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Preseason All-State Showcase: Pitching Analysis

March 6, 2015

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

The 2015 Prep Baseball Report Preseason All-State Showcase took place on Sunday February 15th at the Max in McCook, IL. 125 of Illinois top prospects in the 2016 class gathered to display the fruits of their hard winter labor in front of the PBR scouting staff.

Click Here to view complete statistics from the 2015 PBR Preseason All-State in PDF format.

Click Here to view the Top Tools Breakdown from the event.

Over the last several days we’ve released the Top 10 Overall Prospects by each individual position. Today we’ll take a look at the pitchers, an impressive group of overall talent, so impressive in that a majority of the players ranking just outside the Top 10 are some of the top prospects in Illinois’ Class of 2016.

Lake Forest’s Cal Coughlin takes the top spot, as he did at the corner infield position as well, thanks to the two power pitches that graded out better than any prospect’s from the event. His 83-85 mph slider may grade out even higher as a plus pitch than his 91-93 mph fastball.

Notre Dame’s Sam Ferri also impressed with a fastball/slider combination, sitting 90 mph throughout his bullpen, and breaking off several hard 77-78 mph sliders.

Lemont’s Garret Acton is rising up the rankings board thanks to a power arsenal that has been consistent all winter. Acton sat 90-91 for his entire bullpen, impressing with his aggressiveness and ability to pound the lower half of the strike zone with his fastball.

Let’s take a look at the Top Pitching Prospects from the Preseason All-State Showcase:

Top Overall Pitching Prospects

1. Cal Coughlin, 3B/RHP, Lake Forest, 2016
6-foot-1, 200-pound, physically strong switch-hitting 3B/RHP committed to Texas Christian impressed with electric stuff on the mound at the Preseason All-State Showcase, while also showing three-pitch feel. Coughlin sat 90-92 mph, touching 93 mph from a short, quick, high ¾ arm slot. Some effort present in delivery, slight drop-and-drive, utilizes legs extremely well, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, close off as lower half coils/loads over the rubber well, lower half stride direction is in line with home plate, lands square. Fastball jumps late, explodes through the zone with riding action. Power slider, breaks late, short, 11/5 shape, features depth in 83-85 mph range, plus pitch right now. Coughlin’s power fastball/slider combination at the event would fit into the backend of a collegiate bullpen immediately. Also threw strikes with a 77-78 mph changeup with sinking action. Three-pitch feel would give him a starter’s profile at the next level, if not for his two-way talent. Coughlin would be a top rated prospect if he was only a pitcher, but his switch-hitting power profile at third base may be his calling at higher levels. Registered 98 mph exit velocity from the right side, 91 mph exit velocity from the left side. Short, compact, level swing with extension from both sides, very similar approach. Left-handed may be a bit more fluid, shorter stride from the left side, more of a no stride/toe turn approach. Right-handed may have more strength in swing, a bit longer stride, more pull approach from the right side. Hands work quietly from both sides, minimal load. Potential to hit for average and power from both sides. Defensively, threw 88 mph across the diamond, power arm is definitely an asset, also showcases soft hands fielding the baseball, could play shortstop at the high school level. Ran a 7.23 60 yard dash. Coughlin is one of the top prospects in the 2016 class and should see draft interest come the spring of 2016.

2. Sam Ferri, C/RHP, Notre Dame College Prep, 2016
Notre Dame commit. 5-foot-11, 175-pound two-way player, medium frame, athletic build, big arm strength. On the mound worked strictly from the stretch, clean delivery, good direction. Arm action is quick and loose, separates hands early, high ¾ slot. Fastball had slight run, sat 90 mph, finished well through the zone. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 71-73 mph. Changeup showed sink, 78-81 mph, had feel. Slider was best secondary, late 10/4 action, 77-78 mph. Defensively showed excellent arm strength, 80 mph out of the crouch, advanced carry and accuracy, dropped every throw on the bag. Pop times ranged from 1.84-1.91, premium catch and throw prospect. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, smooth load with short stride, excellent balance. Barrell aware, good path, backspun the baseball, line drive guy, long finish. 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.46 runner in the 60.

