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Unsigned Senior Showcase: Infield Analysis

February 16, 2016

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

We began rolling out our analysis of the final Unsigned Senior Showcase for 2016 graduates last week. The event which featured over 75 unsigned seniors and over 40 college coaches in attendance was held at The MAX on January 24th. Today we take a look at the top infielders who participated in the event.

The event brought out plenty of senior infielders who could help a program at the next level. Jack Lombardi (Loyola HS) led the way mainly due to his offensive capabilities. He repeatedly made hard contact during his round of batting practice, flashing bat speed and a gap-to-gap approach. Lombardi should draw plenty of attention heading into the spring.

Top INFIELD Prospects

1. Jack Lombardi, SS, Loyola HS, 2016
5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed hitting shortstop with a strong, compact frame. Offensively hits from a tall, slightly open stance with a smooth load and short stride. Fluid rhythm with good balance throughout and explosion in the hips. Line drive hitter with a short level swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.13. Defensively has a short, stiff arm action from an over the top arm slot. Fluid footwork with shorter steps. Threw 76 mph across the infield.

2. Malik Coupet, MIF, Homewood-Flossmoor HS, 2016
Undersized 5-foot-8, 155-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Started his day running a 6.85 laser-timed 60. Offensively, handled the bat well, quick hands, worked the middle of the field with a short stroke resulting in a lot of line-drives. Potential top of the order type hitter. Fluid rhythm, good balance and level bat path. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and bat speed. Registered an exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, profiles best at second base. Soft hands, quick, fluid footwork and athletic fielding position. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, throws flashed carry and clocked at 82 mph.

3. Zach Fick, SS/3B, St. Charles North HS, 2016
Wiry, lean build 5-foot-11, 150-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Recently committed to Illinois-Springfield. Offensively, compact swing with the ability to repeat his swing and a line-drive approach. Fluid rhythm, level bat path and extension through contact. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 92 mph. Defensively, moves well on the infield with body control. Athletic fielding position, soft hands, short arm action, over-the-top slot, throws had carry and clocked at 84 mph. Also, ran a 7.22 laser-timed 60.

4. Percy Walters, INF, Homewood-Flossmoor HS, 2016
6-foot-1, 195-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Actiony defender, hands do work, clean exchange, occasionally lets it get deep. Arm played strong across the diamond, good release, can get rid of it, carries across the diamond. 7.41 runner in the 60. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, smooth loading action, maintains balance. Athletic, loose hitter, slight pull side approach, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.

5. Stephen Hill, INF, Lockport HS, 2016
6-foot-1, 195-pound infielder, solid strong build, projects as a third baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, average balance. Flashed pull side pop, above average bat speed, slight uphill path. 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played short and over the top, showed accuracy, arm works, carried from the left side, 80 mph. Clean exchange, hands work, athletic defender, best suited at third. 7.43 runner.

6. Kelly Lane, OF/SS, Gwendolyn Brooks HS, 2016
Athletic, projectable frame 6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed hitting outfielder and infielder. Offensively, loose hands and a short bat path. Flashed easy bat speed, found the barrel with regularity, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm. Balanced, upright setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short leg-lift timing trigger and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 86 mph. Also, ran a 7.17 laser-timed 60. Defensively, reliable hands and a clean exchange in the outfield and infield. Long arm action, over-the-top slot, clocked at 77 mph from the outfield and 72 mph across the infield.

7. Ricky West, 1B, Homestead HS (WI), 2016
Strong fame at 6-foot, 193-pound. Right-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Showed explosion in the lower half during batting practive. Line driver hitter with fluid rhythm and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively showed off raw arm strength at first base throwing 84 mph across the infield. Short arm action from an over the top am slot. Accurate throws with carry.

8. Travis Styer, SS/RHP, Brookfield East HS (WI), 2016
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting SS/RHP. Defensively has a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Throws showed carry at 83 mph across the infield. Plays thru the ball with good body control. Offensively hits from a tall, balanced setup with a toe tap stride and slight collapse on the backside. Line drive hitter with a long level swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.11. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, quick arm action. Slow paced to balance point with a square landing and some rhythm. Fastball sat 81-82 topping out at 83 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape with short breaking action at 69-73 mph. Changeup showed armside run at 69-71 mph. Threw knuckleball for strikes with some downer action at 64-65 mph.

9. Alex Cimaroli, SS, Wisconsin Dells HS (WI), 2016
5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitting shortstop with a strong upper half. Offensively hits from a balanced knee-to-knee setup. Short, smooth load to backside with good balance. Showed some pop to the pullside in batting practice. Fluid rhythm with strength in the forearms. Showed strength thru contact with 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.00. Defensively has a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Fluid footwork with a soft hands. Could move to second base at the next level. Threw 81 mph across the infield. Will help a program at the next level.

