Prep Baseball Report

Class of 2017 Showcase: Pitcher Analysis



By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

We began rolling out the Class of 2017 Showcase analysis this week and today we take a look at the top pitchers from the event. Pitchers were led by 6-foot-7 RHP Austin Marozas (Plainfield South HS) once again. Marozas continued to show a big fastball, sitting 87-89 mph with heavy, hard, run and sink. He also mixed in two offspeed pitches that are above-average offerings.

Two newcomers to the mound at PBR events were RHP Ken Brokop (Bradley-Bourbonnais HS) and RHP Jeffrey Zack (Romeoville HS). Brokop showed late life to an upper 80's fastball and a quick arm. Zack who had participated at a previous PBR event as a catcher proved he has a bright future on the mound. He sat 88-90 and showed the ability to spin a breaking ball. Both Brokop and Zack should find themselves in the updated 2017 Rankings after their performances at the event.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Austin Marozas, RHP, Plainfield South, 2017
Extra-large frame, prototypical pitchers body, 6-foot-7, 211-pound right-handed pitcher. Smooth delivery with rhythm, cross body with open toe landing, shoulders stay level as eyes move towards target. Arm action is loose, ¾ slot, free and easy, projectable arm speed. Fastball shows hard late running action to arm side, heavy feel, plus action in hitting zone, showed feel for the zone at 87-89 mph. Hard slider at 77-79 mph, fastball arm speed, 10/4 plane, occasionally got on side but showed swing and miss action. Changeup fades, flat running action to arm side, left up on this occasion, 78-80 mph. Marozas is one of the top pitching prospects in the state, still uncommitted and will be a 2017 draft follow.

2. Ken Brokop, RHP, Bradley-Bourbonnais, 2017
Lean athletic build, 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, projectable frame. Delivery works with some effort, works online, squared landing, athletic finish. Quick arm, highly projectable arm speed, high ¾ to over the top slot, window is close to ear. Lively fastball, with advanced finish through the zone, late action with control sat 86-87 mph, touched 89 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, flashed sharp action at 77 mph, sat 71-74 mph, thrown with aggressive arm speed. Changeup is mostly straight, 76-80 mph, tends to guide it. Brokop is a high-level prospect with a big ceiling, high follow prospect at the next level.

3. Jeffrey Zack, RHP, Romeoville, 2017
Large frame, 6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, thick build. Drop and drive type delivery, herky jerky with some deception, works online, squared landing, athletic finish. Arm action is long and quick, loose, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball had heavy life with tilt, occasional run to arm side, sat 88-90 mph. Showed ability to spin a curveball, some depth on 12/6 plane, occasionally sharp, ranged 71-74 mph, thrown with fastball arm speed. Straight changeup lacked action, 78-80 mph, near fastball arm action. Overall a high level prospect with big arm strength high follow 2017 arm. 

4. Michael Lasiewicz, RHP, McHenry West, 2017
6-foot-2, 180-pound right-handed pitcher, lean athletic frame. Tall and fall delivery, lengthy levers, works online with closed toe landing, athletic and efficient slide step out of the stretch. Arm action is long, hooking backswing out of the glove, high ¾ slot. Fastball has arm side run, showed feel for the strike zone, sat 84-85 mph, touched an 86 mph. Curveball has gradual action, 11/5 plane, 70-72 mph, arm action suggests he could be better suited for hard slider down the road. Changeup is best secondary pitch, thrown with arm speed and showed plus potential action for his age, good feel for the pitch, repeated in the strike zone, 70-72 mph.

5. Mike Edwards, RHP, Oak Forest, 2017
6-foot-2, 195-pound right-handed pitcher, average frame, thick build. Delivery is slightly rotational, slinging action. Arm is long and loose, ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, showed life, occasionally underneath and worked up, ranged 83-87 mph. Curveball sat 67-73 mph, 11/5 action, occasionally backs up. Changeup is best off-speed pitch, thrown with fastball arm speed, deceptive, advanced arm side action, thrown with command, 73-75 mph, plus potential pitch for his age.

