Underclass Invitational: Pitching Analysis

February 13, 2015

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

The Prep Baseball Report’s Underclass Invitational for 2017 and 2018 prospects took place on Sunday January 18^th at the Max in McCook, IL. 98 underclass prospects completed a pro-style workout for the PBR Illinois Scouting Staff, several of whom were new to the PBR.

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

Click Here to view Top Performers from the event based on standard scouting terminology in our “Top Tools Breakdown”.

Over the last several days we’ve broken down the talent at each position in the field and today we’ll take a look at the pitchers.

McHenry West’s Bobby Miller ranked as one of the top corner infielders, and although his bat may play at the next level, his ceiling on the mound is as high as any prospect in Illinois’ 2017 class. Miller sat 87-88 mph and touched 90, tying an Underclass Invitational record. The lanky right-hander is committed to Louisville and is one of the top two-way talents in the Midwest.

Mundelein’s Brendan Murphy sat 81-83 mph, but his frame and easy arm action suggest there’s more in the tank down the road. Murphy showed feel for a three pitch arsenal, and will be one of the most sought after left-handers in Illinois’ 2017 class.

A pair of Plainfield South teammates, Austin Marozas and Konnor Ash, ranked No. 3 and 4 respectively. Marozas has a prototypical professional pitcher’s frame at 6-foot-5, 190-pound and was up to 85 mph, though I personally witnessed him up to 87 mph one week prior. Ash had one of the most lively arms at the event firing 84-86 mph fastballs, while also impressing with his hard secondary offerings

Like Marozas, Lake Zurich’s Shane Nolan has a wide-shouldered huge frame, and sat 83-85 mph with a loose arm action. Nolan rounds out our top five and is a prospect to follow closely over the next several years.

Let’s take a look at the Top Pitching Prospects from this year’s Underclass Invite and be sure to check back on Monday when we'll release the Top Overall Prospects from the event.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Bobby Miller, RHP/1B, McHenry West, 2017
6-foot-4, 185-pound lanky, athletic, extremely projectable RHP/1B hits from a tall, open setup, short stride, slight leg kick trigger, hands load back smoothly, fluid rhythm, plus bat speed, short, level bat path, feel for barrel, gets extension, hit line drives from gap-to-gap during batting practice, 90 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, a plus defender at first base, athleticism to play third as well. Threw 86 mph across the diamond from long, high ¾ arm slot, soft hands, could improve feel of feet around the bag. Ran a 7.46 60. On the mound, Miller sat 87-88 from the windup touching 90 mph from a long, loose, ¾ arm slot, heavy arm side run on fastball, late action. Tall/fall delivery, smooth rhythm throughout, to up at balance point, lands in line with home plate, slight recoil at finish. Fastball sat 86-88 mph from the stretch. 68-72 mph breaking ball is called a curve, has 10/4 slurvy shape, sharp, late action, thrown for strikes, down the road due to arm angle could have a lethal sinker/slider combination. Also showed feel for 76-78 mph changeup thrown aggressively with same heavy finish as fastball. Miller is committed to Louisville and shows legitimate two-way potential, although is ceiling on the mound may be higher thanks to his potential for two plus pitches.

2. Brendan Murphy, LHP, Mundelein, 2017
6-foot-2, 180-pound lanky, athletic, and projectable LHP works from a long, loose, easy high ¾ arm slot, tall/fall delivery, smooth rhythm throughout, loads lower half over rubber, toe up at balance point, stride direction is in line with home plate, lands square. Fastball sat 81-83 mph for strikes with occasional plus sinking action. 71-74 mph curveball flashed 1/7 shape, thrown from strikes, gets slurvy at times. Aggressive arm action on 74-76 mph changeup with arm side run. Murphy is one of the top southpaws in Illinois’ 2017 class and projects to throw harder due to his plus frame and smooth, easy arm action.

