By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The 2018 Senior Games took place Tuesday, August 8th at Triton JC in River Grove, IL. Over 100 uncommitted prospects from the class of 2018 participated in a pro-style workout and simulated games in front of the PBR Scouting Staff. 

Today, we continue the analysis of the event with a look at the infielder's from the day. Diego Munoz, who took home the top spot, has a simple offensive approach and natural infield actions.  

Top Infield Prospects

1. Diego Munoz, 2B, Mount Carmel, 2018
Committed to Western Illinois shortly following the event. 5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting second baseman. Offensively, balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Good balance. Pull hitter with a short swing path and fluid rhythm. 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.27. Defensively, short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Accurate throws across the infield. Athletic defensive actions with fluid footwork and soft hands. Threw 78 mph across the infield.

2. Jimmy Friel, SS, Grant, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Offensively hits from an open setup. Smooth load, leg lift stride with good balance. Fluid rhythm with a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.15. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Athletic actions with a clean exchange and soft hands. Threw 77 mph across the infield.

3. Maurey Garrett, 2B, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2018
5-foot-5, 150-pound right-handed hitting second baseman. Small, strong frame. Defensively, plays thru the ball with fluid footwork and soft hands.Quick, clean exchange. Short arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws with carry, threw 82 mph across the diamond. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride with good balance. Line drive hitter with fluid rhythm. Works the middle of the field. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.17.  

4. Caleb Durbin, SS, Lake Forest, 2018
5-foot-8, 164-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Strong, compact frame. Offensively balanced setup, armbar load, short toe tap stride. Short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact, 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.34. Defensively short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Accurate throws, showed ability to throw from multiple angles. Athletic defender, quick exchange with fluid footwork. Threw 77 mph across the infield.

5. Jaylen Heard, 1B, Marian Catholic, 2018
6-foot, 230-pound right-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with  a short stride and good balance. Pull, power approach at the plate with a long, swing path. 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.45. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Clean exchange with soft hands. Threw 68 mph across the infield.

6. Brett Johnson, SS, Joliet Catholic, 2018
5-foot-11, 175-pound left-handed hitting shortstop. Balanced, open set up offensively. Leg kick stride with good balance. Pull hitter with fluid rhythm and a fast bat. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.21. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Athletic actions with a quick exchange and average hands. Threw 73 mph across the infield.

7. Jack Riley, 1B, Stillman Valley, 2018
6-foot-3, 212-pound right-handed hitting first baseman with a large, strong frame. Offensively, wide base with a leg lift stride and average balance. Pull, power approach with a level swing path and fast bat. 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.88. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top slot. Accurate throws across the infield. Fluid footwork around the bag. Threw 75 mph across the diamond.

8. Tim Jean, 3B, Libertyville, 2018
6-foot, 170-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a wrap load and leg lift stride. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path and fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.24. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Athletic actions with soft hands. Threw 75 mph across the infield.

9. Seth Masters, LHP/1B, Sanburg, 2018
6-foot-2, 165-pound left-handed hitting LHP/1B. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Square landing with some rhythm. Fastball has running action at 80-81 topping out at 82 mph. Curveball has 1-7 shape at 66-68 mph. Changeup sat 74-75 mph. At the plate hits from a tall, open setup with a short stride and collapse on the backside. Pull hitter with a long swing path. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.46. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm angle. Clean exchange with good footwork around the bag. Threw 78 mph across the infield.

10. Ben Sodikoff, SS, Deerfield, 2018
5-foot-11, 150-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Defensively has a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Accurate throws across the infield with carry, throwing 77 mph. Plays thru the ball with quick, fluid footwork and soft hands. Showed good body control on the run thru. At the plate hits from a balanced, open setup. Long stride with early rhythm. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.29.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Nick Baldassano, 2B, Plainfield East, 2018
5-foot-9, 170-pound right-handed hitting second baseman. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a leg lift stride and average balance. Pull hitter with a long swing path and fluid rhythm. 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.75. Defensively has a short arm action, throws from multiple angles. Athletic actions with soft hands. Threw 75 mph across the infield.

