Fox River Open: Event Analysis

The Fox River Open took place on Tuesday, June 11 at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. This open event featured more than 30 players from all high school classes across the state of Illinois. 

Shortly after the event’s conclusion, we published a quick hits on some of the top performers and a statistical analysis from the showcase. This final piece includes in-depth scouting reports on all of the event’s participants, including those who stood out amongst their peers. 

Ryan Bibb (Mascoutah, 2022) was arguably the event’s top performer, having an all-around strong performance. He finished towards the top in every statistical category he participated in, despite being one of the youngest players at the showcase. He has the tools to be a high-follow in the 2022 class. 

On the mound, nobody boosted their stock more than RHP Blake Oesterblad (Loyola Academy, 2020) did. The physical 6-foot-4, 190-pound right-handed pitcher works exclusively from the stretch, running his fastball up to 86 mph and showing feel for a firm slider. 

Jake Tapia and Felipe De Avila, a pair two-way prospects from the 2021 class, had solid all-around outings at the event. Tapia is a solidly-built, 6-foot, 170-pound INF/RHP, that recorded the event’s highest exit velocity (89 mph) and saw his fastball touch 81 mph on the mound. As for De Avila, he made a lot of hard contact at the plate and showed soft, confident hands on the infield.

SCOUTING REPORTS (Listed Alphabetically)

Kevin Ahler, Marian Central Catholic, 2020
Positional Profile: INF
Body: 5-foot-10, 170-pounds. Athletic frame.
Defense: Steady hands, two-hand gather, clean exchange leading to a quick release.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot, accurate on his throws across the infield.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, smooth load, long stride. Long and level path to the baseball, gfap-to-gap approach.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.18 runner in the 60. 

Michael Aragon, Marian Central Catholic, 2020 
Positional Profile: C 
Body: 5-foot-11, 170-pounds. 
Defense: 2.14-2.23 pop times. Soft hands, quick feet behind the plate, clean exchange, adept blocker, confident actions. 
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, accurate on his throws from behind the plate. 
Hit: SH. Open balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Fast hands,buphill path to the baseball, line drive approach and fluid rhythm throughout.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Run: 8.1 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Bibb, Mascoutah, 2022 
Positional Profile: RHP/SS 
Body: 6-foot-1, 183-pounds. Athletic, strong build.
Defense: Soft hands, quick and fluid footwork, quick exchange, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 87 mph. Short and loose arm action, throws from a high 3/4 slot, played accurate with carry across the infield.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, leg kick stride, fluid rhythm. Short path, line drive approach, flashed gap-to-gap ability.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Run: 6.98 runner in the 60. Above-average for his age.
Delivery: Drop and drive delivery, lands square, spins off to first base side.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, loose arm action, above average arm speed, works from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 80-83 mph. Straight action, comes out easy.
CB: 61-68 mph. Tight 11/5 shape, sharp action. Potential swing-and-miss offering.
CH: 71-72 mph. Near fastball arm speed, straight with slight fade action.

Chase Binkley, Byron, 2020
Positional Profile: MIF
Body: 5-foot-11, 170-pounds.
Defense: Steady hands, active and fluid feet.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph.  Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Hit: RHH. Tall balanced setup, smooth load, leg-kick trigger. Long and level path to the baseball, opposite field approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.5 runner in the 60. 

Shane Bonner, South Elgin, 2020
Positional Profile: MIF
Body: 5-foot-9, 160-pounds.
Defense:  Steady hands, fluid footwork and plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph.  Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, shows some accuracy.
Hit: RHH. Open, balanced set up, short stride, balance through swing. Uphill bat path, gap-to-gap hitter.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.71 runner in the 60.

Rocco Catalano, Montini Catholic, 2020 
Positional Profile: OF 
Body: 5-foot-8, 160-pounds. Athletic frame.
Defense: Shows soft hands in the outfield, quick fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through ball, concise routes.
Arm: RH. OF - 73 mph. Long loose arm action, over the top to high 3/4 arm slot, accurate arm.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, smooth load, confident at the plate, fast bat speed, level bat path, line drive, gap-to-gap hitter, fluid rhythm.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Run: 6.97 runner in the 60. 

Chazz Clark, Marist, 2021 
Positional Profile: OF 
Body: 5-foot-11, 160-pounds. Athletic, high-waisted frame.
Defense: Steady hands in outfield, fluid footwork, clean exchange.
Arm: RH. OF - 79 mph. Short, firm arm action, high 3/4 to 3/4 arm slot.
Hit: LHH. Balanced set up, smooth load, short stride, maintains balance throughout. Above-average bat speed, short, level bat path, line drive hitter, fluid rhythm.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Run: 7.1 runner in the 60. 

Michael Davis, St. Charles North, 2020 
Positional Profile: C/INF 
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Strong lower half. 
Defense: 2.08-2.18 pop times. Worked out behind the plate and on the infield. Soft hands, fluid footwork on the infield. Behind the plate, soft hands, quick out of the crouch and willing blocker.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. INF - 81 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, wide base, short stride. Quick hands, short uphill path to the baseball, strong hands and pull-side approach. 
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Run: 7.4 runner in the 60.

