By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Illinois/Wisconsin

Pitching is always one of the most coveted spots on the field and we’ve saved the best for last as the pitching group at this year’s Top Prospect Showcase was off the charts. 29 arms topped the 85 mph mark while six were 90 mph or better.

Liam Jenkins stole the show sitting 90-92 mph with feel of three pitches. At 6-foot-8, 225-pounds Jenkins has plenty of projection ahead of him and is seeing heavy pro interest this summer. Behind Jenkins comes another 2016 that showed well in Brenden Heiss. Heiss also sat at 90-92 mph and as just an incoming junior Heiss has a bright future ahead of him.

Here’s a look at the top pitching prospects from the Top Prospect Showcase.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Liam Jenkins, RHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2015
6-foot-8, 225-pound right-handed pitcher currently ranked No. 4 in Illinois’ 2015 class, No. 51 overall.  No prospect in the state of Illinois has come further over the past year than the projectable Jenkins.  At the Top Prospect Showcase Jenkins fastball sat 90-92 mph from a long and loose high ¾ arm action.  Like many pitchers with long limbs who have experienced huge growth spurts in a short time period, Jenkins struggles with command at times, but at this event he was locked in and showed a feel for all three pitches.  His mechanics are clean and repeatable, stays over the rubbers at load, and his lower half is in line with home plate at foot strike.  He slows his arm slightly on his 71-74 mph curveball with 11/5 shape and erratic command.  He did throw a few that flashed plus action, and in the past it shows slider tilt at times.  Jenkins impressed with plus feel for his 79-81 mph changeup that is thrown with a Vulcan/split grip.  He showed the ability to throw it consistently for strikes, occasionally flashing fade to his arm side.  Jenkins is one of the top pitching prospects in the Midwest, and will garner significant professional interest for the 2015 MLB Draft.

2. Brenden Heiss, RHP, Jacobs, 2016
6-foot-1, 200-pound right-handed pitcher, average athletic frame. Heiss has one of the strongest arms in the class of 2016. Delivery works across his body, regular effort, delivery shows timing and athleticism. Electric arm, combination of arm speed and strength saw his fastball sit at 90-92, showed experienced fastball command well beyond his age, late heavy feel, arm side run. Shows feel for changeup, deceptive arm action, showed sink and control of the zone. 79-80 mph. Curveball has 11/5 action, 69-70 mph, showed feel for the pitch, slurve type action, occasional back up action. Heiss projects as a high level arm in the 2016 class with a plus potential fastball. His feel for three pitches is highly advanced for his age and Heiss loos to be one of the more coveted arms in the class.

3. Ty Ramirez, RHP, Greendale, 2015
6-foot-2, 195-pound two-way player, frame carries strength, some raw athleticism. Ramirez projects better on the mound, delivery is simple and repeatable tall and fall delivery, smooth and quiet with explosive release. Arm works from a high ¾ slot, loose quick arm action, free and clean. Fastball has excellent finish through the zone, late heavy feel, sat 88-90 mph. Curveball had tight action, sharp snapping bite, 71-73 mph, showed the ability to control. Straight change, occasional cut action, 76-79 mph. Defensively showed advanced arm strength in the outfield, 91 mph from a crowhop, showed the ability to play through the baseball, corner outfield projection. 7.36 runner in the 60. Offensively hits from an open stance, longer strided, slight collapse and uphill path. Pull power approach, aggressive swinger, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ramirez projects as one of the top arms in the class.

4. Sean Hjelle, RHP, Mahtomedi (MN), 2015
6-foot-11, 190-pound right-handed pitcher was the surprise of this year’s Top Prospect Showcase.  Hjelle was a late addition to the event and did not disappoint, showing surprising feel for three pitches despite his extra-long and lean frame with an extreme downhill angle.  You won’t find longer limbs on any prospect in the country, and prospects with his build notoriously struggle to get their delivery in sync, but Hjelle is a consistent strike thrower both at this event and on the summer circuit.  His fastball sat 86-89 in the windup, from a long, high ¾ to over the top arm action, getting a good load over the rubber, and throwing slightly across his body.  His fastball dropped to 84-86 out of the stretch, as he cuts down leg kick, but his arm still catches up with lower half and he commands the baseball.  His 78-79 mph breaking ball has slurvy shape, but has tight rotation and he commands this as well.  Slurve dropped to 75-77 from stretch.  He also showed plus feel for a 78-81 mph changeup thrown near fastball arm speed with arm side run.  Hjelle’s current package is so intriguing, because even if he does not throw harder in the future, upper 80’s velocity from that extreme angle is something hitters never see, as Chris Young has had MLB success for several years from a similar angle and mid to upper 80’s velocity.

