Underclass Showcase: Infielder Analysis

November 18, 2015

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

We began rolling out the Underclass Showcase analysis yesterday, starting with the top catchers from the event. Today we take a look at the top infielders that were in attendance. 2019 middle infielder Ryan Maher took home the number one infield spot. Maher impressed in all facets of his game but really stood out at the plate. Advanced hitter for his age, produces easy pop. Compact, simple and repeatable swing. Our Scouting staff got together and ranked the Top 10 infielders listed below.

TOP INFIELDERS

1. Ryan Maher, SS, Brother Rice, 2019
5-foot-10, 155-pound shortstop, athletic shape with strong build, projectable body. High level prospect, looks to be an early candidate for one of the top prospects in Illinois’ 2019 class. Defensively showed advanced natural action on the infield, soft hands, plays athletically through the baseball, feet work well and shows good lateral mobility. Arm action is short and loose, plays well across the diamond with carry and accuracy, 79 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride, good balance through contact. Compact hitter, short path to the baseball with bat speed, gap to gap guy, flashes pop. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.23 runner in the 60.

2. Scott Youngbrandt, INF/OF/RHP, Andrew, 2018
Solid build 5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed hitting infielder, outfielder and pitcher. Showed a good combination of tools at the event. One of the top exit velocities of the event, 88 mph. Offensively, simple and strong swing. Made a lot of hard contact during his round of batting practice. Smooth, fluid rhythm, and loose hands throughout swing. Advanced bat path for his age. Short to the ball and gets extension after contact. Balanced setup, pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance. Defensively, played the infield and the outfield. Athletic actions, with a plus outfield arm and carry. Throws were accurate, online and clocked at 86 mph from the outfield. Reliable hands, quick, fluid footwork and plays through the baseball. On the infield, short, over-the-top arm action, with life across the diamond, clocked at 84 mph. Also, ran a 7.55 laser-timed 60. On the mound, regular effort, tall and fall delivery. Quick, loose arm from an over-the-top slot. Smooth rhythm, on-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Featured a four-pitch mix, thrown for strikes. Fastball, fairly straight and sat 83-84 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, 73-74 mph. Curveball, worked 12/6 and 11/5 at times with depth, 73 mph. Slider was much tighter than his curveball, worked 10/4 and sat 74-75 mph.

3. Rhay Street, INF, Brother Rice, 2019
5-foot-8, 155-pound left-handed hitting infielder, athletic shape, squared shoulders. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, athletic quiet setup, short stride. Loose hands, good hand eye, athletic hitter, barrel aware with bat speed. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Spray type hitter, short path, line drive type. Defensively arm played short and over the top, plays up, 72 mph across the diamond, accurate arm with occasional carry. Reliable and confident defender, plays through the baseball, soft on the backhand play, short fluid footwork. 7.60 runner in the 60. Looks to be a high follow infield prospect in Illinois 2019 class.

4. Andrew Wiegman, SS/RHP, Carmel Catholic, 2019
Loose projectable frame, lean athlete, 6-foot-2, 170-pound two-way prospect, big upside. Lively bat, right-handed hitter, tall balanced stance, heel lift load, lower half works, solid balance through contact. Loose whippy hands, aggressive athletic hacks, fast bat, level path, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed athleticism in the field, clean exchange, fluid feet, 7.26 runner in the 60. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, lacked carry, 76 mph across the diamond. On the mound delivery is athletic and repeats, stays online. Live loose arm, high ¾ arm slot, upside arm on the mound. Fastball showed control, worked the bottom half with some tilt, 80-81 mph. Curveball has sweeping action, flashed good bite, 66-69 mph. Showed a knuckle ball at 67-70 mph.

5. Francois Castillo, 3B/RHP, Roberto Clemente, 2018
5-foot-10, 195-pound two-way prospect, advanced physically, strong build, solid athlete. Defensively showed advanced actions, hands are soft, ability to cushion the baseball, athletic and plays through the baseball, feet work. 7.51 runner in the 60. Strong arm across the diamond, quick over the top slot, flashed carry, 83 mph across, advanced arm strength. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, slightly open stance, short stride. Aggressive swinger, good path to the baseball stays on top, ability to backspin and get extension through contact. Has upside with the bat, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound showed similar arm strength, raw abilities, high ¾ slot, short arm action with some effort. Fastball is mostly straight, 78-82 mph. Slider at 77-78 mph. Flashed changeup at 73-74 mph.

