Prep Baseball Report

Romeoville Preseason ID: Middle Infield Analysis



By Matt Huck
Area Scout

The Prep Baseball Report's Preseason ID showcase took place on Sunday February 16th at the Romeoville Athletic Center in Romeoville, IL. 111 prospects completed a pro-style workout for the PBR Illinois Scouting Staff, several of whom were new to PBR.

Click Here to view complete statistics from the even in PDF format.

Oak Forest shortstop Kevin Johnson leads the list of top middle infield prospects. The toolsy shortstop ran the 60 at 6.81, showed fluid footwork in the infield, and a short, quick left-handed swing.

Let's take a look at the top 10 middle infield prospects from this February's Romeoville Preseason ID Showcase:

Top Middle Infield Prospects

1. Kevin Johnson, SS, Oak Forest, 2015
5-foot-10, 170-pound, left-handed hitting shortstop. Athletic build. In the field has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, carry on throws, average hands, fluid footwork, and solid on the backhand. Threw 81 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from an open stance, smooth load, and short toe tap stride. Gap to gap, line drive, contact hitter, with a short, level swing, and a fast bat. 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Showed athleticism running the 60 at 6.81

2. Jay Militello, RHP/SS, Fenwick, 2016
6-foot-3, 185-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/SS. Athletic build. In the field has a long arm action from a side arm slot. Accurate throws with good carry. Average hands with fluid footwork, and plays thru the ball. Threw 86 mph across the infield. At the plate, hits from an open stance, smooth load, and leg kick stride. Pull hitter with a short swing path and some extension. Showed strength through contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.24. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose, easy arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with smooth rhythm. Threw fastball for strikes that sat 87-88 mph. Slider showed 10-4 shape with good depth at 70-74 mph. Maintained arm speed on changeup that showed fade at 77-78 mph.

3. Kelly Lane, MIF, Gwendolyn Brooks, 2016
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed hitting, middle-infielder. In the field has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot with fluid footwork. Threw 75 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced, open stance, with a smooth load and short stride. Line drive hitter with a short, level swing path and a fast bat. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.28.

4. Maliek Wade, SS/RHP, Bolingbrook, 2016
5-foot-9, 160-pound, right-handed hitting SS/RHP. Strong, athletic frame. In the field has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Some accuracy with life on throws. Threw 82 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a wide base and a balanced setup. Short stride with good balance. Line drive hitter with a long, level swing, and good extension. Showed strength thru contact with 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Solid runner running the 60 at 6.81. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Quick arm with some effort.  Fast paced delivery with a slight crossfire, tall at balance point with uphill shoulders. Fastball showed occasional run and sat 82-84 topping out at 85 mph. Curveball showed 10-4 shape with occasional sharpness that sat 65-69 mph. Changeup showed arm side run that sat 72-73 mph.

5. Kyle Fitzgerald, MIF, Riverside-Brookfield, 2017
5-foot-9, 155-pound, right-handed hitting middle-infielder. In the field has a short arm action from a side arm slot with average arm strength. Average hands with decent actions, and good body control.  Threw 76 mph across the infield. Showed well at the plate hitting from an open stance with a short stride. Short, level swing path with good extension and a fast bat. Line drive gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.28.

6. Chase Patterson, SS, Libertyville, 2017
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting shortstop. In the field has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Raw arm strength with some carry on his throws. Average hands with slower footwork, and good body control. Threw 83 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a wide base with low hands. Loads to backside with a short stride and average balance. Line drive, gap to gap hitter with a short swing path and flashes a quick bat. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.39.

7. Jimmy McDonald, RHP/SS, Lake Park, 2016
6-foot-3, 160-pound, left-handed hitting RHP/SS. Lanky, athletic frame. In the field has a loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, with good arm strength and carry on throws. Threw 79 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a tall, balanced setup, smooth load, with a short stride. Line drive, gap-to-gap hitter with a short, level swing with good extension, and flashes good bat speed. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.63. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose arm action, and regular effort. Tall and fall delivery with a slight crossfire. Fastball sat 81-83 topping out at 84 mph. Curveball with sweeping action sat 68-69 mph. Changeup flashed sink and armside run at 69-70 mph. Projects well on the mound.

