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Illinois 2018 Rankings: Risers

April 5, 2016

By Drew Locascio 
 Illinois Scouting Director

The Illinois updated 2018 rankings were released yesterday and today we delve deeper inside the rankings. With a lot of baseball being played since the last rankings update, plenty of prospects improved their stock and have risen in the rankings.

The Underclass Invitational held in January had a lot to do with some of the risers in the updated rankings. The Invite only event was loaded with the top talent in the 2018 class. There were also four preseason I.D.’s that took place this winter and a number of college camps. Below we highlight a few prospects who rose since the last update took place.

One of the biggest risers in the updated rankings is outfielder Tyler Acosta (Barrington). Now sitting at No. 17, his game has continued to progress and he was one of the top prospects at the Underclass Invitational. Acosta is an athletic right-handed hitter with bat speed. He is also an above-average defender with athletic actions and fluid footwork.

OF/RHP Myles Norman (Morgan Park) did not make the leap Acosta did, however, he rose from No. 15 to No. 13. Norman’s best tool may be his strong right arm but he also has an athletic right-handed swing with easy bat speed. At the Underclass Invitational Norman was 87 mph from the outfield, sat 84-86 mph on the mound and ran a 7.09 60.

Video of Myles Norman (Underclass Invitational)

SCOUTING REPORT (1.17.16) - 6-foot, 160-pound, right-handed hitting OF/RHP with an athletic frame. Defensively has a loose, live arm action from an over the top arm slot. Threw 87 mph from the outfield with carry. Plays thru the ball with athletic actions and fluid footwork. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm and a level path. Loose, athletic swing with some whip. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.09.

LHP/1B Brodie Lenon (Goreville) impressed on the mound at his first PBR event this winter. He was the No. 2 ranked left-handed pitcher at the Underclass Invitational. 6-foot-3, 190-pound, Lenon, jumped 12 spots and is now ranked No. 23 in Illinois. On the mound, he features a long and loose arm from a low ¾ slot. His fastball ranged between 78-82 mph with late finish and arm-side-run.

Stayed tuned for another look inside the Illinois Class of 2018 Rankings coming soon. We will take a look at a number of the top newcomers to the rankings. With the 2018 class expanding to a Top 75 there will be plenty of prospects worth noting.

CLICK HERE for a look at the updated rankings.

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