Kenosha Preseason I.D.: Infielder Analysis
February 13, 2019
On Jan. 26, the PBR Wisconsin team held its first showcase of 2019, the Kenosha Preseason I.D., at Fielder’s Choice Training Academy, in Kenosha, Wis. For the past two years now, this event has been revealed to us some of the most talented prospects in the Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois areas, and this year might have yielded the showcase’s most talented crop yet.
Last week, we published both our Quick Hits story, as well as our Statistical Analysis from the Kenosha event. Today we’ll continue our position-by-position analysis by examining the day’s infielders, after covering the showcase’s catchers on Monday and the outfielders yesterday.
There are no surprises at the top of the event’s rankings. The Evansville-committed middle infielder, Tyler Swanson (Burlington Central Catholic), reiterated his standing as one of the top players in the state’s 2020 class. He looked like he tacked on some muscle to his frame over the offseason, too. He’s a long been a sound defender with quick-twitch traits across his profile and he didn’t do anything in Kenosha to change that.
Just behind Swanson on the rankings, all the way up at No. 2, is freshman T.J. Williams (Racine Horlick; uncommitted). Williams was invited to the PBR Junior Future Games last summer predominantly for the bounce he plays with on defense. He’s a natural middle infielder who’s also an advanced baserunner, helping complete a top-of-the-order profile.
Indian Trail’s Gianni Passarelli, an uncommitted sophomore, has an all-around skillset that is sure to help the Hawks fight for the top spot in the competitive Southeast Conference this spring. At Fielder’s Choice, Passarelli showed us a smooth and simple left-handed stroke and already looks like a natural in the middle of the infield.
Continue on below for a look at the ranked prospects, as well as each and every infielder who came out to Fielder’s Choice to participate in the first showcase of the year. Tomorrow, we’ll bring to you the reports on each of the event’s pitchers.
TOP PROSPECTS
1. Tyler Swanson, 2B/SS, Burlington Central Catholic, 2020
Evansville commit. 5-foot-10, 185-pound middle infield prospect with athletic frame, well-proportioned, added more muscle since last seen. Right-handed hitter, wide and balanced setup, drop load, short stride. Quick twitch in swing, strong hands help create bat speed, present rhythm, ability to backspin balls. Bat path is level with extension through zone, regular hard contact, especially to pull side, 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. On defense, hands and feet work in conjunction, fluid and quick actions, plays through the ball. Short and loose arm action from a high ¾ slot with carry to first base, 87 mph across with accuracy. A 4.44 runner from home to first.
2. TJ Williams, INF, Racine Horlick, 2022
5-foot-3, 115-pound left-handed hitting infielder, smaller quick twitch body type, loose actions. Defensively plays with bounce and confidence, attacks the baseball and plays aggressively through it, athletic quick feet, hands play soft and out front, quick transfer, natural actions throughout. Arm action is short and loose, high ¾ slot, plays accurate and flashed carry, 75 mph across the diamond. Plus runner for his age, 4.29 down the line. Hits out of a tall open stance, short stride, good balance through contact. Feel for the barrel, spray singles type hitter, line drive contact, 70 mph exit velocity from the tee.
3. Logan Pye, 2B/SS, Wilmot Union, 2020
5-foot-9, 155-pound middle infielder with an athletic build. Right-handed hitter, setups up balanced and open, smooth load back, short stride to square. Fluid rhythm throughout, confident swings. Flashed a fast bat off a level path, consistently barreled balls, line-drive/gap-to-gap contact, 86 mph exit velo from the tee. On defense, natural middle infield actions, fields out front and funnels the ball in, soft hands with consistently fluid footwork. Clean exchanges, throws from high ¾ slot with short arm action, 78 mph across the infield. Ran a 4.47 down the line.
4. Gianni Passarelli, 2B/SS, Indian Trail, 2021
6-foot, 165-pound left-handed-hitting infielder with plus frame, with strong, wiry, athletic build. At the plate, athletic and slightly open setup, smooth load back, small leg lift stride. Swings in rhythm, flashes bat speed off a slight uphill plane, good balance throughout, repeats line-drive contact; 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, natural middle infield actions, fluid feet with soft glovework, shows body control. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot, 75 mph throws across the infield. Ran a 4.47 home to first.
