McHenry Preseason I.D.: Pitcher Analysis
February 14, 2019
On Jan. 27, the PBR Illinois team made its way back to McHenry, Ill., to host its annual McHenry Preseason I.D. event. This was the fourth year the team has made the trip up to host the showcase at Pro Player Academy. Every year, we uncover more and more prospects from this event to add to our watch lists and the same can be said about this year, too.
At the end of January, we posted our rapid analysis on the event in our Quick Hits post and we broke down each of the measured statistics in our Statistical Analysis story.
Topping the ranks is the physically advanced righty from Robinson: Brayden Childress (uncommitted). The 6-foot-3, 205-pound prospect has a smooth delivery and a clean arm, with a fastball that sat 80-82 mph – though, the frame and arm action suggest there’s more in the tank as he continues to mature.
Clean and easy southpaw Ryan Weaver, from Cary Grove, pulls in at No. 2 on the leaderboard below. With a feel for three above-average pitches, Weaver is one to watch develop as he fills out his lanky 6-foot-1 frame.
For complete reports on each of the pitchers who made it out to the showcase last month, continue on below. This week, we’ve previously covered McHenry’s catchers, outfielders, and infielders. On deck for tomorrow is our top overall ranking, where we list the best prospects from the event, regardless of age or position.
TOP PROSPECTS
1. Brayden Childress, INF/RHP, Robinson, 2020
6-foot-3, 205-pound, two-way prospect; physically-advanced wide-shouldered, powerful build. 4.37 runner, home-to-first. Offensively, right-handed hitter, open setup, toe-tap stride and hits off front side. Loose, strong hands, aggressive swing, fast bat, short level bat path and line-drive approach. 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, at first base, soft hands, feel around the bag and athletic, quick arm action, Throws topped at 82 mph across the infield. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth delivery, works on-line, lands square and finishes athletically. Quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball pounds the zone, straight action, sat 80-82 mph. Throws a slider and curveball. Both work 11/5 and showed better feel for the curveball. Curveball ranged 65-67 mph while slider sat 68-70 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, 73-74 mph.
2. Ryan Weaver, LHP/OF, Cary Grove, 2021
6-foot-1, 172-pound, left-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, thin frame with room for continued physical growth. On the mound, works with tempo, heel lift balance, works in-line, toe lands closed, athletic finish, repeats. Arm plays long and loose, speeds up through a clean, high ¾ slot, easy effort. In the zone with all offerings. Fastball comes out easy, some run, 79-81 mph. Slider, 1/7 shape, flashed solid spin, 66-68 mph. Changeup, faded with arm speed, 65-66 mph. At the plate, open, tall setup, hands bar back, long stride. Short, level bat path, some rhythm in swing, exit velocity topped 84 mph from a tee. 4.62 runner. home to first. Defensively, plays through with fluid feet, steady hands, long release. Short, loose arm action, speeds through high ¾ slot, firm throws topped 81 mph from the outfield.
3. Jacob May, RHP, Dundee-Crown, 2022
6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed pitcher, lanky frame, live and athletic actions, oozes projectability on the mound. Rhythm in delivery, sturdy balance sets up stride to home, drives off rubber, works in-line, toe strikes closed, some head whack down, athletic finish. Arm plays super short and loose, whippy and quick out front, high ¾ slot. Feel for all offerings, advanced for 2022. Fastball, easy 2-seam run, live through the zone, 79-80 mph, topped 81 mph. Curveball, sharp and tight break, 11/5 shape bottom of the zone, 70-72 mph. Changeup, faded hard with arm speed, 76-77 mph.
4. Jack Wenniger, RHP, Cary-Grove, 2020
6-foot-2, 180-pound right-handed pitcher, high-waisted, athletic frame. Quick tempo delivery, tilt and topple style, strides in-line to home, toe strikes closed, easy finish. Long arm action with slight wrap, loose and quick out front, clean, high ¾ slot. Fastball, slight run, can create tilt and jumps out, 79-81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, 66-67 mph. Changeup, faded with fastball arm speed, feel for, 74-76 mph.
