By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

This week we began our analysis of the Underclass Showcase from October 23. The Underclass Showcase was an open event to all 2019 and 2020 graduates. Throughout the week we broke down the event by position, featuring scouting reports and highlighting the top prospects at each position.

Catchers kicked things off earlier this week and today we conclude the positional breakdowns with a look at the pitchers. Tomorrow we will roll-out the top overall prospects from the event.

Xander Rojahn and Zachary Gould stood out among the rest and should be high follow 2019 arms moving forward. Rojahn has an extremely live arm while Gould has an extra-large frame and a long, loose, projectable arm.

The top 2019 and 2020 pitchers are listed below.

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Xander Rojahn, RHP, Elk Grove, 2019
6-foot-2, 190-pound right-handed pitcher, average build. Full windup delivery, deep rocker step straight back to directional heel toe landing, recoil finish falls to first base side. Arm action is quick and loose, ¾ slot. Fastball finishes with straight four seam life through the zone, occasionally gets underneath and creates flat action, sat 83-85 mph, touched 86 mph. Throws two breaking balls, curveball has 11/5 shape, showed some feel at 63-67 mph. Slider has flatter action, more lateral with 10/4 shape, tight rotation at 71-73 mph. Changeup has good feel, arm side sink, 71-75 mph. High follow 2019 prospect with live arm and showed potential for four above average pitches.

2. Zachary Gould, RHP/INF, Joliet Catholic, 2019
6-foot-4, 205-pound, extra-large, imposing two-way prospect. Highly projectable, right-handed pitcher. Uptempo, tall and fall delivery, gets down the hill, strong front side, lands square and regular effort throughout. Arm works long and loose out of a high ¾ window.  Fastball, thrown for strikes, heavy action, life through the zone, arm-side-run, sat 82-84 mph. Curveball sharp action, 11/5 shape and sat 66-69 mph. Changeup, arm-side-run, fade action, fastball arm speed and sat 74-77 mph. Offensively, left-handed hitter, fluid rhythm and line-drive approach. Balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger and average balance. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, athletic fielding position and clean exchange on the infield. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 78 mph. Also, ran a 8.67 60.

3. Connor Gill, RHP/OF, Oswego East, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound two-way prospect. Right-handed pitcher with a high upside. Quick, loose arm from an over-the-top slot. Tall and fall delivery with rhythm, stays on-line, finishes athletically and regular effort throughout. Fastball works mostly straight, occasional tilt, sat 79-82 mph. Curveball, thrown for strikes, down in the zone, 11/5 shape, late action, depth, 64-67 mph. Changeup, swing and miss potential, sinking action, thrown for strikes, maintains fastball arm speed, 73-74 mph. Offensively, left-handed hitter, present bat speed and consistent hard contact mostly to the pull side; registered an 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced, wide setup, short stride, path stays flat through the hitting zone with good balance throughout. Defensively, advanced arm strength for age; clocked at 85 mph from the outfield. Quick arm from a high ¾ slot and throws carry with accuracy. Also, ran a 7.59 laser-timed 60.

4. Collin Witzke, RHP, Oswego East, 2019
6-foot-2, 160-pound, athletically built, long, projectable right-handed pitcher. Features a four pitch repertoire. Smooth tall and fall delivery, stays on-line and minimal effort throughout. Athletic arm action, works loose, quick and out of a high ¾ window. Lively fastball, good finish through the zone, mostly straight, occasional arm-side-run and sat 79-82 mph. Changeup is currently his best secondary offering; feel, arm-side-run, flashed swing and miss action, sat 72-73 mph. Curveball, works 11/5 and sat 65-66 mph. Slider, shorter break and more lateral action than curveball, ranged between 67-69 mph. 2019 follow.

5. Danny Doheny, RHP/SS, Lyons Township, 2020   
5-foot-9, 135-pound, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, easy effort, smooth rhythm. Loose arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, slight run, late action, sat 76-78 mph, touched 79. Curveball, 12/6 shape, some feel, 62-65 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes, works mostly straight, 69-71 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, opposite field approach, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 69 mph. Balanced setup with a short stride, ability to maintain balance through contact. Defensively, quick footwork, cleane exchange, plays through the baseball. Short, accurate arm from an over the top to high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 77 mph across the diamond. 8.34 runner in the laser timed 60.