3. Austin Marozas, RHP, Plainfield South, 2017
6-foot-5, 190-pound physical right-handed pitcher, long levers, currently ranked No. 10 in Illinois’ 2017 class. Marozas works from a long, loose high ¾ arm slot, tall/fall type delivery, strides well across his body, but then lands slightly open at times, stride direction causes shoulders to close off, work side-to-side, and limits extension on pitches. Fastball sat 83-85 mph, curveball showed gradual break, 11/5 shape in the 63-65 mph range. Drops angle slightly at times on 67-70 mph slider, shape is more lateral that curveball. Also threw 75-76 mph changeup with arm side run. Shows feel for all four pitches, breaking balls show separation. Marozas has as high of a ceiling as any prospect in the 2017 class and will be followed closely over the next three seasons.

4. Konnor Ash, RHP, Plainfield South, 2017
5-foot-11, 150-pound right-handed pitcher impressed with plus arm speed for age and smallish frame. Plenty of projection remaining. Fastball sat 84-86 mph from quick, loose, high ¾ arm slot, loads knee over rubber at balance point, aggressive with lower half, jumps at hitter, slightly uphill shoulders/front side, smooth rhythm through delivery, lands slightly closed at times, stride direction is in line with home plate. Curveball and slider both sat in the 71-73 mph range, similar shapes, better command of hard, late breaking slider, 10/4 shape. Plus feel for 78 mph changeup thrown aggressively with arm side run. Ash will be one of the top arms in the 2017 class to follow thanks to his arm speed and feel for three pitches, especially if he grows/physically matures.

5. Shane Nolan, RHP/3B, Lake Zurich, 2017
6-foot-3, 225-pound wide shouldered right-handed hitting RHP/3B hits from balanced setup, short stride, hands load back smoothly, long, slightly uphill bat path, strength present in swing, 82 mph exit velocity, showed pull tendencies during batting practice. Defensively, threw 81 mph across the diamond from long, loose, high ¾ arm slight with accuracy and carry. Size could fit more at first base, but showed soft hands and good field fielding at third. Ran an 8.5 60. On the mound, fastball sat 83-85 mph from the windup, 80-82 from the stretch from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot. Smooth, easy tall/fall delivery, level shoulders throughout delivery, loads lower half over the rubber, stride direction in line with home plate, lands square. 11/5 curveball sat 65-68 mph from the wind, 63-65 from the stretch with more strikes. Showed feel for 69-73 mph changeup with arm side run. Also threw a 67-68 mph split with late tumble. Nolan has a plus frame and is one of the most projectable right-handers in the 2017 class.

6. Parker Aquino, RHP/MIF, Naperville North, 2018
6-foot, 135-pound lanky right-handed hitting RHP/MIF hits from an open setup, hands load smoothly, short stride, barrel whips through the zone, long, slightly uphill bat path, some lift to swing, feel for barrel, 78 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 80 mph across the diamond from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot with carry, average hands fielding, fluid footwork, winds up to throw the baseball taking some time getting rid of it. On the mound Aquino is one of the top prospects in Illinois’ 2018 class. Sat at 82-83 mph from short, clean, high ¾ arm slot, turns over rubber at balance point, rides lower half down the mound leading with front hip, smooth rhythm, lands square in line with home plate, athletic finish. 66-69 mph curveball flashed 11/5 shape, thrown for strikes. Also threw 74-75 mph changeup with advanced feel out front. Pitch is plus for his age, with arms side run and late finish. Aquino’s frame, loose arm, and feel for three pitches will make him a high follow prospect in the 2018 class.

7. Jake Pomykalski, RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2017
6-foot-4, 210-pound lanky and athletic RHP works from a long, loose, quick, ¾ arm slot, toe down at balance point, loads lower half over the rubber, lands square in line with home plate, spins off slightly towards first base at foot strike. Fastball sat 83-85 mph with late arm side run, impressing since he sat 76-78 mph back in June. Lacks feel for 68-73 mph curveball with gradual 10/4 shape. Arm slot may be conducive to a slider down the road. 69-73 mph split flashed hard, late, downward action. Pomykalski has huge hands, which works well for his split.