5. Mikal Ashley, INF/RHP, Grant, 2020
6-foot-1, 228-pound, extra-large, physically-imposing two-way prospect. Has lost about 20 pounds since our last look. Offensively, has some of the more impressive raw bat speed in the class. Right-handed hitter, tall, open, relaxed setup, smooth load, leg-kick timing trigger and stays balanced through contact. Loose, fast hands, swings with controlled aggression and looks to drive the baseball with authority. Explosive bat speed, fluid rhythm, natural lift in swing and power potential to all fields. 95 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles as a corner infielder. Moves well for size, light on his feet, steady sure hands, clean transfer and plays through the baseball. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws carry across the diamond. 4.51 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, controlled, deliberate wind up works with rhythm and balance. Short, quick arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, straight action, sat 82-83 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, sharp action at times, 69-71 mph.
6. Jake Jakubowski, RHP, Huntley, 2021
5-foot-8, 145-pound right-handed pitcher, athleticism in actions. Stretch only, side arm/submarine delivery, squats at set, control and feel throughout, knee knocks to a short stride in-line, toe closed, smooth rhythm. Arm is loose and clean, sub slot, regular effort. Flashed three pitch feel with action on all, tough bullpen guy. Fastball, run and sink in the zone, 70-71 mph, topped 72 mph. Slider, 10/4 sweeper, 62-64 mph. Changeup, sinks and fades nice of his fastball, 64-68 mph.
7. Jimmy Fairley, RHP, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, lanky and athletic build, room to physically fill out. Quick side step to heel lift balance point, strides down mound in-line, foot lands square, rhythm throughout. Long arm action, full swing with slight wrap, loose out front, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball, late sinking action, comes out easy in the zone, 80-82 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, flashed bite for strikes, 66-67 mph. Feel for changeup, sank with fastball arm speed, 74-76 mph.
8. Parker Swanson, RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2021
6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, large, plus frame with projectability and upside. Slower tempo, long gather step to high knee balance, tall and fall to home, uses frame, strides closed to home with open toe strike, super easy effort. Arm plays long on backside, loose out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball mostly straight with some cut, comes out firm, 75-78 mph, topped 79 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape with present depth, in the zone with feel for, 63-69 mph. Changeup, mostly straight, 70-73 mph.
9. Thomas Giese, RHP, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-4, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, long-limbed, athletic frame, projects. Maintains tempo throughout delivery, compact balance point, works in-line to home and toe strikes closed, shorter stride, easy effort. Short arm action, clean out front, speeds through a high ¾ slot. Fastball, straight with some run and tilt, 79-81 mph, topped 82 mph. Splitter, sank with fastball arm speed, 68-70 mph. Changeup had fade, 72-75 mph.
10. Aiden Smith, RHP, Marengo, 2020
6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned, athletic build, projects. Maintains tempo through delivery, tall, high-knee balance, extends down mound in line, toe lands square, athletic finish. Arm is long and loose, quick out front, high ¾ slot, rhythm involved. Three pitch feel. Fastball mostly straight and to glove side, 79-80 mph. Curveball has present depth, 12/6 sharp shape in the zone, 68-69 mph. Changeup, faded at the bottom of the zone, 73-75 mph.
10. Cole Bhardwaj, RHP, Jacobs, 2020
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned build with some projectability. Methodical, clean delivery, sturdy balance, works in-line to home, toe strikes closed, slight recoil at release. Arm plays short out of a high ¾ window, gradually speeds after hand break, some rhythm. Fastball, mostly straight with some run, 80-81 mph, topped 82 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, moderate break, 67-68 mph. Changeup, sinking action with arm speed, 71-74 mph.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Nico Acevedo, C/RHP, Crystal Lake Central, 2022
5-foot-10, 185-pound, strong, athletically-built, two-way prospect. At the plate, balanced, open setup, short stride gets back to square. Present bat speed and bat strength, looks to drive the baseball with authority. Uphill path, gap-to-gap approach and 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, sure-handed, strong wrists and flexible behind the plate. Throws from a high ¾ slot and clocked at 69 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 2.12-2.30. 4.86 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tilt and topple delivery, works on-line, lands closed with some effort throughout. Quick arm from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, straight action, sat 76-77 mph, touched 78. Slider, sat 60-61 mph. Cutter, 10/4 shape, slider action, sat 62-64 mph.
