Prep Baseball Report

Class of 2017 Showcase: Pitcher Analysis



By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The Class of 2017 Showcase took place on July 15th, at Plunkett Park in Elmhurst, Illinois. The event consisted of prospects in the 2017 class from all over the state of Illinois. Below we ranked the top 10 pitchers from the event, not an easy task, given the depth of talent on the mound.

TOP PITCHERS

1) Connor Peplow, RHP/OF, Plainfield North, 2017
6-foot-1, 155-pound, lanky build, two-way player, right-handed hitter. On the mound showed a tall-and-fall delivery, short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, smooth rhythm, landing square. Fastball showed good life, arm-side-run, 86-88 mph. Curveball had 10/4 shape, sweeping action, 67-69 mph. Slider had sharp late break, 72-74 mph. Changeup showed some arm-side-fade, 76-80 mph. Defensively displayed average hands, quick, fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through the ball. Short arm action, high ¾ arm action, with accuracy, 87 across the infield. Hits from a crouched stance, short stride, average balance. Average bat speed, level bat path, line-drive approach, 84 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.12 60-time.

2) Mason Coon, LHP/OF, St. Joseph-Ogden, 2017
6-foot-2, 185-pound left handed two-way player, strong lean build. Left-handed pitcher, delivery is athletic and repeatable, low leg lift, uses slide step from stretch. Arm action is easy, long and loose, ¾ slot. Fastball played with arm side run, 82-83 mph, touched 84 mph, showed feel for the strike zone. Curveball has 1/7 break, slurve type action, 70-71 mph, better from windup. Changeup has slight fading action, 72-73 mph. Left-handed hitter, wide setup, good lower half, good balance. Hits off of a firm front side, separates well. Good bat speed, line drive type hitter, flat path through the zone. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively in the outfield showed clean average actions, arm played at 82 mph and ran a 7.16 in the 60.

3) Blake Carlson, LHP/OF, Ottawa, 2017
6-foot, 170-pound, projectable on the mound, two-way player, switch hitter. On the mound displayed a tall-and-fall delivery, long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, some rhythm, landing square in line. Fastball sat 81-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Curveball had 1/7 shape, gradual break, 67-71 mph. Changeup showed some sink, good arm speed, 72-75 mph. Defensively had average hands, fluid footwork, ability to play through the baseball. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy, 83 mph from the outfield. Hits from a slightly open stance, smooth load, short stride, good balance. Above-average bat speed, short, level bat path, line-drive-approach, 85 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.24 60-time.

4) Matt Blaney, RHP/3B, Lincoln-Way North, 2017
5-foot-9, 150-pound, small frame, two-way player. On the mound showed a tall-and-fall delivery, short arm action, over-the-top, some rhythm, lands on line. Straight fastball sat 82-83 mph. Curveball had 11/5 shape, sharp action, thrown for strikes, 67-70 mph. Showed good feel for his changeup, arm-side-run, 73-75 mph. Defensively on the infield showed average hands, fluid footwork. Short arm action, low ¾ slot, 80 from the infield. From the outfield showed the ability to play through the ball, long arm action, 84 mph from the outfield. Hit from an open set up, loads back, average balance. Long, uphill bat path, 79 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.91 60-time.

5) Eric Steiner, RHP, St. Ignatius, 2017
6-foot-1, 200-pound, solid build. On the mound had a tall-and-fall delivery, short, loose arm action, some rhythm, landing slightly open, threw all three pitches for strikes. Fastball showed occasion arm-side-run, sat 81-82 mph, touched 83 mph. Curveball had 11/5 shape, sharp break, 74-75 mph. Changeup showed some arm-side-run, 78-80 mph.

6) Korey Soetaert, RHP, Wauconda, 2017
6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher. Throws from ¾ arm angle, with quick arm speed, short action, regular effort, uphill shoulders, and closed landing. Throws across body and hides ball well. Fastball was 79-82 mph with some run and late action, curveball was 65-68 mph with 11/5 shape, and gradual action, slider was 69-71 mph and changeup was 73-75 mph with some cut.

7) Keegan Bridges, RHP/OF, Bloomington Central Catholic, 2017
6-foot-0, 160-pound, lanky build, two-way player, right-handed hitter. On the mound showed short arm action, high ¾ slot, smooth rhythm, landing square, athletic finish. Fastball showed arm-side-run, thrown for strikes, sat 81-82 mph. Curveball showed 12/6 shape, late action, 69-70 mph. Changeup showed slight arm-side-fade, 66-68 mph. Defensively in the outfield showed average hands, quick feet, short arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy, 81 mph from the outfield. On the infield had fluid footwork, short arm action, ¾ slot, 77 mph across the infield. Ran a 6.94 60-time.

