive with hips, explosive bat speed, level bat path gets extension, slightly uphill at times, showed off gap-to-gap power, particularly to the opposite field gap with several line drives, overswings at times, 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 79 mph from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot with carry. Arm action is clean and smooth, projects to have at least an average arm as he gets stronger. Impressed attacking the baseball, soft hands, quick footwork, clean and quick exchanges fielding. At first base, could be a premium defender as well, turns double play quickly, hands work clean scooping baseball. On the mound fastball sat 76-79 mph with slight run. 11/5 breaking ball has slurvy action at 65-67 mph. Cuts changeup at 67-69 mph. Delivery is clean, flies open a bit, lands slightly open, athleticism evident. Bullock also ran the top 60-time of the event at 6.75 seconds.

Nick Cosentino, RHP, Carmel Catholic, 2016
6-foot-4, 225-pound wide shouldered right-handed pitcher works from a long, ¾ arm slot, drop-and-drive type delivery, toe down at balance point, coils to load over the rubber, shoulders stay level throughout, lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate, lands square. Fastball sat 78-80 mph with some arm side run. Gradual breaking curveball with sweeping 10/4 action sat 69-72 mph. 73-75 mph changeup displays sinking action.

Tyler Dallio, MIF/RHP, Lincoln-Way West, 2016
6-foot, 185-pound athletic right-handed hitting middle infielder/right-handed pitcher hits from an open setup, hands start high and back, load back smoothly, short stride, level bat path, line drive type hitter with opposite field tendencies, 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, showcased athletic arm action at short throwing 80 mph across the diamond from long, loose, high ¾ slot with accuracy. Fielded the baseball out front with soft hands, takes time getting rid of it. Made impressive sliding play to his right in the hole. Ran a 7.59 60. On the mound threw strikes will all three pitches from tall and fall type delivery, lands closed, slightly across his body. Fastball sat 75-76 mph with occasional cutting action from same loose arm action. Threw strikes with gradual breaking 11/5 curveball at 62-64 mph. 72-73 mph changeup exhibited sinking action and occasional cut.

Jason DeCicco, 1B/LHP, Crystal Lake South, 2016
6-foot, 175-pound left-handed hitting first baseman/left-handed pitcher hits from an open setup, hands load back, short stride, long, flat, level bat path, 72 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 68 mph across the diamond from short, ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Ran an 8.4 60. On the mound, fastball sat 69-72 mph, topping at 73 mph from short, high ¾ slot, toe up at balance point, tilt-and-topple delivery, lands online towards home plate. 59-60 mph curveball thrown for strikes with gradual 1/7 break. 65-67 mph changeup showed fading action.

Paul Dobravec, RHP/1B, Naperville North, 2016
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed hitting first baseman/right-handed pitcher hits from a balanced setup, hands load back smoothly, short toe tap stride, fast, short, level bat path producing several line drives from gap-to-gap during batting practice with 80 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 73 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot. Ran a 7.39 60. On the mound, fastball sat 77-79 mph from short, high ¾ to ¾ arm slot, drop-and-drive type delivery, rushed rhythm, lower half stays in line with home plate, lands square. 68-69 mph curveball flashed 11/5 shape with short, tight slider type action. Slowed arm on 65-69 mph changeup.

Jake Dupre, RHP/1B, Neuqua Valley, 2016
6-foot-5, 215-pound athletic right-handed hitting first baseman/right-handed pitcher hits from a balanced, open setup, short stride, slightly uphill bat path with extension, showed pull tendencies during batting practice with 85 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 71 mph across the diamond from long, over-the-top arm slot with average hands fielding the baseball. Ran an 8.19 60. On the mound, fastball sat 75-77 mph from long, over-the-top slot, tall/fall type delivery, toe down at balance point, shoulders work downhill, lands square towards home plate. 54-58 mph curveball flashed 12/6 shape, was more consistent from the stretch. Threw 66-68 mph changeup for strikes, with straight action.

Ryan Ferreri, MIF/RHP, Downers Grove South, 2016
5-foot-9, 170-pound two-way player, average build with strength. Left-handed hitter, balanced stance, longer stride with slight leg kick. Aggressive hitter, made hard contact, got extension, 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. 8.45 runner in the 60. Defensively plays with a short arm action, high ¾ slot, showed accuracy across the diamond, tendency to field deep. On the mound arm action is similar to that on the infield. Fastball has control, 72-74 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 58-60 mph. Changeup sat 66-67 mph.