6. Michael Bohlen, RHP/INF, Marian Catholic, 2019
6-foot-4, 180-pound, strong, athletically built two-way prospect. On the mound, tall and fall delivery, bouncing action at balance point, stays on-line and gets down the mound. Short arm action out of an over-the-top slot. Fastball, finishes with life through the zone, occasional arm-side-run, sat 79-80 mph. Changeup, sinking action at times, 67-69 mph. Curveball, slows arm speed, 12/6 shape and ranged between 58-62 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, with strength through contact and flashed bat speed; 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced closed setup, leg-kick timing trigger and average balance through contact. Defensively, frame profiles well at first base. Feel for the position and steady hands. Short arm from a high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 78 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.34 laser-timed 60.

7. Drew Henrikson, RHP/OF, Rochester, 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound, two-way prospect. Currently projects best on the mound. Right-handed pitcher with a three-pitch repertoire. Tall and fall delivery, some rhythm and regular effort throughout. Arm works short and from a ¾ slot; slinger type. Fastball, arm-side-run and sat 78-79 mph. Slider, sharp,sweeping action, 10/4 shape, 65-69 mph. Changeup, sink and fade action, flashed plus action at times, 70-74 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, uphill path and pull approach. Open wide setup, toe-tap stride and average bat speed. Registered an 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, plays through the baseball in the outfield. Arm action is similar to on the mound; short arm action from a ¾ slot and clocked at 78 mph. Also, ran a 7.76 60.

8. Tyler Heidkamp, LHP/OF, Oswego East, 2020  
5-foot-7, 130-pound, lanky, two-way prospect. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, easy effort, smooth rhythm, lands open. Long, loose, quick arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, slight arm side run, sat 74-77 mph, touched 78 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 61-63 mph. Changeup, occasional fade, tendency to slow arm, 57-60 mph. Defensively, soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through the baseball. Long, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot, throws flashed accuracy and carry; clocked at 80 mph from the outfield. Offensively, right-handed hitter, pull-side approach, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 76 mph. Balanced setup, short stride. 7.94 runner in the laser timed 60.

9. Brandon Tyler, RHP, Hammond (IN), 2019
6-foot, 167-pound, right-handed pitcher with a lean, projectable build. Full, over-the-head wind up, some rhythm, stays on-line, lands square and finishes athletically. Long, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works mostly straight and sat 78-80 mph. Curveball thrown for strikes, 11/5 shape, 64 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed and ranged between 72-75 mph.

10. Thomas Heafey, LHP/1B, Providence Catholic, 2019
6-foot-3, 225-pound, two-way prospect. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, flashed rhythm. Short arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, occasional run and sink action, sat 77-78 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 64-66 mph. Changeup, sink action, 68-71 mph. Cutter, 74-76 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, gap-to-gap approach, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 88 mph. Open setup, leg lift timing trigger. Defensively, feet work well on the infield, reliable hands. Long arm action from an over the top to high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 74 mph across the infield. 8.12 runner in the laser timed 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Jaheim Adams, OF/RHP, St. Joseph, 2020
5-foot-5, 170-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, opposite field approach, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 77 mph. Balanced setup with a short stride. Defensively, reliable hands, plays through the ball on occasion. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 79 mph from the outfield. 7.38 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, flashed rhythm, stays in line, lands slightly open. Short arm action from a ¾ slot. Fastball, slight run, sat 74-76 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 66-67 mph. Changeup, feel, 69-71 mph.

Luke Buoy, LHP, St. Charles North, 2019
5-foot-9, 130-pound, lean, left-handed pitcher. Uptempo delivery, hip coil and knee tuck at balance point, stays on-line and regular effort throughout. Long drawn out arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, works straight and ranged between 65-67 mph. Curveball works 12/6 and sat 56-57 mph. Changeup flashed sinking action and clocked at 60-62 mph.