3. Garret Acton, RHP, Lemont, 2016
6-foot-1, 200-pound right-hander has consistently shown a power repertoire this winter. Acton sat 90-91 mph at the Preseason All-State Showcase, pounding the bottom half of the strike zone from a short, quick, high ¾ arm slot, tall/fall delivery, smoothly rhythm, lower half stays in line with home plate, lands slightly closed at foot strike, but has plus momentum moving down the mound directly at home plate. Acton showed improved feel for a 69-72 mph slider with sweeping 10/4 shape, feel for strikes. Also showed feel for 71-74 mph changeup with sinking action. Acton has a bulldog mentality on the mound, coming right at hitters with his fastball. He’s consistently thrown 89-91 mph all winter, and is turning into one of the top power arms in the 2016 class.

4. Brad Littleton, RHP, Coal City, 2016
6-foot-1, 185-pound lanky and athletic right-handed pitcher, physically mature, fastballs at 87-89 mph from long, high ¾ arm slot, slight stab in takeaway, shoulders close off at balance point, overhead windup, toe down at balance point, level shoulders throughout delivery, lands in line with home plate. Curveball flashed 12/6 shape, sharp, late break, thrown for strikes at 71-75 in windup, 70 mph from the stretch. 76-78 mph changeup thrown down in the zone. Littleton is committed to Indiana, and has a feel for three pitches, including what could be a future plus fastball/curveball combination. He’s a highly ranked prospect in the 2016 class, and will be followed closely over the next two seasons.

5. Ben Brecht, LHP, New Trier, 2016
6-foot-8, 205-pound lanky left-handed pitcher with extremely long limbs. Fastball sat 84-86 mph thrown for strikes with slight arm side run. Showed more consistent shape on 61-64 mph curveball, wrist gets weak at times, fails to spin it with power, but improving. Shows plus feel for a 74-77 mph changeup thrown aggressively, featuring arm side run. Long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, easy effort, tall/fall delivery, level shoulders throughout, stride direction is in line with home plate, lands square, clean arm action and mechanics. Unlike many tall pitchers, Brecht has a feel for the strike zone, as he continues to add strenght and velocity he could become a legitimate draft prospect in one year’s time. Committed to UCSB.

6. Jacob Gilmore, LHP, Central Catholic, 2016
6-foot-3, 205-pound lanky left-handed pitcher impressed with feel for three pitches from a quick, loose, athletic high ¾ arm slot, easy effort throughout delivery, smooth rhythm throughout delivery, arches back slightly at balance point, stride direction stays in line with home plate, lands slightly closed at foot strike. Fastball has ticked up since the summertime, sat in the 83-84 mph range windup, 86-87 mph in the stretch later in the bullpen. Projects to throw harder. 69-72 mph curveball flashed 12/6 shape, can get sweepy at times, also adding power to it. 78-80 mph changeup thrown firmly at the bottom of the strike zone. Gilmore is one of the top left-handers in the 2016 class. The Illinois State commit will be a high follow prospect over the next two seasons.

7. Dalton Parker, RHP/3B, St. Joseph-Ogden, 2016
6-foot-4, 205-pound strong and athletic RHP/3B impressed as one of the top arms on the mound at the Preseason All-State Showcase. Parker sat 86-87 mph on the mound from a short, loose, high ¾ to over-the-top arm slot, tall/fall delivery, good rhythm throughout windup, toe down at balance point, loads over rubber with lower half, shoulders work level throughout, lands square with stride in line with home plate. 65-66 mph curveball featured 12/6 shape, slows arm speed. 71-74 mph slider is a future plus pitch, better of two breaking balls, features 10/4 shape, occasional sharp, late break, feel for strikes. 72-74 mph changeup thrown with aggressive arm speed, arm side run for strikes. Parker projects to throw even harder, and is one of the most underrated RHP’s in the 2016 class. Hits from a tall setup, slightly open stance, toe tap stride, hands load smoothly, short, level bat path produced line drives from gap-to-gap during batting practice, 92 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 85 mph across the diamond from third base from short, over-the-top arm slot with accuracy and carry. Average hands fielding the baseball. Ran a 7.61 60.

8. Danny Denz, LHP, Dundee Crown, 2016
5-foot-11, 167-pound left-handed pitcher works from a short, quick, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, loads/turns lower half over the rubber, does a good job with driving hips towards home plate, shoulders work slightly uphill, lands in line with home plate, athletic finish. Fastball sat 84-86 mph, slight arm side run. Curveball showed occasional plus, 1/7 action, features depth and late break, thrown for stirkes. 76-78 mph changeup also thrown aggressively, with plus sinking action for a high school pitcher. Denz has a diminutive frame, but possesses some of the best secondary offerings of any left-hander in the 2016 class. He’s committed to Memphis and should be one of the top high school left-handers in Illinois the next two season.