5. Cole Berry, RHP, St. Joseph-Ogden, 2015
6-foot-4, 185-pound lanky right-handed pitcher drew audible gasps from the throng of college coaches and professional scouts during his bullpen session with 86-90 mph fastball from a long and loose, ¾ slinging arm action.  Berry’s fastball had late, hard run, but he consistently missed up to his arm side, and proved to be hard to handle with is late movement, as he gets underneath the baseball at times.  Works extremely fast.  Slider flashed plus a few times anywhere between 66-74 mph, erratic as arm doesn’t catch up with body at times.  Showed better feel for strikes with 69-71 mph split-change with bottom.  Berry’s fastball/slider combination can be electric, and if he can synch together his delivery, his potential velocity from a unique arm angle could prove to be lights out in the back of a bullpen at the next levels.

6. Jack Eagan, LHP/OF, Wautoma (WI), 2016
6-foot-3, 215-pound, left-handed two-way player, large physical build, developed lower half. One of the strongest left handed arms in the Class of 2016. Slight drop and drive style delivery, uses regular effort. Arm action is long, high draw, strong arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball ranged 86-90 mph, heavier feel when down in the zone, lacked command. Curveball worked on 11/5 plane, showed above average action, mostly down, 69-70 mph. Changeup had some cut action, near fastball arm speed, 76-79 mph. Offensively hits from the left side, slightly closed and tall setup, short stride, high hands setup. Strong swing, flashed hard contact, 89 mph exit velocity. Left handed power potential with the bat. Defensively arm played similar to that on the mound, long action with some accuracy, topped at 84 mph. Outfield defense projects in a corner spot. 7.27 runner in the 60.

7. Trey Schramm, RHP, Hampshire, 2015
5-foot-11, 165-pound right handed pitcher, average frame with strength, quick twitch athletic build. Schramm has seen his velocity skyrocket over the last year. Delivery is up tempo, compact and works online, shows some effort. Arm action is quick, loose and works from a high ¾ slot. Fastball showed late arm side action, 88-90 mph, finished well through the zone, pounds the zone well. Curveball showed 12/6 action, 71-73 mph, plays well off of his fastball. Changeup has feel, throws with comparable arm speed, fading action and in the zone, 77-80 mph, showed changeup as an advanced pitch. Schramm projects as a back end of the bullpen type guy who can pound the zone with regularity and could see more velocity in his quick arm action.

8. Cal Coughlin, 3B/RHP, Carmel, 2016
Physically advanced two-way prospect, 6-foot-1, 200-pounds, strong lower half, developed shoulders. Offensively hits from both sides of the plate, shows similar abilities on both sides. Hits from a balanced setup, leg kick trigger, smooth loading action, excellent timing. Explosive bat speed, hard contact, advanced impact of the baseball, path has extension, gap to gap approach with power, showed the ability to back spin the baseball with authority. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed soft hands at third base, athletic defender, plays through the baseball, hands are soft, good lateral footwork. Advanced arm strength across the diamond (86 mph), high ¾ slot, showed accuracy and carry to target with carry, arm plays well on the move. On the mound delivery shows some effort and works online. Arm action is long and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball has run, sat mostly at 87 mph, touch 89 mph, showed control of the zone. Slider looked to be best secondary pitch, showed tight lateral action at 78-84 mph. Changeup has fastball arm action, 75-77 mph, showed some control. Curveball had weaker action than slider, 12/6 shape, 68-71 mph. Coughlin is one of the more highly coveted prospects in the Midwest and shows potential both with the bat and on the mound.