Evan Barnes, 2B/RHP, Glenbrook North, 2018
6-foot-2, 172-pound right-handed hitting 2B/RHP with a lanky frame. Offensively hits from a tall, open setup with a leg kick stride. Long, uphill swing path. 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.47. Defensively has a loose arm action from a low ¾ slot. Clean exchange with soft hands. Good body control on the run thru. Threw 71 mph across the infield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a square landing working in line with home plate. Fastball has running action at 74-76 topping out at 77 mph. Slider has 11-5 shape at 66-68 mph. Changeup sat 66-67 mph.

Kendall Bonner, OF/INF, Morgan Park, 2018
6-foot, 190-pound, wide-shouldered, athletically built, multi-positional prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, minimal pre-pitch movement, short leg-lift trigger and good balance throughout. Simple, strong swing, creates bat speed and leverage. Short bat path, gap-to-gap approach; 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, worked out in the outfield and on the infield. Average hands and pronounced crow hop in the outfield. Short, over-the-top arm action, clocked at 81 mph from the outfield and infield. 7.53 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Michael Botthof, 3B/RHP, St. Rita, 2018
6-foot-2, 210-pound right-handed hitting 3B/RHP. Offensively, wide base with a short toe tap stride. Pull hitter, lets the ball travel. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.20. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Threw 79 mph across the infield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a short leg lift, works in line with home plate. Fastball has running action at 76-79 topping out at 80 mph. Curveball has 11-5 to 10-4 shape, will get on the side of it, worked 68-72 mph. Changeup sat 70-71 mph.

Connor Burns, SS, Crystal lake Central, 2018
5-foot-9, 140-pound switch hitting shortstop. Offensively similar from both sides of the plate, stronger from the right side. Short handsy load, spray hitter. With average bat speed. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.48. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 67 mph across the infield.

Steve Calamari, 2B, Cary Grove, 2018
5-foot-8, 160-pound left-handed hitting second baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short, leg kick stride and average balance. Pull hitter. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.77. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 69 mph across the infield.

Benjamin Campos, SS, Glenbard East, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Tall, balanced setup at the plate with a short stride. Line drive, pull approach. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.14. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 68 mph across the infield.

Bobby Dockendorf, SS, Joliet Catholic, 2018
5-foot-7, 135-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Offensively hits from a balanced, closed setup with a short stride and average balance. Opposite field line drive hitter. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.36. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Quick footwork. Threw 67 mph across the infield.

Kyle Engstrom, SS, Glenbard West, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Accurate throws across with carry, throwing 77 mph across the diamond. Athletic defender with fluid footwork. At the plate hits from a slightly open setup with a short leg lift stride and good balance. Line drive hitter with fluid rhythm. 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.45.

Martin Gavac, 3B, Glenbard West, 2018
6-foot, 210-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. At the plate hits from a tall setup with a leg lift stride. Pull hitter with a short, uphill swing path. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.18. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Slower actions and footwork. Threw 70 mph across the infield.

Peter Gross, OF/INF, Antioch, 2018
6-foot-2, 195-pound, strong, durable build, multi-positional prospect. Offensively, wide, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride and average balance through contact. Long bat path and looks to pull; 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, in the outfield, clean exchange, gains ground on his transfer, short arm action, high ¾ slot, clocked at 74 mph. Also, worked out at first base, quick transfer, accurate arm clocked at 74 mph. Ran a 8.05 60.

Nico Gutierrez, SS, Joliet Central, 2018
5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Offensively, balanced setup with a smooth load and toe tap stride. Collapse on the backside. 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.78. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Showed good body control on the run. Threw 73 mph across the infield.

Chase Hacker, 1B/LHP, Normal West, 2018
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitting 1B/LHP. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride. Pull hitter with a long swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.51. Defensively has along arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 72 mph across the infield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a short stride and upright finish. Fastball has cutting action at 75-78 topping out at 79 mph. Slider has 2-8 shape at 71-73 mph. Changeup sat 63-65 mph.