6. Marcus Wright, RHP/SS, St. Patrick, 2019
5-foot-10, 160-pound two-way player, athletic shape. Delivery is athletic, slide step stretch. Quick arm, short arm action, arm speed projects. Fastball has life, slight run, solid control, 79-81 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, ranged 64-70 mph. Offensively hits from both sides, balanced stance, short stride, average balance. Showed a more natural bat from the right side, attacked the baseball, easy swing. Path is short and level, pull side approach. 81 mph exit velocity from the right side, 76 mph from the left side. Defensively showed arm strength across the diamond, 82 mph. Good athlete, 6.72 runner in the 60.

7. Samson Barboza, SS/RHP, Solorio, 2018
5-foot-8, 165-pound two-way player, average frame. Defensively showed soft hands, ability to cushion the base to release, advanced actions, clean exchange. 7.94 runner in the 60. Arm plays over the top, short arm action, accurate across the diamond with carry, 77 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, coil loading action, heel lift load. Average bat speed, uphill path, fluid hitter, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound works from a high ¾ slot, coiled delivery. Fastball has slight run, 78-80 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, showed spin and occasional depth, ranged 55-61 mph. Changeup showed some feel, 68-74 mph, slight arm side action. Flashed a knuckleball, 65-66 mph.

8. Carlos McFadden, SS/OF, Roberto Clemente, 2018
Average build 5-foot-7, 140-pound right-handed hitting infielder and outfielder. Defensively, showed some of the best actions at the event in the outfield and infield. Attacks the baseball with quick and fluid footwork. Steady hands, clean, quick exchange, and athletic fielding position. Played through the baseball in the outfield. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, carry on throws, clocked at 83 mph from the outfield and 82 mph across the infield. Offensively, flat and level path through the zone at times. Balanced, open setup and toe-tap stride. Registered an exit velocity of 75 mph. Also, ran a 7.72 laser-timed 60.

9. Mason Sykes, 3B, Conant, 2018
Large frame, 6-foot-2, 215-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. Aggressive right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, good balance. Strong bat, attacks the baseball, pull side power type hitter, 89 mph exit velocity from the tee, showed an ability to repeat swing. Defensively profiles at a corner infield spot, field deep, average actions. Arm plays short, high ¾ slot, 72 mph across the diamond. 7.97 runner in the 60.

10. Isaac Kaufmann, LHP/1B/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2018
Athletic build 6-foot-1, 165-pound room to fill out left-handed hitting infielder, outfielder and pitcher. On the mound, smooth rhythm and repeats his delivery well. Over-the-head windup, in-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Short, quick and loose arm action from a high ¾ window. Uses a four-pitch arsenal. Fastball, heavy action, arm-side-run, thrown for strikes and sat 76-79 mph, touching 80. Curveball thrown for strikes, worked 1/7, good depth, 66-69 mph. Also, featured a slider, sharp, tight spin worked mainly 1/7 and sat 67-70 mph. Changeup, spotted down in the zone, for strikes, sink and fade, ranged between 66-71 mph. Offensively, showed feel for hitting and worked the opposite-field gap at times during batting practice. Balanced, open setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 75 mph. Defensively, flashed some actions in the outfield and infield. Reliable hands and clean exchange. Athletic, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Throws were accurate and clocked at 73 mph across the infield and 80 mph from the outfield. Also, ran a 7.89 laser-timed 60.

10. Payton Burch, MIF, New Trier, 2018
5-foot-5, 125-pound middle infielder, small athletic frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, slightly open, lower half works, mechanically sound through finish. Path played well, line drive type spray hitter, more tendency to hit opposite field. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed advance actions, confident defender, played through the baseball hands worked, showed body control. Above average arm for his age, carried across with accuracy, short over the top slot, 75 mph across the diamond. Ran the 60 at 7.92.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Connor Bauer, C/3B, Hinsdale Central, 2018
Lanky frame at 5-foot-10, 155-pounds. Right-handed hitting C/3B. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Looseness in the hands, creates whip. Gap-to-gap hitter with a level swing path and fluid rhythm. Showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.74. Defensively took drills at both catcher and infield. Behind the plate has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Fluid footwork, gains ground towards second base. Popped 2.27-2.32 and threw 71 mph from the crouch. Showed flexibility in the lower half, stays quiet with soft hands receiving in bullpens. In the infield has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with carry, showed lateral agility ranging up the middle. Threw 73 mph across the infield.