9. Zach Frey, C/RHP, Normal University, 2016
5-foot-10, 155-pound athletic C/RHP hits from an open setup, narrow stance, hands load back smoothly, long stride, bat speed present, 86 mph exit velocity, long, slight uphill bat path, pull tendencies. Defensively, pop times ranged from 1.97-2.0, 82 mph from the crouch from short, over-the-top slot with carry and accuracy right on the bag. Quick feet, soft hands receiving, pops up quickly on block and recover. Frey is an impressive two-way talent, sitting 86-87 mph on the mound from a short, loose, quick, high ¾ arm slot. Regular effort, swings lower half slightly, land square, slight recoil at finish. 76-78 mph changeup flashed plus action to arm side, thrown for strikes, one of the top secondary offerings at the Preseason All-State. Also threw a 68-71 mph curveball, 11/5 shape, feel for strikes, confidence in all three pitches. Frey has plus catch-and-throw skills, and despite his smaller frame his future may be on the mound with his quick, athletic arm and plus changeup.

10. Joe Santoro, OF/LHP/RHP, Carmel, 2016
5-foot-11, 175-pound left-handed hitting OF/ambidextrous pitcher hits from a balanced setup, short stride, hands load back smoothly, explodes with lower half in swing, short, slightly uphill bat path, gets extension, line drives from gap-to-gap, occasional back spin, showed the ability to pull the baseball with some power, 86 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, plays outfield left-handed, threw 89 mph from the outfield from loose, high ¾ arm slot, soft hands fielding the baseball, plays through it, quick feet, fluid/clean exchange. Ran a 7.30 60. On the mound, Santoro has been noted for his unique ability to throw with both hands. He sat 86-87 mph from both sides, touching 88 from the right side. His breaking ball, which he had struggled with in the past, looked crisper, showing more of a slider look, in the 72-74 mph range right-handed, and 69-71 mph left-handed. His changeup is in the 74-76 mph range from both sides. Mechanically, Santoro looks pretty identical from both sides, though may drop-and-drive a little more from the left-side. As fun as it is to watch him throw with both hands, his ability as an outfielder should not be discounted, as he’d be a Division-I prospect regardless of whether or not he pitched.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Jack Bellinger, RHP, Schaumburg, 2016
6-foot-4, 215-pound right-handed pitcher, wide shouldered, beginning to fill out, solid build. Tall and fall delivery, good balance through release, squared landing. High ¾ arm slot, quick loose arm action. Fastball is straight, sat 85-86 mph, topped out at 89 mph. 11/5 breaking ball, sat 70-72 mph. Has good feel for his changeup, near fastball arm speed, sinking action, 78-81 mph, controlled it at the bottom of the zone, best secondary offering. 

Tim Brokop, RHP, Bradley-Bourbonnais, 2016
Long legs, extra-long frame, thin build room to fill out, 6-foot-4, 177-pound right-handed pitcher, projectable. Tall and fall delivery, regular effort, works with rhythm and downhill, athletic delivery. Arm action is loose, quick arm from a high ¾ slot. Showed command of his fastball, 82-84 mph, slight run and sink. Sweeping slider, 10/4 action, 74-75 mph. Changeup has feel, near fastball arm speed, 74-75 mph. Highly projectable right-handed pitcher, should be a high follow this spring, added strength should see a spike in velocity.

Jack Butler, OF/LHP, Tri-Valley, 2016
6-foot, 175-pound left-handed two-way player, average frame, moves well, showed baseball actions. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced setup, leg kick trigger. Good bat speed, quick through the zone, slight uppercut swing, 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a long loose arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate arm, soft hands that play well through it, solid outfield actions. Arm played at 81 mph from the outfield, high ¾ slot. 7.42 runner. Arm works similarly on the mound some effort from a tall and fall delivery, quick arm. Fastball sat 77-78 mph, showed some control. Curveball has 1/7 shape, gradual action, solid pitch that he dropped for strikes. Changeup sat 69-70 mph, feel for the zone.

Tyler Dallio, MIF/RHP, Lincoln-Way West, 2016
6-foot, 183-pound lanky right-handed hitting MIF/RHP impressed with bat speed and 86 mph exit velocity off the tee. Hits from a tall, slightly open setup, short stride, hands held high initially, load back smoothly, balanced throughout swing. Long, level bat path produced line drives from gap-to-gap during live batting practice, up the middle approach. Defensively, threw 75 mph across the diamond from short, over-the-top arm slot, soft hands fielding the baseball. Ran a 7.85 60. On the mound fastball sat 75-76 mph with some effort from same arm slot. 62-64 mph curveball flashed 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes consistently. 70-73 mph changeup was thrown down in the zone. Mechanically, works slightly across his body, lands slightly closed.

