Illinois Underclass Trials: Infielder Analysis
August 26, 2020
On June 10, the PBR Illinois team hosted one of its first showcases of the summer, the Underclass Trials. This event helped us learn of some high-follow talent to know ahead of the summer inside the state’s 2022, 2023, and 2024 classes. We began our showcase analysis on Monday when we published the scouting reports on the day’s catchers, and went on to the day's outfielders. Today, we’re assessing this group of infielders, another talented list of names that goes beyond the ranked names below.
One of the top two-way players at the event, SS/RHP Easton Harris (Washington), is an arrow-up prospect in the state’s 2022 class, and he started out his spring hot with his performance here. Fellow 2022 prospect Jack Zebig (Marmion Academy) used this event to propel himself onto the radar inside the class. He’s a left-handed-hitting middle infielder with the actions and upside to remain a follow.
There are a couple of interesting frames to follow inside this 2023 group below, led by Luke Perry (Mattoon) and Calvin Proskey (Oak Park-River Forest). Both are lean, wiry players with upside to continue to develop. From St. Charles East, Jake Zitella (2023) has some advanced strength in his fast right-handed bat, and he was a strong statistical performer at this showcase.
You can find scouting reports on each of these names, as well as all of the infielders who took reps at this underclass event, below.
TOP 2022 INFIELD PROSPECTS
1. Easton Harris, Washington Community (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 160-pounds. Lean, wiry frame that projects.
Hit: RHH. Balance setup, smooth load, short stride. Fires his lower half to the baseball, controlled balance through contact. Athletic hands, loose at the dish, uphill path with optimal elevation through contact. Gap-to-gap approach, consistently hits in rhythm.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 85 mph. Loose and quick arm, high 3/4 slot. Advanced arm strength for age, throws play true across the diamond.
Defense: Advanced infield actions with clear athleticism. Feet play fluid and in rhythm, quick first step to the baseball. Soft hands, silky-smooth funnel, quick transfer and release, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60.
2. Jack Zebig, Marmion Academy (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-1, 180-pounds. High projection in frame; lean athleticism.
Hit: LHH. Athletic/balanced setup; hands set high. Simple hand load back, short stride with calm/confident approach, leads to hard gap-to-gap contact off level plane. Present bat speed with barrel feel.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Upside in bat with power potential.
Arm: INF - 82 mph. Long, loose, quick arm action from high 3/4 slot.
Defense: An especially athletic defender, with fluid footwork that consistently position him well. Clean, smooth funnels through exchange. Plays through the ball with actions.
Run: 7.34 runner in the 60.
3. Bryan Park, Stevenson (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-9, 155-pounds. Athletic frame with plenty of room to add muscle.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, steady leg lift timing trigger, controlled balance through contact. Easy bat speed, level path that creates extension through contact, fluid rhythm throughout and consistently repeats. Showed the ability to spray line drives to all fields.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 76 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Advanced infield actions for age. Athletic feet that naturally field in rhythm. Steady hands, clean funnel, plays through the baseball. Capable actions to stick up the middle. Clear confidence in himself defensively.
Run: 7.61 runner in the 60.
4. Lorenzo Rios, Joliet Catholic (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Fairly lean, athletic frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, smooth loading action, slight leg lift trigger, maintains balance through contact. Occasional line drive contact, showed ability to use the middle of the field, hit in rhythm.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: . C - 66 mph. INF - 80 mph. Long arm action, works out of high 3/4 slot, athletic arm, ability to throw from multiple angles.
Defense: Showed clean exchanges and directional footwork out of the crouch. Infield actions played above average for his age, likely profiles at second base.
Run: 7.66 runner in the 60.
5. Matthew Karbowski, Hampshire (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-9, 155-pounds. Strong, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, leg lift trigger, strides to even. Simple swing, athletic hands, short and uphill path, gap-to-gap approach with a pull-side tendency.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 81 mph. Long arm action works from an over-the-top slot. Throws play with carry across the diamond.