10. Cole Hansel, INF, Edwardsville HS, 2016
6-foot-3, 180-pound left-handed hitting infielder, solid athletic shape. Offensively hits from an open stance, loads hands back, slight leg kick stride. Level path, flashed bat speed, line drive contact in BP. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee, above average bat. Defensively worked out at shortstop and first base, showed above average hands, best suited at a corner. Arm played at 79 mph across the diamond. 7.79 runner in the 60.

10. Jay Brandt, MIF, Allendale HS (MI), 2016
Average build 5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively, fluid rhythm, barrel stayed flat through the hitting zone and sprayed line drives in batting practice. Balanced setup, pre-pitch load, long stride with a tendency to drift and average balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 87 mph. Defensively, showed body control and reliable hands on the infield. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 70 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.39 laser-timed 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Dante Betti, 2B, Northside College Prep HS, 2016
5-foot-10, 150-pound right-handed hitting second baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced, slightly open setup. Short stride back to even. Gap to gap hitter with a short path and fluid rhythm. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.72. Defensively has a short arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws at 71 mph across the infield.

Jeremy Borges, 2B/3B, West Leyden HS, 2016
Thicker body 5-foot-9, 175-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, simple, two-piece swing, ability to repeat and found the barrel often during batting practice. Gap-to-gap approach, short path with lift in swing. Started from a balanced setup, short stride and good balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 80 mph. Defensively, steady hands, short arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 78 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.81 laser-timed 60.

Ian Brown, 2B, Proviso East HS, 2016
5-foot-8, 140-pound right-handed hitting second baseman. Offensively hits from a tall, slightly closed stance. Long, level swing path. 61 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.65. Defensively has a short stiff arm action. Threw 58 mph across the infield.

Colton Burt, SS/OF, Wautoma HS (WI), 2016
Muscular build, 5-foot-9, 175-pound right-handed hitting infielder and outfielder. Ran a 7.10 laser-timed 60 on this day but has ran a 6.89 in the past. Offensively, some strength, bat speed and a gap-to-gap approach. Open setup, short, slight toe-tap stride and a long but fairly flat path through the zone. Registered an exit velocity of 90 mph. Defensively, flashed some lateral agility and some accuracy across the diamond. Short arm action, over-the-top slot and throws were clocked at 80 mph across the infield and 82 mph from the outfield.

Joseph Deluna, 1B, St. Joseph HS, 2014
6-foot-3, 215-pound right-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, hands drop to load, toe turn trigger. Uphill path, longer, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 67 mph across the diamond. 8.34 runner.

Evan Drays, 3B, Jefferson HS (WI), 2016
6-foot, 175-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short leg lift stride. Showed quickness in the hands with a short, uphill swing path. Strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.51. Defensively has a short arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Fluid footwork with a long exchange, fields the ball deep. Threw 78 mph across the infield.

Noah Dressler, RHP/INF, Mascoutah HS, 2016
Long and lean, plenty of room for physical development 6-foot-3, 170-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Projects best on the mound. Good overall feel for a four-pitch repertoire. Loose, quick, long arm action out of a high ¾ window. Smooth rhythm, in-line direction and not a lot of effort in his delivery. Fastball, slight arm-side-run, easy life and clocked at 83-85 mph. Feel for curveball, worked 11/5, 68-71 mph. Slider, tighter spin than the curveball, worked more 10/4 and sat 75-76 mph. Changeup flashed hard arm-side-run at times, arm-speed and ranged between 76-78 mph. Offensively, smooth rhythm, decent feel for hitting and a line-drive approach. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, long stride and above-average balance. Registered an exit velocity of 93 mph. Defensively, on the infield, reliable hands and a clean exchange. Shorter arm action than on the mound, high ¾ slot, accurate and clocked at 79 mph. Ran a 7.26 laser-timed 60. One of the top pitchers at the event.

Phil Hyland, MIF, Hinsdale South HS, 2016
Long and lean build, wiry 6-foot-1, 160-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, athletic setup, smooth pre-pitch load and feel for hitting. Has a tendency to collapse on his backside. Leg-lift timing trigger, uphill bat path and a gap-to-gap approach. Registered an exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, quick feet and release on the infield. Short arm action, ¾ slot and clocked at 69 mph. Also, ran a 7.66 laser-timed 60.