5. Ethan Clark, OF/INF/RHP, Lakes Community (IL), 2022
6-foot-2, 150-pound two-way player, high ceiling prospect with long slender frame, loose lively levers. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, wide setup, leg lift trigger. Creates leverage and bat speed, loose aggressive swing with intent, path has some length, extension through contact, gap to gap contact. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.51 runner down the line. Defensively showed best in the outfield, long rangy footwork played through the baseball in stride. Arm played 84 mph from the outfield and 80 mph across the infield, loose high ¾ slot. Arm works well on the mound, easy arm speed, short draw, loose out front. Fastball showed feel for the zone, topped at 79 mph, sat 77-78 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 62-65 mph. Changeup sinks, 66-67 mph, thrown near fastball arm speed.
6. Andrew Schroeder, SS/3B, Mundelein (IL), 2020
6-foot-1, 165-pound right/right infielder with a lean, lanky frame that projects well. In the batter’s box, tall and balanced setup, toe closed, subtle smooth load back into small leg kick stride. Simple, balanced, and relaxed approach. Loose hands, short and whippy to the ball, path is level. Regularly used the middle of the field, consistent line drives with some gap-to-gap contact, 85 mph from the tee. Defensively, showed body control at times, feet were flat at others, above-average feel while moving on the run. Arm action is long from a high ¾ slot, 79 mph throws to first. Ran a 4.76 down the line.
7. Jason Kusibab, INF, Loyola Academy (IL), 2021
5-foot-10, 210-pound right/right infielder with strength in frame, thick lower half. At the plate, tall and open setup, bat wrap load, short stride back square. Creates bat speed with strong hands, long bat path on uphill plane, ability to backspin balls, pull-side pop potential; 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, corner infield profile, light on his feet, average hands. Arm action is long and loose from a high ¾ slot; topped 76 mph to first. Ran a 4.47 down the line.
8. Corey Plahuta, LHP/1B, Muskego, 2021
6-foot, 175-pound left/left two-way prospect with strength in frame. At the plate, balanced/crouched setup, big leg kick trigger with arm bar load. Aggressive approach, looking to pull the ball, uphill bat path with power potential, occasional jump off the barrel; 87 mph exit velocity. Defensively, fluid and active feet, long arm action from high ¾ slot; topped 79 mph across the infield. Ran a 4.88 down the line. On the mound, rocks into drop-and-drive delivery, slight heel lift at balance point, lands open. Throws with long arm action from high ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, 77-79 mph. Slider, gradual 11/5 break, 65-70 mph. Changeup, some sink/fade, 63-67 mph.
9. Michael Rivera, SS/2B, Warren Township (IL), 2021
6-foot-1, 165-pound middle infielder with an athletic, long and lean frame filled with projection. Right-handed hitter, balanced/athletic setup, brief load back, short stride to square. Confident approach, is able to repeat loose and level swing, line-drive contact; 77 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, above-average actions, fluid footwork, funnels the ball. Short and loose arm action from a high ¾ slot; 80 mph across the diamond. Ran a 4.37 down the line.
10. Alec Danen, 1B, Howards Grove, 2020
6-foot-2, 205-pound right/right first baseman with strong, extra-large frame. Offensively, balanced setup, slightly open at start, loads back and strides even. Fluid rhythm, long and uphill bat path that flashed pull-side pop, 86 mph off the tee. Defensively, demonstrates some body control, athletic arm action, short from a high ¾ slot, 77 mph throws to third. Ran a 4.83 down the line.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
John Ahler, INF/RHP, Marian Central (IL), 2022
5-foot-8, 130-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, tall narrow stance, smooth load of hands back and down. Hands work to create moderate bat speed, path is short slightly uphill, will benefit from added strength. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed above average actions at his age, flashed ability to play with bounce. Arm plays long and high 3/4 , 73 mph across the diamond. Arm played similar on the mound, fastball is mostly straight, 68-71 mph. Curveball has gradual 12/6 shape, 55-60 mph. Straight changeup sat 60-63 mph.
Kevin Ahler, C/INF, Marian Central (IL), 2020
5-foot-10, 170-pound catcher/infielder, average frame. Right-handed hitter, tall open setup, short stride. Path is level with some length, showed ability to create line drive contact, front foot hitter at times, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 72 mph out of the crouch, 73 mph across the infield, short arm action. Hands showed playability, 2.29-2.37 pop times, showed best at catcher. 4.97 runner down the line.