6. Jordan Mikel, SS/RHP, Plainfield South, 2017
Projectable, lanky build 6-foot-4, 175-pound plenty of room to fill out right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, generates easy pop at the plate. Open, tall setup, pre-pitch load of his hands and long stride. Short bat path and stays fairly flat through the hitting zone. Registered one of the better exit velocities of the event, 93 mph. Defensively, athletic actions and moves well laterally given his tall and lean frame at shortstop.  Quick, clean exchange and athletic fielding position. Ability to throw from multiple angles and clean arm. Throws were accurate, with carry and clocked at 84 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.39 laser-timed 60. On the mound, short, quick arm action out of a high ¾ window. Some rhythm and quite a bit of effort in delivery. Four pitch repertoire, two distinct breaking balls and throws all of his pitches with conviction. Fastball flashed late life, thrown for strikes, mostly straight and ranged between 82-85 mph, touching 86. Curveball, better command than the slider, worked 11/5, depth and sharp action, sat 69-70 mph. Slider worked 10/4, some sweeping action and clocked 72-74 mph. Also, flashed a splitter that sat 69-72 mph. Intriguing prospect and legitimate two-way potential at the next level.

7. Donivan Williams, 3B/OF/RHP, Morgan Park, 2017
6-foot, 187-pound athletically built right-handed hitting versatile prospect. Showed well in all areas of his game and on the mound. Offensively, short and compact stroke. Fast bat speed and strength through contact. Line-drive hitter, made a lot of hard contact at the plate. Balanced, wide setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance throughout. Registered an exit velocity of 85 mph. Defensively, short arm action and over-the-top slot from the outfield and infield. Quick and fluid footwork and soft hands. Athletic fielding position, carry on throws, clocked at 87 mph from the outfield and 85 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.01 60. On the mound, featured a three pitch mix, with two different breaking balls featuring two distinct shapes. Quick arm action, some rhythm, on-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Fastball, late life and ranged between 82-85 mph, touching 86.  Ability to spin the baseball. Slider, worked 10/4, tight sweeping action, potential swing and miss pitch, 72-73 mph. Curveball, 12/6 with downer action and ranged between 67-72 mph.

8. Hunter Keim, RHP/SS, Rock Island, 2017
Long and lean build 6-foot-2, 160-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. On the mound, smooth rhythm and athletic delivery. On-line direction, square landing, athletic finish and regular effort. High ¾ window, long and loose arm action. Features a four-pitch repertoire. Fastball thrown for strikes, slight run and sat 82-83 mph. Throws two different breaking balls. Curveball was the better of the breaking balls. Thrown for strikes, working 12/6 with action, depth and sat 70-71 mph. Slider was much firmer working 10/4, tight spin and sat 74-75 mph. Also, featured feel a changeup, thrown aggressively, sink, arm-side-run and ranged between 75-78 mph. Offensively, looseness and fluid rhythm through contact. Short and level bat path through the hitting zone. Balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 77 mph. Defensively, fluid footwork, steady hands and athletic fielding position out in front of his body. Loose, athletic arm action, accurate arm, some carry on throws and clocked at 83 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.07 60.

9. Korey Soetaert, RHP, Wauconda, 2017
6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, average lean build. Delivery is slightly close off, hides the baseball, coiled and loaded at top of balance position, online and athletic finish. Arm is short and loose, quick arm, high ¾ slot out of a tight window. Fastball has consistently slight running action to arm side, sat 82-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Slider showed some control, light action, 10/4 sweeping plane, 71-73 mph. Changeup is thrown with arm speed, erratic action, flashed both cut and fade, 75-79 mph, thrown aggressively.

10. Brandon Callendar, RHP, Plainfield Central, 2017
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, thick build, strong lower half. Slight drop and drive style delivery, has some effort, repeats on line, directional. Compact arm action, tight window, dart thrower, over the top slot, hides well. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam type, occasional sink, good feel for the zone, sat 82-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Showed excellent feel for his curveball, thrown with depth and action, 11/5 plane, 68-71 mph. Changeup showed fade, mostly down with feel, 74-76 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Alex Analytis, RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2017
5-foot-11, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, thick build, strong lower half. Directional delivery, slight swing to front leg landing. Arm action is short and loose, hides it well, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, occasional late action through the zone, good control, 82-83 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, gradual action, showed some feel for the pitch, 66-70 mph. Changeup had action, thrown for strikes, near fastball arm speed, 75-76 mph.