Nicholas Angelakos, RHP, Crystal Lake Central, 2022
5-foot-11, 145-pound right-handed pitcher, high-waisted, lanky frame. Over head delivery, quick paced delivery, low hanging balance, in-line to home and toe lands closed, level shouldered, cuts off at finish. Quick hand break, arm plays long, full swing, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball, slight run to arm side, 75-76 mph. Curveball, gradual 11/5 shape, 62-64 mph. Changeup, some fade with arm speed, played down, 62-67 mph.
Cord Babcock, OF/LHP, Grant, 2020
6-foot, 155-pound, right-handed hitting/left-handed throwing two-way player, thin high-waisted frame. Offensively, balanced setup, back hand load, short toe tap trigger. Path works long and uphill, ball gets deep, some rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 78 mph from a tee. Defensively gets behind the ball and lets it travel, two-handed gather, plays through. Long to release, full arm swing, high ¾ slot, throws topped 80 mph from the outfield. 4.44 runner, home to first. On the mound, stretch only delivery, compact at balance, stride open, some rhythm involved. Long, full arm action, utilized two slots, high ¾ and a submarine slot, low effort. Fastball played straight, some run, 70-75 mph. Curveball, gradual break, 65-69 mph. Splitter flashed bite down, 64-73 mph.
Andrew Balkcom, OF/RHP, Jacobs, 2020
5-foot-11, 165-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, think build. Offensively, open setup, hands load back, leg kick trigger. Long bat path, works slightly uphill, favors pull side, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 87 mph from a tee. Defensively hands work, fluid strides, long to release, plays through. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 77 mph from the outfield. Ran a 4.33 home to first. Simple, low effort delivery on the mound, foot strikes square and open, some rhythm throughout. Full arm swing, gradually speeds through a high ¾ window. Fastball, same plane run, 74-78 mph. Slider, gradual 10/4 shape, 67-68 mph. Changeup, some fade, 67-69 mph.
Peyton Barr, LHP, Huntley, 2022
5-foot-7, 125-pound left-handed pitcher. Rhythm in delivery, compact at balance, strides in-line to home, toe lands square, level shouldered, abbreviated finish. Arm plays short and clean out front, high elbow back side, ¾ slot with easy effort. Fastball, mostly straight, underneath some, occasional sink, 67-70 mph. Curveball, 1/7 early and gradual break, 60-65 mph. Changeup, arm side fade in the zone, 66-68 mph.
Wilken Benjamin III, OF/RHP, Mundelein, 2021
6-foot-3, 155-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, thin frame with room to physically fill out. At the plate, wide setup, hands load back, short stride. Long, uphill bat path, pull side pop potential in his swing, present bat speed with some twitch, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, deliberate actions, pats glove, long to release. Arm plays long and loose, speeds through a high ¾ slot, throws topped 78 mph from the outfield. 4.67 runner, home to first. On the mound, extends down the mound in-line, toe lands open, athletic finish with rhythm. Long and loose arm action with speed out front, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Fastball played straight, 71-74 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, flashed depth, 60-63 mph. Changeup faded with arm speed, 67-71 mph.
Brett Berry, RHP, St. Patrick, 2021
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, some strength in lower half. Deliberate actions, drop and drive delivery, sits deep on back side, stays closed till foot stride, strides open, expedited finish. Long, two-part arm action, some looseness out front, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball played straight, 77-80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, spins its, 66-67 mph. Changeup faded, near fastball arm speed, 69-71 mph.
William Bryant, RHP/INF, Bloomington Central Catholic, 2021
5-foot-11, 159-pound, long, athletically-built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow controlled delivery, works on-line down the mound and lands front toe open. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball straight action, occasional tilt, thrown for strikes, sat 75-76 mph, touched 77. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 62-64 mph. Changeup, fade action, down in the zone, 69-72 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, wide balanced setup, short stride, simple swing, loose hands. Path works short and stays through the zone, line-drive approach and 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.89 runner, home-to-first.