Reese Dolan, RHP, Mundelein, 2016
6-foot-4, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, lanky athletic frame, body projects well. Tall and fall delivery, works online, squared landing, clean delivery. Arm action is loose and quick, some effort, high ¾ slot. Fastball has sink, lively action, 83-86 mph, touched 87 mph. Curveball has sharp action, 11/5 plane, 71-72 mph, big upside for outpitch. Throws changeup with fastball arm speed, arm side action, 78-81 mph, erratic control when in stretch. High upside right-handed pitcher, loose and athletic, projects well and shows advanced action on all three pitches through the hitting zone.

Cam Fowler, LHP, Moline, 2016
6-foot-3, 190-pound lanky left-handed pitcher works from a short, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, drop/drive type delivery, separates hands outside knee at balance point, level shoulders throughout delivery, lands slightly closed at balance point. Fastball sat 78-80 mph, curveball flashed 12/6 shape from 67-69 mph. Cutter/slider was thrown from 71-74 mph, and also featured 70-73 mph changeup.

Austin Galindo, OF/RHP, Normal University, 2016
6-foot-6, 240-pound strong and athletic right-handed hitting OF/RHP, wide shoulders, physical specimen. Impressed with raw power potential at the plate, and power arm on the mound. Fastball sat 84-85 mph, but touched 89, struggled to throw strikes consistently. Long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, regular effort in delivery, lands square in line with home plate, but falls off towards first base side. Breaking ball showed sweeping 11/5 shape, 72-75 mph. Pushes 73-75 mph changeup at times. At the plate, hits from a closed setup, hands load back, short stride, long swing, gets extension, plus strength and power at impact. Showed power, especially to left-center/his pull side, advanced bat speed, 94 mph exit velocity. Defensively, arm action looked looser in the outfield, 89 mph from a crowhop with carry and some accuracy. Galindo is also a football prospect, and although he may be raw, has tantalizing power at the plate, and a power arm on the mound if he can repeat his delivery more effectively.

Tyler Garrity, LHP, Plainfield North, 2016
6-foot-2, 195-pound left-handed pitcher, lanky frame, good projectability. Tall and fall type delivery, works online, clean mechanics, lower half can stay closed longer. Arm action is long, average arm speed, high ¾ slot. Showed command of his fastball, filled up the zone at 82-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Curveball lacks depth, 70-72 mph. Showed good feel for his changeup, ability to command it, slight sinking action, 72-75 mph, could develop into an excellent out pitch.

Tyler Hankins, LHP, South Elgin, 2016
6-foot-9, 215-pound extremely lanky left-handed pitcher works from a long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, tall/fall delivery, shoulders level throughout delivery, works in line towards home plate. Fastball sat 79-81 mph for strikes. Curveball had 2/8, slurve shape, missed wide at times, 62-64 mph. Showed good feel for 72-74 mph changeup, thrown down in the zone, displays arm side run. Hankins is a prospect to follow in the 2016 class, currently ranked No. 99 in the state and he keeps improving.

Brady Huebbe, SS/RHP, LaSalle-Peru, 2016
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitting SS/RHP impressed on the mound with 82-85 mph running fastball from a short, quick, high ¾ arm slot. Regular effort throughout delivery, compact tall/fall delivery, foot stays under knee at balance point, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, lands in line with home plate, slightly closed at foot strike spinning off towards first base. 70-74 mph curveball had better shape when it looked more like a slider, with horizontal movement. Slows arm slightly on 68-73 mph changeup. Defensively, threw 84 mph across the infield from shortstop from short, high ¾ arm slot, with accuracy and carry. Stays back on the baseball fielding. Hits from an open setup, wide base, long, uphill bat path, 80 mph exit velocity off the tee. Ran a 7.41 60.

Mitch Hunter, RHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2016
6-foot-1, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, medium pitchers frame, sturdy build. Tall and fall delivery, shows some effort, finishes down the hill. Over the top arm slot, fastball is mostly straight, 79-82 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, rolling action, 66-67 mph. Straight change flashed occasional sink, 69-73 mph.