8) Nate Madej, LHP, Lemont, 2017
5-foot-11, 200-pound, solid build. On the mound displayed a tall-and-fall delivery, long, loose arm action, high ¾ arm slot, some rhythm, landing square, athletic finish, throws all three pitches for strikes. Fastball showed some arm-side-run, sat 78-80 mph. Curveball had 1/7 shape, gradual break, 57-60 mph. Changeup showed decent sink, good arm speed, 67-69 mph.

9) Nate Styles, RHP, Warren, 2017
6-foot-4, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, thin build on a long frame. Full windup delivery, square heel to toe landing, shoulders stay level throughout a low ¾ slot, tendency to get underneath. Fastball flashed running action to arm side, ranged 76-80 mph. Slider has flatter action, more lateral/sweeping break, 65-68 mph. Changeup sat 71-72 mph showed some feel for the zone with occasional fade.

10) Danny Mallory, RHP, Montini, 2017
6-foot-1, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, large build. Delivery works down the hill, falls slightly to first base side, low lifting balance point. Arm action is slightly shorter, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, four seam action, 77-80 mph. Threw two breaking balls, slider was the better of the two. Slider flashed sharp 10/4 action, 66-68 mph. Curveball ranged 60-65 mph. Changeup had sink, 70-74 mph.

Best of the Rest (ALPHABETICALLY)

Danny Ahern, LHP, Hinsdale Central, 2017
6-foot-6, 185-pound left-handed pitcher, long lanky frame. Delivery shows some effort, arm action is long, over the top slot. Fastball is mostly straight with some sinking action, 75-77 mph. Curveball is on 12/6 plane, 66-69 mph. Slider has back up action, 70-74 mph. Changeup ranges 68-69 mph.

Casey Barr, SS/RHP, Fancis Parker, 2017
6-foot-1, 160-pound, lanky build, two-way player, right handed hitter. Hits from a slightly closed set up, short stride, average balance. Long bat path, line-drive approach, 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively on the infield showed average hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, 78 mph across the infield. In the outfield showed ability to play through the ball, long arm action, 79 mph from the outfield. Ran a 7.55 60-time. On the mound displayed a tall-and-fall deliver, short arm action, over-the-top slot, landing open. Straight fastball sat 77-79 mph. Curveball showed 12/6 shape, gradual break, 64-66 mph. Changeup showed occasional sink, 70-71 mph.

Josh Bishop, 3B/RHP, Crete-Monee, 2017
5-foot-11, 175-pound, average build, two-way player, right-handed hitter. Hits from a tall set up, loads down, slight leg kick, fair balance. Long, uphill bat path, line-drive approach, 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively displayed average hands, long exchange, short arm action, ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, 69 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.16 60-time. On the mound showed short arm action, ¾ slot, lands open, falls to the first-base side. Straight fastball, sat 75-76 mph. Curveball had 10/4 shape, gradual break, 66-68 mph. Changeup showed some arm-side-fade, 68-70 mph. Slider sat 66-68.

Kyle Cockrell, RHP, Plainfield Central, 2017
5-foot-10, 150-pound right-hander. Throws from over-the-top, quick arm speed, short loose arm action, and regular effort. Showed some rhythm, in line direction, square landing, and athletic finish. Fastball sat 75-76 mph and touched 78, curveball was 61-62 mph with 11/5 shape, and changeup was 67-70 mph. Showed good feel for both off speed pitches.

Trevor Davis, OF/RHP, Morton, 2017
6-foot, 170-pound, some length, two-way player, left-handed hitter. Hits from a balanced stance, short stride, lower half partially works, average balance. Average bat speed, uphill bat path, pull-side approach, 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively showed long arm action, over-the-top arm slot, 79 mph from the outfield. On the mound showed long arm action, over-the-top arm slot, landing slightly closed. Fastball sowed some cut, sat 77-78 mph. Curveball had 12/6 shape, gradual shape, 63-66 mph. Changeup sat 66-71 mph.

Ben Fitzgerald, OF/RHP, Grayslake Central, 2017
6-foot-1, 185-pound, lean, athletic build, two-way player, right-handed hitter. Hits from an open stance, loads back, leg kick, average balance. Average bat speed, long, uphill bat path, gap-to-gap approach, 86 mph exit velocity. Defensively displayed average hands, clean exchange, plays through the ball. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, with accuracy, 85 mph from the outfield. Ran a 7.37 60-time. On the mound showed a tall-and-fall delivery, short arm action, over-the-top slot, some rhythm, landing square, athletic finish. Fastball showed some sink, 77-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball had 12/6 shape, some feel for the pitch, 63-66 mph, Changeup showed arm-side-fade, thrown for strikes, 67-69 mph.