Nathan Chapman, OF/RHP, Jacobs, 2022
6-foot-1, 185-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, present strength and athleticism, advanced for age. At the plate, balanced, crouched setup, minimal load, short stride, maintains control. Fluid path works long and uphill with strong hands, hard gap to gap contact, power potential. Easy, fast bat speed, exit velocity topped 85 mph from a tee. Defensively long strides, squats to field, long to release. Short arm action, over the top slot, throws topped 75 mph from the outfield. 4.75 runner, home to first. Stretch only on the mound, low hanging balance, strides in-line, toe lands closed, spins to third at release. Long arm action, shoulders open early, over the top slot. Fastball, 2-seam run down, 74-76 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, 66-68 mph. Changeup, occasional fade, 68-71 mph.
Nick DiBenedetto, RHP/OF, Crystal Lake South, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, lean frame with athletic actions. At the plate, balanced stance, simple pre-pitch actions, short stride, quiet hands to launch, maintains control. Rhythm in hands, path works uphill, gap-to-gap approach, line drive ability, exit velocity topped 88 mph from a tee. Home to first clocked at 4.35. Defensively, fluid footwork, plays through the ball, clean exchanges. Loose arm action with arm speed, high ¾ slot, throws carried 86 mph from the outfield. On the mound, compact at balance, foot lands square, slightly rotational, smooth rhythm, easy finish. Loose and quick arm action, aggressive out front, ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, 77-80 mph. Curveball, 10/4 sweeper, sharp at times with arm speed, 70-73 mph. Changeup played 73-75 mph.
Dylan Drobny, RHP, Huntley, 2021
6-foot-1, 150-pound right-handed pitcher, lanky frame with live actions. Compact at balance point, sits on back side, works closed to home, toe lands open with an abbreviated finish, some rhythm. Arm plays long with looseness out front, present arm speedout front, over the top slot, some effort. Fastball came out firm, same plane run, 78-79 mph, topped 80 mph. Curveball, 12/6 gradual shape, 63-68 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, flashed hard sink, 71-74 mph.
Brendan Duffy, OF/LHP, Marian Central, 2020
5-foot-9, 130-pound, left-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, thin frame. At the plate, tall setup, hands load back, short stride. Short, level bat path, contact type hitter, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Ran a 4.36 home to first. Defensively deliberate actions, clean exchanges, long to release. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, easy effort, throws topped 68 mph from the outfield. On the mound, clean delivery, minimal push off, toe lands closed, rhythm to release, repeats. Full, loose arm swing, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Three pitch feel for strikes. Fastball, plays straight, 69-71 mph. Can spin the curveball, 59-61 mph with 11/5 depth. Changeup faded, 64-65 mph.
Tyler Fees, RHP, McHenry East, 2020
6-foot, 188-pound right-handed pitcher, high-waist. Deliberate delivery, high-knee balance, extends down mound, slightly closed landing, some rhythm. Short arm action, speeds through a high ¾ window, regular effort. Fastball played straight with occasional 2-seam run, 76-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, some feel for, 66-67 mph. Changeup sank with arm speed, 69-73 mph.
Stone Gomberg, RHP/INF, Stevenson, 2021
5-foot-11, 170-pound, well-proportioned, two-way player. Offensively, right-handed hitter, wide setup, pre-pitch movement and leg-kick timing trigger. Level path, occasional lift, gap-to-gap approach and 80 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, active feet, fields out in front, reliable hands, short arm action, high ¾ to ¾ slot and throws topped at 83 mph across the diamond. 4.54 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery. Short, quick arm action, from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, thrown for strikes down in the zone, sat 76-79 mph. Threw a curveball and a slider. Slider featured 10/4 shape, tight spin at times, 64-67 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 64-66 mph.
Josh Good, INF/RHP, Huntley, 2022
5-foot-8, 150-pound, athletically-built, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load and short stride. Creates bat speed at times, level bat path, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm throughout. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, hands work out front, plays through the baseball, long arm action and throws topped at 76 mph. 4.65 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth delivery, stays on-line down the mound and lands front-toe closed. Long arm action, high ¾ with effort at times. Fastball, works mostly straight, occasional running action, sat 74-76 mph. Curveball, maintains arm speed, 10/4 shape, slider action at times, thrown for strikes, 65-67 mph. Changeup, thrown aggressively, feel, 64-67 mph.