Peyton Byerley, LHP, Dwight Township, 2019
6-foot-2, 240-pound left-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a short stride. Raises up on toe at balance point. Fastball sat 64-68 mph. Curveball has 2-8 shape with gradual action at 51-54 mph. Showed some feel for his changeup at 61-64 mph for strikes.

Patrick Cosgrove, RHP, Providence Catholic, 2019
6-foot-3, 187-pound, right-handed pitcher with a strong, prototypical pitcher's build. Smooth, deliberate, tall and fall delivery, stays on-line, lands square, finishes upright with easy effort throughout. Arm works short and over-the-top. Fastball, thrown for strikes, tilt when down, clocked at 76-78 mph, touched 79. Curveball, sharp action, depth, 12/6 shape, 64-66 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, some feel, occasional cut action, down in the zone and ranged between 66-70 mph.

Daniel Duncan, OF/RHP, Buffalo Grove, 2020
5-foot-7, 140-pound, two-way player. Offensively, right-handed hitter, opposite field approach, long path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 74 mph. Open setup, leg kick timing trigger. Defensively, clean exchange, plays through the baseball. Long arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ slot, accurate at times; throws clocked at 75 mph across the diamond. 7.89 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery. Long arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, works mostly straight, sat 70-71 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 60-62 mph. Changeup, 66-68 mph.

John Hamer, OF/RHP, St. Charles North, 2019
5-foot-10, 155-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, opposite field approach, some looseness in swing, short path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 83 mph. Tall, closed setup, short stride. Defensively, plays through the baseball, reliable hands in the outfield. Long, accurate arm from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 71 mph from the outfield. 7.23 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, wide lift, hip load. Long arm action from a ¾ angle. Fastball, occasional sink, sat 74-76 mph. Curveball, feel, varies between 11/5 shape and 10/4 shape, 61-63 mph. Changeup, fade action, 68-71 mph.

Matt Jeter, RHP/OF, Aurora Central Catholic, 2019
5-foot-7, 135-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, line drive approach, long, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 78 mph. Tall, open setup, leg lift trigger. Defensively, plays through the baseball, reliable hands in the outfield. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 77 mph from the outfield. 8.01 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, stays in line. Long arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, works mostly straight, sat 74-75 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 58-60 mph. Changeup, occasional fade, 61-64 mph.

William Le Pretre, RHP/SS, De La Salle, 2020  
5-foot-10, 123-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, above average bat speed for his age, hard contact, gap-to-gap approach, looseness in swing; exit velocity registered at 81 mph. Open setup, maintains balance through contact. Defensively, reliable hands and clean exchange on the infield. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot, accurate throws; 74 mph across the diamond. 7.76 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery has rhythm, stays on-line, lands square and regular effort throughout. Fastball mostly straight, occasional sinking action, ranged between 73-77 mph, topped at 78. Curveball 11/5 shape, 61-63 mph. Changeup, thrown aggressively, feel, occasional cut and sink action, 68-70 mph.

Cole Manley, LHP/1B/OF, Notre Dame, 2019
6-foot-3, 190-pound, strong frame, two-way prospect. Offensively, left-handed hitter, strong contact, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 90 mph. Tall, open setup, long stride. Defensively, worked out at first base and in the outfield. Flashed athletic actions, feet work well. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 74 mph from the outfield and 69 mph across the infield. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, stays in line, toe lands closed. Short arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, occasional arm side run, sat 73-75 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, sharp action at time, 62-63 mph. Changeup, sink action, 66-70 mph.

Alex Marotta, RHP/3B, Westmont, 2019
6-foot-3, 215-pound, strong, extra large, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, pre-set back leg, rocker-step delivery. Long arm action from a high ¾ angle. Tendency to get inside the baseball. Fastball, arm side run, sat 79-81 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 67-69 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, works mostly straight, 71-74 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, raw strength in swing, line drive approach; exit velocity registered at 79 mph. Balanced setup, hands load pre pitch, short stride. Defensively, flashed athletic actions, clean exchange. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 78 mph. 7.49 runner in the laser timed 60.