Drew Gibson, LHP/1B, St. Anthony, 2017
6-foot-2, 165-pound, lanky build, wide shoulders, two-way player, left-handed hitter. On the mound showed long arm action, high ¾ slot, landing square, falls to 3B side. Fastball showed cut, 75-77 mph. Curveball showed 1/7 shape, showed sharp action, 65-67 mph. Changeup 65-69 mph. Cutter had 10/4 shape, 69-71 mph. Defensively showed average hands, clean exchange, long  arm action, high ¾ slot, 76 mph across the infield. Hits from a narrow stance, short stride, average balance. Uphill bat path, line-drive approach, 74 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.42 60-time.

Rayme Hamilton, SS/RHP, Mattoon, 2017
5-foot-10, 170-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from right side with tall and balanced setup, short stride, ok lower half, and average balance. Showed average bat speed, good approach, long uphill path, and line drive type. Exit velo 75 mph. Defensively the right-hander has long arm action from high ¾, some accuracy, average hands and average strength. Threw 75 mph across infield. Ran 6.98 60. On the mound, throws from high ¾, long loose arm action, regular effort, some rhythm, in line direction, and closed landing. Fastball was 71-73 mph with run and slight action, curveball sat 61-63 mph with 12/6 shape, and changeup was 68-69 mph with sink and fade.

Connor Kelly, 3B/RHP, St. Rita, 2017
6-foot-2, 180-pound two-way player, projectable lean frame. Offensively hits from the right side, slightly open stance, short stride. Path has length, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played third base, pats glove before release, showed the ability to play laterally. Arm played from a high ¾ slot, 79 mph across the infield. 7.51 runner in the 60. On the mound works from the tall and fall delivery, regular effort, squared landing. Works from a high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run and sink, showed feel for the zone, 76-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball played at 65-68 mph, gradual action on fastball similar arm speed. Straight changeup, with slight fade action, showed feel for the zone.

Alex Mahaz, RHP/3B, Hampshire, 2017
6-foot, 175-pound two-way player. Defensively throws from short arm action, over-the-top, some accuracy, has some carry on ball, and average hands. Threw 76 mph across infield. Offensively hits from right side with tall and balanced setup, no load, short leg kick, and average balance. Showed average bat speed, long uphill path, and pull type. Exit velocity was clocked at 83 mph. Ran 7.52 60. On the mound, the right-hander throws from over-the-top angle, average arm speed, short action, regular effort and tall-fall type. Displayed uphill shoulders, falls to 1B side, open landing and upright finish. Fastball was 74-75 mph, curveball was 67-69 mph with 12/6 shape and gradual action, changeup was 70-73 mph with some fade.

Mitchell Mulvihill, SS/RHP, Hinsdale Central, 2017
5-foot-11, 175-pound solid build two-way player. Offensively hits from left side with open and tall setup, loads back, short stride, and excellent balance. Showed quick bat speed, good approach, short path, gap-to-gap type, and fluid rhythm. Exit velocity 83 mph. Defensively, showed long action from high ¾, with average strength and average hands. Threw 72 mph across infield. Ran 7.15 60. On the mound, the right-hander throws ¾ slot, with short action, regular effort, smooth rhythm, in line direction, and open landing. Fastball was 74-76 mph with some run and slight action curveball was 65-67 mph with 11/5 shape and gradual action, and changeup was 69-71 mph with some sink and some fade.

Dave Navarro, SS/RHP, De La Salle, 2017
5-foot-5, 130-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from left side with balanced and open setup, smooth load back, short stride, ok lower half, and good balance. Showed average bat speed, good approach, long flat path, line drive gap-to-gap type, and fluid rhythm. Exit velocity, 77 mph. Defensively, the right-hander has short loose arm action from ¾ slot, soft hands, clean exchange, and plays thru. Threw 70 mph across infield. Ran 7.95 60. On the mound he showed a ¾ arm angle, average arm speed, short arm action, regular effort, tall-fall type, in line direction and square landing. Fastball was 69-70 mph and touched 71, curveball was 61-62 mph with 10/4 shape and gradual action, changeup was 63-66 mph with some fade, and knuckleball was 62-63 mph.

Hunter Simon, RHP/3B, Seneca, 2017
5-foot-10, 170-pound strong two-way player. On the mound throws from high ¾, average arm speed, loose arm action, some effort, and square landing. Fastball was 79-80 mph and touched 81 with some sink, curveball was 65-67 mph with 11/5 shape and gradual action, changeup sat 70-72 mph with cut. Offensively hits from right side with balanced and athletic setup, bar load, short stride, and average balance. Showed some quick bat speed, good approach, long uphill path, and oppo type. Exit velo 85 mph. Defensively has short arm action from high ¾, with some accuracy, and average strength. Threw 78 across infield. Ran 6.89 60.

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