9. Nick Lackney, LHP, Whitefish Bay (WI), 2015
Hgihly projectable build, 6-foot-4, 175-pound left handed pitcher, long limbs, solid frame to add plenty of strength. Delivery works across body, some deceptive actions, creates angles, stays closed with athletic finish. Arm action has a shorter draw with length in front, ¾ slot. Fastball showed arm side run, finished well through the zone with advanced control. Slider has sweeping action, lateral break, thrown with aggressive arm speed, 74-75 mph. Changeup showed fade, 74-76 mph, deceptive arm action. Lackney showed feel and command of three pitches to pitch now at the next level, his body will need to fill out and add strength which should also add to his velocity.

10. Connor Wollersheim, LHP, Appleton North (WI), 2015
Projectable frame, lanky athletic build, 6-foot-1, 170-pound left handed pitcher. One of Wollersheim’s first outings since being cleared off of Tommy John surgery (June of 2013). Delivery is smooth and easy, excellent rhythm, slower tempo, works online and athletically. Arm action is clean, high ¾ slot, loose arm, showed little effort. Fastball has arm side run with sink, showed the ability to command the zone, 83-85 mph. Curveball showed 12/6 action, above average bite, showed control of the zone, 71-72 mph. Changeup has excellent action, 72-73 mph, fastball similar arm action, 71-73 mph. Wollersheim has a huge upside and should only progress more this summer after coming off of Tommy John.

11. Jonathan Stiever, RHP, Cedarburg, 2015
Projectable build, long lanky frame, broad shoulder, thin waist, 6-foot-2, 185-pound right handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, easy effort, works directionally on line with rhythm, athletic finish. Arm action is long and loose, quick arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run late in the zone, showed command, easy velocity at 85-88 mph. Slider has sweeping action, throws for strikes, 75-77 mph. Changeup has advanced action and feel, near plus pitch, deceptive arm speed, fading action, showed the ability to command, 76-79 mph. Stiever has a high level of projectability and shows feel for three pitches, high follow prospect in the class of 2015.

12. Malcom Grady, RHP, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2015
6-foot-4, 195-pound right-handed pitcher currently ranked No. 35 in Illinois’ 2015 class, No. 238 overall.  Grady’s smooth delivery and projectable frame make it easy to see future velocity gains.  Works from a long and loose, high ¾ arm angle, with a slight stab in back at times that can effect command.  Lower half stays online with home plate, but front foot gets outside of back knee at load, causing him to rush/topple towards home at times.  Easy 84-86 mph fastball shows slight arm side run.  69-72 mph curveball got better later in his bullpen session, flashing some 12/6 action later, backing up on him earlier.  Showed great arm speed on 76-80 mph changeup with arm side run.  Grady’s delivery is as easy as it comes, and he possesses a prototypical big league pitcher’s frame that should be able to add velocity in the future.

13. Jake Esp, RHP, Marmion, 2015
6-foot-5, 185-pound lanky, projectable right-handed pitcher currently ranked No. 40 in Illinois’ 2015 class, No. 151 overall.  Esp showed a feel for three pitches from a repeatable delivery with toe up at balance point and a hand bump giving him some rhythm.  His shoulders stay level and lower body stays online towards home plate as arm action is long and quick at a high ¾ slot.  86-87 mph fastball showed some sink, and 75-77 mph slider was thrown hard at same arm speed for strikes with horizontal action.  79-81 mph changeup showed some arm side run and occasionally bottomed out.  Esp is loose and projects to throw harder, especially considering his ability to spin a hard breaking ball.

14. Chase Slota, RHP, Lakes, 2015
Extra-large frame, 6-foot-5, 215-pound right-handed pitcher, wide shoulders gangly arms, typical pitchers build. Tall and fall style delivery, regular effort. Arm action is loose and quick, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run, pounded the zone, 86-87 mph, occasional heaviness. Curveball flashed 12/6 shape, showed the ability to throw it for strikes, occasional biting action, 70-72 mph. Changeup showed advanced feel, 72-75 mph, arm side run with confident arm action, controlled it well. Slota has a big strong frame and projects to have more velocity in the tank.

