Prep Baseball Report

Preseason I.D. - Peoria: Infield Analysis


By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The inaugural Preseason I.D. - Peoria, held at the Louisville Slugger Sports Complex, took place on Saturday, January 27th. The event featured close to 90 prospects, mostly from the Central Illinois area. Monday we began the positional analysis from the event with a look at the catchers.

Today we breakdown the infielders in attendance. From speedy middle infielders to first baseman with power potential, the top 10 has it all.

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Nathan Righi, RHP/3B, Pekin, 2019
6-foot-1, 205-pound, physical, wide-shouldered, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, advanced bat strength for age; 98 mph exit velocity from a tee. Starts from a wide, balanced setup, leg-lift timing trigger and fluid rhythm. Swings with intent, present bat speed and ball jumps off his bat. Long bat path, gap-to-gap approach, flashed pull power at times. On the infield, profiles as a third baseman. Steady hands, clean release, throws out of a high ¾ slot, accurate throws, carry across the diamond at 84 mph. 7.04 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, uptempo delivery, some effort and works on-line. Quick arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, thrown for strikes, mostly straight, 83-86 mph. Slider, looks like a cutter at times, short break, 10/4 shape, sharp spin and thrown aggressively at 76-79 mph. Changeup, mostly straight, 76-80 mph.

2. Ryan Vogel, MIF, Metamora, 2019
5-foot-8, 155-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder. Ran the best 60 of the event, 6.74 laser-timed. At the plate, tall setup, toe-tap stride and maintains balance through contact. Feel for the barrel, lift in swing and a lot of hard contact to the pull-side gap. 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady defender, quick and clean release. Short arm action, high 3./4 slot, topped at 76 mph. Follow 2019 infielder.

3. Josh Ohl, MIF, Edwardsville, 2019
5-foot-10, 155-pound, middle infielder with a lean, athletic build. Noticeably more physical since our last look. Ran a 7.30 laser-timed 60. Balanced, athletic setup, gets separation in his hands and good balance throughout. Simple swing, present quick twitch and bat speed. Line-drive, pull approach at times and 85 mph exit velocity. Defensively, fluid footworks, maintains body control, athletic actions. Fields out in front, soft, sure hands. Clean transfer, active feet, follows throws. Short arm action, ability to throw from multiple angles; 78 mph across the diamond. Follow 2019 middle infielder.

4. Ben Schuler, MIF, Pontiac, 2019
5-foot-10, 185-pound, middle infielder with a strong frame and solid lower half. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open setup, short stride, hits from a strong base. Stays short to the ball, uphill path with present bat speed. Consistent, hard contact, gap-to-gap approach; 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, confident defender, soft hands, natural infield actions. Clean transfer, quick arm, accurate throws, flashed carry at 79 mph. 7.66 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

5. Ben Hartl, C/INF, Springfield, 2021
5-foot-8, 145-pound, lean, athletically built, catcher/infielder. At the plate, right-handed hitter, open, wide setup, short stride, fluid rhythm and maintains balance through contact. Profiles as a top of the order type of hitter. Simple swing, loose hands, feel for the barrel and makes a lot of hard contact; 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, showed well behind the plate and on the infield. Behind the plate, clean transfer, stays on-line, short arm action from a high ¾ slot. 72 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 2.15-2.26. On the infield, athletic actions, sure hands, maintains body control on the move. Clean transfer, follows throws and topped at 77 mph. 7.90 runner in the 60.

6. CJ Lewis, OF/INF, Normal West, 2019
6-foot-2, 175-pound, athletically built, high waisted, multi-positional prospect. Has made significant strides since our last look. Right-handed hitter, open setup, stride gets back to even and stays balanced throughout. Aggressive swing, loose hands and creates bat speed. Fluid rhythm, long bat path and gap-to-gap approach; 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, actions play best in the outfield. Athletic actions, works through the baseball, transfer is quick and directional. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 83 mph. Throws clocked at 82 mph across the diamond. 7.41 runner in the 60.