Chase Imberger, SS/RHP, Wisconsin Lutheran HS (WI), 2016
5-foot-8, 150-pound right-handed hitting SS/RHP. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a big leg kick stride and arm bar load. Pull hitter with a long, level swing path. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.31. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot with slower actions. Threw 73 mph across the infield. On the mound works form a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Some rhythm in his delivery with a square landing and good balance. Fastball flashed cutting action at 71-74 mph. Threw both a curveball and slider. Slider showed short sweeping action at 66-67 mph. Curveball sat 64-66 mph. Changeup blended with fastball showing running action at 71-72 mph.

Matthew Kozar, OF/2B, Barrington HS, 2016
Athletic frame, well-proportioned 5-foot-11, 170-pound left-handed hitting and right-handed throwing outfielder and infielder. Offensively, starts from a balanced setup position, short stride and an early load. Average bat speed with an uphill path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 77 mph. Defensively, worked out in the outfield and at shortstop. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot, throws had some accuracy and clocked at 81 mph from the outfield and 77 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.71 laser-timed 60.

Ryan Laboda, 1B/3B, Rolling Meadows HS, 2016
Well-proportioned 6-foot-3, 215-pound right handed hitting corner infielder. Offensively, flashed some strength in swing and a pull approach. Open setup, toe-tap stride, average balance and an uphill bat path. Registered an exit velocity of 83 mph. Defensively, moved fluidly around the bag at first base, showed feel for the position. Steady hands, short arm, ¾ slot and clocked at 80 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.33 laser-timed 60.

Jake Leonard, 2B, Oswego East HS, 2016
5-foot-11, 155-pound left-handed hitting second baseman. Offensively hits from a wide base with a high hand set and short leg lift stride. Line drive hitter with a long, level swing path. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.54. Defensively has a short loose arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Slower actions with a clean exchange. Threw 72 mph across the infield.

Reed Millwood, SS, Mount Vernon HS, 2016
6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Offensively hits from wide base with a slightly closed stance. Short heel lift stride with a good approach. Gap to gap hitter with a long, level swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.31. Defensively has a short arm action from a low ¾ arm slot. Fluid footwork with good body control and a clean exchange. Threw 78 mph across the infield.

Jake Nipperus, INF/RHP, Hinsdale South HS, 2016
Long lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot-4, 185-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from a tall and slightly open stance, stride back to even. Path works, stays level through the baseball, pull side approach. 95 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 71 mph across the diamond, loose high ¾ slot. Hands showed playability, may be best suited for first base. On the mound fastball has slight run and sink, 76-77, topped at 78 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, 65-68 mph. Changeup sat 66-68 mph, slight sinking action.

Alexander Prickett, RHP/SS/OF, Cedarburg HS (WI), 2016
Wiry, projectable frame 6-foot-1, 150-pound plenty of room for physical development right-handed position player and pitcher. Big upside on the mound. Athletic arm action, working loose and quick out of a high ¾ window. Smooth rhythm, in-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Fastball, arm-side-run, life and heaviness at times, sat 81-83 mph. Curveball underneath at times, slurvy action worked 11/5 and 10/4 at times, ranged between 67-70 mph. Changeup thrown for strikes and clocked at 72-75 mph. Offensively, started from a balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger and level bat path with average balance through contact. Registered an 80 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, worked out in the outfield and infield. Fluid footwork, clean exchange and flashed body control. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, plus accuracy, carry on throws clocked at 82 from the outfield and 77 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.67 laser-timed 60.

Trevor Ranallo, 2B, Huntley HS, 2016
Strong framed 5-foot-10, 185-pound, right-handed hitting second baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a long stride and average balance. Gap to gap hitter with a level swing path, flashing a fast bat. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.42. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Slower actions with a long, clean exchange. Threw 75 mph across the infield.

Neftali Reyes, RHP/INF/OF, Roberto Clemente HS, 2016
Long limbed, plenty of room to add strength 6-foot, 160-pound right-handed hitting position player and pitcher. Projects best as a right-handed pitcher. On the mound, some rhythm, in-line direction and regular effort in delivery. Short, quick arm from an over-the-top slot. Fastball flashed easy life, late arm-side-run and sat 81-83 mph. Splitter was his best secondary offering. Flashed plus sink and fade at times, thrown for strikes and ranged between 70-72 mph. Curveball worked 11/5, gradual action and ranged between 65-70 mph. Offensively, flashed loose hands and a line-drive approach. Balanced setup, slight pre-pitch load and leg-lift timing trigger. Long, uphill bat path and average balance. Registered an exit velocity of 83 mph. Defensively, worked out in the outfield and infield. Steady hands and quick exchange. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 83 mph from the outfield and 80 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.63 laser-timed 60.