Michael Fossali, LHP/1B, Batavia, 2016
6-foot-2, 185-pound left-handed hitting first baseman/left-handed pitcher hits from a tall, open setup, long leg kick stride, average balance, short inside-out type swing produced 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 73 mph across the diamond from long, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Ran a 7.95 60 yard dash. On the mound, fastball sat 72-74 mph touching 76 once with arm side run. Slurvy breaking ball with 1/7 shape sat 60-63 mph with gradual break. 63-65 mph changeup flashed cutting action.

Andrew Jurack, LHP/OF, Hinsdale Central, 2016
5-foot-10, 155-pound left-handed two-way player, thin build with athleticism. Tall and fall delivery shows regular effort, coils at the top of balance point, lands square with athletic finish. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball has advanced running action for his age, stayed around the zone with regularity, 74-76 mph, touched 77 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, 59-61 mph, showed the ability to land for strikes. Slider has late sweeping action, similar plane to curveball with added velocity, 65-67 mph, tighter with better action, more of a swing and miss pitch. Changeup has fading action, fastball similar arm speed, 66-67 mph. Offensively hits from an open stance, leg kick trigger, good balance throughout. Loose hands, line drive hitter with pull side approach. 7.11 runner in the 60. Defensively played through the baseball with a crowhop, calculated approach getting to the baseball. Arm action is similar to that on the mound, 79 mph.

Griffin Kelty, OF/RHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2016
6-foot-2, 215-pound left-handed hitting outfielder/right-handed pitcher with a strong frame, developed lower half hit from a wide, balanced setup, heel lift stride, drops hands to load, level bat path produced aggressive swing with lift/power potential, left-center field/opposite field approach during batting practice, 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 82 mph from the outfield from short, loose, high ¾ arm slot with some accuracy. Ran a 7.6 60 yard dash. On the mound, fastball sat 77-81 mph from same arm slot, tall and fall type delivery, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, some rhythm. 71-75 mph breaking ball was erratic out of the zone, with short break. Plus action on 72-73 mph changeup with sinking action.

Russell Langan, RHP, Maine South, 2016
5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed pitcher works from a long, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, easy effort, tall-and-fall type delivery, deliberate tempo, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate. Fastball sat 74-77 mph with arm side run for strikes. 11/5 shaped gradual breaking ball was thrown 61-65 mph. Threw strikes with 71-73 mph changeup. 68-71 mph cutter/slider backed up at times but showed better action from the stretch.

Shawn Ligocki, RHP/SS, St. Charles East, 2016
6-foot, 155-pound athletic right-handed hitting shortstop/right-handed pitcher hits from a balanced, spread out stance, hands load smoothly, short stride, short, level bat path, line drives during batting practice, gap-to-gap approach with 76 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 79 mph across the infield from long, over the top arm action, takes time getting rid of the baseball, winds up, average hands, plays through the baseball. On the mound fastball sat 75-76 mph from same arm slot. Coils over the rubber to load lower half, shoulders work uphill, lower half flies open, lands towards first base side. 67-69 mph curveball flashed 11/5 shape. 69-71 mph slider displayed the same movement, no separation between pitches. 66-68 mph changeup was thrown near fastball arm speed.

George Manikas, RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2016
 6-foot-2, 180-pound wide shouldered, strong right-handed pitcher works from a long, high ¾ to over-the-top arm slot, toe up at balanced point, kicks leg out and around, tilt-and-topple type delivery, shoulders work uphill, falls towards first base with momentum, lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate. Fastball sat 81-83 mph. Slider has late tilt, thrown hard from 73-76 mph, best pitch. Cutter was the same pitch as slider with less action, and slightly slower 73-75 mph.

Ben Meyer, RHP, Shepard, 2016
5-foot-8, 140-pound right-handed pitcher. Delivery works exclusively from the stretch, shows effort, toe down balance position, squared landing. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 72-74 mph. Curveball flashed some bite, 12/6 action, 63-64 mph. Changeup is mostly straight, slight decelerated arm action, 65-68 mph.

Jack Molnar, OF/RHP, Fremd, 2016
6-foot-1, 170-pound lanky and athletic right-handed hitting outfielder currently ranked No. 53 in Illinois’ 2016 class. Hits from a balanced setup, slightly open, short leg kick stride, hands load back smoothly, creating long level bat path, producing line drives from gap-to-gap during batting practice, above average 85 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 87 mph from the outfield with carry from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot with carry, but inconsistent accuracy. Ran a 7.48 60. On the mound, fastball sat 79-81 with arm side run from same slot as in the outfield. Turns/coils over the rubber to load, swings lower half/front leg out to land point, lands slightly closed, spins off on front foot. 66-69 mph curveball flashed 11/5 shape, backed up at times. Chokes 72-76 mph changeup, thrown with good arm speed for strikes.