Brady Andrae, OF/LHP, Orion, 2017
5-foot-10, 140-pound, left-handed hitting OF/LHP. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Threw 71 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a tall, open stance, with a short leg lift stride. Short, level swing path. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.75. On the mound works form a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall uptempo delivery with an open landing and athletic finish. Threw fastball for strikes at 69-70 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape with gradual action at 53-56 mph. Changeup for strikes at 55-59 mph.

Jack Arnstein, RHP, Highland Park, 2017
6-foot, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, long legged. Uptempo drop and drive type delivery, online with closed front side, athletic finish. Arm plays from multiple angles, high ¾ to sidearm, long and loose arm. Showed feel for his fastball around the zone, sat 76-78 mph touching 79 from a high ¾ slot, 75-76 mph from sidearm slot, got better action without losing much velocity from the lower slot. Showed feel for curveball as well from multiple slots, 67-69 mph, more of a sweeping action when thrown sidearm. Changeup thrown with fastball arm speed, good control with fading action, 72-76 mph.

Cole Aughenbaugh, OF/RHP, Oswego, 2017
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed hitting OF/RHP. Ofensively hits from a balanced knee-to-knee setup with a low hand set. Smooth load to backside with a long stride. Gap to gap hitter with a short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.14. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Threw 79 mph form the outfield. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Drop and drive delivery with regular effort. Open landing on a weak front knee. Fastball sat 76-78 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape with rolling action at 63-65 mph. Changeup was straight at 69-70 mph.

Nicholas Becker, RHP/C, Plainfield South, 2017
6-foot-3, 218-pound right-handed hitting catcher, large frame. Hits from a slightly closed stance, short leg lift stride. Showed bat strength, occasional hard contact, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays short and over the top, 68 mph out of the crouch. 2.25-2.33 pop times. Ran the 60 at 8.51. On the mound delivery has some effort, squared landing and stays on line. Arm action has length, ¾ slot. Fastball has slight action, 74-76 mph, topped at 78 mph. Curveball has 12/6 action, 63-65 mph, gradual action. Slider has 10/4 action, sweeps, 68-73 mph. Straight changeup is firm off of fastball, 71-74 mph, showed feel of the zone.

Adam Beckman, LHP/1B, Lincoln-Way North, 2017
6-foot, 165 athletically build right-handed hitting first baseman and pitcher. Offensively, balanced setup, pre-pitch drop of his hands and long stride. Long bat pat and opposite field approach. Registered an exit velocity of 73 mph. Defensively, the left-handed throwing first baseman showcased average hands on the infield. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 71 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.31 60. On the mound, slight notion of across the body delivery, closed landing, athletic finish and some effort. High ¾ slot, short arm action and slight stab on the backside. Fastball, slight run sat 75-77 mph. Curveball, near fastball arm speed, worked 12/6, 59-60 mph. Changeup ranged anywhere from 64-69 mph.

Parker Bogdan, RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2017
6-foot-3, 160-pound right-handed pitcher, lean build, long limbed. Delivery has slight effort, closed landing on ball of foot, finishes first base side. Arm action is long, over the top slot. Fastball was thrown for strikes, flashed slight cut action, 78-80 mph. Curveball has 12/6 action, 68-71 mph, tight rotation, showed depth, swing and miss potential, 68-71 mph. Changeup has sink, split type action, downer, good feel, 71-73 mph.

Tyler Brinker, RHP/2B, Naperville Central, 2017
Lean build 5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, repeatable swing and creates some whip. Balanced setup, long stride and finishes off of his backside. Long bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 80 mph. Defensively, flashed a quick exchange on the infield. Long arm action, over-the-top slot and clocked at 77 mph across the diamond. On the mound some rhythm, clean delivery and repeats well. On-line direction, square landing, athletic finish and regular effort. Short arm action, from an over-the-top window. Fastball featured slight run, thrown for strikes and sat 75-76 mph, touching 78. Threw both curveball and slider for strikes. Curveball worked 12/6, sat 66-68 mph. Slider, tighter spin and action 11/5 shape, ranging between 67-69 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes, good arm speed, sink and fade, sitting 67-68 mph.