Angel Bermudez, 3B, St. Patrick, 2018
5-foot-10, 160-pound third baseman. Left-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Long loopy path, works uphill, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played from a short over the top slot, some accuracy, 64 mph across the diamond. Ran an 8.35 in the 60.

Antonio Brown, MIF, Vernon Hills, 2019
5-foot-5, 120-pound middle infielder, loose athletic shape. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, loads hands back, leg kick trigger, average balance. Loose hands, athletic setup and rhythmic swing, gap to gap approach. Will make big strides with the bat as he gets stronger. 69 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed good actions, hands played well, above average backhand for his age, quick clean exchange, played well on the move, athletic defender with fluid feet. 7.66 runner in the 60, high knee long athletic strider. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, average for his age, 62 mph across the diamond, athletic release.

Keaton Bubala, RHP/1B, Latin, 2018
6-foot-3, 195-pound two-way player, large frame, athletic shape. Tall and fall delivery, closed landing. Arm action is long, firm and over the top. Fastball is 73-75 mph, mostly straight. Slider is 10/4 action, 69-72 mph. Changeup played at 64-67 mph. Also flashed a curveball at 59-64 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, regular stride. Showed bat strength, lifting swing, uphill path. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long, 75 mph across the diamond, average hands. 7.86 runner in the 60.

Jason Clark, INF, ROWVA, 2019
5-foot-11, 210-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Level path, occasionally found the barrel, worked the middle of the field, front foot hitter. 81 mph exit velocity form the tee. Defensively played with a short over the top arm slot across the diamond (66 mph). Plays deep on the baseball, 7.86 runner in the 60.

Tareef Coleman, MIF, Morgan Park, 2018
5-foot-7, 150-poun middle infielder. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride. Front foot hitter some, tends to lunge, looked best going opposite field in cage. Level path, tended to show more pull side approach in BP, 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played deep, average hands, arm worked well, loose high ¾ slot, 73 mph arm strength across the diamond. 7.64 runner in the 60.

Drew Gorski, RHP/3B, New Trier, 2018
Long gangly two-way player, 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. On the mound arm works long and loose, tall and fall delivery, shows projection on the mound. Fastball sits 77-80 mph. Curveball plays 11/5, tends to cast, 54-57 mph. Changeup is 58-61 mph, decelerated arm action. Projects best on the mound. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, slight arm bar load. Path works uphill, scooping path, creates some bat speed, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed arm strength across the diamond, long loose, 77 mph across. 7.84 runner in the 60.

Antonio Handley, MIF/RHP, Morgan Park, 2018
5-foot-8, 140-pound two-way player, lean athletic frame. Defensively arm plays short and over the top, played with some accuracy, 75 mph across the diamond. Played athletically with solid hands. 7.66 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, tall open setup, short stride back to even. Shorter path to the baseball, lacked extension, pull side contact in BP. 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound fastball flashed cut action, 74-75 mph. Curveball has 10/4 shape, showed feel, slider type action, 67-68 mph, flashed sharp action. Changeup is mostly straight, fastball arm speed, 64-66 mph.

Kamrin Hoffman, MIF, Huntley, 2018
5-foot-7, 145-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Hits from a balanced stance, short stride, occasional double tap stride. Flashed hard contact in the cage, short path, late timing, opposite field contact. 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played short high ¾ slot, 72 mph across the diamond. Played tall at times, 7.70 runner in the 60 yard dash.