Matt Jackson, RHP, Brooks College Prep, 2016
Thin lanky frame, long legs, 6-foot-4, 170-pound right-handed pitcher. High ¾ arm slot, works with regular effort, stays on line. Fastball has slight run, ranged 79-81 mph, topped at 82 mph. Showcased two breaking balls, curveball has 11/5 shape, 63-66 mph, slurve type. Slider is 65-70 mph, similar action to curveball, breaking balls lack separation. Changeup showed sink, occasionally pulled, 71-74 mph.

Colton Johnson, LHP, Kewanee, 2016
6-foot-4, 210-pound lanky left-hander impressed with athletic frame and short, quick, high ¾ arm action. Fastball sat 82-85 mph from tall/fall delivery, toe down at balance point, easy effort throughout delivery, smooth rhythm throughout, level shoulders in delivery, stride direction is in line with home plate, lands square, finishes athletically. Fastball thrown for strikes with arm side run. 70-74 mph curveball flashed 12/6 shape occasionally, erratic for strikes. Aggressive with 76-77 mph changeup thrown down in the zone, occasional plus arm side run. Johnson is a high follow prospect in the 2016 class thanks to his frame, clean arm action, and future projection.

Scott Kutschke, LHP, Notre Dame, 2016
6-foot-4, 190-pound left-handed pitcher works from a short, ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, leans slightly over with posture, drop/drive delivery, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate, lands square. Fastball sat 77-81 mph with slight sinking action. 66-69 mph curveball impressed more than slider (thrown in the 70 mph range) with occasional 12/6 action, more depth on curveball. Lowers slot on changeup, sat 72-74 mph with cutting action.

Sam Lawrence, LHP, Wheaton North, 2016
6-foot-4, 195-pound lanky left-handed pitcher impressed with frame, 3-pitch mix, and future projection. Fastball sat 82-85 mph, touching 86 mph for strikes with arm side run from a long, loose, easy, high ¾ arm slot. Tall/fall delivery, toe down at balance point, opens up front side early in delivery, lands slightly closed on front foot, spins off slightly. 69-70 mph curveball flashed 2/8 shape, depth to pitch. 74-75 mph changeup thrown for strikes with sinking action. Lawrence is an extremely intriguing southpaw to keep a close eye on over the next two seasons.

Sam LaMotte, RHP, Warren, 2016
6-foot, 155-pound right-handed pitcher works from a long, low ¾ to side arm slot, over-head windup, bends posture slightly at balance, achieving lower arm slot, loads knee over the rubber, toe down at balance point, works slightly across his body, running fastball sat 78-79 mph. Slowed arm on 66 mph slider, thrown for strikes, gradual, sweeping action. Also threw a 73 mph changeup with fading action for strikes. LaMotte repeats his delivery and pounds the zone from a tough arm angle, as he adds to his fastball velocity, he has relief specialist written all over him at the collegiate level.

Kevin Malisheski, RHP, Wauconda, 2016
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, great pitchers’ frame, projects well. Tall and fall delivery with minimal effort, squared landing. Loose lively arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball sat 84-86 mph, touched 87 mph, erratic command, mostly top of the zone. Curveball has slurve feel, 66-69 mph. Changeup has fading action, near fastball arm speed, 78-79 mph. Malisheski has a high ceiling, loose live arm and projectable body, high follow uncommitted 2016 this spring.

Zach Martin, RHP, Plainfield North, 2016
Notre Dame commit. Extra Large frame, 6-foot-5, 225-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery works across his body, rotational lower half. High ¾ arm slot, loose with some length. Fastball ranged from 83-86 mph, dipped some out of the stretch. Curveball has 11/5 shape, occasional action, 67-71 mph. Fastball similar arm action on changeup, 77-81 mph, occasionally pulls it.

Ty McCulloch, LHP, Downers Grove South, 2016
6-foot-1, 170-pound left-handed pitcher works from a long, high ¾ arm action, loads over the rubber/coils lower half, toe down at balance point, shoulders work slightly uphill after balance point, smooth delivery throughout. Fastball sat 82-83 mph with arm side run thrown for strikes. 68-69 mph curveball flashed 2/8 shape, steers it at times. 68-70 mph split showed bottom, solid chase pitch. McCulloch is a high follow prospect in the Class of 2016, and could be candidate for a significant velocity bump thanks to his frame and smooth arm action.

Jake McLaughlin, RHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2016
6-foot-4, 214-pound right-handed pitcher, large frame and build. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, little effort. Delivery lands slight across his body with open toe. Fastball has slight sink, 82-84 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, loose rotation, 63-64 mph. Changeup occasionally fades to arm side. 68-72 mph.