7. Carson Richardson, RHP/3B, Collinsville, 2020
6-foot-3, 175-pound, projectable, athletically built right-handed pitcher and third baseman. On the mound, delivery works on line, lands front foot slightly closed. Long arm action from a ¾ slot. Fastball, arm-side-run at times, 79-81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, occasional bite, 68-71 mph. Changeup, slight sink, 69-73 mph. At the plate, right-handed, balanced, wide setup, short stride. Flashed bat speed, level plane, fluid rhythm throughout; 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, wind up transfer, ¾ slot, long-arm action, clocked at 86 mph across the diamond. 7.56 runner in the 60.

8. Kyle Kinney, 1B/LHP, Mahomet-Seymour, 2019
6-foot, 260-pound, extra-large, left/left first baseman and left-handed pitcher. At the plate, crouched setup, heel-lift stride and simple overall swing. Creates easy bat speed, quick hands and short, uphill bat path; 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, soft hands, feel around the bag and moves well for size. Long, over-the-top arm action and throws topped at 75 mph. 7.95 runner in the 60. Left-handed pitcher, works on-line, lands square. Arm works out of an over-the-top slot. Fastball, mostly straight, 77-78 mph, touching 79. Curveball, true 12/6 shape when right, 58-66 mph. Changeup, 66-71 mph.

9. Ben Hess, RHP/1B, Charleston, 2021
6-foot-2, 195-pound, two-way prospect with a strong lower half. Emerged as a high-follow 2021 right-handed pitcher. On the mound, smooth, repeatable delivery, stays on-line and lands closed. Highly-projectable arm action; long, loose and quick out of a high ¾ window. Fastball jumps out of hand, slight arm-side-run, thrown for strikes; sat 81-83 mph, touched 84. Lowers his arm slot on both offspeed offerings. Slider, feel, 11/5 shape, some depth, 65-67 mph. Changeup thrown for strikes, occasional fade and sink; 64-69 mph. At the plate, tall, open setup, smooth load, leg-lift timing trigger and fluid rhythm. Hands get separation on load, loose hands, uphill bat path and gap-to-gap approach. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, at first base, soft hands, athletic arm action, feel around the bag. Throws were accurate, carry across the diamond and topped at 82 mph. 8.52 runner in the 60.

10. Tommy Heideman, LHP/1B, Normal Community, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound, left-handed pitcher and first baseman. On the mound, delivery works on-line and lands square. Quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, arm-side-run, ranged between 78-81 mph. Curveball, flashed depth, 1/7 shape, 62-65 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, straight, 68-70 mph. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced, closed setup and long stride. Loose hands, flashed bat speed, long, uphill bat path and strength in swing; 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid, athletic footwork around the bag at first base. Clean transfer, high ¾ arm slot and topped at 74. 8.02 runner in the 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Kotah Broeker, SS, Salt Fork, 2019
5-foot-8, 150-pound middle infielder. Ran a 6.94 laser-timed 60. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, leg kick stride. Short, uphill path to the ball, flashed hard, gap-to-gap contact; 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, short, over-the-top arm action, clean exchange; 74 mph across the infield.

Ethan Crutcher, SS/RHP, Bloomington, 2019
5-foot-10, 180-pound middle infielder and pitcher. Right-handed hitter, tall and balanced setup, short stride. Loose swing, line-drive contact; 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, throws from a high ¾ slot, accurate; 75 mph in the infield. Ran a 7.96 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall-and-fall delivery, long arm action, over-the-top arm slot. Fastball, straight, ranged between 73-76 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball, 12-6 shape, 62-66 mph. Changeup, flashed sink and run, 70-73 mph.

David Czirjak, SS, Peoria Notre Dame, 2019
5-foot-11, 180-pound middle infielder with an athletic frame. Left-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, subtle leg kick stride. Short, uphill swing; 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork and soft hands. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot; 72 mph in the infield. 7.22 in the 60.

John Day, RHP/INF, Dunlap, 2019
6-foot, 165-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect with plenty of room for continued physical development. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, stretch-only delivery, smooth rhtyhm, lands closed with some effort throughout. Long, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, around the zone, occasional life, natural cut at times, sat 83-84 mph. Slider, flashed sharp 10/4 action, thrown for strikes, 73-76 mph. Changeup, cut action at times, 78-79 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, closed setup, long stride, occasional raw bat strength. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, showed off his live arm. Loose, quick arm, ¾ slot, throws carry across the diamond, topped at 86 mph. 7.95 runner in the 60.