Lupe Rivera, 2B, St. Anthony HS, 2016
5-foot-7, 135-pound left-handed hitting second baseman. Offensively hits from an upright, slightly open stance. Short hand load to the backside with a short leg lift stride. Opposite field line drive hitter with a short path. 70 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.10. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Average hands, fields the ball deep. Threw 74 mph across the infield.

Kyle Sailliez, RHP/INF/OF, Frankfort HS, 2016
Strong build 5-foot-11, 195-pound right-handed hitting position player and pitcher. Projects best on the mound. Threw from multiple angles during his bullpen. Slow and deliberate over-the head windup, in-line direction and effort in delivery. Fastball from over-the-top ranged between 80-84 mph. Curveball worked 12/6 and clocked at 69-72 mph. Changeup sat 73-76 mph. Side-arm/submarine delivery was interesting. Fastball flashed some arm-side-run and sat 79-80 mph. Curveball, decent feel, sweeping action and clocked at 69 mph. Offensively, strength in swing, gap-to-gap approach and bat speed. Balanced setup, short stride, average balance and long bat path. Registered an exit velocity of 86 mph. Defensively, worked out in the outfield and infield. Between the two he looked better suited for the outfield. Long arm action, over-the-top slot, flashed carry on throws, clocked at 88 mph from the outfield and 80 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.11 laser-timed 60.

Russell Shaffer, 2B/RHP, Urbana HS, 2016
6-foot, 189-pound right-handed hitting 2B/RHP. Offensively hits from a tall setup with a short stride and average balance. Raises up thru contact with a level swing path. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.63. Defensively has a short arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Slower actions with good body control. Threw 67 mph across the infield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Slow paced delivery in line with homeplate and a square landing. Threw fastball fors trikes at 67-68 topping out at 70 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape at 60-62 mph. Changeup for strikesat 60-62 mph.

Tyler Stamer, 3B, Edwardsville HS, 2016
6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced with a short load and stride. Early rhythm with an uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 94 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.27.  Defensively has a short arm action from a high 3/4 with accurate throws. Slower actions with fluid footwork. Threw 79 mph across the infield.

Ranko Stevanovic, RHP/INF, Notre Dame HS, 2016
Large, strong build, wide shouldered, 6-foot-2, 200-pound right-handed two-way player. On the mound showed good feel for the zone with all three pitches. Fastball has slight running action, down in the zone with slight tilt. Curveball has 12/6 shape, dropped for strikes, thrown near fastball arm speed. Changeup is straight, near fastball arm speed, good feel for the zone, 69-72 mph. Offensively hits from the right side, slightly open stance, loads hands back, keeps bat tall, short stride. Big swinger, bat strength with power, slight uphill path, elevates the baseball regularly. 96 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensive projects at a corner infield position, 7.66 runner, arm plays at 80 mph across the diamond, longer over the top arm action.

Ricardo Uriostegui, 2B, Von Steuben HS, 2016
5-foot-9, 145-pound right-handed hitting second baseman. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and wrap load. Opposite field hitter with a long, uphill swing path.  79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.37. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Fluid footwork with a clean exchange, fields the ball deep. Threw 68 mph across the infield.

Dryden Van Schoyck, 1B/OF, DeForest HS (WI), 2016
Long lean frame, 6-foot-4, 200-pound firstbase/outfielder, projects best with the bat at first base. Offensively hits from a tall setup, short leg kick trigger, solid balance through contact. Long levers create a longer uphill path, suited for lifting baseballs with pop, pull side approach. 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long from a high ¾ slot, 74 mph across the infield, 76 mph from the outfield.

Justin Woolbright, 3B/OF/RHP, Rockford Lutheran HS, 2016
Muscle bound, physical 6-foot, 210-pound right-handed hitting pitcher and position player. On the mound featured a four-pitch repertoire. Quick, short arm from an over-the-top slot and effort in his delivery. Fastball, straight and clocked at 79-81, touching 82 mph. Slider looked to be second best pitch, worked 11/5 and sat 71-72 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual action and ranged between 66-68 mph. Changeup sat 73-77 mph. Offensively, strength in his swing evidenced by a 89 mph exit velocity. Simple, aggressive swing with bat speed. Gap-to-gap approach, good balance and the ball jumped off his bat. Defensively, worked out in the infield and the outfield. Short arm action, over-the-top slot and clocked at 84 across the infield and 82 mph from the outfield. Also, ran a 7.78 laser-timed 60.

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