Defense: Athletic infield actions. Quick first step, knack for attacking the baseball. Fluid feet that field in rhythm, balanced base, clean funnel and quick transfer.
Run: 7.40 runner in the 60.
6. Ryan Henschel, Glenbrook North (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 5-11, 175-pounds. Durable, strong lower half; athleticism in frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, balanced and athletic setup with some pre-pitch rhythm. Smooth load, leg lifts in before big kick stride back even. Long bat path works off an incline to produce gap-to-gap contact.
Power: 94 mph exit velocity from the tee. Swings aggressively to produce loud contact.
Arm: INF - 82 mph. Short, loose throws from a 3/4 slot. Throws carry and the quick exchanges helps his arm strength play up even more, too.
Defense: Footwork helps him corral ground balls well, putting himself in position to fluidly transfer to release, frequent pack upon exchange.
Run: 7.22 runner in the 60.
7. Nolan King, Glenbard West (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 178-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Simple, balanced setup, pigeon-toed base. Confident, quiet approach. Smooth load back, short stride. Short path to zone, bat speed through it. Level plane with strength on contact, one-handed finish.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Advanced bat strength for age.
Arm: INF - 81 mph. Short, loose throws with carry across from high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Smooth, athletic footwork that corral ball well. Active feet. Clean exchanges.
Run: 7.31 runner in the 60.
8. Mike Gentile, St. Laurence (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Crouched setup, wide base, hands load back, leg kick timing trigger. Loose hands, uphill path, gap-to-gap approach. Above-average bat strength for age, ball jumps off the barrel.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 79 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Comes to the baseball. Steady hands work out in front, clean exchange, athletic through release.
Run: 7.12 runner in the 60.
9. Owen Housinger, Stevenson (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-8, 170-pounds. Notable strength in frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced frame with hands set high, slightly open stance. Loads back with small leg kick trigger, strides even. Short path on an incline; natural bat strength on contact into gaps.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 75 mph. Short, loose throws from a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Defends low to the ground; athletic funnel through transfers. Fluid footwork; soft hands.
Run: 7.38 runner in the 60.
T-10. Blake Edmonds, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 5-11, 175-pounds. Projection in frame; notable strength in levers.
Hit: LHH. Wide, balanced base. Very subtle load back, arm bars slightly, front foot pivots, some twitchy bat speed to contact. Bat path is short and uphill, with one-handed finish.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Creates some hard-hit lifted contact while applying some raw strength.
Arm: INF - 74 mph. Reps on both the infield and outfield featured long arm action from a high 3/4 slot; above-average arm strength.
Defense: Footwork in both positions was controlled, fluid. Active feet helps him find the right position to funnel the ball consistently.
Run: 7.42 runner in the 60.
T-10. Jacob White, Mount Carmel (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 182-pounds. Strength in frame; durable lower half.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, athletic frame with pre-pitch rhythm. Smooth, fluid weight-shift load back; leg kick trigger. Twitchy hands produce bat speed, loose barrels produce hard contact with extension.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Aggressive swings with innate bat strength; power potential.
Arm: INF - 74 mph. Long arm swing from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Moves well, especially for size and build on the infield. Consistent clean exchanges.
Run: 7.80 runner in the 60.
TOP 2023 INFIELD PROSPECTS
1. Luke Perry, Mattoon (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-0, 147-pounds. Lean athleticism in frame.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, balanced setup; slightly open. Simple stride to even, small weight-shift load back. Long and level bat path; repeats well with barrel feel. Simple actions from a pull-side approach.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 76 mph. Short, loose throws from a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Gains ground well and ranges well while fielding the ball in rhythm.
Run: 7.45 runner in the 60.
2. Calvin Proskey, Oak Park River Forest (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 125-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, athletic; subtle, smooth load back, leg hang load helps him sync up contact. Long, loose levers help the bat project; athletic swings with gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 75 mph. Clean, loose arm action from a high 3/4 slot. Throws flash carry with accuracy.