Tyler Clark, INF, West Allis Hale, 2022
5-foot-10, 155-pound infielder, proportional build. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride. Short level swing produced line drives in BP. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long out of a high ¾ slot, 75 mph across the diamond. Feet play square to the baseball, static at reception, showed ability to play through. 4.61 runner down the line.
Nathan Faust, INF, Muskego, 2020
5-foot-8, 150-pound infielder with strength throughout frame. Right-handed hitter, wide, balanced setup, loads back, hands drop slightly, short stride. Short, level bat path, strong hands help create hard contact, 74 mph exit velo from the tee. On defense, tendency to field it deep, feet work, athletic to the ball. Short, over-the-top throws to first, topped at 75 mph. A 4.41 runner from home to first.
Blake Gould, 3B/1B/RHP, Warren Township (IL), 2020
6-foot, 195-pound right/right two-way player. In the batter’s box, balanced stance, light load back, small leg lift stride. Simple swing off a slight uphill path, some with power potential, 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively, projects best in a corner spot on the infield, long arm action from a high ¾ slot, 81 mph across the diamond. Ran a 4.97 down the line. On the mound, down tempo, tall-and-fall type, level shoulders, works on line, lands closed. Fastball, some arm-side run, 74-77 mph. Changeup, thrown near-fastball arm speed, similar run, fade, 73-74 mph. Slider, sweeping action, 68-72 mph.
Logan Hanson, INF/RHP, Lakes Community (IL), 2020
6-foot, 180-pound two-way player with lanky frame. A left-handed hitter, wide and balanced setup, reverse leg lift stride. Long bat path off an uphill plane, above-average bat strength, maintains balance throughout, 90 mph off the tee. On defense, long draw from glove, arm action is short from a low ¾ slot, 81 mph across the infield. A 4.72 runner to first. On the mound, works on line, heel lift at balance point, toe open landing with some rhythm. High ¾ arm slot with long arm action, some effort involved. Fastball, straight, 79-81 mph. Curveball, gradual 12/6 break, 69-73 mph. Changeup, sinking action, 75-76 mph.
Trent Henderson, INF, Stevenson (IL), 2021
6-foot, 155-pound left-handed-hitting infielder with lanky levers in a lean frame. In the box, wide base, quick load back, short stride. Long bat path off an uphill plane, a feel for the barrel, 80 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, above-average actions, feet are quick and fluid, fields in rhythm and in control. Mostly throws from a ¾ arm slot, topped 78 mph to first. Ran a 4.43 down the line.
Nolan Hodgins, INF/RHP, Case, 2021
6-foot-2, 195-pound two-way prospect with a lanky, projectable build with high waist. A left-handed hitter, tall/open setup, arm bar load back into short toe-tap stride. Aggressive approach, above-average bat strength, uphill bat path with rhythm; 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, projects best at a corner spot on the infield, long but clean exchanges, long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Ran a 4.70 down the line. On the mound, tall-and-fall type, works on line, level shoulders, lands square. Arm action is long and from high ¾, occasionally over the top. Fastball, straight, 76-77 mph. Changeup, mostly maintains arm speed, some fade, 66-68 mph. Curveball, gradual 11/5 break, 57-59 mph.
Tyler Horton, INF, Westosha Central, 2020
5-foot-11, 160-pound infielder with a lean and lanky frame that projects. Ran a 4.13 down the line. Right-handed hitter, tall and balanced setup, loads back with a high elbow, leg kick stride. Bat path is level, was able to repeatedly line balls back up the middle, barrel awareness. Exit velocity topped 79 mph from the tee. On defense, some natural actions, footwork was precise, long exchanges but consistently clean. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot, 82 mph to first.
Aaron Huibregtse, INF, Oostburg, 2021
5-foot-8, 135-pound right/right infielder with slight frame. In the batter’s box, balanced setup, loads back, toe-tap stride. Bat path is level, geared for contact-first approach, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. On defense, long arm action from a ¾ slot, 76 mph across the infield. Ran a 4.76 down the line.