Nate Jacobson, OF/SS/RHP, Crystal Lake South, 2018
Lanky build 5-foot-10, 133-pound room to fill out right-handed hitting outfielder, infielder and pitcher. Offensively, balanced setup, slight pre-pitch load and short stride. Uphill bat path and at times gets extension through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 69 mph. Defensively, looked more natural playing the outfield than the infield. Fluid movements in the outfield and a good first step. Steady hands, clean exchange and plays through the baseball in the outfield. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 72 mph from the outfield and the infield. On the mound, coiled leg-lift, tall and fall delivery. Short arm action, high ¾ window and some rhythm throughout. Fastball flashed slight run at times, sat 71-73 mph. Curveball worked 11/5, up in the zone, 55-56 mph. Changeup looked to be his best offering. Feel, thrown for strikes with plus sink and fade at times, 61-64 mph.

Josh Killeen, 1B/OF, Mount Carmel, 2018
Thicker build 5-foot-11, 185-pound left-handed hitting infielder and outfielder. Offensively, flashed a compact stroke at times. Balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger, and average balance throughout. Pull approach at the plate and an uphill bat path through the zone. Registered an exit velocity of 74 mph. Defensively, worked out in the infield and outfield. Quick and clean exchange. Attacks the baseball in the outfield. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, clocked at 67 mph from the outfield and 71 mph across the infield. Also, ran an 8.00 laser-timed 60.

Alec Kotler, RHP/MIF, Latin, 2018
5-foot-8, 143-pound two-way player. On the mound uses a full windup, balanced finish. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed slight run, 68-69 mph. Curveball has gradual action on 11/5 plane, 54-60 mph. Changeup played at 55-57 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, reverse toe tap to leg kick stride, late wrap load. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 70 mph across the diamond, long exchange. 7.92 runner in the 60.

Michael Marseille, MIF, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2018
5-foot-8, 152-pound middle infielder, lean lanky frame, slender build with some projection. Good runner, 6.97 in the 60, loose easy speed, good top end. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, leg kick trigger, solid balance at contact. Flashed bat speed, 76 mph exit velocity off the tee, spray singles guy. Defensively showed proper actions, soft hands, cushions the baseball, ability to play on the move. Arm action is loose, over the top slot, 69 mph across the diamond.

Coliani Martinez, 3B, Rauner College Prep, 2018
5-foot-8, 180-pound third baseman. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, long leg kick stride, loads back, average balance. Strong bat, hard aggressive swings, flashed pop in bat. Pull side power approach, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively flashed soft hands, showed solid footwork. Arm plays from a high ¾ slot, short arm action, 72 mph across the diamond. 8.56 runner in the 60.

Massimo Mescino, 2B, Huntley, 2019
5-foot-9, 130-pound middle infielder, slender build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, loads back, short toe tap stride. Level path, 66 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed an accurate arm across, 62 mph, ¾ slot. Feet played heavier, 8.17 runner in the 60.

Freddie Morales, MIF/RHP, Roberto Clemente, 2018
5-foot-8, 140-pound two-way player. Defensively arm played from a low ¾ slot, some accuracy, 71 mph across the diamond. Hands played average, clean exchange, plays deep. 7.85 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, minimal loading action. Bat path has length, slight cast on uphill plane, 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. Clean arm action, uninterrupted, high ¾ slot, showed ability to throw strikes with three pitches. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam type, 71-73 mph. Curveball is gradual on an 11/5 plane, near fastball arm speed, 60-62 mph. Straight changeup found the zone, 62-68 mph.

Josh Mrozek, INF, Providence Catholic, 2019
5-foot-11, 135-pound left-handed hitting infielder, thin lanky frame. Hits from a balanced setup, short leg lift stride. Loose hands at the plate, fluid stroke, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively flashed athleticism on the infield, hands played, gains ground through release. Arm played long, ¾ slot, 73 mph across the diamond. 7.05 runner in the 60.

Jacob Newman, RHP/1B, Glenbrook South, 2018
6-foot-2, 190-pound two-way player, large frame, projects best on the mound. Full windup, clean repeatable delivery, showed good balance and flashed signs of pitchability. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot, minimal effort. Fastball sat 79-80 mph, touched 81 mph, mostly straight, showed control. Curveball has vertical action, gets on top of it, 64-67 mph. Changeup showed some feel with arm action, 72-74 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, loads hands back, average balance. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed actions around the bag, hands played. Arm action is short from a high ¾ slot, 75 mph across the diamond. 7.98 runner in the 60.