15. Riley Wikel, RHP, Muskego, 2015
Slender build, 6-foot, 150-pound right-handed pitcher. Works with a quick arm action, shows some effort, clean loose arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Tall and fall delivery, works on line, loads well over rubber, athletic finish. Fastball showed late running action, commanded well, sat 85-87 mph. Curveball has well above average action, curveball worked on 11/5 plane, stayed at 72 mph, showed feel for the pitch. Changeup flashed occasional advanced action to his arm side, decelerated arm action, sat at 72 mph. Wikel has a quick arm and a lively fastball, added strength could see velocity jump to match arm speed.

16. Alec Barger, OF/RHP, Champaign Central, 2016
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitting outfielder/right-handed pitcher currently ranked No. 43 in Illinois’ class of 2016 impressed as one of the top all-around athletes at this year’s Top Prospect Showcase.  Ran 6.64 in the 60, threw 89 from the outfield, and up to 86 off the mound.  At the plate, hits from a tall-open setup with a short stride, quiet hands, and a short load producing a short, compact, level line-drive swing with exit velocity up to 88 mph.  Moves well side-to-side in the outfield playing through the baseball getting good carry on accurate throws from a high ¾ arm action.  On the mound worked between 83-86 with fastball from high ¾ arm action from a smooth delivery that stays in line with home plate.  Fastball sat at 83 from the stretch as he failed to get back over the rubber and load hips.  68-69 mph curveball showed occasional 12/6 action, and slowed arm on 70-72 mph changeup with arm side run that he consistently threw for strikes.  Easy delivery, clean arm action, and overall athleticism make it easy to project low 90’s fastball velocity in the upcoming years.

17. Joe Dittmar, 3B/RHP, Richmond Burton, 2016
6-foot-1, 186-pound right-handed hitting two-way player currently ranked No. 15 in Illinois’ 2016 class, No. 55 overall impressed with arm strength both at third base and on the mound.  Physical and muscular build, hits from a balanced setup with a short, smooth load and a short stride with a level bat path producing line drives from gap-to-gap and 84 mph exit velocity.  Defensively, showcased the top arm across the infield at the event hitting 91 mph from short, high ¾ arm angle.  Showed soft hands and clean actions at third, and ranged well deep to his backhand into foul territory.  Ran 7.57 in the 60.  On the mound, Dittmar sat 85-87 mph, touching 88, from an over the top arm action.  Leans backwards at load with posture, getting arm slot up higher than his throwing motion at third base.  Arm action is longer on the mound, than in the field as well. Throws slightly across his body, with front foot landing slightly closed.  72-74 mph curveball showed some 12-6 action and late break, but was erratic down in the zone.  71-73 mph changeup exhibited some arm side run.

18. Jack Rettig, LHP/1B, Mahomet-Seymour, 2015
6-foot-2, 185-pound two-way prospect, long lanky frame, projects well. Delivery works with regular effort, toe up balance point, shoulder get uphill tilt, heel strike landing slightly open. Arm action is long and loose, ¾ slot, creates deceptive angles. Fastball has excellent action, run and sink to arm side, showed control of the zone, 82-83 mph. Changeup has well above average feel, fastball arm speed, 73-75 mph. Curveball has 11/5 tilt, occasional sweep action, 66-67 mph, throws for strikes. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, slight dive. Makes hard contact, consistently barreled baseballs in his round, showed the ability to get extension and work both gaps. 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.17 runner in the 60.

19. Quinn Snarskis, RHP/MIF, Fenwick, 2015
6-foot-1, 175-pound RHP/MIF impressed on the mound with quality feel for three pitches and sinker/slider combination.  Works from a long, loose, ¾ arm action, leaning over at waist changing posture to drop arm angle.  82-86 mph fastball shows considerable arm side run, while 72-74 mph slider comes from the same slot with sweeping action.  Throws both for strikes in any count.  72-74 mph changeup shows sink, but telegraphs by dropping arm slot and pushing it at times.  At the plate hits from an open setup with a leg kick, stomping with front foot, bringing weight forward producing 82 mph exit velocity.  Showed soft hands in the middle infield and good feel with accurate ¾ arm.  Ran 7.49 in the 60.