8. Sam Fradin, 3B/RHP, Deerfield, 2017
6-foot, 170-pound right-handed hitting 3B/RHP hits from an open setup, hands load back smoothly, short stride, short, level bat path, occasionally gets extension, drove the ball to right-centerfield during batting practice, 83 mph exit velocity of the tee. Defensively, impressed with arm strength across the diamond, throwing 83 mph from third base from a short, high ¾ arm slot with carry, hands showed average fielding, fluid footwork, ran a 7.51 60. On the mound, Fradin sat 80-84 mph from a short, loose, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balanced point, some rhythm to delivery, shoulders stay level throughout, tall/fall delivery, lands in line with home plate, athletic finish. Gets around 64-67 mph curveball, showed aggressive arm speed on 75-76 mph changeup.

9. Johnny Buckner, RHP, Mundelein, 2017
6-foot-2, 180-pound lanky and athletic RHP currently ranked No. 31 in Illinois’ 2017 class, works from a short, quick, high ¾ arm slot, tall/fall over head, full windup delivery, some rhythm, level shoulders throughout, stride direction in line with home plate, recoils on fastball, struggled to repeat delivery. Fastball sat 82-84 mph with late life through the zone. Slows arm on 60-64 mph curveball, flashed 12/6 shape. Also slowed arm on 65-70 mph changeup. Buckner is a prospect to follow in the 2017 class.

10. Garret Goetz, RHP, Oswego East, 2017
6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed pitcher works from a long, high ¾ arm slot, regular effort, loads lower half over the rubber, toe down at balance point, level shoulders throughout delivery, lands in line with home plate. Fastball sat 81-83 mph, late life thrown for strikes consistently. Gets around 65-68 mph breaking ball, slows arm slightly on 72-73 mph changeup.

11. Carter Lawler, RHP, Hampshire, 2017
6-foot-1, 165-pound wide shouldered, large frame, RHP sat 80-83 mph with his fastball from a long, quick, ¾ arm slot, drop and drive delivery, loads lower half over the rubber, works slightly across his body, lands slightly closed. Fastball thrown for strikes with sinking action. 61-63 mph curveball flashed 10/4 shape, more of a slider, also showed feel for a 66-69 mph changeup.

12. Josh Baker, 1B/RHP, Lockport, 2017
6-foot-2, 210 pound strong, wide shouldered 1B/RHP hits from a wide base, short stride, strides open slightly, some stiffness to slightly uphill swing, strength present at impact, above average 85 mph exit velocity. Defensively, arm strength present across the diamond, 84 mph from short, over-the-top arm slot, soft hands fielding, clean exchanges, athletically fields his position. Ran a 7.44 60. On the mound, fastball sat 86-87 mph from long, high ¾ arm slot, regular effort, leans over slightly at balance point, drop/drive delivery, shoulders work downhill, lands hard at foot strike. 64-69 mph curveball struggled with consistent shape, also threw a 66-70 mph changeup. Baker has plenty of arm strength and is extremely physical. He could be a 90 mph arm within the next year.

13. Jimmy Burnette, OF/LHP, St. Laurence, 2017
6-foot, 155-pound lanky and athletic left-handed hitting OF/LHP hits from a wide base, crouch setup, hands don’t move in load, utilizes a weight shift backwards, no stride approach, short, level bat path, hit line drives from gap-to-gap during batting practice, fluid throughout, 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 84 mph from the outfield from a long, loose, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy and carry. Soft hands fielding, quick footwork, plays through the baseball. On the mound, Burnette impressed showing feel for three pitches from a tall/fall delivery, long, loose, high ¾ to ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, level shoulders, stride direction in line towards home plate, lands square. Fastball sat 77-80 mph, breaking ball flashed 2/8 slider shape in the 63-64 mph range, also threw a 75-76 mph changeup aggressively with cutting action.

14. Kenny Swart, RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2017
6-foot-3, 210-pound RHP works from a long, loose, ¾ arm slot, tall/fall delivery, toe down at balance point, loads knee over rubber, lead leg straightens out, flies open with lower half, spins off at times towards first base. Fastball sat 80-81 mph with late arm side run. Showed feel for 69-72 mph knuckle curve with occasional 12/6 shape. 70-72 mph changeup flashes sinking action, slowed arm slightly. Swart has a physical frame and impresses with his feel for three pitches.