Todd Brown, RHP/SS, East Aurora, 2017
Lean, young looking 5-foot-10, 145-pound right-handed hitting shortstop and pitcher. On the mound the right-hander operates with a repeatable, controlled and balanced delivery. Long and loose arm action from a high ¾ window. Smooth rhythm throughout, in-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Fastball sat 82-83 mph and thrown for strikes. Curveball, flashed solid depth at times, 12/6 action and ranged between 67-69 mph. Changeup, fade action and sat 67-70 mph. Offensively, sprayed balls to all fields during batting practice. Simple swing with limited moving parts. Balanced, closed setup, short stride and average balance through contact. Long, uphill bat path through the hitting zone flashing occasional bat speed. Registered an exit velocity of 79 mph. Defensively, on the infield displayed a solid arm. Long and loose arm action, ¾ slot, accurate and clocked at 82 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.12 60.

Rich Campbell, RHP, Loyola, 2017
6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, long lanky frame, slender build. Works exclusively from the stretch, delivery shows effort, rotational type delivery. Long arm action, low ¾ slot. Fastball had run and sink, 78-81 mph, touched 82 mph. Breaking ball has sweeping action, sharp late bite, 62-66 mph, good feel. Changeup plays at 69-73 mph fastball arm speed, good action to arm side.

Max Cioffi, RHP, St. Patrick, 2017
6-foot-3, 205-pound right-handed pitcher, large frame. Tall and fall delivery, good tempo, lacks use of lower half, can get more behind it. Arm is long, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 78-79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 63-65 mph. Straight change, tends to get underneath, 68-70 mph. Flashed a splitter at 66-69 with occasional downer action.

Ben Collazo, 3B/RHP, Lake View, 2017
Athletic and projectable bodied 6-foot-2, 165-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Ran a 6.97 laser-timed 60. Offensively, athletic setup and some quick twitch in his swing. Pre-pitch leg-kick timing trigger was late at times. Short bat path through the hitting zone and good use of his lower half. Line-drive approach. Registered a 91 mph exit velocity. Defensively, on the infield quick and smooth lateral movements. Athletic actions and long, clean and loose arm action. Throws had carry and clocked at 85 mph across the diamond. On the mound, slow paced, in-line delivery with some rhythm.  Square landing and athletic finish. Long arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, worked mainly straight, sat 78-81 mph.  Curveball some inconsistency, worked 12/6 and 11/5 at times, ranged between 62-65 mph. Changeup looked to be his best secondary offering, featuring run and fade at times, sat 70-72 mph.

Dominic Connolly, 2B/OF/RHP, Lemont, 2017
Smaller build 5-foot-9, 150-pound right handed hitting infielder, outfielder and pitcher. Looks to be better suited as a position player. Offensively, balanced and athletic pre-pitch setup. Simple, compact swing and flashed bat speed. Short and level bat path through the hitting zone. Fluid rhythm, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, quick feet and athletic actions on the infield and outfield. Soft hands, athletic fielding position, short arm action and over-the-top slot with carry on throws. Clocked at 80 mph across the infield and 86 mph from the outfield. Ran a 7.36 60. On the mound smooth rhythm throughout delivery. On-line direction, square landing, athletic finish and repeatable delivery. Over-the-top window, short arm action, quick arm and regular effort. Fastball, thrown for strikes and sat 77-79 mph. Curveball flashed action and worked 12/6, 65-69 mph, with feel. Changeup sat 68-69 mph, with sink.

Kurt Dankovich, 3B/RHP, Providence Catholic, 2017
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitting third baseman and pitcher. Offensively, tall setup and smooth, deep pre-pitch load. Fluid rhythm, big leg-kick timing trigger and flashed a quick bat at times. Short bat path and extension through contact. Gap-to-gap approach. Registered an exit velocity of 85 mph. Defensively, athletic fielding position and clean exchange on the infield. Reliable hands, long, loose arm action, ¾ slot and clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.57 60. On the mound, tall and fall delivery and regular effort. Some rhythm, square landing and athletic finish. Long arm action and comes at the hitter out of a ¾ window. Fastball, slight arm-side-run, thrown for strikes, 79-81 mph. Changeup, slows arm, flashed sink and sat 66-68 mph. Curveball worked 11/5, some depth and sat 66-68 mph.