Felipe De Avila, Woodstock North, 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/RHP 
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Athletic build.
Defense: Fluid footwork, natural infield actions, soft hands, clean release and maintains body control on the move. 
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short and loose arm action, throws from a high 3/4 slot, accurate across the diamond.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly crouched setup, smooth load, short stride, fluid rhythm. Short and uphill path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Run: 7.5 runner in the 60. 
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, easy effort, smooth rhythm, works in line, lands closed, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short and loose arm action, works from a high 3/4 slot. 
FB: T79, 78-79 mph. Plays mostly straight, thrown for strikes.
CB: 62-64 mph. Maintains arm speed, 12/6 shape, depth and feel. 
SL: 64-66 mph. Near fastball arm speed, 11/5 shape.

AJ DeBello, Huntley, 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-7, 185-pounds.
Defense: 2.42-2.60 pop times. Squared setup and clean out of the crouch. 
Arm: RH. C - 61 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, knee-knock loading action, long, uphill bat path, pull-side approach.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.48 runner in the 60. 

Eddie Dlatt, Lake Zurich, 2020
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 175-pounds. Strong athletic frame.
Defense: Reliable hands, quick footwork and plays through ball.
Arm: LH. OF - 78 mph. Long arm action, works from a high 3/4 slot.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, closed set up, short toe-tap stride. Short, uphill path, line drive approach, pull approach.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.18 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Uptempo rhythm, level shoulders, in line, square landing, upright finish, some effort in delivery.
Arm Action: LH. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 76-78 mph. Heavy, arm-side-run and sink. 
CB: 60-64 mph. 2/8 shape.
CH: 63-65 mph. Plays straight. 

Caleb Green, Minooka, 2020
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-foot-8, 178-pounds. Strong, durable frame.
Defense: Steady hands, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. OF - 75 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, accurate arm.
Hit: RHH. Balanced set up, minimal load, short stride. Present bat strength, level path, line drive approach.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.6 runner in the 60..
Delivery: Drop and drive delivery, level shoulders, works on-line, lands with a closed toe, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Works from over the top, high 3/4 arm slot, long arm action.
FB: T74, 72-75 mph. Mostly cut action.
CB: 63-65 mph. 10/4 shape.
CH: 62-66 mph. Maintains arm speed, plays straight, sink at times.

Zach Hollister, Boylan Catholic, 2021
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Strong, athletic frame.
Defense: Steady hands in the outfield, fluid footwork, could be faster, long, clean exchange, plays through ball.
Arm: RH. OF - 79 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, some accuracy, throws show carry.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, smooth load, short stride. Present bat speed, short, uphill bat path, extension through contact, line drive approach.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.41 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Smooth rhythm, level shoulders, in line, square landing, athletic finish with regular effort throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79, 77-79 mph. Works mostly straight, occasional cut.
CH: 68-72 mph. Shows fade, misses are down.
CUT: 67-70 mph. 10/4 shape.

Andrew Knowlton, Burlington Central, 2020
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-foot-9, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Drop and drive delivery, works on-line, square landing, some rhythm throughout, consistently worked down in the zone.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose, deceptive arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T75, 74-75 mph. Showed run, occasional late action, plays down in the zone.
CB: 63-64 mph. 10/4 shape.
CH: 66-68 mph. Flashed sink and fade, feel, plays down in the zone.
 
Ryan Kramer, Latin School of Chicago, 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 204-pounds. Strong build.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph.  Short arm action, throws from multiple slots and accurate across the diamond.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Fast hands, short and uphill path to the baseball, line drive approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.92 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Tall/fall delivery, uphill shoulders, works in line with his target, closed landing.
Arm Action: RH. Loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76, 75-76 mph. Plays straight, thrown for strikes.
CB: 61-63 mph. Maintains arm speed, 11/5 shape.
CH: 67-70 mph. Fastball arm speed, plays with sink, thrown for strikes.
 
Liam McKillop, St. Rita, 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot, 160-pounds.
Delivery: Works exclusively from the stretch, tall/fall delivery, level shoulders, works in line, slightly closed landing, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Short and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, easy effort.
FB: T79, 75-79 mph. Plays straight, late action, thrown for strikes, comes out of his hand easy. 
SL: 69-72 mph. 10/4 shape, thrown with fastball arm speed, tight spin.
SPLT: 74-76 mph. Fastball arm speed, late action at times.

Frankie Morales, Roberto Clemente, 2020
Positional Profile: MIF
Body: 5-foot-7, 135-pounds. Athletic frame.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, athletic actions, clean exchange and plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot, accurate arm, flashed carry.
Hit: RHH. Balanced set up, smooth load, short stride. Simple, handsy swing, short level bat path, line drive hitter, works middle of the field, fluid rhythm.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.09 runner in the 60.  