Jimmy DeAngelo, 1B/RHP, Hall, 2019
6-foot-3, 210-pound  two-way prospect with strength and athleticism to his frame. 7.01 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, leg lift trigger. Easy swing, uphill path, gap-to-gap contact, ball jumps off the bat at times; 89 mph exit velocity. On the infield, clean exchange, athletic arm action, ¾ slot; 81 mph across the infield. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop-and-drive delivery, throws on-line and lands square. Long arm action out of a ¾ window. Fastball, slight arm-side run, 79-81 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, some sink, 74-75 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape, 67-70 mph.

Nicholas Fisher, 2B, Central Catholic, 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound second baseman. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg-kick trigger. Fluid rhythm throughout, uphill plane; 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, clean exchange, short-arm action, high ¾ slot,; 71 mph from the infield. 7.75 runner in the 60.

Logan Fricker, 1B/LHP, Normal Community, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound two-way prospect with strong, athletic build. Left-handed hitter, tall, open setup, short stride. Long swing, flashed bat strength and pull-side power; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Left-handed first baseman, clean transfer, loose arm action out of a ¾ slot; 68 mph across the infield. 7.59 runner in the 60. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, stays balanced, drop-and-drive delivery, smooth rhythm, stays on-line and lands square. Long and loose arm action, out of a ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, 73-76 mph. Slider, 1/7 shape, sat 67-68 mph. Changeup, straight, 67-69 mph.

Caleb George, 1B/RHP, Sacred Heart-Griffin, 2021
6-foot-1, 195-pound right-handed pitcher and first baseman. Right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, pre-pitch load and stride gets back to event. Slight uphill swing path, gap-to-gap contact; 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, clean exchange, high ¾ arm slot clocked at 72 mph across the infield. 8.47 runner in the 60. On the mound, drop-and-drive delivery, stays on line, closed landing. High ¾ arm slot, long-arm action, some rhythm throughout. Fastball, occasional tilt, straight, 69-71 mph, topped 74 mph. Curveball, 11/5 movement, 60-66 mph. Changeup, straight, 63-65 mph.

Jesse Goropesek, RHP/3B, Bloomington, 2019
6-foot-3, 170-pound two-way prospect with a lanky, projectable frame. Right-handed pitcher, drop-and-drive delivery, smooth rhythm, stays on-line, lands square. Long arm action out of a ¾ window. Flashed three-pitch feel. Fastball, straight, ranged 80-82 mph. Slider, 12/6 shape, 64-66 mph. Changeup, straight, 70-73 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, long stride. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, throws from a ¾ slot, topped at 79 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.74 60.

Ashton Gray, 1B, Limestone, 2020
6-foot-3, 160-pound, right-handed hitting first baseman, athletic, projectable build; plenty of room for continued physical development. Ran a 7.23 laser-timed 60. At the plate, open, wide setup, short stride and balanced finish. Creates bat speed and made a lot of hard contact, especially to the pull side; 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, fields deep at times, active feet. High draw out of the glove, high ¾ slot and throws clocked 68 mph.

Nick Guerra, SS/RHP, Morton, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound shortstop and right-handed pitcher with a lanky, athletic build. Left-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg kick stride. Strong hands, uphill bat path, flashed bat speed and pull-side power; 83 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, steady hands, clean exchange at times; short arm action from ¾ slot; 73 mph across the infield. 7.17 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, some rhythm throughout, lands closed. Throws from a ¾ slot.  Fastball, straight, sat 80-81 mph. Slider, 12/6 shape, ranged between 62-64 mph. Changeup, straight, 70-72 mph.

Evan Hutson, 1B, Normal West, 2020
6-foot-3, 195-pound first baseman, athletic build with present strength in frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, slightly open and leg-kick trigger. Uphill swing plane, flashed hard contact to all fields; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, left-handed thrower, clean footwork around the bag, long-arm action, ¾ slot. 67 mph in the infield. 7.69 runner in the 60.