20. Jack Bredeson, RHP, Arrowhead (WI), 2015
Extra large frame, 6-foot-6, 235-pound right-handed pitcher, physically mature, sturdy build. Delivery has drop and drive tendencies, works online with open toe landing, some effort. Arm action is short all around, deceptive arm angle, over the top slot, hides ball well. Fastball is mostly straight with heavy feel, finishes through the zone, 83-85 mph, touched 87 mph. Curveball worked on 12/6 plane, 72-74 mph showed feel and more confidence. Power changeup with sink, fastball arm speed, showed action, 76-78 mph. Bredeson has a big sturdy frame that should bode well for durability going forward, his deceptive arm action is a unique quality that helps his fastball play up and tough for hitters to recognize.

20. Jack Collins, LHP, Denmark (WI), 2015
Strong build, 6-foot-3, 190-pound left handed pitcher, projectable build. Delivery showed rhythm, lower half works online, head tends to work away from body, athletic finish, some effort. Arm operates from a high ¾ slot, showed arm speed, loose arm, showed strength. Fastball topped out at 88 mph, mostly down, showed better command in the stretch. Curveball pitched at 69-73 mph, 11/5 plane. Changeup flashed sink, near fastball arm action, 71-74 mph. Collins is a big strong left handed arm who has shown he has the arm strength to pitch at a high level.

20. Logan McShane, RHP, Wisconsin Lutheran, 2015
Long athletic frame, body shows strength, long legs, excellent projectable body, 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, leg kick works up down and out, slower tempo, squared landing. Arm action is quick, high ¾ slot, long loose arm action. Fastball has run, showed control of the zone, 85-86 mph, touched 88 mph. Slider had sweeping action, 72-76 mph, tendency to get around at times. Changeup had arm side run, 77-80 mph, thrown with aggressive fastball arm speed, deceptive.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Daniel Budziak, LHP/OF, St. Rita, 2015
5-foot-10, 170-pound two way player, projects better on the mound. Delivery works slightly across body, closed shoulders, creates good angles. Arm works from a high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball showed occasional cut action, 81-82 mph, showed control. Curveball showed action and feel, 11/5 tilt, 68-71 mph. Changeup has feel, 73-75 mph, near fastball arm action. Offensively hits from the left side, open setup, high hands setup, slight leg lift trigger, good balance through contact. 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.12 runner. Defensively arm worked at 81 mph from the outfield, long arm action.

Austin Butts, 3B/RHP, Woodstock, 2015
6-foot-2, 200-pound 3B/RHP showed more arm strength on the mound than in the field.  Fastball ranged 83-85 mph from short, high ¾ arm action.  Repeats drop and drive delivery with slight jump at the hitter after loading over the rubber.    Threw strikes with 11/5 curveball with consistent shape.  72-75 mph splitter showed late tumble to his arm side.  Offensively, hits from an open setup with a short stride.  Hands move back smoothly in load producing a level, line drive bat path and 89 mph exit velocity.  Threw 78 mph across the infield.  Ran a 7.38 60.

Thomas Cheshareck, RHP/OF, Morris, 2015
6-foot-2, 185-pound two-way player, strong lower half, projectable build. Delivery shows some effort, slight paused at the top of balance point, open landing. Arm action is long and loose, quick arm. Fastball has run, 85-88 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 71-73 mph. Changeup showed sink, occasional arm side action, showed control, near fastball arm action, 74-76 mph. Offensively hits from the left side, tall setup, short stride, slightly dives, high back elbow. Showed bat speed, 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed arm strength from the outfield, had carry, 87 mph. Long exchange, ran a 7.49 60, corner outfield defender.