Ryan Goudschaal, RHP/INF, Prairie Ridge, 2020
6-foot-1, 190-pound, athletically-built, wide-shouldered, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slow paced delivery, works on-line, lands front-toe closed with regular effort throughout. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, around the zone, sat 75-76 mph. Curveball, slurve action, 62-65 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, 69-70 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open setup, pre-pitch load and short leg-kick trigger. Simple, handsy swing, easy effort, short, uphill bat path and fluid rhythm throughout. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, active feet, shuffles through exchange, short arm action, throws from multiple slots, 73 mph across the diamond. 4.76 runner, home-to-first.
Robby Gray, INF/RHP, Lake Forest, 2020
6-foot-1, 170-pound, well-proportioned, athletically-built, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open, tall setup, stride gets back to square. Twitchy swing, present bat speed, level path and pull approach. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, works through the baseball, short, firm arm action from an over-the-top slot and throws topped at 77 mph. 4.44 runner, home-to-first. Right-handed pitcher, tilt and topple delivery works with rhythm, stays online and lands front toe closed. Short, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, cutting action, sat 77-78 mph, touched 79. Curveball, sat 64-66 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, 68-70 mph.
Adam Guazzo, C/RHP, Huntley, 2022
5-foot-11, 165-pound, strong frame, catcher and right-handed pitcher. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, filled up the strike zone with all three pitches. Repeatable delivery, works on-line down the mound, lands front toe close and finishes athletically. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, slight running action, sat 72-73, touched 74. Curveball, 10/4 shape, feel, 60-63 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes, 61-64 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, tall, balanced setup, short stride, long and level bat path. Line-drive approach and registered a 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, behind the plate, steady hands, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 68 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.18-2.36. 4.87 runner, home-to-first.
Joey Hagen, OF/LHP, Johnsburg, 2021
5-foot-9, 160-pound, left-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, wide-shouldered, athletic build. Offensively, sets up even, hands bar back, short stride. Short to the ball, showed extension through contact, gap to gap approach, fluid rhythm throughout. Quick bat speed, produced hard contact, exit velocity topped 86 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through to release, quick feet, hands work, clean exchanges. Maintains body control, live and loose arm action, high ¾ slot, true ball topped 83 mph from the outfield. 4.38 runner, home to first. On the mound, athletic delivery, works in-line, lands square, athletic finish. Short, quick arm action, ¾ slot, rhythm throughout. Fastball, 2-seam action with run, 77-78 mph, topped 79 mph. Slider, 2/8 break, late at times, 64-67 mph. Changeup played 71-74 mph in the zone with arm speed.
Andrew Henderson, LHP, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-1,150-pound left-handed pitcher, high-waist, upside frame. Stretch only delivery, tall at balance, drop and drive to home, cross body landing with toe square to home, regular effort. High front side, long, two-part arm action, looseness out front, ¾ slot. Fastball some run to arm side, 73-75 mph. Slider, 2/8 shape, gradual break, 63-64 mph. Flashed feel for changeup, slight fade, 65-67 mph.
Colton Howell, INF/RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2021
6-foot-1, 132-pound, lean, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, quick leg-kick timing trigger, long bat path, natural lift and registered a 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, short arm action from a high ¾ slot and throws topped at 68 mph across the diamond. Ran a 4.64 home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, works on-line and lands front toe closed. Clean arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, down in the zone at times, sat 73-74 mph. Curveball 11/5 shape, 66-69 mph. Changeup, cut action, 68-69 mph.
Ben Hurt-Haller, OF/RHP, Cary-Grove, 2022
5-foot-10, 175-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, athletic frame, advanced for age. At the plate, open setup, back, top-wrap load, short stride to even. Loose hands through contact, path works uphill, short in the zone, favors pull side with rhythm involved. Exit velocity topped 81 mph from a tee. Defensively, clean, two-handed exchanges, long to release. Long arm action, slight wrap, high ¾ slot, throws topped 72 mph from the outfield. Ran a 4.43 home to first. On the mound, narrow setup, tall and fall style, closed landing. Long arm action, early draw out of glove, high ¾ slot. Fastball played straight, 63-66 mph, topped 68 mph. Curveball, gradual 11/5 break, 52-54 mph. Changeup, 62-64 mph.