Jarren Norman, RHP/3B, Morgan Park, 2016
6-foot, 195-pound right-handed hitting right-handed pitcher/third baseman hits from an open setup, high back elbow, leg kick stride, short path, producing 78 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 78 mph across the diamond from long, high ¾ arm slot with some accuracy. Ran an 8.03 60. On the mound, fastball sat 75-77 mph with slight running action. Utilizes overhead windup, leans back at balance point, shoulders work uphill, lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate, lands slightly open. Curveball sat 66-68 mph with gradual shape. 67-71 mph splitter flashed downward action.

Tyler Pauly, RHP/MIF, Stevenson, 2016
5-foot-10, 162-pound two-way player, athletic build. On the mound works with a long arm action, high ¾ slot, athletic delivery, stays closed. Fastball has run, 76-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball has sweeping action, 10/4 plane, 67-69 mph. Changeup has arm side action, 69-71 mph. Showed better command of secondary stuff when in the stretch. Offensively hits from a tall setup, balanced stance, short stride, maintains balance through contact. Loose hands, stays on top of the baseball, hits with rhythm, path stays short and works both gaps. Defensively plays with a loose arm action, short an accurate arm across the diamond, 77 mph. Showed the ability to play through the baseball clean exchanges and athletic hands. Ran a 7.38 60.

Anthony Ramirez, OF/LHP, Brooks College Prep, 2016
5-foot-11, 150-pound left-handed hitting, left-handed throwing outfielder/pitcher hits from an open, crouched stance, hands move back to load, short stride, dives slightly, foot gets down early, uphill bat path with opposite field tendencies and 70 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 75 mph from the outfield from long, over-the-top arm action. On the mound, fastball sat 72-75 mph from long, high-3/4 arm slot, tall-and-fall delivery, pauses at balanced point, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, stride direction is in line, lands square. Left 59-61 mph curveball up in the zone. Threw 68-71 mph changeup with cutting action better for strikes from the stretch position.

Spencer Tate, RHP, Hinsdale Central, 2016
6-foot, 180-pound right-handed pitcher works from a short, slinging, ¾ arm slot, stiff leg lift, regular effort, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate. Fastball sat 79-80 mph touching 81 with run. Gradual breaking curveball flashed 11/5 shape at 68-70 mph thrown for strikes. Also threw strikes with 71-74 mph changeup exhibiting sink and arm side run.

Thomas Tucker, RHP/1B, Jacobs, 2016
6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed hitting first baseman/right-handed pitcher hits from a wide base, long stride, long uphill bat path produced 79 mph exit velocity with pull tendencies during batting practice. Defensively, threw 72 mph across the diamond from short, over-the-top arm slot. Ran a 7.71 60. On the mound, fastball sat 76-79 mph from short, over-the-top slot, toe up at balance point, some rhythm to delivery, shoulders level throughout delivery, lower half stride direction in line with home plate. 64-66 mph curveball flashed 11/5 shape with gradual break. 72-73 mph changeup flashed sinking action.

Nicholas Wisz, 1B/3B/RHP, Lemont, 2016
6-foot-2, 215-pound strong right-handed hitting corner infielder/right-handed pitcher currently ranked No. 47 in Illinois’ 2016 class hits from a balanced slightly open setup, short stride, fast bat speed, short level bat path, with plus feel for contact and barrel, 84 mph exit velocity off the tee, right-center line drive approach during batting practice. Defensively, threw 75 mph across the diamond from long, high ¾ arm slot, doesn’t possess elite third base actions but gets it done. Soft hands fielding the baseball, could profile as an above average to plus defender at first base. Ran a 7.71 60. On the mound, fastball sat 77-78 mph from the same arm slot with arm side run. 11/5 curveball sat 68-70 mph with gradual break. 70-72 mph changeup flashed arm side run and was thrown down in the zone.

Christopher Wrobel, LHP, Naperville Central, 2016
5-foot-10, 180-pound left-handed pitcher works from a long, high ¾ arm slot, slightly wraps in the back of arm swing. Shows some rhythm to delivery, hands work with lower half to balance point, stride direction stays in line with home plate, strides short. Fastball sat 66-69 mph thrown for strikes. Slowed arm and stiffened wrist on 66-69 mph with 1/7 shape and gradual break. 61-63 mph changeup exhibited some sink.

Class of 2016 Showcase Articles