Prep Baseball Report

Southern Wisconsin Open: Position Analysis


Matt Huck
Midwest Area Scout/JUCO Wire Editor

 

The Southern Wisconsin Open took place on Saturday, October 28th at STiKS Academy in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Today we start the analysis of the event with the top position player prospects.

Top Prospects

1. Connor Handel, C/IF/OF/RHP, Monona Grove, 2019
6-foot-1, 195-pound right-handed hitter with a strong frame. Worked out at every position. At the plate hits from a tall, open stance. Arm bar load with a short stride and average balance. Line drive hitter works gap to gap. Uphill swing path with extension and a fast bat. 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.44. Projects best behind the plate. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Accurate throws with carry out of the crouch. Soft hands receiving with a long transfer. Popped 2.12-2.22 and threw 77 mph out of the crouch. Showed off raw arm strength from the OF and IF throwing 88 mph from the outfield and 81 mph across the infield. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall delivery with some effort. Square landing working in line with home plate. Fastball sat 80-82 mph for strikes. Curveball showed no action at 64-68 mph. Changeup has slight running action at 71-73 mph for strikes.

2. Marcus Cline, SS/OF/RHP, Fall Creek, 2019
5-foot-10, 150-pound left-handed hitting utility player with a thin, lanky frame. Had some of the best arm strength at the event throwing 87 mph from the outfield, 83 mph across the infield, and topped out at 82 mph on the mound. Loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Athletic defender with soft hands. Throws showed carry from the outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short, leg lift stride and good balance. Loose hands and fast bat, uphill swing path with fluid rhythm. 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.22. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm with some effort. Fastball has running action at 77-82 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 64-68 mph. Changeup has fading action at 71-74 mph.

3. Hunter Olson, C, Oconomowoc, 2019
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Quick footwork and exchange. Gains ground towards second base. Popped 2.11-2.26 and threw 76 mph out of the crouch, accurate throws with carry. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly open setup. Arm bar load with a short stride and average balance. Gap to gap hitter with a short, level swing path and fluid rhythm. 86 mph exit velocity from tee. Ran the 60 at 7.58.

4. Joey Spence, C, West Bend East, 2021
5-foot-9, 170-pound left-handed hitting catcher with a strong frame. Offensively hits from a wide base, short leg lift stride with good balance. Line drive middle of the field approach. Short, uphill swing path with fluid rhythm. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.76. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Throws showed carry out of the crouch, popped 2.18-2.25 and threw 71 mph from the crouch. Quick footwork and exchange, gets out of the crouch quickly. Showed flexibility in the lower half receiving.

5. Arthur Liebau, RHP/1B, Homestead, 2020
6-foot-1, 180-pound two-way player, strong build with developed lower half. On the mound delivery is easy, tall and fall down the hill. Directional and over the top arm slot, long loose arm. Fastball is straight, four seam type, gets occasional tilt, sat 81-83 mph, mostly 83s. Curveball has 11/5 shape, thrown near fastball arm speed, 68-72 mph. Changeup sinks, fading action, 75-77 mph. Right-handed hitter, athletic setup, leg lift trigger, solid balance. Bat strength, works on top of the baseball, flashed hard contact. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm works long and high ¾, 80 mph across the diamond. First base profile, hands work well, showed feel around the bag. 7.49 runner in the 60.

6. Brady Renfro, LHP/1B, Antigo, 2020
6-foot, 175-pound left-handed two-way player, solid build. On the mound arm works quick from a high ¾ slot, loose arm. Works fast, uptempo, stretch only. Fastball topped at 83 mph, 80-81 mph, flashed sinking action. Curveball has 12/6 shape, sharp action, 69-72 mph. Changeup is deceptive with fastball arm speed, 71-74 mph. Left-handed hitter, tall setup, leg kick trigger, good balance. Bat strength and bat speed, uphill path, pull side approach. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays short and loose, high ¾ slot, 78 mph across the diamond. Natural actions around the bag, shows athleticism and soft hands. 7.71 runner in the 60.