Trevor McLaughlin, RHP/3B, Reed Custer, 2020
6-foot-1, 180-pound, two-way player. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, works exclusively out of the stretch. Smooth rhythm, slight crossfire, balanced finish. Long arm action from an over the top angle. Fastball, hard, cutting action, sat 77-78 mph. Curveball, 12/6 - 11/5 shape, 64-67 mph. Changeup, sink action, maintains near fastball arm speed, 67-70 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, gap-to-gap approach, short, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 72 mph. Balanced setup, short stride, maintains balance through contact. Defensively, hands work well, clean exchanged, flashed athletic actions. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot, accurate at times; throws clocked at 69 mph across the diamond. 8.41 runner in the laser timed 60.

Tim Mitchell, OF/LHP, Elgin, 2019
5-foot-7, 135-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, left-handed hitter, fluid rhythm, gap-to-gap approach, looseness in swing, long, level path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 72 mph. Balanced setup, leg kick, maintains balance through contact. Defensively, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball. Long arm action from an over the top slot; throws clocked at 69 mph from the outfield. 7.74 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, flashed rhythm. Long arm action from an over the top angle. Fastball, works mostly straight, sat 66-69 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual action, 55-56 mph. Changeup, sink action, 62-64 mph.

Kyle Moore, SS/RHP, Bolingbrook, 2020
5-foot-5, 120-pound, two-way player. Defensively, soft hands with a quick exchange. Short arm action from an over the top to high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 64 mph across the infield. Offensively, right handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, long path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 70 mph. 8.48 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, stays in line, toe lands closed. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, features arm side run, sat 64-65 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 60-63 mph. Changeup, sink action, 62-65 mph.

Henry Perry III, RHP/INF, Harlan, 2019
5-foot-2, 157-pound, two-way prospect with a solid lower half. Offensively, simple swing with minimal wasted movement. Consistent hard contact, lift in swing and gap-to-gap/pull approach. Registered a 79 mph exit velocity. Balanced setup, pre-pitch load and short toe-tap stride. Defensively, fields the ball out front, plays through at times, soft hands and fluid footwork. Arm works short and over-the-top, throws flash carry and clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.44 laser-timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm, lands square, stays on-line with regular effort throughout. Fastball flashed sink, 75-78 mph, touched 79. Curveball, erratic action, 12/6 at times and some showed more slider spin and action; ranged between 60-63 mph.

Colton Powell, 3B/RHP, Plainfield North, 2020
5-foot-10, 150-pound, two-way player. Offensively, right-handed hitter, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 70 mph. Balanced setup, short stride. Defensively, flashed athletic actions. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 67 mph across the diamond. 8.19 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, lands square. Long arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, works mostly straight, sat 68-70 mph. Changeup, fade action, flashed sink, 55-59 mph.

Patrick Quirk, OF/INF/RHP, Glenbrook South, 2020
5-foot-8, 160-pound, two-way player. Offensively, right-handed hitter, tendency to find barrel, fluid rhythm, some looseness in swing, gap-to-gap approach; 82 mph exit velocity. Long, uphill path through the zone. Balanced setup, back load, leg kick. Defensively, worked out in the infield and outfield. Similar actions at both positions. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 71 mph from the outfield and 65 mph across the infield. 7.84 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, flashed rhythm. Long arm action from a ¾ angle. Fastball, sink action, sat 66-68 mph. Curveball, slurve action, 10/4 shape, tendency to miss glove side, 55-57 mph. Changeup, occasional cut and sink 61-64 mph.

Sam Sanchez, RHP/SS, Geneva, 2020
5-foot-6, 114-pound, two-way player. Offensively, right-handed hitter, long, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered from 65 mph. Balanced setup with a short stride. Defensively, athletic actions, reliable hands. Long arm action from an over the top to high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 71 mph across the diamond. 7.67 runner in the laser timed 60.  On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery. Long arm action from a high ¾ angle. Fastball, works mostly straight, 67-69 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual action, 51 mph. Changeup, 54-57 mph.