15. Hunter Keim, SS/RHP, Rock Island, 2017
6-foot-1, 150-pound lanky right-handed hitting SS/RHP hits from an open stance, leg kick stride, dives slightly, repeats short, level swing, line drives from gap-to-gap during batting practice, loose wrists, fluid swing, 83 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 76 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot, with accuracy and carry across the diamond. On the mound, fastball sat 78-80 mph from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, tall/fall delivery, smooth, up-tempo rhythm, level shoulders throughout, stride direction is across his body, athletic finish. 65-68 mph spike curve flashed sharp, 12/6 action, also showed feel for 71-74 mph changeup with fading action. Keim has a projectable frame and continues to improve each time we’ve seen him. He has considerable upside on the mound thanks to his frame and sharp breaking ball.

16. Kade Burns, SS/RHP, Edwardsville, 2017
5-foot-9, 155-pound left-handed hitting SS/RHP hits from a slightly open stance, short stride, hands load smoothly, short, level path to the baseball, advanced feel for barrel, 81 mph exit velocity off the tee, produced several line drives from gap-to-gap during batting practice. Defensively, threw 81 mph across the diamond from short, over-the-top arm slot with carry and accuracy. Soft hands fielding the baseball, fluid footwork, clean exchanges, athletically plays through the baseball. Ran a 7.22 60. On the mound, fastball sat 78-81 mph with late arm side run for strikes. Short, quick, high ¾ arm slot, easy effort, tall/fall delivery, balanced throughout delivery, level shoulders, lands in line with home plate. Slows arm on 64-66 mph curveball, with gradual break, 12/6 shape. Threw 69-74 mph changeup for strikes with sinking action. Burns is a high follow prospect in the 2017 class.

17. Jake Jones, RHP, Brother Rice, 2017
6-foot-3, 175-pound lanky and projectable RHP works from a high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, level shoulders throughout delivery, lower half stride direction is in line with home plate, lands square. Fastball sat 78-80 mph. Showed feel for 61-64 mph curveball with 12/6 shape. Also threw a 70-71 mph changeup with some sink.

18. Blake Begner, LHP/OF, Peoria Heights, 2017
5-foot-9, 140-pound left-handed hitting LHP/OF hits from a wide base, open stance, hands load back, short stride, long, level bat path, up the middle approach, 71 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 79 mph from short, loose, over-the-top arm slot with accuracy and carry. Plus arm for frame and age. Fluid footwork in the outfield, quick exchanges, attacks the baseball. Ran a 7.66 60. On the mound, fastball ranged from 77-79 mph, touching 80. Same straight over the top angle as in outfield, aggressive in delivery, shoulders work uphill, stride direction in line with home plate, falls towards third base due to aggressiveness. Throws 60-64 mph curveball aggressively with sharp bite, 1/7 shape. Slows arm slightly on 60-61 mph change. Due to his arm speed and clean arm action Begner is an prospect to watch as he continues to grow, especially on the mound.

19. Andrew Wilhite, SS/RHP, Stillman Valley, 2018
5-foot-10, 150-pound left-handed hitting SS/RHP hits from a balanced setup, hands load back smoothly, short stride, loads/turns hips, short, slightly uphill bat path, feel for barrel and extension, 80 mph exit velocity off the tee, impressed with up the middle line drives during batting practice. Defensively, threw 79 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Hands are soft, fields the baseball out front, ran a 7.64 60. On the mound, fastball sat 77-79 mph touching 81 mph, missed glove side, pulling the baseball at times. Works from short, loose, high ¾ arm slot, easy effort, tall/fall delivery, smooth rhythm, level shoulders throughout delivery, lower half stays online towards home plate, lands athletically and square, great balance throughout delivery. Threw 11/5 breaking ball at 66-67 mph consistently for strikes. 72-73 mph changeup flashed sinking action.