Defense: Feet are especially fluid, clean on approach. Soft hands funnel the ball efficiently through exchange; plays through.
Run: 7.99 runner in the 60.
3. Jake Zitella, St Charles East (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Long levers with projectable strength.
Hit: RHH. Tall/open setup with hands set high, bathead horizontal. Athletic leg hang back to even triggers swing. Path works from aggressive approach with bat speed off an incline. Works to pull, lift hard-hit contact while maintaining a rhythm.
Power: 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Power potential, especially to his pull-side.
Arm: INF - 79 mph. Short, loose throws with accuracy from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Feet range well enough to help him land in position on time; defends tall at times.
Run: 7.35 runner in the 60.
4. Drew Zemaitis, Providence Catholic (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds. Proportional strength in frame.
Hit: RHH. Athletic setup, balanced base with front foot open. Hands load back, bat head tilts forward, short stride to slightly closed position. Short bat path, with present bat speed, off an uphill path. Some quick twitch in swings.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 74 mph. Short, loose throws from a 3/4 slot.
Defense: A steady defender who can make it look easy. Athletic approach upon gather, works through the ball well.
Run: 8.08 runner in the 60.
T-5. Christian Graves, Marengo Community (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-1, 195-pounds. Advanced strength in a projectableandy frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced/athletic setup; hands set low with a pre-pitch rhythm. Smooth, quick load back, slight bat wrap in load. Bat path is short, quick bat speed; apparent bat strength.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Innate strength works well within swing.
Arm: INF - 69 mph. Short arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active feet; consistent clean exchanges. Frame may profile best at first base.
Run: 7.72 runner in the 60.
T-5. Eli Kieser, Normal University (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-1, 150-pounds. Projectable build with high-waisted frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced/athletic setup; hands set low. Smooth, quick load back, short stride, hands hang back. Level bat path utilizing a line-drive approach.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 63 mph. Short arm action from a low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Defends in a rhythm with smoothness all around. Maintains body control on the move, hands play soft, with confidence, tall to release at times.
Run: 7.65 runner in the 60.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
David Andolina, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-0, 177-pounds. Lean athlete.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, slightly open. Simple, repeats well. Hands load back while he takes a short even stride. Long bat path that works uphill.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 76 mph. Compact arm circle from high 3/4 slot with carry.
Defense: Athletic defender who can make himself a big target at first base. Moves well off the bag.
Run: 7.62 runner in the 60.
Brooks Barofsky, Downers Grove North (), 2023
Positional Profile: /RHP
Body: 5-8, 155-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup; hands set low. Calm approach. Level bat path from a pull-side approach.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 72 mph. Short arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Moves well off the bag, hands play soft. Feel for the base and making himself a target.
Run: 7.95 runner in the 60.
Peyton Bittle, Carterville (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-6, 135-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, balanced setup; hands set high. Static start; subtle load, strides to even. Simple mechanics allow him to find the barrel consistently; repeats well.
Power: 73 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 72 mph. Short arm circle from a high 3/4 slot; throws a true ball across the infield.
Defense: Steady defender who ranges well from side to side; smooth actions.
Run: 7.98 runner in the 60.
Connor Corrigan, Yorkville (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 165-pounds. Lean frame that projects.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, short stride. Uphill path, gap-to-gap approach at the plate.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 74 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Easy actions, patient to the baseball. Steady hands, clean exchange, showed body control on run through play.
Run: 7.73 runner in the 60.
Tyler DeFranco, Libertyville (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-8, 140-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced stance that stars open; hands set high. Hands bar back into load, stride brings him back even. Long, level bat path produces some hard-hit, low-lying liners.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 68 mph. Short arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays through the ball with deliberate actions; exchanges can get long.
Run: 7.70 runner in the 60.
Ralph DeLeon, Grayslake Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-4, 125-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, open front foot, rhythmic pre-pitch actions. Smooth load back, stride to even, short hand load back, short path with some length through the zone. Uses the middle of the field.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 77 mph. Long arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Still developing hands/actions; can funnel well through exchanges, on the move.