Blake Oesterblad, Loyola Academy, 2020
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-4, 190-pounds. Strong, athletic frame.
Delivery: Works exclusively from the stretch, tall/fall delivery with a slight drop in his back side. Shoulders stay closed, works in line with his target, lands slightly closed off from the plate, smooth rhythm throughout delivery.
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T86, 82-85 mph. Comes out of his hand easy, slight arm-side-run.
SL: 70-72 mph. Thrown with fastball arm speed, 10/4 shape, sharp action, potential swing-and-miss pitch.
CH: 74-75 mph. Maintains arm speed, flashed fade. 

Nikolas Ostrowski, Lake Zurich, 2021
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 185-pounds.
Defense: Reliable hands, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Long and loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Long and level path to the ball, pull-side approach.
Power: 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.77 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, some effort, lands open.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, works from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T73, 70-73 mph. Straight with occasional cut.
CB: 60-63 mph. 11/5 shape, near fastball arm speed.
CH: 63-65 mph. Plays straight, flashed fade movement.

Trevor Rockweiler, McHenry, 2021
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot, 185-pounds. Strong, athletic frame.
Defense: 2.11-2.25 pop times. Steady hands behind the plate, quick transfer, natural blocker.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph.  Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, consistently around the second base bag.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Long uphill path to the baseball, pull-side approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Above-average bat strength.
Run: 7.9 runner in the 60.

Connor Rodgers, McHenry, 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot-1, 172-pounds. Long, lanky, projectable frame.
Defense: 2.30-2.50 pop times. Steady hands behind the plate, clean transfer, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. Long and loose arm action, over-the-top slot, flashed accuracy.
Hit: RHH. Tall open setup, long and level path, sprayed line-drives and fluid rhythm.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.58 runner in the 60.

Tristan Samuelian, Burlington Central, 2021
Positional Profile: MIF
Body: 5-foot-9, 150-pounds. Lanky and athletic frame.
Defense: Soft hands, quick and active feet, ranged well to both sides, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, accurate.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, wide base, minimal load. Short and level path to the baseball, line-drive approach.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. 

Danny Smid, Neuqua Valley, 2022
Positional Profile: LHP 
Body: 6-foot-1, 165-pounds. Long-limbed, projectable build. 
Delivery: Tilt/topple delivery, uphill shoulders, works in line with his target, square landing, athletic finish, smooth and clean delivery.
Arm Action: LH. Long and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, easy effort.
FB: T76, 74-75 mph. Plays straight, thrown for strikes.
CB: 65-66 mph. 1/7 shape, tight spin, depth and feel.
CH: 64-68 mph. Thrown with fastball arm speed, showed sink/fade, thrown for strikes.

Matthew Smith, Marian Central Catholic, 2021
Positional Profile: LHP 
Body: 5-foot-9, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Tall/fall type delivery, high leg kick with some rhythm throughout.
Arm Action: LH. Short and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78, 76-77 mph. Arm-side-run, thrown for strikes.
CB: 62-64 mph. 12/6 shape, depth
CH: 64-68 mph. Maintains arm speed, fade action.

Jake Tapia, Belvidere North, 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP Upside on the mound.
Body: 6-foot, 170-pounds. Athletic frame.
Defense: Steady hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot, accurate.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, smooth load, toe tap stride, fluid rhythm. Loose swing, short path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.18 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, easy effort, smooth rhythm, level shoulders, works in line, lands square, athletic finish.
Arm Action: RH. Long, loose, quick arm action, works from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 78-81 mph. Arm-side-run, flashed sinking movement, thrown for strikes.
CB: 63-66 mph. 11/5 shape, sharp action.
CH: 71-74 mph. Mostly straight, flashed fade movement.

Braden Thelander, Prairie Ridge, 2022
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-foot-8, 135-pounds. Small, athletic build.
Defense: Soft hands, quick and fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through the baseball. Body control on slow roller.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Short, loose arm action,  high 3/4 slot, showed carry on throws.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, fluid rhythm. Flashed bat speed, short and level path to the ball, gap-to-gap hitter.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.5 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Smooth rhythm, tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands closed, finishes athletically.
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick arm action, works from a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Works straight.
CB: 71-72 mph.

Ahmir Traylor, Lincoln Park, 2019
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-foot-3, 175-pounds. Lanky frame.
Defense:  Clean exchange.
Arm: RH. OF - 68 mph. Short over the top, deliberate action.
Hit: LHH. Wide, slightly open, balanced, slight crouch set up, balance throughout swing. Short, uphill bat path, line drive approach.
Power: 71 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.36 runner in the 60.

Alexander Velazquez, Elmwood Park, 2020
Positional Profile: MIF
Body: 5-foot-11, 140-pounds. Lanky frame.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, athletic actions, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, accurate arm that shows carry.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open set up, smooth load, short stride. Short level bat path, line drive hitter, pull side approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.16 runner in the 60. 

Matt Walas, Rolling Meadows, 2020
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 190-pounds. Strong build.
Delivery: Tall/fall delivery, works in line with his target, closed landing.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T74, 72-74 mph. Plays straight with occasional run.
CB: 60-63 mph. 11/5 shape.
CH: 60-61 mph. Plays straight. 

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