Nick Inness, RHP/SS, Abingdon-Avon, 2020
6-foot-1, 190-pound right-handed pitcher and shortstop, with a strong frame. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride. Short, uphill bat path and occasional hard contact; 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short, ¾ arm action; 78 mph across the diamond.  7.44 runner in the 60. On the mound, drop-and-drive delivery, long arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, 74-78 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 63-67 mph. Changeup, sat 72 mph.

Jake Jacek, RHP/3B, Normal Community, 2019
6-foot-3, 190-pound, well-proportioned, strong, right-handed pitcher and third baseman. On the mound, directional delivery, works with rhtyhm and regular effort throughout. Arm works long and loose from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, straight, sat 79-80 mph. Changeup, fade action, flashed feel at the bottom of the zone, 71-74 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, occasional depth, 65-67 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, early toe-tap stride. Defensively, on the infield, winds up on transfer at times, arm works long and loose, throws topped at 81 mph across the diamond. 7.75 runner in the 60.

Riley Jennings, RHP/3B, Knoxville, 2021
5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed pitcher and third baseman. On the mound, tall-and-fall delivery, throws on line, lands slightly closed. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, occasional arm-side run, 77-78, mph, touched 79. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual bend, 63-65 mph. Changeup, straight, 65-70 mph. 8.63 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, sshort stride. Level swing plane at times; 72 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield ¾ arm slot and throws clocked at 74 mph.

Caileb Johnson, 1B, Brimfield, 2019
6-foot-2, 225-pound corner infielder with a solid lower half. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, long stride. Lift in swing, extension at times and flashed hard contact to the pull side. 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, worked out at first and third base. Steady defender, clean transfer, long arm action and 81 mph across the diamond. 7.60 runner in the 60.

Max Jones, C/INF/RHP, Pekin, 2020
6-foot, 185-pound, strong, well-proportioned, multi-positional prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, athletic setup, smooth load, short stride, good balance and finishes on his backside. Aggressive swing, quick hands, present bat speed, lift in swing, gap-to-gap approach and consistently finds the barrel; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, active feet, some bounce, reliable hands and clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. Behind the plate, quick feet and transfer, short arm action, topped at 70 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged between 2.17-2.25. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth, repeatable delivery that works online and long arm action. Fastball works mostly straight sat 78-80 mph, touched 82. Mixed in a curveball and a slider. Curveball, tight spin, 12/6 shape, occasional depth, 63-64 mph. Slider, thrown aggressively, 10/4 sweeping action, 71 mph. Changeup maintains arm speed, sinking action at times, 69-71 mph.  

Bennett Kelly, INF, Peoria Notre Dame, 2021
5-foot-11, 160-pound middle infielder, athletic build. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg-lift stride. Level swing plane, able to backspin the baseball at times; 72 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, quick transfer, short arm action and throws clocked at 69 mph. 7.63 runner in the 60.

Tommy Kelly, RHP/3B, Peoria Notre Dame, 2020
6-foot-1, 175-pound third baseman and right-handed pitcher; athletic, projectable frame. Ran a 6.90, laser-timed 60. On the mound, high ¾ slot, long arm action. Drop-and-drive, smooth delivery with regular effort, lands square. Fastball, downhill plane, ranged between 79-81 mph. Curveball, flashed sharp, 11/5 break, some feel, 63-69 mph. Changeup, slight arm-side run, 69-71 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, leg-lift trigger. Uphill path; 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, long arm action, throws carry and topped at 82 mph.

Tevin Lee, 1B, Du Quoin, 2018
5-foot-11, 190-pound, strong, durable, left-handed hitting first baseman. Balanced setup, early load and stride, average balance throughout. Present bat strength, uphill path and flashes pull power; 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, throws from a ¾ to low ¾ slot and throws topped at 68 mph across the diamond. 8.02 runner in the 60.

Mark Lindner, 1B, Morton, 2020
6-foot-1, 155-pound first baseman. Right-handed hitter, wide, balanced, open setup, leg-lift trigger. Uphill swing plane; 77 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 63 mph across the diamond. 8.10 runner in the 60.