Run: 7.70 runner in the 60.
Anthony Edge, Jacobs (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-8, 165-pounds. Advanced, proportional strength in frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide base, squared footing. Some pre-pitch rhythm. Subtle load back, quick toe-tap stride. Long, level bat path with some strength through contact.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 74 mph. Long arm action from a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Wide base, can defend low to the ground.
Run: 7.74 runner in the 60.
Ethan Erbe, Thomas Jefferson (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide and closed setup, toe tap. Uphill bat path, pull approach.
Power: 74 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: . C - 64 mph. INF - 68 mph. On the infield, long arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields from a tall position; shuffles into a fielding position well.
Run: 8.38 runner in the 60.
Charles Filipek, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 5-11, 160-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall setup, open front foot. Bat waggle with hands set high. Small load and stride with abbreviated leg lift. Long swing that works off an uphill plane.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 67 mph. Long, loose arm action from a low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid feet and clean exchanges help him move well off the bag on the 3-6-3 double play.
Run: 7.99 runner in the 60.
Ashton Henkel, Byron (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 145-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall/balanced setup, slightly open. Minimal load, big stride even, arm bars back simultaneously. Long and level bat path with pull-side tendencies.
Power: 70 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 71 mph. Long arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Defends from a tall position; footwork is in control, fluid.
Run: 7.41 runner in the 60.
Patrick Jewell, Carmel Catholic (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-2, 260-pounds. Thick strength involved in frame.
Hit: LHH. Confident approach; balanced setup. Weight shift load back with arm bar, small leg kick to even stride. Short bat path with fast bat speed, strength through contact. Gap-to-gap abilities.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Natural power potential, especially to his pull-side.
Arm: INF - 66 mph. Long arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Moves well, especially for his size. Active on feet; hands play soft.
Run: 8.90 runner in the 60.
Nathan Jonas, Jacobs (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 6-1, 170-pounds. Lean, wiry strength in projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, calm setup with hands set low, bat rests on shoulder. Simple load back, small leg lift to stride. Bat path is level, meets ball out front, connects for consistent loud contact.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Raw bat strength present.
Arm: INF - 71 mph. Short arm circle from a high 3/4 release.
Defense: Ranges well for size; plays through the ball.
Run: 7.67 runner in the 60.
Josh Kirkwood, Marshall (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Lean strength in frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, athletic stance; bat rests on shoulder, front foot pivoted and pigeon-toed totally inward. Loads back into big coil, substantial leg kick to big stride even. Long, fast bat off an uphill bat path; produces gap-to-gap contact, some loud.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Bat path and innate strength help project for power potential.
Arm: INF - 75 mph. Short arm circle to high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Exchanges are consistently clean; plays through the ball well. Footwork is fluid.
Run: 7.57 runner in the 60.
Ryan Kramer, Latin School of Chicago (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-1, 210-pounds. Strength in frame; thick/strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, hands set high with bat waggle; slightly open. Knee lifts into coil load, leg hangs to stride, long bat path off an uphill plane. Gap-to-gap approach with advanced strength on contact.
Power: 95 mph exit velocity from the tee. Advanced bat strength offers power potential.
Arm: INF - 79 mph. Long, loose throws from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid feet, set correct position for clean funnels and exchanges. Projects best at third base.
Run: 7.91 runner in the 60.
Thomas Krueger, Morton (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 180-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, wide base, hands set high with bat waggle. Subtle load, flattens barrel, strides even with toe open. Level bat path with ability to go gap to gap.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 80 mph. Long, loose arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Can defend from a tall position; deliberate footwork.
Run: 7.72 runner in the 60.
Theo Levinson, Buffalo Grove (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/2B
Body: 5-8, 165-pounds. Proportional build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, loads quick, long stride. Twitchy hands, uphill path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 73 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields the ball out in front with two hands, quick exchange from glove to hand.
Run: 7.81 runner in the 60.