Cole Miller, LHP, York, 2016
6-foot-4, 195-pound left-handed works from a long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, 79-81 mph fastball thrown for strikes. Toe up at balance point, gathers well over the rubber, front hip leads towards home plate, lands slightly closed at foot strike, spins off slightly. 67-72 mph breaking ball has slurve shape, feel for strikes. 71-73 mph changeup flashed cutting action.

Jacob Nagel, RHP, Bolingbrook, 2016
6-foot-5, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, extra-large frame, prototypical pitchers body. Tall and fall delivery, slight coil at top of balance position, lower half opens early. Easy arm action, loose, high ¾ slot, long arms. Straight fastball flashed slight sink, 83-84 mph, solid control. Curveball has gradual action, 69-71 mph. Good changeup at 74-75 mph, sinking action, controls well, near fastball arm speed.

Michael Oh, RHP, Glenbrook North, 2016
6-foot-4, 245-pound right-handed pitcher, large frame and build, strong lower half, body has continually improved over time. Full windup delivery, excellent balance, delivery works online, smooth tempo, easy effort. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, has quickness, projects. Fastball runs to arm side, slight sink, good control of the zone, pitched at 83-85 mph, touched 86 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, can be more aggressive, 72 mph, found the zone with it. Good feel for changeup, commanded it with arm side action, good arm speed, 74-77 mph. Oh showed good feel for three pitches and improved body shape, high follow this spring, looks to have a high sense of pitchability.

Mitch Owens, 3B/RHP, Moline, 2016
6-foot-4, 205-pound athletically built 3B/RHP impressed with a plus round of batting practice at the Preseason All-State Showcase. Hits from an open setup, wide base, short leg kick stride, hands load back smoothly, short, slightly uphill bat path produced consistent hard contact, fluidity to swing, gets extension, drove the baseball from gap-to-gap with impressive power to his pull side, 92 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 78 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot, average hands fielding the baseball. Ran a 7.42 60. On the mound, sat 80-82 mph from long, ¾ arm slot, over-head windup, tall-fall delivery, toe up at balance point, shoulders close off at balance point, level shoulders throughout delivery, works across his body, lands closed on front heel, spins off towards first base. Showed feel form 69-70 mph curveball with 11/5 shape and 72-74 mph changeup with arm side run. Ran a 7.42 60 yard dash. Owens power potential at the plate has showed up in games as well, and he’s one of the best power prospects in Illinois’ 2016 class.

Brandon Petersen, LHP, Waubonsie Valley, 2016
6-foot-2, 220-pound left-handed pitcher impresses with three pitch feel highlighted by 81-82 mph with plus arm side run, occasional sink from long, loose, high ¾ to ¾ arm slot. Easy effort throughout delivery, tall/fall delivery, toe up at balance point, shoulders work slightly uphill, works slightly across body, adds to deception, doesn’t affect command. 67-70 mph curveball thrown with 2/8 shape, occasional late break. 74-75 mph changeup is a plus pitch, plus feel for locating it with late sinking action to his arm side. Petersen has a large frame but an extremely loose and athletic arm action. He’s a high follow prospect over the next two seasons.

Jacob Plucinski, MIF/RHP, Taft, 2016
5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed hitting MIF/RHP hits from an open setup, short stride, dives slightly, hands load back smoothly, long, slightly uphill bat path, pull tendencies during batting practice, 81 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 72 mph across the diamond from loose, high ¾ arm slot, soft hands, fields the baseball out front, solid middle infield actions, heavy feet, 7.59 runner in the 60. On the mound fastball sat 80-81 mph touching 82 on final pitch from loose, high ¾ arm slot, turns knee over the rubber at balance point, tall/fall delivery, strides across his body, lands closed. 71-73 mph curveball had 11/5 slurvy action. Showed aggressive arm speed on 75-76 mph changeup with solid fading action.

Gerald Powell, RHP, Kenwood, 2016
5-foot-10, 170-pound lanky and athletic right-handed pitcher works from a short, quick, loose, high ¾ arm slot, regular effort, tall/fall delivery, some rhythm, lands in line with home plate. Fastball sat 83-85 mph thrown for strikes. 74-76 mph flashed 11/5 shape, 76-78 mph changeup displayed fading action. Powell has reportedly touched the upper 80’s as recently as this fall, and is a high follow prospect in the 2016 class who will enter the overall rankings shortly.