Garrett Davis, OF/LHP, Geneva, 2015
5-foot-11, 165-pound left handed two-way player. Tall and fall delivery on the mound, worked across body. Arm action showed regular effort, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed sink, 76-78 mph. Curveball has 11/5 action, 69-71 mph, showed the ability to land for strikes, also showed a cutter at 72-75 mph. Defensively arm played at 79 mph from the outfield, over the top slot. Feet worked in the outfield, 6.88 runner, plays through the baseball. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride with smooth loading action. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Zak Devermann, LHP, Oswego East HS, 2015
6-foot-1, 190-pound left-handed pitcher. Arm works cleanly from high-3/4 slot, shorter arm action, hides the ball well. Showed feel for three pitches, though changeup has potential to be go-to outpitch. Throws changeup with good arm action, 74-76 range, with arm-side run and some sink. Fastball topped at 84 mph, sitting 82-83, with minimal action. Curveball ranged between 70-72 with inconsistent action. Also a left-handed hitting outfielder who was clocked at 83 mph from the outfield and ran a 7.24 60.

Danny Ehrsam, RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2015
5-foot-11, 170-pound right handed pitcher, average build. Delivery is athletic and repeatable, smooth rhythm, works online, little effort. Arm action has quickness, loose arm, ¾ slot. Fastball has run, flashed late action, showed command of the zone, 83-85 mph, topped out at 86 mph. Curveball has action, 11/5 plane, showed bite, sharp action, controlled the zone, 72-73 mph. Changeup has advance feel as well, near fastball arm speed, excellent arm side run, commanded at 76-80 mph. Ehrsam has three pitch feel with excellent pitchability, his curveball plays up and has shown swing and miss action.

Timothy Fox, SS/RHP, New Trier, 2015
6-foot-3, 180-pound lanky, two-way player, currently ranked No. 183 in Illinois’ class of 2015.  Hits from a wide, balanced setup dropping hands down to load, with uphill bat path and 81 mph exit velocity.  Defensively, threw 80 mph across the infield from long, ¾ arm action with accuracy.  Exhibited average hands and stayed back on the baseball.  Ran a 7.62 60.  On the mound, threw 81-83 mph from long, loose, high ¾ arm action with arm side run on fastball.  Throws across his body, but exhibits good rhythm throughout delivery.  69-73 mph curveball showed late, sharp, 11/5 break and looked better than his 71-73 mph slider.  73-77 mph changeup was erratic showing some cut, but he looks to choke it at times.  Fox impressed more on the mound because of his smooth delivery and projectable frame.

Travis Hank, RHP, Whitney Young, 2015
6-foot-3, 188-pound right-handed pitcher currently ranked No. 185 in Illinois’ 2015 class.  Throws from funky, long, over the top arm action.  Fastball was straight at 83-85 mph.  Struggled to throw breaking ball for strikes, missing down in the dirt, but 71-73 mph curveball flashed plus action with late, sharp, bite; a plus out pitch that changes vertical plane.  81-84 mph changeup showed no separation velocity wise from fastball.

Jordan Hovey, SS/RHP, Edwardsville, 2015
6-foot, 175-pound SS/RHP currently ranked No. 54 in Illinois’ class of 2015 impressed with bat and defensive skills at shortstop.  Hits from a left-handed, balanced setup with a short stride, hitting off his backside with a gap-to-gap approach, producing 84 mph exit velocity.  Defensively plays through the baseball with soft hands and average carry across the infield with accuracy up to 82 mph.  Lacks elite side-to-side quickness, but surprised in running a 6.95 60, so does not lack for athleticism.  On the mound, utilizes a slow, deliberate delivery firing fastballs from 81-84 with a long high ¾ arm action.  74-77 mph slider backed up at times, and also showed sweeping action.  74 mph changeup was best secondary offering, with late action and arm side run thrown at fastball arm speed. 

Jack Kurtenbach, RHP, St. Ignatius, 2015
6-foot-6, 210-pound projectable right-handed pitcher impressed with physical size and loose, easy arm action.  Throws from a long, high ¾ arm action with sink on 81-84 mph fastball.  Showed feel for 69-72 mph curveball with 11/5 action.  76-78 mph changeup was firm showing occasional fade.  Kurtenbach has an extremely projectable frame that he can firm up, and with his easy arm action he could easily see velocity gains as he gets stronger in the coming year.