8. Justin Hasegawa, MIF, Geneva, 2016
5-foot-5, 150-pound, right-handed hitting middle-infielder. Small, athletic frame. In the field has a short arm action from a low ¾ arm slot. Some accuracy on throws with average arm strength. Fluid, athletic actions, with soft hands, plays thru the ball well. Good body control. Threw 71 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced, open stance, short stride, with slight arm bar. Opposite field, line drive hitter, with a long uphill swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.71.

9. MacLain Neal, MIF, Hinsdale Central, 2016
5-8, 170-pound, right-handed hitting middle-infielder. Strong, compact frame. In the field has a short arm action, from a high ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, with average arm strength. Average hands, with good body control. Threw 77 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced, open stance, with a short, step over stride. Line drive, gap-to-gap hitter, with a short level, swing. Compact, repeatable mechanics. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.24.

10. Jeffrey Massey, RHP/MIF, Brooks College Prep, 2018
5-foot-8, 120-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/MIF. In the field has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, with average arm strength. Solid defensive actions with good body control.  Threw 71 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a tall, open stance, with high hands. Short stride with good balance. Gap-to-gap, line drive hitter with a short swing path and some lift. Projects at the plate with added strength. 67 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.24. On the mound worked from a high ¾ arm angle with regular effort. Tall and fall, online delivery with some rhythm. Straight fastball that sat 69-71 mph. Threw Curveball for strikes with 11-5 shape that sat 57-60 mph. Maintained arm speed on changeup that showed sink at 67-68 mph. Will continue to improve with maturity.

Best Of The Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Ryan Ayala, MIF, Huntley, 2018
5-foot-11, 175-pound, right-handed hitting middle-infielder. In the field has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Projects for 3B with slower actions and decent body control. At the plate hits from a crouched, open stance, with a long, leg kick stride. Long swing path and average balance. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.79. Will continue to improve with maturity.

Christopher Brill, MIF, Plainfield South, 2017
5-foot-11, 130-pound, left-handed hitting middle-infielder. In the field has a long arm action from a submarine arm slot. Threw 62 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from an open stance, drops hands on load, with a toe tap stride. Average balance with a long swing path. 69 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.00.

Jimmy Dale, SS, St. Charles East, 2016
5-foot-11, 180-pound, right-handed hitting shortstop. In the field has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Showed well going up the middle with some body control. Threw 74 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a wide, crouched stance. Long, uphill swing path with average balance. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.55.

Ryan Ferreri, MIF/RHP, Downers Grove South, 2016
5-foot-9, 170-pound, left-handed hitting MIF/RHP. In the field has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, shows some body control. Threw 75 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a tall, balanced stance, loads to backside, with a short leg lift stride. Line drive, gap to gap hitter, who looks to pull at times, with a long, uphill swing path. Showed some strength with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.50. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Drop and drive delivery, online, with some rhythm. Straight fastball sat 73-74 topping out at 75 mph. Curveball with 11-5 shape sat 59-61 mph. Slowed arm on changeup that flashed some sink at 64-67 mph.

Antonio Garcia, IF/RHP, St. Joseph, 2016
5-foot-8, 145-pound, right-handed hitting IF/RHP. In the field threw 69 mph across the infield. At the plate hit from a tall stance with a leg kick stride. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.16. On the mound worked from a high ¾ arm angle with regular effort. Straight fastball sat 72-74 mph. Curveball with slurve action sat 63-65 mph. Changeup with sink sat 65-67 mph.

D’Vante Glenn, MIF, St. Rita, 2015
5-8, 150-pound, right-handed hitting middle-infielder. In the field has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Decent actions with some lateral agility. Threw 74 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride. Line drive hitter with a long, level swing path. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Showed athleticism running the 60 at 6.97.

Andrew Gough, MIF, Lake Forest, 2018
5-foot-8, 150-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder. Small, athletic frame. In the field has a short arm action from a side arm slot. Some accuracy with fluid footwork, some lateral agility, and good body control. Threw 67 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride. Up the middle line drive approach with  a short, level swing path, and average bat speed. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.91.

Joe Kendzierski, SS, Lakes Community, 2017
6-foot-2, 171-pound, right-handed hitting shortstop. Lanky build. In the field has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Some accuracy with average arm strength. Threw 73 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from an open stance with a short, leg lift stride. Opposite fielder hitter with a long swing path. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.33.

Jimmy Laurenti, OF/SS, Aurora Central Catholic, 2017
6-foot, 165-pound, right-handed hitting utility player. In theoutfield has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot with some accuracy. Threw 73 mph from the outfield. In the infield has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Threw 69 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced, spread out stance. Long, uphill swing path. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.57.