20. Tyler Talbot, LHP, Minooka, 2017
6-foot, 155-pound lanky LHP sat 77-79 from a long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, easy effort, tall/fall delivery, smooth rhythm through delivery, shoulders stay level throughout, stays in line with home plate, land square. Showed feel for three pitches, 61-64 mph curveball was thrown for strikes, 1/7 shape. Also threw 63-65 mph changeup for strikes with sinking action, slows arm slightly. Talbot is extremely projectable and with his clean arm action as he fills out he could see a significant velocity bump.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Brenden Alsup, MIF, Jefferson, 2017
5-foot-10, 130-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder hits from a narrow, open setup, dives slightly during stride, gets wide after stride out, drops hands to load, feel for barrel, short, level bat path produced line drives from gap-to-gap, 74 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 71 mph across the diamond from short, stiff, over-the-top arm action, quick exchange getting rid of the baseball. Ran a 7.91 60. On the mound fastball sat 72-73 mph from over-the-top arm slot, hooks wrist in back of arm action, toe up at balance point, slow tempo, uphill shoulders, lands in line with home plate. 55-57 mph curveball broke gradually, 12/6 shape. Also threw a 68 mph changeup.

DJ Donofrio, OF/RHP, Plainfield East, 2017
5-foot-11, 190-pound right-handed hitting OF/RHP hits from wide base, choppy rhythm, feet are choppy pre-pitch, leg kick gets down late, long, uphill bat path, opposite field tendencies due to swinging late, bat speed and strength is present with 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 76 mph from the outfield from long, high ¾ arm slot, exaggerated crowhop before throwing. Ran a 7.26 60. On the mound fastball ranged from 74-78 mph, touching 81 mph on his final pitch. Utilizes a funky, stiff, overhead windup, short, straight-over-the-top arm slot, toe up at balance point, lands closed on heel of front foot, spinning off towards first base. 64-68 mph curveball flashes 12/6 shape, also threw a straight change from 67-72 mph.

Tyler Esplin, 3B/RHP, Lake Forest, 2017
6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed hitting 3B/RHP hits from an open setup, dives slightly, short stride, short, uphill bat path, natural lift to swing, took an impressive round of batting practice with line drives from gap-to-gap, 86 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 83 mph across the diamond from long, loose, high ¾ arm slot with some accuracy, average hands defensively. On the mound, fastball sat 81-83 mph from short, ¾ arm slot, loads knee over rubber at balance point, tall/fall delivery, slightly rushed at times, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, lands square, struggled to throw strikes as shoulders work side-to-side/get sweepy at times. Threw a 60-64 mph curveball, and a 68-69 mph slider, slider works with arm slot better as he gets around curveball. 69-73 mph changeup pulled out of the zone. Esplin has plenty of arm strength and his left-handed bat makes him a high follow prospect in the 2017 class.

William Jackson, OF/RHP, Loyola, 2018
5-foot-10, 140-pound right-handed hitting OF/RHP hits from a balanced setup, hands start high, short stride (toe taps backwards), average bat speed, level path, up the middle approach during batting practice, 76 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 73 mph from the outfield from short, loose, over-the-top arm slot with accuracy and carry. Athletically fields position, plays through the baseball. Ran a 7.50 60. On the mound fastball sat 75-77 mph from short, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, level shoulders, lands in line with home plate. 63-65 mph curveball flashed 11/5 shape, showed good feel for 68-69 mph change, throwing it consistently at the bottom of the strike zone with sink.

Thomas Larson, OF/3B/RHP, Families of Faith Christian Academy, 2017
6-foot-1, 180-pound right-handed hitting OF/3B/RHP hits from an open setup, hands move back to load, arm bars slightly, long, uphill bat path, plus bat speed for age with 89 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw 76 mph from the outfield from long, over-the-top arm slot, head pull off, effort present during throws. Threw 79 mph across the diamond from third base, over throws at times, shorter arm arch in the infield, effort/head snap evident here as well. On the mound, fastball sat 74-76 mph from long, high ¾ slot, wraps slightly in back, toe up at balance point, drifts across body with stride direction, but lands slightly open. 61-64 mph curveball flashed gradual, 11/5 shape. Also threw a 68-71 mph changeup.