Jayden Myren, INF, Rochester, 2020
5-foot-10, 170-pound, switch-hitting middle infielder. At the plate, looks more natural left-handed. Wide base, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance throughout. Simple swing, controls barrel, short uphill path, gap-to-gap approach and a lot of hard contact. Exit velocity topped at 81 mph from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, steady hands, works through the baseball, gets tall on exchange at times. Short, over-the-top arm action and throws topped at 74 mph across the diamond. 7.82 runner in the 60.

Craig Oertel, 1B, Mater Dei, 2019
6-foot-1, 215-pound first baseman. Left-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg-lift stride. Level path, occasional hard line drive contact; 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, throws from a high ¾ slot, clocked at 71 mph across the infield. 7.63 runner in the 60.

Evan Pogioli, 3B/RHP, Pekin, 2020
6-foot-2, 205-pound two-way prospect with strong build. At the plate, right-handed hitter, tall setup, abbreviated leg kick. Short, uphill swing plane, gap-to-gap contact; 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long, high ¾ arm action, 73 mph across the infield. 8.12 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop-and-drive delivery, closed landing. High ¾ arm slot. Fastball, straight, 74-75 mph, touched 76. Changeup, maintains arm speed, 66-68 mph. Curveball, some sharpness, 11/5 break, 64-65 mph.

Tony Rath, 2B, Streator, 2021
5-foot-10, 135-pound middle infielder. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, slight leg-lift stride. Loose hands, long, uphill bat path; 77 mph exit velocity. Defensively, ¾ arm slot, clean, quick exchange; 64 mph across the infield. 8.49 runner in the 60.

Ryan Rhoda, RHP/INF, Prairie Central, 2019
6-foot-4, 180-pound, two-way prospect with an athletic, strong build. Projects best on the mound. Right-handed pitcher, delivery creates some deception; works slightly across his body and lands closed. Arm is loose and quick out front; comes out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball sat comfortably at 81-84 mph to start his bullpen but ended in a flurry as he touched 90 once and then 86. Curveball, feel, 11/5 shape with depth, 68-71 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes, down in the zone, fade action, 72-73 mph. Follow 2019 right-handed pitcher. At the plate, tall setup, short stride and minimal wasted movement. Line-drive approach and 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, long arm action, ¾ slot, accurate throws, topped at 79 mph. 7.94 runner in the 60.

Drew Rudsinkski, RHP/2B, Tri-Valley, 2020
6-foot-3, 185-pound two-way prospect with strong, athletic frame. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, high ¾ slot, long arm action. Drop-and-drive delivery, throws on line, slightly closed landing. Fastball, occasional run, 80-81 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, 73-75 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape, some feel, sat 68-70 mph. 7.24 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, tall setup into toe-tap stride. Long, uphill bat path, occasional hard contact; 87 mph exit velocity from tee. On the infield throws from a ¾ slot; clocked at 78 mph across the diamond.

Nate Sammer, RHP/SS, Leroy, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound, projectable, long-legged, right-handed pitcher/infielder. Projects best as a right-handed pitcher. Slow, deliberate and repeatable delivery. Works on-line, lands closed and finishes athletically. Long arm action, from a high ¾ slot. Eased into his bullpen. Fastball sat 79-80 mph to start and touched 87, 84 and 83 mph to finish things off. Curveball, thrown aggressively, feel, 11/5 shape with depth at times, 69-70 mph. Changeup, pronates, fade action, 70-73 mph. At the plate, open setup, stride gets back to even and finishes on his backside. Looks to lift the baseball; 77 mph exit velocity. On the infield, long arm action and throws topped at 80 mph. 7.55 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Nick Sharp, C/INF, Bloomington, 2020
5-foot-10, 215-pound, right-handed hitting catcher/infielder. At the plate, open setup, short stride and lays off the barrel. Uphill bat path, flashed bat strength; 86 mph exit velocity. Behind the plate, clean transfer, short arm action, high ¾ slot, 78 mph from the crouch. 2.12-2.22 pop times. On the infield, throws flash carry, topped at 80 mph. 7.91 runner in the 60.  

Marcus Stennett, 2B, Edwards County, 2020
5-foot-11, 160-pound second baseman. Right-handed hitter, tall, slightly closed setup into leg kick stride. Level swing plane, occasional gap-to-gap contact; 82 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short-arm action from high ¾ slot, clean exchange; 78 mph across the infield. 7.73 runner in the 60.