Matthew Hulsey, 1B/RHP, Homeschool, 2018
6-foot-1, 189-pound right-handed hitting 1B/RHP. Offensively hits from a tall setup with a short stride. Pull hitter with a long swing path. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.32. Defensively took drills at first base, threw 63 mph across the infield. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle. Works exclusively out of the stretch. Drop and drive delivery working in line with home plate. Fastball sat 57-59 topping out at 60 mph. Slider sat 51-52 mph. Changeup sat 54 mph.

Brandon Kaihara, RHP/3B, Niles West, 2018
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting RHP/3B. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Drop and drive delivery, falls towards first on release. Fastball has slight running action at 72-75 mph. Curveball sat 57-60 mph. Changeup worked 64-67 mph. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and average balance. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.96. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 75 mph across the infield.

Tim La, 2B, Fenwick, 2018
5-foot-8, 160-pound right-handed hitting second baseman. Offensively, open setup with a short leg lift stride. Line drive hitter with fluid rhythm. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.42. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 77 mph across the infield.

Giovanni Lee, 3B, Mercer, 2018
5-foot-5, 130-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. Offensively, balanced setup with a leg kick stride and a long swing path. 69 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.97. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 67 mph across the infield.

Coliani Martinez, 3B, Holy Trinity, 2018
5-foot-10, 195-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. At the plate hits from an open setup with an armbar load and leg kick stride. Pull hitter with fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.21. Defensively has a long arm action, throws from multiple arm angles. Plays thru the ball with soft hands. Threw 82 mph across the infield.

Austin Matuszewski, SS, Lake Zurich, 2018
5-foot-9, 175-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. At the plate hits from a balance setup, armbar load with a leg lift stride. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.23. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Clean exchange with average hands. Threw 77 mph across the infield.

Kevin Michealsen, SS, Hampshire, 2018
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Accurate throws across the infield. Athletic actions with a clean exchange. Threw 76 mph across the infield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and fair balance. Line drive hitter works the middle of the field. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.89.

Gage Olszak, RHP/1B, St. Laurence, 2018
6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed hitting RHP/1B. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery, working in line with home plate. Fastball has running action at 80-82 topping out at 83 mph. Slider works between 11-5 and 10-4 shape at 70-72 mph. Changeup has running action at 73-74 mph. At the plate hits from a slightly open, spread out base. Short stride with average balance. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.97. Defensively has a loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 78 mph across the infield.

Nathaniel Quinn, 2B, Morton West, 2018
5-foot-9, 170-pound right-handed hitting second baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, leg kick stride with fair balance. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.82. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Accurate throws across the infield. Athletic actions with soft hands and a compact exchange. Good body control on the run thru. Threw 81 mph across the infield.

Matthew Raymond, 2B, Loyola, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitting second baseman. At the plate hits from a tall setup with a short ,leg lift stride, and good balance. Gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm and a fast bat. Doubled to centerfield in game. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.33. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Quick, clean exchange with soft hands. Threw 72 mph across the infield.

Nathan Smith, 3B, South Elgin, 2018
6-foot-2, 192-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short leg lift stride and average balance. Pull hitter with a long swing path. Ran the 60 at 7.70. Defensively has a short arm action, can throw from multiple arm angles. Threw showed carry across the infield at 77 mph. Solid footwork and actions.

Quincy Sowell, 2B, St. Joseph, 2018
5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed hitting second baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short stride. Long, uphill swing path. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.36. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Threw 59 mph across the infield.

Evan Waddell, RHP/1B, Belvidere North, 2018
6-foot-5, 210-pound right-handed hitting RHP.1B with a strong frame. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a long, quick arm action. Tall and fall delivery with some effort. Works in line with home plate, square landing. Fastball was straight at 82-85 topping out at 86 mph for strikes. Curveball has 12-6 shape with gradual action at 67-69 mph. Slider has 11-5 shape at 70-72 mph. Struck out two in his inning of work. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and average balance. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.78. Took drills at first base, threw 83 mph across the infield.

Keyshawn White, 1B, Carver Military, 2018
6-foot-2, 207-pound right-handed hitting first baseman. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and average balance. Raw bat speed at the plate. Pull hitter with a leg lift stride. 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.48. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Threw 68 mph across the infield.  

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