Michael Lehner, 3B/RHP, Muskego (WI), 2017
6-foot, 190-pound strong left-handed hitting 3B/RHP hits from a crouched, narrow setup, hands load back smoothly, long, slightly uphill bat path, impressed with several line drives back up the middle during batting practice, 80 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 80 mph across the diamond from a short, over-the-top arm slot, with carry on throws, takes some time to get rid of the baseball. Ran a 7.5 60.

Jalen Lemons, 3B/RHP, Simeon, 2018
5-foot-7, 180-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from an open stance, balanced approach, short stride. BP round mostly worked the middle of the field, produced occasional line drives. 69 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.79 runner in the 60. Defensively showed some softer hands, showed strength, 78 mph arm strength across the diamond. On the mound arm works from a high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball showed slight cut action, 73-75 mph. Curveball has 11/5 action, showed some feel, dropped for strikes, 58-61 mph.

Ryan Lin-Peistrup, SS/RHP, Loyola, 2017
5-foot-10, 155-pound two-way player, longer frame. Tall and fall delivery on the mound, short over the top arm action. Fastball is mostly straight, 72-74 mph, showed feel for the zone. Curveball has 12/6 shape, 61-65 mph, occasionally dropped for strikes. Changeup showed feel, 64-65 mph, some sink. Offensively hits from a narrow, open stance, dives to stride. Path is level, some length, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a short over the top arm on the infield, 69 mph across the diamond. Hands showed some softness.

Christian Lucio, SS/RHP, Mount Carmel, 2018
5-foot-11, 150-pound lanky left-handed hitting SS/RHP hits from a balanced setup, elbows relaxed at sides pre pitch, hands load smoothly, short stride, leg kick short, level bat path, barrel whips through the zone, line drives from gap-to-gap during batting practice, 67 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 77 mph across the diamond from loose, high ¾ arm slot, carry across the diamond, soft hands fielding the baseball, fluid footwork, athletic middle infield actions. Ran a 7.5 60. On the mound, fastball sat 73-75 mph from quick, loose, high 3/4 , some effort to delivery, lands hard on front side. 68 mph breaking ball flashed 11/5 shape, also threw 68-70 mph sinking changeup, and a 69 mph knuckleball.

Charlie Mangieri, RHP/1B, Dunlap, 2018
Hulking 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-handed hitting RHP/1B hits from a crouched, open setup, wide base, leg kick stride, some stiffness but big time power potential, in short, slightly uphill bat path, 88 mph exit velocity off the tee, power to his pull side. Defensively, threw 71 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot, soft hands fielding, fluid footwork around the bag, feel for turning the double play. Ran a 7.47 60. On the mound fastball sat 77-79 mph from short, quick, loose, high ¾ arm slot, tall/fall delivery, downhill shoulders, stride direction in line with home plate. 12/6 curveball sat 65-66 mph, also threw 67-68 mph changeup with fading action. Mangieri is perhaps the most physical 2018 prospect in Illinois, and should see significant recruiting interest in both baseball and football.

William McManaman, LHP/1B, St. Ignatius, 2018
6-foot, 145-pound lanky left-handed hitting LHP/1B hits from a square stance, short stride, hands load back, long level bat path, pull tendencies during batting practice, 73 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 69 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot, average hands fielding. Ran an 8.49 60. On the mound, fastball sat 71-73 mph from long, loose, clean high ¾ arm slot, tall/fall delivery, regular effort, shoulders level throughout delivery, lands in line with home plate. 65-67 mph changeup flashed arm side run, did not throw a breaking ball.