 Matt Lenzen, RHP, St. Rita, 2015
6-foot-2, 205-pound right-handed pitcher exhibited smooth tempo in tall-and-fall, up-down-and-out delivery.  Fastball ranged 81-83 from long and loose high ¾ delivery with arm side run.  70-73 mph curveball, and 71-72 mph slider blended together, showing similar 11/5 action, backing up at times as his hand got on the side of the baseball.  Threw consistent strikes with all three pitches.

Mike Lorenzi, LHP, Mount Carmel HS, 2015
6-foot, 220-pound left-handed pitcher. Showed improved velocity since February, topping at 84 mph, sitting 82-83 with his fastball, and 65-66 mph with curveball. Drop-and-drive delivery, high-3/4 slot; around the plate with three pitches. Changeup ranged between 71-73 mph.

Anthony Nicholas, RHP, Hinsdale South, 2015
6-foot, 190-pound right-handed pitcher threw 76-81 off the mound from a long, over the top arm action with some stab in back.  Throws slightly across his body, opening up hips early in his delivery.  Slows arm on 66-68 mph curveball with solid 12-6 downward action.  65-68 mph circle change was best secondary offering, showing screwball type action at times with sink and arm side run.

Louis Niemerg, 3B/RHP, Teutopolis, 2015
6-foot-3, 195-pound two-way player impressed defensively at third base and on the mound.  Hits from a wide, balanced setup, with a short stride.  Hands move back smoothly to load creating short, level bat path, with a low, flat finish producing 87 mph exit velocity.  Threw 82 mph across the infield from short, high ¾ arm action with average carry.   Showed quality actions on bare hand run through play.  On the mound, threw 84-87 with sink from easy delivery.  Stays online with lower half, arm action is clean and high ¾.  Threw strikes with 69-71 mph curveball, and 73-76 mph changeup that showed run to his arm side.  Also threw a knuckleball in the 70-71 mph range.

Matthew Phipps, RHP/SS, Harrisburg, 2015
Strong bodied, 6-foot-1, 185-pound two-way player. On the mound delivery is compact, short arm action, over the top slot. Fastball showed run at 82-84 mph. Curveball showed some depth, 68-71 mph. Slider showed later, flatter action, 75-77 mph. Changeup sat 71-72 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, no stride approach. Made hard contact, showed the ability to impact the baseball. Strong swing, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively used a short over the top arm slot on the infield, 82 mph across the diamond.

Matthew Ryan, LHP, St. Rita, 2015
6-foot, 175-pound left-handed pitcher. Delivery has direction, regular effort, works quickly and pounds the zone. Arm action is clean and quick, high ¾ slot, short arm action. Showed the ability to command fastball, 81-83 mph. Curveball has 11/5 action, occasional sweep, showed control, 68-70 mph. Changeup has arm side action, 73-75 mph, feel for the pitch, fastball arm speed.

Andy Scanlon, C/RHP, St. Ignatius, 2015
6-foot-3, 185-pound catcher/right-handed pitcher with lanky, projectable frame and strong lower half.  Impressed on the mound with 80-83 mph fastball exhibiting arm side run from long, high ¾ arm action with a slight wrist wrap in back.  72-74 mph curveball showed late, sharp 12/6 rotation.  Slowed arm on 71-74 mph changeup with sink and arm side run.  Offensively, hits from a wide slightly closed setup with an uphill bat path and minimal stride producing 80 mph exit velocity.  Behind the plate, pop times ranged between 2.04 and 2.15 from short, over the top arm action with accuracy and carry.  Ran 7.28 in the 60.

Brady Schanuel, RHP/3B, Belleville East HS, 2015
Athletically built 6-foot-2, 180-pound two-way player. On the mound, the right-hander operates from 3/4 slot, loose, easy arm action, drop-and-drive delivery, opens front side early. Fastball sat at 83-84 mph with little effort – potentially more in tank with few mechanical adjustments. Changeup is quality pitch, 75-77 mph, with some arm-side run. Curveball has erratic action in 67-69 range. Positionally, Schanuel is a left-handed hitting third baseman. Showed above-average arm strength (81 mph) across the infield, lower arm slot for position. Offensively, hits from a crouched setup, drops hands at load, longer bat path, maintains balance throughout swing. Ran a 7.49 60.   