7. Jake Nelson, MIF, Altoona, 2019
6-foot-185-pound middle infielder, athletic build. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, loads hands back, slight arm bar, stride is short. Creates bat speed, loose hands, slight opposite field contact. 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short, high ¾ slot, 79 mph across the diamond. Hands showed softness, athletic actions. 7.17 runner in the 60.

8. Zach Asik, OF/LHP, Wisconsin Lutheran, 2018
5-foot-11, 175-pound left-handed hitting OF/LHP with a strong frame. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, simple heel lift stride with fair balance. Line drive gap to gap approach. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively has a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Plays thru the ball with fluid footwork. Threw 83 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a high ¾ slot with a short, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with easy effort. Smooth rhythm works in line with home plate. Fastball has running action at 76-77 topping out at 78 mph. Curveball has 1-7 shape at 63-65 mph. Changeup is straight at 68-73 mph.

9. Jonah Wronski, C, Marquette University, 2020
5-foot-10, 185-pound right-handed hitting catcher with present strength in his frame. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Long exchange, with quick footwork. Accurate throws out of the crouch. Popped 2.17-2.25 and threw 73 mph. Offensively, balanced setup, early load, short stride, and good balance. Short, uphill swing path with a fast bat. 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.46.

10. Trevon Van Egtern, C, La Crosse Central, 2019
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitting catcher with a strong, athletic frame. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Had the best velocity out of the crouch at 79 mph. Windup from behind the plate. Popped 2.18-2.37. At the plate hits from an open setup with a leg lift stride. Opposite field hitter with an uphill swing path. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.40.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Jacob Bradley, INF, Tremper, 2019
6-foot-3, 165-pound infielder, thin lanky frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, leg lift trigger, short stride. Path is long, works uphill, opposite field contact. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively hands funnelled the baseball to release, second base type profile. Arm played high ¾, short action, 73 mph across the diamond. 7.94 runner in the 60.

Collin Callahan, 1B/OF/RHP, Lake Zurich (IL), 2021
Plus frame at 6-foot-4, 200-pounds. Offensively open setup, leg lift stride with average balance. Opposite field hitter with a short, uphill swing path. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.47. Defensively took drills in both the infield and the outfield. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Profiles best at first base. Threw 75 mph across the infield and 79 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall  and fall delivery, loses front side early. Slower paced delivery with good balance throughout. Fastball sat 73-76 topping out at 77 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 60-63 mph. Changeup sat 67 mph. Will continue to improve with coordination.

Jack Carlson, C, Neenah, 2020
5-foot-8, 165-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Offensively hits from a balanced setup. Leg kick stride with good balance. Good approach at the plate, pull hitter with a long, uphill swing path and fluid rhythm. Made consistent hard contact in his BP round. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.84. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Slow exchange with average hands. Popped 2.26-2.40 and threw 68 mph from the crouch.

Cedric Collier, 1B, Barrington (IL), 2019
6-foot-6, 225-pound first baseman, extra large frame, advanced build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, slightly wider, reverse tap trigger, average balance. Bat strength present, flashed hard loud contact, occasionally lacked timing, above average bat speed gap to gap approach. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long and over the top, 76 mph across the diamond. Large target around the bag. 7.10 runner in the 60.

Simon Dembiec, RHP/INF, Lake Country Lutheran, 2019
6-foot-3, 205-pound two-way player, large frame, strong build. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride to even, average balance. Flashed hard contact showing bat strength, path has length, works flat to pull side. 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles best at a corner. Arm action is long, loose, high ¾ slot, 78 mph across the diamond. 7.87 runner in the 60. On the mound fastball topped at 78 mph, sat 76-78 mph. Curveball has 10/4 shape, gradual action 59-61 mph. Changeup consistent at 65 mph.

Matthew DePrey, C, Sun Prairie, 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed hitting catcher with a lanky, athletic frame. At the plate hits from a balanced setup, short leg lift stride with good balance. Line drive, gap to gap hitter with fluid rhythm. Repeats well, short, uphill swing path with loose hands. 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.89. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Tall receiver, popped 2.19-2.32 and threw 71 mph out of the crouch.