Kyle Kaempf, INF/RHP, McHenry, 2022
5-foot-11, 140-pound, long and lean two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride and utilizes lower half in swing. Long bat path, line-drive approach, fluid rhythm and 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, quick active feet, works through the baseball, infield actions, sure hands. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 79 mph across the diamond. 4.76 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, athletic drop and drive delivery, stays on-line and lands front-toe open. Short, quick arm action, over-the-top slot and regular effort throughout. Fastball, straight action, sat 75-76 mph, touched 78. Curveball, 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes, 60-62 mph. Changeup, feel, sinking action, 62-64 mph.
Cole Kersten, INF/RHP, McHenry, 2022
5-foot-9, 180-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, tall, slightly open setup, smooth load and short toe-tap stride. Long bat path, line-drive approach and 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, fields out in front at times, long arm action, high ¾ to ¾ slot and throws clocked at 75 mph across the diamond. 4.72 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, stretch-only delivery, stays online down the mound and lands front-toe closed. Long arm action from a high ¾ window. Fastball, thrown for strikes, straight action, 73-75 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, slurvy at times, 58-61 mph. Changeup, inconsistent action, occasional fade, 62-65 mph.
Riley Kirk, RHP, Wauconda, 2021
6-foot-1, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, strong frame with athleticism. Stretch only delivery, compact and sturdy at balance, extends down mound in-line, back leg gets low, toe strikes closed, abbreviated finish, some rhythm. Arm is long and quick, full swing, high ¾ slot, some firm at release. Fastball played straight, 77-78 mph. Curveball, 12/6 short and sharp break in the zone, 67-70 mph. Changeup, straight with some arm speed, 69-71 mph.
A.J. Kutcher, OF/LHP, Antioch, 2021
5-foot-11, 165-pound, right-handed hitting/left-handed throwing two-way player. At the plate, crouched, narrow-kneed setup, hands load back, short stride. Quick actions, some twitchiness in swing, short plane works uphill, flashed hard contact, exit velocity topped 78 mph from a tee. Defensively plays quick and through to release, hands work, funnels transfer at chest. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 76 mph from the outfield. 4.45 runner, home to first.On the mound, drop and drive style, flat foot balance, works in-line, toe lands open, some rhythm. Short, loose arm action, over the top slot, easy effort. Fastball played straight, in the zone, 71-73 mph, topped 74 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, can spin it, 57-58 mph. Changeup played 58-62 mph.
Darian Langkan, RHP, Huntley, 2020
5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed pitcher. Over-head delivery with rhythm, compact throughout, lands closed with foot square to home, level shoulders, regular effort. Arm plays long and whippy, quick out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball, some arm side run, 73-74 mph, topped 75 mph.
Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, 57-60 mph. Changeup faded with near fastball arm speed, 66-69 mph.
Jake Lyon, RHP/INF, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound, two-way prospect, long-limbed, athletic build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher,works from the third base side of the rubber, full wind up, drop and drive delivery, smooth rhythm, works on-line and minimal effort throughout. Long, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, filled up the bottom of the strike zone, slight running action, sat 79-80 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, feel, 66-68 mph. Changeup, occasional fade action, 69-71 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, pre-pitch load and toe-tap stride. Quick-twitch hands, short bat path, opposite field approach and 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady infield defender. Reliable hands, maintains body control on the move, plays through the baseball. Loose arm action, throws from multiple angles and topped at 80 mph. 4.44 runner, home-to-first.
Jonny Marquez, INF/LHP, South Elgin, 2022
6-foot-2, 230-pound, extra-large, imposing, two-way prospect. Offensively, left-handed hitter, crouched open setup, short stride, level bat path, present strength and 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, reliable hands, throws from a high ¾ slot and throws topped at 66 mph. 5.26 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm, on-line and lands front toe open. Short, firm arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, sat 67-70 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 57-60 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed at times, straight action, 61-63 mph.
Benjamin Minneci, LHP, Marian Central, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound left-handed pitcher, lanky frame. Drop and drive style, high knee balance, works in-line, lands square, some rhythm. Arm works long, stab back at hand break, shoulders uphill, ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball played straight and up, 70-71 mph, topped 72 mph. Slider, 2/8 shape, some sweep action in the zone, 58-59 mph. Changeup cut and faded, in the zone, 60-62 mph.