Bradley Demkovich, LHP/OF, Jacobs, 2017
6-foot-1, 170-pound, left-handed hitting LHP/OF. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with good balance throughout. High leg kick with some stiffness on the front side. Some rhythm with a square landing. Threw fastball for strikes at 75-77 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape at 60-64 mph. Slows arm on changeup at 68-72 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced setup. Short leg lift stride. Long, uphill swing path. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.21. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Slower actions with a clean exchange. Threw 81 mph from the outfield.

Ian Duke, SS/RHP, Lincoln-Way Central, 2017
Solid build 5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitting shortstop and pitcher. On the mound, tall and fall delivery. In-line delivery, square landing and athletic finish. Long arm on the backside and comes at you from a high ¾ window. Hesitation in delivery, tall at balance point. Fastball sat 82-84 mph with occasional run and sink. Changeup worked anywhere between 71-76 mph. Curveball ranged between 71-77 mph. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load and short leg-lift trigger. Long and level bat path through the hitting zone. Opposite field approach during batting practice. Registered an exit velocity of 77 mph. Defensively, displayed some body control and a quick release on the infield. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate with carry and clocked at 84 mph across the diamond. Also, ran 7.01 60.

Nicholas Ferguson, 3B/RHP, Plainfield North, 2017
Lean build 6-foot, 155-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, tall, open setup. Pre-pitch load, short leg-lift trigger and average balance through contact. Uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Exit velocity registered 76 mph off of a tee. Defensively, flashed a quick exchange on the infield. Short arm action, ¾ slot, some accuracy and clocked at 71 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.29 60. On the mound, over-the-top slot, short arm action and regular effort. Tall and fall delivery and lands closed. Fastball mostly straight sat 73-75 mph and touched 76. Curveball worked 12/6 ranging between 58-61 mph. Also, featured a changeup, sinking action, 65-67 mph.

Brandon Khan-Fagg, OF/RHP, McHenry, 2017
Lanky framed, 6-foot, 160-pound, right-handed hitting OF/RHP. At the plate hits form a crouched, slightly open stance. Handsy load to backside. Opposite field hitter with an inside out path. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.69. Defensively has a long loose arm action from a low ¾ arm slot. Plays thru the ball with slower actions. Threw 70 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Uptempo tall and fall delivery with a high leg kick. Two pitch mix working with just a cutter and a splitter. Cutter showed slight action at 69-72 mph. Splitter was mostly straight at 70-71 mph.

Mike Krusenoski, RHP, Sandburg, 2017
6-foot-3, 160-pound right-handed pitcher, long lanky projectable build. Tall and fall delivery, slower tempo, stays tall at balance point, keeps balanced and level throughout, squared finish. Arm action is long, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, four seam type, sat 73-74 mph. Curveball played 12/6, gradual action, 59-62 mph. Changeup is 64-66 mph, slight sinking action.

Matt Moloney, RHP, Benet, 2017
Extra-large frame, 6-foot-5, 205-pound right-handed pitcher, lanky build, projectable frame. Delivery has some effort, mostly on line, closed flexed landing. Full arm action, comes out of window at ear, high ¾ slot. Fastball had slight downward action, pitched at 78-81 mph. Curveball was thrown for strikes, gradual action, lacked depth, 62-64 mph. Changeup is best off-speed pitch, fades with good control, near fastball arm speed, 67-69 mph.

Daniel Nelson, RHP/OF, Oswego East, 2017
Athletically built at 6-foot, 170-pounds with present strength. Right-handed hitting two-way player. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a high leg kick. Online delivery with a toe closed landing. Fastball flashed sink at 78-80 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape at 66-69 mph. Slider flashed 10-4 shape at 69-72 mph. Maintained arm speed on changeup at 71-74 mph. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly open stance. Short, linear stride. Line driver hitter with a short, level swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.27.  Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Throws showed carry with some accuracy, and slower actions. Threw 83 mph from the outfield.