Jack Oberli, SS/OF, Glenbard East, 2018
Solid build 5-foot-7, 155-pound right-handed hitting infielder and outfielder. Offensively, balanced and closed setup. Slight leg-lift trigger and average bat speed. Uphill bat path through the zone. Registered an exit velocity of 74 mph. Defensively, in the outfield and infield, flashed a quick exchange. Short arm action from an over-the-top slot. Clocked at 68 mph from the outfield and 69 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.46 laser-timed 60.

Gage Olszak, INF/RHP, St. Laurence, 2018
Long projectable frame, 6-foot-2, 188-pound lean shape projects. Right-handed bat looks to be best tool, balanced stance, short stride, maintains strong balance through contact. Simple strong approach, loose, hands, attacks the baseball, compact. Path works really well, short to it with extension, showed bat speed, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played loose, high ¾ slot across the diamond, showed arm strength at 80 mph across, only flashed carry at times. Plays tall defensively, clean exchange, hands played. 8.08 runner in the 60. On the mound showed arm strength, can get more out of lower half, stays tall through release, upright finish. Clean arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed slight sinking action, 77-79 mph, touched 80 mph. Showed two breaking balls, both at similar velocity, slider at 67-69 mph, curveball at 65-67 mph, both with similar shape, threw curveball for strikes. Changeup flashed feel and action, 69-73 mph.

Elijah Paplanus, RHP/3B, Huntley, 2019
5-foot-11, 140-pound two-way player, average slender frame. Tall and fall delivery, closed off front side, works across his body. Full arm action, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball sat 72-74 mph, mostly straight. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 62-63 mph. Changeup stayed down, showed feel, slight sink at 68-69 mph. Right-handed hitter, wide crouched setup, short stride, slight dive. Long flat path, some cast, occasional line drive. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long, over the top slot, 66 mph across the diamond. 7.39 runner in the 60.

Ryan Patel, MIF/RHP, Mundelein, 2018
Thin lanky frame, 5-foot-10, 130-pound two-way player, projectable build. Defensively is a loose and gangly athlete, advanced actions, hands played really well, cushions the baseball, played well on the move, good body control. Well above average arm for his age, 75 mph across the diamond, flashed carry, showed accuracy, loose high ¾ arm that can play athletically. Right-handed hitter, open stance, leg lift back to even. Loose hands, level path, line drive type, sits on back side. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran the 60 at 8.06. On the mound showed a loose arm with regular effort, works slightly across his body, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run, 73-75 mph, touched 77 mph. Curveball found the zone at 59-61 mph. Showed feel for his changeup, 66-68 mph, slight arm side run, near fastball arm speed.

Logan Peterson, RHP/INF, Morton, 2018
6-foot-1, 180-pound two-way player, projectable frame, long athletic shape. Tall and fall delivery, stays online, squared landing, balanced finish, uses slide step in stretch. Arm action is long, over the top slot, with some effort. Stayed on top of fastball mostly down when missed, 80-82 mph, touched 84 mph. Curveball showed feel, shorter back swing, dropped for strikes, 72-73 mph. Changeup has feel at 69-72 mph, controlled at the bottom of the zone. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, bat waggle load, toe tap stride. Longer path on uphill plane, average bat speed, showed looseness. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed arm strength across the diamond (81 mph), projects as third base, flashed body control on the move, average hands. 7.53 runner in the 60.

Brandon Petkoff, SS/RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2018
6-foot-1, 168-pound left-handed hitting two-way player, lanky athletic shape with projection. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, solid balance. Flashed bat speed and hard contact, pull side approach, 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played from a high ¾ slot and firm, 70 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.19 60 yard dash. On the mound delivery is directional, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed some feel of the zone, slight running action, 73-75 mph. Slider plays 10/4, gradual action, 66 mph. Changeup fades, found the strike zone, fastball arm speed, 63-66 mph.

Alex Pittman, 3B/RHP, Morgan Park, 2019
5-foot-7, 180-pound two-way player, solid stocky build. Profiles best at third base. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, solid balance. Loose hands, easy swing with occasional pop, showed bat strength, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee, gained extension, fluid hitter. Defensively hands appeared soft, cushioned and funneled to release. Longer exchange, over the top slot, flashed carry, throws stayed on line, 78 mph across the diamond. 8.06 runner. On the mound fastball sat at 75-77 mph. Curveball plays on 12/6 plane, 67-69 mph. Flashed a knuckle ball at 67-69 mph.