Kyle Schulz, OF/LHP, Kenosha Bradford (WI), 2015
Athletically built, 5-foot-10, 150-pound outfielder. Offensively carries himself well, hits from a tall open stance from the right side, short stride, smooth repeatable loading action and swing, maintains excellent balance through contact. Bat path stays on top of the baseball, line drive gap to gap approach, short path, can get more out of back side. Athletic runner, smooth footwork, 6.72 60 yard dash. Defensively plays through the baseball, natural defender. Arm action is loose and athletic high ¾ slot, left handed thrower, showed accuracy with carry, 85 mph arm strength. On the mound worked from a high ¾ slot, loose arm action with arm speed. Minimal effort, tall and fall delivery, slightly across body. Fastball showed control of the zone, 80-81 mph. Curveball has slurve type action, near fastball arm speed, showed feel at 66-68 mph. Changeup flashed occasional sink, showed feel, 74-75 mph.

Michael Shereyk, LHP, Homewood-Flossmoor HS, 2015
6-foot-1, 200-pound left-handed pitcher with solid lower half. Repeats mechanics well, works from high-3/4 slot, drop-and-drive delivery, around the zone with four pitches. Fastball showed some arm-side run at 80-82 mph, consistent strikes. Throws two breaking balls – 72-mph slider looks to be more effective pitch, as it as sharper action than 65-67 mph curveball. Changeup can also be an effective offering, ranges between 70-72 with slight arm-side run.   

Brian Shrimmer, RHP, Vernon Hills, 2015
5-foot-10, 165-pound right handed pitcher. Delivery has some direction, squared landing, shoulders work uphill. Arm action is long, two-piece action, over the top slot. Fastball showed control of the zone, 81-83 mph. Curveball works at 66-69 mph, decelerated arm action. Changeup sat 74-77 mph.

Strahinja Stajic, RHP, Serbia, 2015
Serbian-born 5-foot-10 right-handed pitcher, thin lanky frame. Works from high-3/4 slot, shows good rhythm throughout delivery with balance. Fastball ranged between 78-79 mph, topping at 80, with slight arm-side run. Curveball ranged between 69-73 with gradual break.

Jack Stannard, LHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2015
6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed pitcher showed feel for three pitches from long, high 3/4 arm action.  Gets over rubber well, closes shoulders and comes out and around with glove hand, hiding the baseball.  Lower half generally stays online with home plate, landing slightly close on front foot, and throwing slightly across his body.  80-83 mph fastball showed some run when located to arm side.  Slows arm on 63-65 mph curveball with 12/6 action and a slight hump.  72-74 mph circle changeup was thrown at fastball arm speed with fade to his arm side, looks to be his best secondary offering.   

Tanner Umentum, RHP/SS, Denmark, 2015
6-foot, 160-pound two way player, thin build, frame has some length. Projects better on the mound. Delivery works with some rhythm, regular effort, stays on line. Arm action is loose, above average arm speed, showed quickness, high ¾ slot. Showed control of his fastball, sat 84-86 touched 87 mph. Featured both curveball and slider, little differential in velocity, slider showed flatter action and tended to get on the side, both sat 68-71 mph with curveball touching 72 mph, curveball had stepper action and showed the ability to spin it. Changeup was thrown with near fastball arm speed, occasional sink, consistently down, 73-75 mph. Defensively showed the ability to play through the baseball on the infield, above average arm strength, showed carry, touched 86 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.58 60. Offensively hits from an open stance, slight leg lift, occasionally dives. Swing showed some athleticism and repeatability, mostly opposite field contact. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Logan Wonn, RHP, Oconomowoc, 2015
6-foot-2, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, thick sturdy build. Delivery has rhythm, minimal effort, occasionally opens front side early. Arm worked from a ¾ slot, regular arm action. Fastball showed sink, heavy feel, showed control of the zone at 84-85 mph touching 86 mph. Curveball has 11/5 action, near fastball arm action, 70-72 mph. Throws a firm changeup, 76-78 mph, fastball similar arm action, occasionally flashed cut action.

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