Mitchell Drenzek, INF/RHP, Waterford, 2019
5-foot-10, 150-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, reverse toe tap stride. Path has length, opposite field approach, hits off front foot. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long and firm, 74 mph across the diamond. Deliberate footwork, works bent at the waist. 8.00 runner in the 60. Tall and fall delivery, high ¾ slot. Fastball topped at 74 mph, sat 73-74 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action 62-63 mph. Changeup is firm at 68-70 mph.

Isaac Engelbrecht, RHP/INF, Oak Creek, 2021
6-foot-2, 175-pound two-way player, long lean projectable frame. Projects best on the mound, balanced delivery, finishes slightly to first base side. Easy arm action long and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball topped at 77 mph, sat 74-75 mph, finishes in the zone. Curveball has 10/4 shape, 67-69 mph. Changeup has downer action 65-66 mph. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, slight drop of hands in to load. Projectable bat speed, path is long and works uphill. Defensively arm plays over the top, 71 mph across. Plays tall and works downhill. 7.54 runner in the 60.

Jacob Fischer, RHP/OF, Watertown Luther, 2020
5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from a low ¾ arm angle with a long arm action and long draw out of the glove. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing. Fastball sat 74-77 mph. Curveball has 10-4 to sweeping action at 63-65 mph. Maintains arm speed on changeup at 67-70 mph, straight action. At the plate hits from a crouched setup, leg lift stride with fair balance. Short, uphill swing path. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.69. Defensively threw 76 mph from the outfield.

Christian Flannick, INF, Sussex Hamilton, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, toe tap stride, quiet hand load. Short path, firm swing, 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long, 73 mph across the diamond. Hands funnel the baseball to release. 7.54 runner in the 60.

Payton Foltz, INF, Watertown, 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound infielder, lean projectable frame. RIght-handed hitter, balanced setup, long stride. Swing shows looseness, lower half works, uphill path. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, athletic arm action when on the move, 70 mph across the diamond. Hands showed soft feel, natural type defender. 7.75 runner in the 60.

Noah Glidden, INF/RHP, Nicolet, 2019
6-foot-4, 165-pound two-way player, lanky frame. Projects best on the mound, arm action is short and loose, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, 78-81 mph. Curveball ranged 58-63 mph, underneath at times. Changeup sinks, 61-64 mph. Right-handed hitter, open stance, leg lift stride. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles best at a corner spot, long arm across the diamond, 80 mph. Exchange gets long at times. 7.48 runner in the 60.

Nathan Hall, OF/INF, Cudahy, 2021
5-foot-5, 125-pound right-handed hitting OF/INF. At the plate hits from a tall, closed setup. Opposite field hitter with a short swing path. 66 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.09. Defensively took drills in the infield and the outfield. Threw 59 mph from the outfield and 57 mph across the infield.

Henry Hansen, C, Menomonee Falls, 2019
6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed hitting catcher with an athletic frame. At the plate hits from a wide base, short load and stride with good balance. Gap to gap hitter with an uphill swing path. Raw strength thru contact in BP. 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.73. Defensively short arm action from an over the top slot. Popped 2.22-2.33 and threw 70 mph out of the crouch.

George Henkel, RHP/3B, Appleton West, 2021
6-foot-2, 185-pound two-way player, athletic and projectable build. Right-handed hitter, slight open stance, short stride. Flashes bat speed on uphill path. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action plays from a high ¾ slot, 72 mph across the diamond. Deliberate transfer, sits and fields. 8.13 runner in the 60. On the mound arm works long from a ¾ slot. Fastball topped at 76 mph, sat 73-75 mph. Slider is 64-65 mph, slight lateral action. Changeup is 66-68 mph, occasional sink.