Matthew Riecker, 1B/RHP, York, 2016
6-foot-3, 180-pound lanky and athletic right-handed hitting 1B/RHP impressed with both bat speed and defensive prowess at first base. Hits from a balanced setup, short stride, hands are very quiet, minimal movement in load, short, slightly uphill bat path, head down at contact, stays down, pull tendencies during batting practice with 82 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 80 mph across the diamond from short, over-the-top arm slot with accuracy and carry, great athlete at first base with large target, 7.12 runner in the 60. Impressed with soft hands, scoops low throws well. On the mound, fastball sat 82-83 mph from strikes from over-the-top arm slot. 70-71 mph curveball lacked definitive break/shape. 74-77 mph changeup thrown near fastball arm speed thrown down in the zone.

Trey Riley, RHP/OF, Edwardsville, 2016
6-foot-2, 165-pound left-handed hitting two-way player, average build, has filled out more since last seeing him. Flashed arm strength on the mound, high ¾ slot, short draw. Fastball topped out at 89 mph, ranged 84-87 mph, arm side run. Curveball has gradual action, occasionally backs up, 65-71 mph. Changeup was kept mostly down, 78-81 mph. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced stance, smooth loading action. Short path, quick finish, sweeps some, right center approach. 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively also showed arm strength in the outfield, 89 mph arm, short high ¾ arm action. Ran a 7.21 in the 60.

Kolton Rominski, RHP/MIF, Marian Central Catholic, 2016
5-foot-10, 175-pound two-way player, medium frame. On the mound works from an over the top slot, short arm action, hides it some. Fastball is mostly straight, 80-82 mph, four seam action. Curveball had 12/6 shape, 67-70 mph. Changeup sat 74-75 mph, straight. Slider has similar action to curveball, 73-76 mph. Defensively played the infield with a high ¾ slot, 79 mph across the infield, showed some arm strength. Played through the baseball average hands, some effort. 7.80 runner in the 60. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, smooth loading action, short stride. Some bat speed, uphill path, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Jake Rosley, LHP, Glenbard West, 2016
6-foot, 170-pound lanky left-handed pitcher works form a long, ¾ to low ¾ arm slot, leans over at balance point, creating lower slot, has the ability to throw from multiple angles, lands slightly closed at foot strike, spins off on heel. Fastball sat 77-79 mph with arm side run, 66-69 mph curveball flashed 1/7 shape, had better control of 70-73 mph slider with 2/8 shape, thrown consistently for strikes. Also throws a sinking 67-69 mph changeup. Rosley has some feel of four pitches, and has impressed in the past in game play, added strength to his lanky frame could get his fastball in the low-to-mid 80’s, and added power to his pitchability will make him a prospect to follow over the next couple years.

Michael Sebby, LHP, Glenbard East, 2016
6-foot, 155-pound lanky and athletic left-handed pitcher works from a long, quick, high ¾ arm slight, slight stab/dangle in the back of arm action, doesn’t affect ability to get out front. Toe up at balance point, hands bump up/down for rhythm as leg lifts, drop and drive delivery, swings lead leg over the rubber to balance point, swings back to foot strike, lands slightly open, spins off towards third base side, shoulders work slightly uphill. Sebby sat 82-83 mph at the event, and we’ve recently seen him up to 86. His rotational lower half is fine when he doesn’t spin off towards third base, which he did more of this day. His 73-76 mph breaking ball flashes 1/7 tilt, plus potential, with hard, late breaking action. Also throws 75-78 mph changeup aggressively, occasional sinking action. Sebby is a high follow left-hander in the 2016 class.

Tim Simon, OF/RHP, Notre Dame, 2016
6-foot-1, 185-pound lanky right-handed hitting OF/RHP impressed on the mound with 82-83 mph fastball from short, loose, clean, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, works slightly across his body, lands square with home plate. 70-73 mph curveball flashed 11/5 shape. 76-77 mph changeup thrown aggressively featuring arm side run. At the plate, hits from a narrow, crouched setup, hands held high, load back smoothly, short stride, short, slightly uphill bat path produced line drives during batting practice, up the middle approach, above average bat speed, 89 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 83 mph from the outfield from long, high ¾ arm slot. Ran a 7.38 60.