Tanner Johnson, INF/RHP, Indian Trail, 2022
5-foot-8, 140-pound two-way player, slender frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, wide stance, short lifted stride with slight bat wrap. Path is long and level, showed ability to create occasional whip through the zone. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long out of a high ¾ slot, 73 mph across the diamond. Hands play out front, actions work with long levers. 4.82 runner home to first. On the mound delivery works with regular effort, lands square, follows his finish. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed slight arm side run, 71-73 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, above average action for age, 59-61 mph. Knuckleball sat 60-62 mph.
Tyler Jones, INF, DePere, 2020
5-foot-11, 180-pound infielder with proportional strength through frame, some projection. Right-handed hitter, sets up tall and open, big leg kick and long stride to get back even. Bat path is long and level, some bat strength present, 84 mph off the tee. Defensively, active, fluid feet. Exchanges can be long, short arm action from a ¾ slot, 77 mph to first. A 4.51 runner down the line.
Blake Julian, INF/RHP, Iron Mountain (MI), 2021
5-foot-10, 190-pound right/right two-way player with wide shoulders and proportional strength in upper and lower halves. In the batter’s box, balanced and open setup, minimal load, short stride. Bat path is long on a slight uphill plane, showed some power to the pull-side; 76 mph exit velo from the tee. Defensively, tends to field it deep, long arm action from high ¾ slot, 74 mph throws to first. A 4.70 runner down the line. On the mound, uptempo tall-and-fall delivery, works on line, lands closed. Throws from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, straight, 75-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Changeup, thrown at arm speed, straight, 70-72 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape with gradual break, 67 mph.
Drew Knecht, SS/2B, Bradford, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound middle infielder with an above-average, athletic frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, bat head gets vertical during load back, knee-knock/toe-tap stride. Repeatable, fluid swings off a short, level plane, line-drive contact, looking to use the middle of the field. Topped 80 mph exit velo from the tee. On defense, active, fluid feet, throws with short arm action from a ¾ slot, 78 mph throws to first. A 4.62 runner down the line.
Nolan Lemke, INF/RHP, Peshtigo, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound right/right two-way prospect, some strength in frame, especially lower half. In the batter’s box, tall, open setup, short stride back square. Bat path is straight uphill, looking to pull. Swings aggressively, above-average bat strength, 82 mph exit velo from the tee. On defense, projects best in a corner infield spot, long, high ¾ arm action, 73 mph across the diamond. 4.68 runner from home to first. On the mound, down tempo, tall and fall delivery, shoulders level, lands closed. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot, some recoil in finish. Fastball, some slight sink, 79-80 mph, touched 81 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 68 mph. Changeup, firm, straight, 78 mph.
Gavin Lobbins, INF, McHenry (IL), 2020
5-foot-10, 160-pound infielder with lanky frame. Right-handed in the batter’s box, balanced setup, toe closed, short leg kick stride. Bat path is long and level, topped 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. On defense, plays through the ball, consistently clean exchanges, long arm action from a high ¾ slot, 75 mph across the infield. Ran a 4.66 from home to first.
Isaiah Malison, 1B/RHP, St. Thomas More, 2022
6-foot-4, 170-pound two-way player, projectable lean frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, long stride, hands load back, bat wrap, good balance. Long levered swing, gets short to the baseball, line drive contact. 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Large target around the bag, rangy. Arm action is short and loose, high ¾ slot, 68 mph across the diamond. 4.86 runner home to first. On the mound arm works similar, fastball showed some run, 68-69 mph. Changeup 63-65 mph, fade action. Sinker played at 68 mph.
Easton Prickett, INF, Tremper, 2022
5-foot-10, 135-pound left-handed hitting infielder, wiry loose body, projectable frame. Hits from a balanced setup, long leg lift trigger, on time and in rhythm. Path is short and on top of the baseball, uses hands to create line drive contact, with wood bat, projectable left-handed swing. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed above average actions, hands and feet work, exchange gets long at times with excess shuffle through release. Arm action is long and over the top, 71 mph across the diamond. 4.76 runner down the line.