Joel Sarver, INF/RHP, Champaign Centennial, 2020
5-foot-11, 152-pound lanky two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, long, loose and clean arm action out of a ¾ slot. Smooth tall and fall delivery with minimal effort throughout. Fastball, sinking action, sat 75-77 mph. Feel for curveball, consistent 11/5 shape and ranged between 65-68 mph. Changeup, sink and fade action, 67-70 mph. Offensively, fluid right-handed hitter, level path through the zone and occasional hard contact; 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced open setup, long stride gets back to even, and a gap-to-gap approach. Defensively, worked out on the infield (have previously seen catch). Soft hands, fluid footwork and athletic fielding position. Throws flashed carry across the diamond at 77 mph. Also, ran a 7.87 60.

Dylan Schick, RHP, Batavia, 2019
6-foot, 150-pound right-handed pitcher with a thin, lanky frame. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a long, stiff arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a short stride working in line with home plate. Fastball was straight at 72-73 topping out at 74 mph. Curveball has 12-6 shape with gradual action and occasional depth at 62-63 mph. Changeup showed slight fading action at 61-64 mph.

Nolan Tucker, SS/RHP, Hanover Central, 2019
5-foot-7, 135-pound, athletic, two-way prospect. Offensively, left-handed hitter, fluid rhythm, flashed a quick twitch, uphill path through the zone; exit velocity registered at 86 mph. Wide, slightly open setup, smooth load, leg lift. Defensively, soft hands, clean exchange, athletic actions. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot; throws clocked at 76 mph across the diamond. 7.56 runner in the laser timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, works from the stretch only. Stays on-line, lands square and regular effort throughout. Long arm action and works out of a ¾ slot. Fastball, thrown for strikes, sinking action and sat 72-74 mph. Curveball works 11/5 and sat 64-65 mph. Changeup, ranged between 68-70 mph.

Brandon Ward, INF/RHP, Stevenson, 2019
5-foot-8, 155-pound, square-shouldered two-way prospect. Ran a 7.36 laser-timed 60. Offensively, right-handed hitter, flashed bat speed and strength through contact; 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Balanced setup, loads to backside, short stride and middle/away approach. Defensively, steady hands and mechanically sound on the infield. Loose arm action from a low ¾ slot, throws clocked at 72 mph across the diamond. Right-handed pitcher, compact tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands square and regular effort throughout. Arm works short and loose from a high ¾ slot. Fastball works mostly straight, sat 75 mph, touched 76. Maintains arm speed on his off-speed pitches. Curveball works 12/6, thrown for strikes and sat 64-66 mph. Changeup, down in the zone, sinking action and sat 70-72 mph.

Barry White, OF/1B/LHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2019
5-foot-8, 128-pound, two-way prospect. Defensively, worked out at first base and in the outfield. Similar actions at both. Soft hands, quick footwork, athletic actions. Aggressive routes in the outfield. Short arm action from an over the top to high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy; throws clocked at 77 mph from the outfield and 73 mph across the infield. 7.08 runner in the laser timed 60. Offensively, left-handed hitter, quick twitch, short path through the zone; 74 mph exit velocity. Slightly open setup with a short stride. On the mound, left-handed pitcher with a three pitch feel. Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, toe lands closed. Loose, quick arm action from an over the top angle. Fastball, occasional arm side run, sat 75-77 mph, touched 78. Curveball, 1/7 shape, 65-68 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, arm side run, thrown for strikes, 70-72 mph.

Connor Wright, LHP, Joliet Catholic, 2020
6-foot, 150-pound left-handed pitcher with a thin, lanky, projectable frame. Works from a ¾ arm angle with a short, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed toe landing, occasionally lands more closed creating crossfire action. Showed good balance throughout delivery. Fastball sat 71-72 topping out at 73 mph. Curveball has 2-8 shape with short breaking action at 60-62 mph for strikes. Changeup has good arm side movement at 66-70 mph.

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