Mark Herold, INF, Kettle Moraine, 2019
6-foot-1, 185-pound infielder, solid frame. Right-handed hitter, open setup, leg lift trigger, solid balance. Flashed bat speed and occasional hard contact. Path is short and level, line drive approach. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. 73 mph across the diamond. Sets feet up to play through the baseball, third base/second base profile. 7.40 runner in the 60.

Jeff Hynes, C, Brookfield Academy, 2018
5-foot-11, 180-pound left-handed hitting catcher. Offensively hits from a wide base, toe tap stride, closes off. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.26. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Popped 2.15-2.26 and threw 70 mph out of the crouch.

Justin Jenkins, C, Waukesha West, 2021
5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitting catcher. At the plate hits from a tall, closed setup. Short stride with fair balance. 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.71. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ slot. Popped 2.36-2.53 and threw 71 mph from the crouch.

Wolfgang Kalz, OF, Appleton West, 2021
5-foot-6, 110-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a low hand set. Short leg lift stride with average balance. SHort, level swing path, line drive approach. 70 mph exit velocity from a tee. Moves well for size, ran the 60 at 7.49. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top slot. Two handed fielder. Threw 70 mph from the outfield.

Levi Kline, C, Baraboo, 2022
5-foot-10, 145-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Still raw with some present quick twitch athleticism. Offensively hits from a crouched, slightly open setup with a leg lift stride and average balance. Stiff rhythm with a fast bat and uphill swing path. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.45. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top slot. Throws worked uphill. Popped 2.47-2.68 and threw 65 mph out of the crouch.

Eric Kohnert, INF/RHP, Menomonee Falls, 2020
5-foot-7, 131-pound infielder, lean frame. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, leg lift stride. Path is long, works slightly uphill, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.35 runner in the 60. Defensively arm action is long, ¾ slot, 75 mph across the diamond. On the mound, fastball has slight sink, 74-76 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, showed feel and depth, 64-65 mph. Changeup sinks, 66-69 mph.

Anthony Labrec, INF/RHP, Cary Grove, 2020
5-foot-8, 130-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, open stance, lift and replace stride, minimal lower half. Timing delayed at times, path works up and through the baseball. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays high ¾, 69 mph across the infield. 7.62 runner in the 60. On the mound fastball showed occasional sink, 72-74 mph. Curveball works 11/5 58-63 mph. Knuckleball sits 56-58 mph.

Mason Lobner, INF, Muskego, 2020
Thin wiry frame, 5-foot-9, 114-pounds. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, short stride. Path is long and lifts the baseball, opposite field contact. 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, gets to a spot and fields the baseball, arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 58 mph across the diamond. 8.44 runner in the 60.

Cody Logterman, OF, Janesville Craig, 2019
6-foot-2, 200-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with a strong frame. At the plate hits from a tall, open setup with a toe tap stride. Short, uphill swing path with a fast bat. Showed raw strength thru contact in batting practice. 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.57. Defensively, short arm action from an over the top slot. Threw 78 mph from the outfield.

Cade Neuber, INF, Slinger, 2021
5-foot-7, 140-pound infielder, lean average frame. Defensively arm action is short, high ¾ slot, played athletically on the move, showing body control. 77 mph across the diamond. Hands showed softness, confident hands, ability to cushion to release. 8.03 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, slightly lifts. Path works with hands in side the baseball, loose swing, contact will continue to improve as he gets stronger. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Jason Neuroth, INF, Muskego, 2021
5-foot-7, 135-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, reverse load stride. Path is long, slight pull side approach. 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 70 mph across the diamond. 7.50 runner in the 60.

Nikolas Ostrowski, RHP/INF/OF, Lake Zurich (IL), 2022
5-foot-9, 165-pound right-handed hitting utility player. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Fastball sat 65-67 topping out at 69 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with gradual action at 57-59 mph. Changeup worked 62-63 mph. At the plate hits from a balanced setup, short stride, minimal lower half involvement. Level swing path. 71 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 9.70. Defensively took drills in the infield and outfield. Threw 67 mph across the infield and 70 mph from the outfield.