Ernan Rivera, INF/RHP, Solorio, 2018
5-foot-9, 145-pound two-way player, lean slender build. Defensively showed soft hands on the infield, fluid feet, plays athletically through the baseball, good body control, clean advanced actions for his age. Arm played up, short loose and athletic, can play from multiple angles and on the move, highly accurate and showed carry, 73 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short toe tap stride. Showed the ability to repeat swing, fluid loose hitter, spray type singles guy. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 8.44 runner in the 60. On the mound uses a clean arm action, high ¾ slot, slide step from the stretch. Fastball has run, sat 76-77 mph, touched 78 mph. Showed ability to spin his curveball, flashed action, 61-63 mph. Changeup is firm at 72-73 mph, fastball arm speed.

Sebastian Rivera, 2B, Huntley, 2019
5-foot-2, 95-pound second baseman. Right-handed hitter, open stance, strides back to even, average balance. Showed ability to repeat swing, path worked, spray type singles hitter. 56 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed average actions for his age, hands played. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, 57 mph across the diamond. Ran the 60 at 8.38.

Daniel Rodriguez, RHP/3B, Oswego East, 2018
Long slender, 6-foot-1, 158-pound two-way player, projectable frame. Delivery works with rhythm, repeats, closed landing. Full/firm arm swing, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed slight cut action, 74-75 mph. Curveball plays on 11/5 plane, 66-70 mph, casts some, showed action. Firm changeup thrown aggressively with fastball arm speed, some feel, lacked separation from fastball, 71-73 mph. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride back to even. Swing flashed looseness, hits off back side, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played with some actions, looks the part, best suited for third base. Arm plays longer from high ¾ slot, 75 mph across the diamond. 7.70 runner in the 60.

Nathan Shapiro, MIF, New Trier, 2018
5-foot-10, 150-pound middle infielder, lanky frame. Defensively showed actions, played through the baseball, hands are playable. Arm action is clean, showed some athleticism on the move, good arm strength for his age, 79 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, arm bar load, short stride. Loose whippy bat, hands worked to generate bat speed, 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.71 runner.

Sean Sinisko, LHP/1B, Aurora Central Catholic, 2018
Extra-large 6-foot-4, 210-pound, two-way player, sturdy build, projects best on the mound. Delivery shows some rhythm, keeps front side closed, soft landing flexed front knee, exaggerated finish. Arm action is loose, quick strong arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed slight action, mostly down, 80-81 mph, topped at 82 mph. Curveball showed feel, gradual 1/7 action, 65-67 mph. Straight changeup flashed feel for the zone, 70-73 mph. Left-handed hitter, balanced stance, drops hands into load, short stride. Long uphill path, pull side approach. 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed actions around the bag, short loose arm action, 76 mph across the diamond.

Payton Sowa, MIF/RHP, Wheaton Academy, 2018
5-foot-11, 157-pound two-way player, average body type. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, late wrap/waggle load, short leg kick stride. Aggressive swinger, showed bat speed, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played short from a high ¾ slot, showed above average arm strength for age, 75 mph across the diamond. 7.94 runner in the 60. On the mound is a slight drop and drive style delivery, ¾ arm slot, draws out with slight stabbing action. Fastball showed slight run, 74-75 mph. Curveball played on 11/5 plane, 59-61 mph. Changeup showed some feel with slight sink, 69-71 mph.

Charles Wood, RHP/3B, Fenwick, 2018
Projectable frame, long lanky build, 6-foot-4, 195-pound two-way player. Raw gangly actions with some projection. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, short stride, minimal lower half. Upper half dominant swing and showed advanced bat speed, loose fast hands. 94 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played loose, and athletic from multiple slots when on the move. Showed some body control, 72 mph across the diamond. On the mound delivery is rotational, can get more separation from lower half, slight collapse. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, showed control of three pitches. Fastball has slight arm side run, feel for the zone, 76-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, near fastball arm speed. Changeup flashed fade, 68-73 mph with arm action.

Underclass Showcase: Infielder Analysis

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

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