Brendan O’Dwyer, LHP, Lockport, 2017
6-foot, 175-pound left-handed pitcher. Worked exclusively from the stretch, online slight drop and drive, ability to repeat, balanced finish. Arm action is short, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight running action, showed control, 75-76 mph, touched 77 mph. Curveball plays at 61-63 mph, 1/7 plane, gradual action, good feel for the zone. Has feel for changeup, slight arm side run, near fastball arm speed, controlled at 64-67 mph.

Jacob Pauley, LHP/OF, Geneseo, 2017
6-foot-2, 150-pound, left-handed hitting LHP/OF with a lanky frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall online delivery. Tall at balance point with a slight hesitation before heading to the plate. Square landing with some rhythm. Will improve with more drive off the backside. Hides fastball well with occasional cutting action at 76-77 topping out at 78 mph. Curveball showed inconsistent shape between 12-6 and 1-7 with early action at 67-70 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup with occasional fade at 65-69 mph. Offensively hits from a wide base with a balanced setup. Short, leg lift stride with fair balance. Line drive spray hitter with a long level swing path. Showed streng thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.48. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm angle. High crow hop, throws work uphill. Threw 81 mph from the outfield.

Colin Pfotenhauer, SS/RHP, Marist, 2017
Athletic build 6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Defensively, plays with some bounce on the infield. Reliable, soft hands, clean exchange and athletic fielding position. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate and clocked at 82 mph. Offensively, cocks bat during pre-pitch load back. Balanced, open setup. Long stride and short bat path through the hitting zone. Line-drive approach at the plate. Registered an exit velocity of 85 mph. Also, ran a 7.52 laser-timed 60. On the mound, operates with a tall and fall delivery. Quick arm, smooth rhythm, loose arm action, out of a high ¾ window. On-line direction and athletic finish. Fastball mostly straight and sat 81-82 mph. Curveball worked 12/6, some depth, 67-68 mph. Changeup featured sink and ranged between 72-74 mph.

James Raffauf, RHP/3B/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2017
Lean, room to fill out 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed hitting infielder, outfielder and pitcher.  Offensively, balanced and closed setup. Deep, pre-pitch early load and leg-kick timing trigger. Long, uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, in the outfield and infield, fluid footwork and clean exchange. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and quick release on the infield. Throws clocked at 76 mph from the outfield and 74 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.7 60. On the mound, featured a four pitch mix with decent feel for all. Over-the-top window, short and quick arm action. Some rhythm and effort in delivery. Fastball, flashed slight run and sat 78-80 mph, touching 81. Featured a curveball and slider. Curveball worked 12/6, thrown for strikes, 66-69 mph. Slider, firmer action, tighter spin, 11/5 shape and sat 70-71 mph. Changeup, mainly straight and sat 70-71 mph.

Chas Sagedahl, LHP/1B, Prairie Du Chien, 2017
6-foot-2, 170-pound room to fill out right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. On the mound, smooth rhythm, clean, loose arm action, from a high ¾ window. In-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Four-pitch repertoire, a forkball being one of them.  Fastball, thrown for strikes, sat 76-77 mph. Feel for a curveball, worked 1/7 shape, some sweeping action and sat 67 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, thrown for strikes, sink and ranged between 65-68 mph. Forkball sat 69-70 mph. Offensively, a pull approach. Short bat path through the hitting zone and balanced, tall setup, pre-pitch load, short stride and average balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 80 mph. Defensively, steady hands and clean exchange at first base. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 74 mph across the diamond.

Kyle Schaaf, RHP, Illiana Christian, 2017
6-foot-4, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, long lanky frame. Delivery doesn’t get off back side, closed landing, tall and fall style. Arm action is long and firm, ¾ slot. Fastball sat 76-78 mph. Curveball has gradual bend, 60-64 mph. Slider is similar pitch, 62-65 mph. Changeup sinks slightly, tends to push, 64-68 mph.