Joshua Notriano, OF/RHP, Johnsburg, 2021
6-foot-1, 185-pound, left-handed hitting/right-handed throwing two-way player, advanced size for age, strength in frame. At the plate, open, crouched setup, minimal load, quick leg kick trigger. Short, uphill bat plane, fast bat speed, pull side pop potential. Exit velocity topped 88 mph from a tee. Defensively gets behind ball and plays through, steady hands, clean exchange. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, effort involved, throws topped 85 mph from the outfield. 4.50 runner, home to first. On the mound, long gather step, tall and fall style, lands closed, recoil finish. Short, whippy arm action, speeds through an over the top slot. Fastball came out firm and straight, 80-81 mph, topped 82 mph. Slider, 11/5 spinner, 68-69 mph. Changeup, faded with arm speed, 74-76 mph.
Justin Obaldo, OF/LHP, Crystal Lake Central, 2020
5-foot-10, 180-pound, left-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, strong frame, present lower half strength. Offensively, open setup, knee to knee trigger, hands drift back. Bat path works uphill, strength in hands, pull side pop potential. Quick bat speed, exit velocity topped 89 mph from a tee. Defensively, passive actions, clean exchanges, upright at release. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 82 mph from the outfield. Ran a 4.57 home to first. On the mound, deliberate to hand break, works in-line, toe strikes closed, some rhythm. Arm plays long, speeds up out front, over the top slot. Fastball, straight with occasional tilt down, 76-78 mph, topped 79 mph. Curveball, 12/6 depth, flashed sharp bite, 65-68 mph. Changeup, sink at times, 68-70 mph.
Trent Ottaviano, OF/RHP, Huntley, 2021
6-foot-2, 190-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, wide-shoulders, strong and athletic build. At the plate, balanced, open setup, back load, toe tap timing trigger. Maintains control. Line drive contact with a gap to gap approach, long bat path, power potential, rhythm involved. Quick bat speed, exit velocity topped 86 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick footwork, aggressively plays through, exchanges are clean and long. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 78 mph from the outfield. 4.65 runner, home to first. On the mound, tall and fall style, flat foot balance, toe strikes square, slight cross-body landing, regular effort. Arm plays loose, full swing, over the top slot. Fastball played straight, 2-seam had run, 72-75 mph, topped 77 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 65-66 mph. Changeup flashed sink with arm speed, 69-71 mph.
Jack Owens, INF/RHP, Mascoutah, 2020
6-foot-2, 210-pound, two-way prospect; physical, wide-shouldered build. At the plate, right-handed hitter, wide setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Simple swing, creates advanced bat speed, long and level through the zone and gap-to-gap approach. 95 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands at first base. Long arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 81 mph. 4.51 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, linear delivery, works on-line and lands front-toe closed. Arm works long and out of an over-the-top slot. Fastball, downward tilt, thrown for strikes, 79-81 mph, touched 82. Curveball, 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes, 70-73 mph. Changeup, straight action, feel, 73-76 mph.
Aiden Pavoris, RHP, Huntley, 2021
6-foot, 188-pound right-handed pitcher, high-waisted frame, athletic actions. Simple pre-pitch, tall, sturdy balance point, sits on back side, strides closed to home, toe lands open, athletic finish. Short arm action, present arm speed, clean over the top slot, creates angle, some rhythm and effort. Fastball, flashed run and sink in the zone, 76-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, breaks early and short, some sharp, 67-69 mph. Feel for changeup, maintains arm speed and faded hard, best secondary, 67-70 mph.
Dylan Petrey, RHP, Hampshire, 2021
5-foot-9, 140-pound right-handed pitcher, athletic frame. Simple pre-pitch, short side step to compact balance, drop and drive guy, works in-line, toe lands closed, smooth rhythm. Arm action is long and super loose, easy, quick arm speed, clean ¾ slot. Aggressive with all offerings in the zone, projects. Fastball, late run, 76-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, gradual in the zone, 64-66 mph. Changeup, arm side run with fastball arm speed, 68-69 mph. Knuckleball, tumbled down with sink, 68-69 mph.