Avery Owusu-Asiedu, OF, Waukesha West, 2020
6-foot-3, 200-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with a plus frame and raw tools. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, low hand set. Short stride with average balance. Opposite field hitter with a short, uphill swing path. Present raw bat speed. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.65. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top slot. Raw actions with average arm strength. Threw 78 mph from the outfield.

Reno Povolo, LHP/OF, Cudahy, 2020
5-foot-5, 135-pound left-handed hitting LHP/OF. On the mound works from a ¾ arm arm angle with a short loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Square landing with good balance throughout delivery. Fastball sat 70-72 mph. Slider has 2-8 shape at 65-67 mph. Changeup worked 66-69 mph. Offensively hits from a narrow, tall setup. Short leg lift stride with fair balance. Middle of the field approach with an uphill swing path. 70 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.42. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Short, quick footwork, plays thru the ball. Threw 73 mph from the outfield.

Nick Rockweiler, OF, Elkhorn, 2019
6-foot, 180-pound left-handed hitting outfielder with a strong frame. Offensively hits from an open, spread out stance. Short hand load to backside. Leg lift stride with good balance. Pull hitter with a short, uphill swing path. 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.34. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top slot. Average hands and arm strength. Quick footwork, plays thru the ball. Threw 72 mph from the outfield.

Peyton Seebacher, OF/INF, Muskego, 2021
6-foot, 145-pound left-handed hitting OF/INF with a thin frame. Offensively hits from a balanced, closed setup. Drop and wrap load with a long, uphill swing path. Closes off on stride, fair balance. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.42. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Longer transfer with short, quick footwork. Projects best in the outfield. Threw 78 mph from the outfield and 74 mph across the infield.

Kellan Short, RHP/C/INF, Catholic Memorial, 2021
5-foot-7, 140-pound right-handed hitting utility player. Showcased best on the mound. Works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Square landing with some rhythm. Fastball works downhill at 73-76 mph. Curveball is best offering at 60-63 mph, 12-6 shape with depth and good rotation. Changeup is straight, works mostly glove side at 63-66 mph. At the plate balanced setup, short leg lift stride with average balance and late rhythm. Opposite field hitter with a short, uphill swing path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.86. Defensively took drills both behind the plate and in the infield. Short arm action from an over the top slot. Popped 2.25-2.35 and threw 70 mph out of the crouch. Threw 76 mph across the infield.

Colby Snell, INF/OF, Oshkosh North, 2020
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting INF/OF. Offensively hits from a tall, narrow setup. Long stride with fair balance. Short, level swing path, line drive approach. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.55. Defensively took drills in the infield and the outfield. Long arm action from an over the top slot. Average footwork with a long exchange. Plays thru the ball in the outfield. Threw 74 mph across the infield and 77 mph from the outfield.

Ethan Taylor, LHP/1B, Tremper, 2020
5-foot-9, 225-pound left-handed two-way player. On the mound arm plays from a high ¾ slot, long loose arm action, easy effort. Fastball runs to arm side, 76-77 mph, touched 78 mph. Curveball has 2/8 shape, ranged 60-63 mph. Changeup showed sink, 65-69 mph. Hits from a tall open setup, short stride to even. Pull side approach, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 75 mph across the diamond. Ran the 60 at 8.14.

Wolfy Waldron, 1B/RHP, Stevenson (IL), 2021
6-foot-3, 235-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, balanced feet, stride is short, static setup. Opposite field contact, two-piece approach, 70 mph exit velocity from the tee. 9.20 runner in the 60. Defensively arm played at 62 mph across the diamond, high ¾ slot. On the mound arm works similar. Fastball sat 65-66 mph. Changeup at 58-60 mph, sinks. Showed knuckleball at 51-54 mph.

Adam Zbiegien, 1B/OF, Cedarburg, 2020
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting 1B/OF. At the plate hits from tall, open setup. Toe tap stride with average balance. Opposite field hitter with a long, uphill swing path. Gets caught in between. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.92. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 72 mph across the infield and from the outfield.

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