Noah Reeves, RHP/1B, Indian Trail, 2021
6-foot-1, 145-pound right/right two-way prospect with a lanky, wiry frame, room for advanced projection. On the mound, tall-and-fall type, works in rhythm. Slight hip turn at balance point, shoulders stay level, works on line, lands square and in an athletic position. Arm action is loose and projects well, throws from high ¾ slot. Fastball, mostly straight with slight run, lived in the zone, 78-79 mph, topped 80 mph. Changeup, tendency to slow tempo down, kept it down, 67-69 mph. Curveball, slurve-like shape, 11/5 break and flashed sharp, 64-65 mph. In the batter’s box, tall setup with lots of pre-pitch movement, big load back, leg kick trigger. Bat path is long and level; 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, average hands, feet work, arm action is long from a high ¾ slot; 76 mph across the infield. Ran a 4.87 down the line.
Carson Reinhardt, INF, Franklin, 2022
5-foot-8, 160-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, smooth loading action, drops hands into slot, short stride. Bat path is level, has length, flashed extension, 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 71 mph across the diamond. Defensively profiles at a corner infield spot, shuffles through release.
Tyler Schulz, INF/RHP, Tremper, 2020
5-foot-7, 140-pound two-way player. On defense, profiles best at second base, some rhythm in footwork. Arm action is short from a high ¾ slot, topped 72 mph to first. Right-handed hitter, tall and open setup, loads back, short stride even. Short path to the ball on a level plane, 67 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.69 runner to first. On the mound, works in line, level shoulders, lands square. High ¾ arm slot with long arm action. Fastball, slight cut action, 69-71 mph. Curveball, 10/4 plane with gradual break, 63-66 mph. Changeup, thrown at arm speed, straight, 69 mph.
Bennett Spolar, 2B/3B, St. Catherines, 2021
5-foot-8, 175-pound left-handed-hitting infielder. In the box, a balanced and slightly open setup, smooth load back, short stride back even. Above-average bat speed, short path on an uphill plane, fluid rhythm throughout, consistent hard contact; 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, profiles best at second base, release can be long, short arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws topped 76 mph to first. Ran a 4.37 down the line.
Gage Taylor, INF, Burlington, 2022
5-foot-4, 110-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short lifted stride. Mechanically sound swing, short path to the baseball, line drive contact, will only get better with strength. 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. Hands played reliably on the infield, funnels to exchange, fundamental footwork, average body control. Arm action is long, showed ability to play on the move. 71 mph across the diamond. 4.75 runner home to first.
Rylan Taylor, INF, Tremper, 2022
5-foot-7, 131-pound infielder, wiry frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, loads hands back. Path works long and level, around the baseball at times, 69 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.68 runner home to first. Arm plays 60 mph across the infield, short over the top slot.
Max Tindall, SS/2B, Indian Trail, 2021
5-foot-9, 150-pound right/right middle infielder. Defensively, some natural actions, shows body control and ball handling abilities. Fluid footwork with long but clean exchanges, long and loose throws from a high ¾ slot, 75 mph across the infield. In the box, tall and slight open setup, loads back into reverse toe-tap stride to even. Average balance and a level bat path led to some line-drive contact, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. A 4.63 runner from home to first.
Drew Urban, 2B/3B, Sun Prairie, 2021
6-foot, 180-pound right/right infielder with above-average frame. At the plate, tall and open setup, quick and smooth load back, short stride to square. Path is short on an incline, contact is inconsistent right now but can jump from barrel; 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, plays with control, easy and natural actions, quick feet with clean exchanges. Arm action is short and over the top, topped 75 mph to first. A 4.61 runner down the line.
Jack Vozel, 3B, Wilmot Union, 2021
6-foot, 175-pound right/right infielder with strong build. In the box, balanced and open setup, hands drop into load, short stride. Bat path is level, some feel for the barrel, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, fluid feet, average hands, short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot; 79 mph throws across the infield. Ran a 4.55 home to first.
Mitch Wirth, 3B, Geneseo (IL), 2021
5-foot-10, 150-pound corner infielder with high waist and some strength in lower half. Tall and open setup in the right-handed batter’s box, short stride, lands open. Long, uphill bat path, looking to pull the ball, some hard contact, 82 mph off the tee. Defensively, profiles best in a corner spot on the infield, tendency to field the ball deep, long arm action from ¾ slot; throws topped 72 mph to first. A 4.93 runner down the line.