Alex Schram, 1B/RHP, Waubonsie Valley, 2017
Athletic, strong frame 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed hitting first baseman and pitcher. On the mound, some present arm strength and four pitch arsenal. Short arm action and an over-the-top slot. Regular effort, on-line direction, square landing and finishes slightly toward first base. Fastball, flashed late life, ranging between 80-83 mph, touching 84. Curveball, near fastball arm speed, worked 12/6, sat 67-68 mph. Also, featured a cutter, 10/4 action, 72-74 mph. Changeup, down in the zone, 73-75 mph. Offensively, quick bat and present strength through contact. Balanced setup, short stride and average balance. Short bat path and gap-to-gap approach. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, average hands on the infield. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws with carry and clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.56 60.

Chris Sheputis, RHP, Romeoville, 2017
5-foot-9, 245-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery with rhythm and balance, works directionally closed front side. Arm action is short over the top slot, clean arm action, showed ability to throw three pitches for strikes. Fastball had sink, pitched at 72-73 mph. Curveball is 63-64 mph, 12/6 type. Changeup flashed fading action, 66-67 mph.

Kenny Swart, RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2017
6-foot-4, 230-pound right-handed pitcher, large build. Tall and fall delivery with rhythm, stays directional, lands with slightly closed toe, balanced finish. Arm action is loose and full, high ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, showed feel for the zone, 81-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Curveball rolls at 66-70 mph, knuckle curve grip. Changeup is near fastball arm action, fading to arm side, 72-76 mph.

Cade Thornberry, RHP, Plainfield Central, 2017
6-foot-3, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, long lean frame, projectable body. Rigid delivery, works online, side saddle to leg lift, closed toe landing, upright finish, flat planed delivery. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball features slight arm side run, 77-78 mph, topped at 79 mph. Curveball has gradual action, 60-62 mph. Changeup is generally pulled glove side, slight cut, 70-72 mph.

Lake Turner, RHP, Oswego, 2017
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, average frame and build. Full windup, wide toe lift to balance point. Arm draws out of glove with stabbing action, short release from tight window at ear, over the top slot. Straight fastball at 69-70 mph, touched 71 mph. Threw both curveball and slider, gradual action, lacked separation between the two, curveball played at 52-54 mph, slider at 56 mph. Changeup showd slight sink , 56-59 mph.

Noah Wernke, SS/RHP, Oswego, 2017
Athletic build 6-foot, 168-pound projectable frame right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, barreled a number of balls during batting practice. Narrow setup, pre-pitch load of hands and short stride. Bat stayed flat through the hitting zone at times. Registered an exit velocity of 79 mph. Defensively, made a nice play on a ball to his glove side on the infield. Steady, reliable hands and quick transfer. Athletic arm action, ¾ slot and clocked at 74 mph. Also, ran an 8.09 60. On the mound, balanced delivery, short leg lift and easy effort throughout. Square landing, on-line and athletic finish. Long arm action and high ¾ slot. Fastball, mostly straight and sat 76-78 mph, touching 79. Curveball worked 12/6, ranging between 64-66 mph. Changeup, showed some sink, ranging between 61-64 mph.

Nathan Willig, LHP/1B, Oswego, 2017
Long and lean 6-foot-1, 150-pound right-handed hitting first baseman and pitcher. Offensively, starts with hands back and toe-tap timing trigger. Balanced setup, average bat speed and uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 74 mph. Defensively, the left handed first baseman displayed reliable hands and a clean transfer. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 70 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.08 laser-timed 60. On the mound, tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Short arm action, high ¾ window and it comes out by his ear. Fastball sat 71-73 mph, mostly straight. Curveball works 1/7, 56-58 mph. Changeup ranged between 58-60 mph.

Tyler Zarembka, LHP/1B, Providence Catholic, 2017
Long and lean 6-foot-3, 165-pound projectable build right-handed hitting first baseman and pitcher. On the mound, the left-hander featured three pitches for strikes. Some rhythm, in-line direction, square landing, athletic finish and regular effort in delivery. High ¾ window and long arm action. Curveball, good spin, feel and depth. Worked 1/7, fastball arm speed, thrown for strikes and sat 65-67 mph. Feel for changeup, fade at times, thrown for strikes, 68-70 mph. Fastball, slight run ranged between 76-78 mph. Offensively, short bat path and showed a gap-to-gap approach during batting practice. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, long arm action, ¾ slot, some accuracy and clocked at 77 mph. Also, ran a 7.77 60.

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