Ranko Stevanovic, 1B/RHP, Notre Dame College Prep, 2015
6-foot-2, 205-pound strong right-handed hitting 1B/RHP hits from a tall, balanced setup, short stride, hands load back, short, uphill bat path, high finish, up the middle approach during batting practice, well above average bat speed, 91 mph exit velocity. Defensively, shows fluid footwork at first base, good athlete around the bag, soft hands fielding the baseball, threw 80 mph across the diamond from long, high ¾ arm slot with carry, good feel for turning double play ball, accurate throws, quick release. Runs a 7.66 60. On the mound, fastball sat 81-83 mph with late, cutting action from long, high ¾ arm slot, lands in line with home plate with stride directions, slightly closed at foot strike. Slows arm on gradual breaking 62-66 mph curveball, 11/5 shape. Also slows arm on 62-65 mph straight change.

Jack Suwinski, LHP, Taft, 2016
6-foot-1, 190-pound athletic LHP/OF impressed on the mound at the Preseason All-State Showcase. Suwinksi is a legitimate two-way talent who impressed the following day at the Romeoville Preseason ID (due to previous commitments he did not take BP/Outfield at the Preseason) with his bat and outfield play. On the mound, fastball sat 82-85 mph from short, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, tall/fall delivery, smooth rhythm throughout, level shoulders in delivery, lands in line with home plate, closed front foot at foot strike, spinning off towards third base. Curveball sat 71-73 mph, but hard 77-79 mph cutter/slider impressed as best secondary offering. 74-78 mph changeup occasionally flashed plus sinking action. Suwinksi is currently ranked No. 21 in Illinios and is one of the top uncommitted prospects in Illinois’ 2016 class.

Phillip Swartz, RHP, Champaign Central, 2016
Strong bodied, 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-handed pitcher. Delivery works slighty across his body, closed toe landing, uses slide step from the stretch. Arm action is long, firm, high draw, average arm speed, high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 78-79 mph, topped out at 80 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, slurve action, 67-68 mph. Changeup showed fade, gets underneath, 70-72 mph.

Jonathan Tieman, RHP, Prairie Ridge, 2016
6-foot-1, 177-pound right-handed pitcher works from a short, high ¾  to over-the-top arm slot, regular effort, smooth rhythm, small leg lift, foot stays underneath knee at balance point, level shoulders throughout, lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate, lands square at foot strike. Fastball sat 82-83 mph, 66-69 mph curveball thrown for strikes with 11/5 shape. Also threw a 75-77 mph changeup at fastball arm speed with arm side run.

Neil Udelhofen, LHP, Loyola, 2016
5-foot-10, 165-pound left-handed pitcher, medium frame, athletic build, has shown athleticism as a position player as well. Tall and fall delivery, delivery shows some effort, works slightly to his glove side, occasionally opens front side, compact delivery. Arm action is short and loose, over the top slot. Fastball has slight arm side run, 81-83 mph. Curveball played well, 69-72 mph, 1/7 shape, flashed sharp action. Throws changeup with good arm speed, has feel with arm side action, 75-76 mph, flashed advanced action.

Justin Vivar, LHP, Taft, 2016
6-foot-1, 240-pound large framed left-hander works from a long, high ¾ arm slot, tall/fall delivery, loads over the rubber well, toe up at balance point, shoulders work uphill, drives forward with hips first, works slightly across his body, lands slightly closed at foot strike. Fastball sat 78-79 mph with run, for strikes. 62-65 mph curveball flashes 11/5 shape, feel to spin it. 73-74 mph changeup thrown down in the zone consistently.

Devin Wessels, OF/RHP, United Township, 2016
Highly projectable frame, loose athlete, long and lean with room to fill out, 6-foot-2, 155-pound two-way player, like his upside. On the mound arm action is short and quick, over the top slot. Delivery worked directionally, stays on line, athletic. Fastball has run, showed ability to pound the zone, mixed in a two-seam fastball with excellent arm side running action, sat 85-86 mph, touch 87 mph. Curveball has 12/6 action, 68-71 mph, showed improved action with feel. Changeup is mostly straight, flashed sink, power changeup type, 79-81 mph. Defensively showed a live arm, carried well, loose arm action, over the top and accurate. Natural athletic defender, footwork is fluid, and plays through the baseball with proper footwork. 7.42 runner. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, heel lift stride, can get more out of lower half. Worked the middle of the field, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Brandon Williams, RHP, Tinley Park, 2016
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, lean thin build, projects some. Arm works loosely from a high ¾ slot. Fastball is mostly four seam straight action, 83-85 mph, touched 86 mph. Curveball played at 70-74 mph, backs up some, can improve axis. Straight change, decelerated arm action, occasional sink, 70-73 mph. Williams has shown a continual trend upward and has slowly progressed his game into one of the better arms in the 2016 class.

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