Rick Powell, OF/RHP, McHenry West, 2022
5-foot-10, 157-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, athleticism in actions. Offensively, crouched, open setup, hands bar back, short stride. Level path through the zone, line drive type hitter to all fields, rhythm through hard contact. Fast bat speed, exit velocity topped 86 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, clean exchanges, long at transfer. Arm action is long and loose out front, high ¾ slot, throws topped 81 mph from the outfield. 5.05 runner, home to first. On the mound, simple pre-pitch, heel lift balance, strides in-line, regular effort. Arm action plays long and loose, slight wrap, high ¾ slot. Fastball slight run, 73-75 mph. Curveball, 10/4 gradual break, 64-66 mph. Changeup played straight with some fade, 66-68 mph.
Justin Richa, RHP, St. Charles East, 2021
6-foot, 170-pound right-handed pitcher. Short side step to upright balance point, tall and fall delivery, open toe landing, upended at finish. Short, firm arm action, some deception involved, ¾ slot, regular effort. Flashed feel for three with action in zone. Fastball, same plane run, occasional sink, in the strike zone, 75-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball, 12/5 shape, gradual break near the zone, 63-65 mph. Changeup sank with fastball arm speed, 69-71 mph.
Jameson Sheehan, RHP/OF, Cary-Grove, 2022
6-foot, 155-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player, thin frame with plenty of upside to fill out. On the mound, methodical delivery, tall and fall style, low hanging balance, strides in-line, toe lands closed, stiff leg finish. Arm plays short and loose out front, speeds through an over the top slot, rhythm involved. Fastball comes out easy, some run, 78-79 mph. Curveball, slow but has depth, 12/6 shape, 58-60 mph. Changeup faded with feel, 65-68 mph. At the plate, closed setup, back load, short stride. Long, level bat path, flashed line drive ability, exit velocity topped 82 mph from a tee. Defensively, clean exchanges long to release. Arm plays long and loose out front, high ¾ slot, throws topped 78 mph from the outfield. Ran a 4.82 home to first.
Matthew Smith, LHP, Marian Central, 2021
5-foot-9, 155-pound left-handed pitcher. Over head delivery, quicker tempo type, tall and fall style, short stride in-line and square to home, shoulders downhill. Arm plays short and firm, speeds through a high ¾ slot, slight arm recoil. Fastball plays straight with slight cut, 72-74 mph, topped 75 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 62-63 mph. Changeup maintains arm speed, some drop and cut, 68-68 mph.
Eddie Synek, OF/RHP, McHenry, 2022
5-foot-7, 135-pound, right-handed hitting/throwing two-way player. At the plate, wide, balanced setup, back/drop load, short stride, keeps it simple. Path works short and uphill, line drive type with pull side favoritism, fluid rhythm throughout. Exit velocity topped 74 mph from a tee. Defensively plays through the ball aggressively, long to release, pats glove. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 76 mph from the outfield. 4.91 runner, home to first. Stretch only on the mound, tall and fall style, stride in-line, toe lands closed, some rhythm. Arm action is long out of a high ¾ window, regular effort. Fastball cut out of the hand, 67-68 mph, topped 69 mph. Curveball, early 11/5 break, 53-57 mph. Changeup mostly straight, some sink, 67-69 mph.
Braden Thelander, INF/RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2022
5-foot-7, 130-pound, wiry-strong, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced wide setup, leg-kick timing trigger and balanced through contact. Swings with intent, quick-twitch, fast bat, path stays through the hitting zone and works gap-to-gap. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, natural infield actions, sure hands, athletic fielding position and quick release. Short live arm action, over-the-top slot and throws topped at 81 mph. 4.61 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands front toe closed. Short, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, straight action, sat 79 mph, touched 80. Curveball, 11/5 shape, depth at times, 65-66 mph. Changeup, sat 71-72 mph.
John Wagner, LHP/INF, Stevenson, 2021
5-foot-11, 160-pound, long-limbed, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, closed setup, pre-pitch load, short toe-tap stride, uphill bat path and gap-to-gap approach. 82 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, at first base, reliable hands, quick transfer, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 72 mph across the diamond. 4.97 runner, home-to-first. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, linear delivery, works on-line and lands square. Long, over-the-top arm action and normal effort throughout. Fastball straight action, sat 71-72 mph. Slider, 1/7 shape, sat 63-64 mph. Changeup, feel, fade action, 58-60.