Connor Stephenson, C/INF, Normal West, 2020
5-foot-5, 135-pound, right-handed hitting catcher/infielder. 7.06 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, balanced, open setup, pre-pitch rhythm and leg-lift timing trigger. Aggressive swing, creates bat speed, uphill bat path and 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, natural catcher. Flexible, low setup, quick feet and clean transfer. Energy and bounce behind the plate, soft block. Short arm action, throws consistently around the bag, topped at 75 mph. Pop times ranged from 2.06-2.19. On the infield, throws topped at 79 mph.

Garrett Swingler, OF/INF, Normal West, 2020
6-foot-1, 150-pound, right-handed hitting multi-positional prospect with plenty of room for continued physical development. Tall, static setup and leg-kick timing trigger. Long bat path and 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, worked out in the infield and outfield. Long arm action from a ¾ slot. Throws clocked at 72 mph from the outfield and 69 mph across the infield. 7.53 runner in the 60.

Matt Taylor, 1B/LHP, Normal University, 2019
6-foot-4, 185-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect. Ran a 7.18 laser-timed 60. Left-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride and minimal load. Bat stays level through the zone at times and registered a 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, plays through the baseball, shows feel around the bag. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot and throws topped at 76 mph. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, works on-line, lands open and regular effort throughout. Long arm action, slight plunge and comes out of an over-the-top slot. Fastball thrown for strikes, down in the zone at times and flashed arm-side-run, 78-80 mph, touched 81. Curveball, 12/6 shape, occasional downer action, feel, 63-66 mph. Changeup works straight, 72-73 mph.

Bryce Trask, INF/OF, Rock Island, 2019
6-foot-2, 190-pound, infielder/outfielder with a strong, athletic build. At the plate, left-handed hitter, relaxed, tall setup, smooth load and toe-tap stride. Short, uphill bat path with some looseness in hands; 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, reliable hands, clean transfer, quick exchange at times. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, 76 mph across the diamond and 78 mph from the outfield. 7.69 runner in the 60.

Zachary Vrbancic, 2B, Stagg, 2019
6-foot, 163-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. At the plate, balanced setup, slight leg-lift trigger. Level swing path, fluid rhythm; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, quick footwork, clean exchange; throws from a high ¾ slot, 73 mph in the infield. 7.56 runner in the 60.

Ryan Walker, RHP/OF/INF, Washington, 2019
6-foot-2, 190-pound, well-proportioned, multi-positional prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, slight coil at balance point, stays on-line and lands slightly closed. Arm works short and over-the-top. Fastball sat 73-75 mph, touched 77. Curveball, flashed feel, 11/5 shape, 64-67 mph. Changeup, sat 71-72 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, loads hands and short stride. Exit velocity topped at 78 mph. Defensively, worked out on the infield and in the outfield. Steady hands and plays through the baseball in the outfield. Long arm action, throws topped at 77 mph from the outfield and 72 mph across the infield. 8.02 runner in the 60.

Tyler Werner, 2B/RHP, Highland, 2020
5-foot-8, 145-pound second baseman and right-handed pitcher. Ran a 7.36 laser-timed 60. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, small stride. Short, level path to the ball; 73 mph exit velocity. On the infield, ¾ slot, clocked at 74 mph across the infield. On the mound, drop and drive delivery, works on-line and lands square. Short arm action out of a ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, 73-75 mph. Slider, 12/6 movement, 63-66 mph. Changeup, straight, 66-70 mph.

Trevor Young, LHP/1B, Normal University, 2021
6-foot, 142-pound, left-handed pitcher and first baseman with projectable frame. On the mound, drop-and-drive delivery, throws on line, lands square. Long-arm action from ¾ slot. Fastball, straight, thrown for strikes, 73-75 mph. Curveball, alters arm slot, 1/7 shape, 58-61 mph. Changeup, some fade and feel, 60-63 mph. Left-handed hitter, tall setup, short stride. Slightly uphill swing plane, line-drive contact; 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, ¾ arm slot; 70 mph across the infield. 8.01 as a runner.

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