Andrew Nelson, RHP/1B, Wheaton North, 2017
6-foot-4, 200-pound right-handed hitting RHP/1B hits from a narrow, closed setup, short stride, hands load back and up smoothly, short, slightly uphill path, drove the baseball to right center during batting practice, 76 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 71 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot with some accuracy, average hands fielding the baseball. Ran a 7.77 60. On the mound fastball sat 71-72 mph from short, high ¾ arm slot, toe up at balance point, high leg kick, short stride, lands in line with home plate, flies open early with lower half. Threw a 67-69 mph curveball with 10/4 shape, also threw a 66 mph slider, both pitches blended together. Also threw a sinking 64-67 mph changeup.

Liam Ritten, RHP, Plainfield East, 2018
5-foot-11, 160-pound RHP works from a long, loose, high ¾ arm slot, tall/fall delivery, fluid rhythm throughout, slow tempo, loads lower half over the rubber, level shoulders throughout, lands slightly closed in line with home plate, spins off front foot at release. Fastball sat 72-74 mph touching 75. 62-65 mph curveball, 71-72 mph changeup. Also threw a 66-68 mph cutter.

D’Eric Shenault, SS/RHP, Simeon, 2018
5-foot-11, 140-pound right-handed hitting SS/RHP hits from a balanced, square stance, no stride approach, hands load back slightly, long, level bat path, quick hands, 68 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 73 mph across the diamond from long, loose, ¾ arm slot, soft hands fielding the baseball, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball, athletic, middle infield actions. Ran a 7.52 60.

Seamus Sjostrom, OF/LHP, Mount Carmel, 2017
5-foot-11, 155-pound lanky, left-handed hitting outfielder hits from a crouched setup, hands load smoothly, short stride, up the middle approach during batting batting practice, short, level bat path, feel for the barrel, 74 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 73 mph from the outfield from long, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Ran a 7.65 60. On the mound fastball sat 66-70 mph from long, high ¾ arm slot, tall/fall delivery, smooth rhythm throughout delivery, level shoulders, stride direction stays in line with home plate. Also threw a 56-60 mph curveball with 1/7 shape, and a 61-63 mph changeup with cutting action.

Bryan Truitt, RHP/OF, Rockford Christian, 2017
6-foot-2, 160-pound lanky and athletic right-handed hitting RHP/OF hits from an open setup, hands load back, arm bars out, short stride, double taps stride at times, showed a right-centerfield approach during batting practice, long, level bat path, 71 mph exit velocity. Defensively, impressed with outfield arm strength, throwing 81 mph from a long, loose, easy, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Truitt’s future may be on the mound, where he take the same loose arm action to the hill, delivering 77-79 mph fastballs with minimal effort. Tall/fall type delivery, smooth rhythm, shoulders stay level throughout delivery, stride direction stays in line with home plate, lands square and athletic. 68-70 mph curveball flashes 11/5 shape, 71-74 mph slider flashes similar shape to curveball, thrown a bit harder. Did not throw a changeup.

Tegan Woods, SS/RHP, Freeport, 2018
6-foot, 160-pound lanky right-handed hitting SS/RHP hits from an open setup, short stride, hands held up high, load back smoothly, long, level bat path, produced line drives during batting practice. Defensively, threw 67 mph across the diamond from long, high ¾ arm slot. Ran a 7.65 60. On the mound, fastball sat 69-73 mph from long, over-the-top arm slot, tall/fall delivery, regular effort, shoulders work uphill, lower half stride direction stays in line with home plate, lands square. 60-61 mph breaking ball called a slider, but acts like a curveball with 12/6 downward action. Also threw a 62 mph changeup, slows arm slightly on the pitch.

Jacob Young, RHP/3B, Benet Academy, 2018
5-foot-6, 140-pound freshman two-way player. On the mound pitches out of the stretch only, arm works from a high ¾ slot, short arm action. Fastball is mostly straight, sat 70-71 mph, topped out at 73 mph. Curveball showed gradual 11/5 action, 61-63 mph. Changeup played at 66-68 mph. Flashed a slider with similar action to curveball at 64 mph. Offensively hits from a closed stance, slightly narrow, short stride. Worked the middle of the field, showed a solid approach, path worked well for age. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is loose, similar to that on the mound, played at 68 mph across the diamond. Average to above average hands for age. Ran the 60 at 8.71.