Colin McCormick, New Trier (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-7, 125-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall/balanced setup; weight shift load back with leg lift stride. Bat path is level with pull-side approach. Some barrel feel for his age.
Power: 72 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 65 mph. Long arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Second base type; defends a little tall at gather.
Run: 8.32 runner in the 60.
Dominic McKevitt, Saint Viator (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 6-2, 165-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall/open setup with hands set high, bathead vertical. Weight shift load back, compact swings with long levers off a level bat path.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 80 mph. Long arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Can defend low to the ground, funnels well through exchange.
Run: 7.66 runner in the 60.
Finn O'Meara, Nazareth Academy (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Lean, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced/athletic setup; hands set low. Weight shift load back, hands and bat head tilt forward/vertical; short stride. Bat path is long while on an uphill plane.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 74 mph. Short arm action from a low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Defends out front and low to the ground; above-average actions with clean exchanges.
Run: 7.40 runner in the 60.
John Rings, Maine West (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 5-10, 185-pounds. Projectable strength in frame, especially in lower half.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup with open front foot; pre-pitch rhythm. Subtle load back, back elbow up, short stride to even. Loose swings off a level plane, with bat speed, produce consistent loud contact.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Advanced bat strength for age.
Arm: INF - 77 mph. Short, loose throws from a high 3/4 slot; carry, accuracy present.
Defense: Projects best as a corner infielder, first base type. Above-average infield actions and instincts.
Run: 8.11 runner in the 60.
Ty Sierpien, Marengo (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-7, 156-pounds. Proportional, wide-shouldered frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, simple load, short stride. Quiet in the box. Long and level path, line drive approach.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 67 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid feet that work in rhythm at times. Steady hands, clean exchange, short to release.
Run: 7.93 runner in the 60.
Julian Silva, Plainfield Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-7, 125-pounds.
Hit: SH. Switch hitter, balanced and slightly open. Short and level bat path, that's similar from both sides with some upside. Quiet with barrel feel.
Power: 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 73 mph. Throws from 3/4 slot.
Defense: Plays through the ball; deliberate actions, gets into solid foundation.
Run: 8.10 runner in the 60.
Jake Stefanos, Marist (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-8, 140-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, pigeon-toed front foot in a slightly open position; hands set high. Hands load back and down, torso coils down, stride stays open. Path is short on an uphill path, one-handed finish; some gap-to-gap abilities.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 75 mph. Long, loose arm action from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Feet stay active, ranges well around the infield. Footwork is smooth, exchanges are consistently clean.
Run: 7.87 runner in the 60.
Grant Tenuta, Sandburg (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds. Proportional strength in athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, wide setup, hands set high with vertical bathead. Loads back with demonstrable leg kick. Long path to contact off a level, flat plane.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 78 mph. Short, loose throws from high 3/4 slot; quick arm action produces carry across the infield.
Defense: Ranges athletically around the first base bag with feel for the base.
Run: 7.89 runner in the 60.
Emilio Vazquez, Taft (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-10, 200-pounds. Strength in frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup with hands set low, bat rests on shoulder; confident approach. Arm bar load, short stride stays even. Above-average bat speed off a level plane with some loud contact out front.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 65 mph. Short arm action from low 3/4 slot.
Defense: Feel for the base and ranges well off bag.
Run: 7.78 runner in the 60.
Leo Verdecchia, Marmion Academy (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-10, 160-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Open setup with a high leg kick trigger. Long and uphill path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 74 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot. Accurate throws to first base.
Defense: Active feet with lateral range to the glove-side. Steady hands, long to release at times.
Run: 7.58 runner in the 60.
Michael Zedak, St. Laurence (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/C
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds. Innate strength in frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, crouched setup in an open stance. Fluid, brief load back to simple stride to even. Uses a pull-side approach to connect for repeated contact on an inclined plane.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: INF - 68 mph. Short arm action, small arm circle, to a high 3/4 release.
Defense: Exchanges are consistently clean.
Run: 7.56 runner in the 60.