Jake Leonard, MIF, Oswego East, 2016
5-foot-11, 150-pound, left-handed hitting middle-infielder. Lanky build. In the field has a long arm action form a ¾ arm slot, some accuracy with throws. Threw 68 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a wide base. Smooth, short load to backside. Simple up the middle approach, line drive hitter. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.46.

Andrew Loberg, OF/MIF, Waubonsie Valley, 2016
5-foot-7, 140-pound, right-handed hitting utility player. In the infield has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Fields ball close to body. Threw 73 mph across the infield. In the outfield showed a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with average hands. Threw 75 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from an open stance with a high back elbow and a short stride. Average balance with a long, level swing path. Line drive hitter with an up the middle approach. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.92.

Jack Lombardi, MIF, Loyola, 2016
5-foot-10, 175-pound, right-handed hitting middle-infielder. Strong, broad shouldered build. In the field has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws with average hands, and slower actions. Threw 71 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a tall, open stance, with average balance. Long, level swing path, with a one arm finish. Showed strength with 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.52.

Eli Mercado, SS, Taft, 2015
5-foot-8, 150-pound, left-handed hitting shortstop. Athletic build. In the field has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Arm is playable with some accuracy. Solid actions with average hands and fluid footwork, plays thru the ball well. Reads hops well with good body control. Threw 76 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup, leg kick load to backside, short stride and good balance. Line drive pull hitter. 72 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.60.

Matt Mier, MIF, Tri-Valley, 2018
6-foot-1, 180-pound, left-handed hitting middle-infielder. In the field throws from a high ¾ arm slot. At the plate hits from a tall, open stance, drops hands on load, and a short stride. Pull hitter, with an uphill swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.81.

Antonio Milazzo, SS, Minooka, 2017
5-foot-9, 135-pound, right-handed hitting shortstop. In the field has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm angle. Showed good body control with slower actions. Threw 65 mph across the infield. At the plate showed good balance from an open stance. Toe tap load with a short stride. Up the middle approach with a long swing path. 70 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.68. Will continue to improve with maturity.

Ryan Molina, SS/RHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2017
5-foot-9, 160-pound, right-handed hitting SS/RHP. In the field has a long arm action from a side arm slot. Playable arms, with slower actions, and average hands. Threw 75 mph across the infield. At the plate hit from an open stance with a wrap load, and short stride. Average balance with an uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.28. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm slot with a long arm action. Tall at balance point with a high arm draw, toe lands open. Fastball with run that sat 76-77 mph. Curveball with 11-5 shape that sat 63-66 mph. Slows arm on changeup that sat 59-62 mph.

Ryan Muehlfelt, MIF, Wheaton North, 2016
5-foot-6, 145-pound, right-handed hitting middle-infielder. Strong, compact frame. In the field has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Fields ball out in front with ok footwork. Threw 74 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced, open stance, smooth load, with short, leg kick trigger. Line drive, gap-to-gap hitter with a strong, solid swing path. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.17.

Alex Santiago, MIF, Plainfield Central, 2017
5-foot-9, 200-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder. In the field has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Threw 64 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a closed stance, with a short stride, and average balance. Gap to gap hitter, occasionally looks to pull, long, uphill swing path. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.62.

Nick Santoro, MIF, Waubonsie Valley, 2016
5-foot-10, 165-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder. In the field has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm angle, accurate throws, with average arm strength. Solid fundamentals with average hands and fluid footwork. Threw 75 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a wide, balanced setup with a short stride, and average balance. Line drive, gap-to-gap hitter with an uphill swing path. 71 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.35. 

David Stocking, SS, Joliet Central, 2017
5-foot-9, 152-pound, right-handed hitting shortstop.  In the field has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Threw 65 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from wide, balanced setup with a short stride. Short, uphill swing path. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.74.

Zach Wenz, MIF/OF, Neuqua Valley, 2018
5-foot-11, 145-pound, right-handed hitting utility player. Wiry, lanky, projectable frame. From the outfield has a short arm action form a high ¾ arm slot. Some accuracy with average hands and slower footwork. Threw 76 mph from the outfield. In the infield has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Some accuracy with average arm strength, and ok footwork. Threw 75 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a wide base. Stays tall and drops into load with a short stride. Line drive, gap-to-gap hitter with a long, uphill swing path. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.51.

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