The Illinois Scout Blog provides insider information and scouting notes from the PBR Scouting Staff during the season. This running blog will feature information on underclass prospects, unsigned seniors, draft prospects, and anything else that is notable. We will provide a wide range of information, including player evaluations, velocities, pop times, home to first times, and more. Simply put, the Illinois Scout Blog is loaded with information ...

HALL VS. NEWMAN CENTRAL CATHOLIC - 4/21/23

By: Gavin Smith
Area Scout

Brendan Tunink, OF, Newman Central, 2024
Notre Dame commit, currently slotted at No. 10 in the state’s class of 2024. Tunink recently impressed last summer as a member of Team Illinois at the PBR Future Games in Georgia. Listed at an athletic 5-foot-11, 175-pounds, with present upper-half strength and developing overall strength throughout. Started in centerfield and hit third for the Comets. On the day, Tunink went 2-for-3 with a triple, RBI and a walk. His first hit of the day was a triple to the warning track in center field, and throughout the day, he hit multiple foul ball home runs. He showed confidence at the plate with present bat speed, the ability to cover the whole plate and easy jump and loud contact off the bat. He controlled the outfield, tracking down multiple fly balls, showing range to both sides. 

Brendan Tunink

Max Bryant, OF/RHP, Hall, 2024
Uncommitted. Listed at a lanky and projectable 6-foot, 140-pounds. Started in right field and was hitting fifth. Left-handed hitter showed a mature approach, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a walk. Bryant threw an inning in relief and stuck out one. His fastball sat 80-81 mph, topping at 82, and his curveball sat 67-68 mph with 11/5 shape with 2400-2500 RPM.

ROCHESTER VS O’FALLON - 4/21/23

By: Diego Solares
Area Scout, Illinois and Missouri

Jack Swaney, 1B, Rochester, 2024
Uncommitted. Strong, physically built 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame that’s imposing on the diamond and football field, where he plays tight end and defensive end for the Rockets. Left-handed hitter that hit in the two-hole. Has a presence to him at the plate, works in rhythm from a simple, controlled operation. Clear bat strength, stays short and direct to the baseball, covers the whole plate and drives the ball where it's pitched. Was on the barrel twice with authority in this look. Swatted a double the other way in his first at-bat, squared a hard single back up the middle later on. Polished with feel to hit, competed at the plate with minimal swing-and-miss. Has the potential to be a true impact bat at the next level with middle-of-the-order type power. 

Jack Swaney

Eli Carlson, INF, Rochester, 2025
5-foot-10, 175-pound athlete with a strong, compact frame. Hit in the seven hole and started at second base, shifting over to the mound later in the contest. Quiet start in the box with a square base, loads in rhythm and uses a quick leg lift timing trigger. Strong hands, short and uphill to contact. Backspun a hard double into the left-center gap in his first at-bat, worked a walk and was hit by a pitch, too. Sure-handed on the infield, gathered out front with clean funnels to release in pregame. 

Michael Barker, RHP, O’Fallon, 2024
Uncommitted. Lanky 6-foot-3, 170-pound frame with long, protectable limbs. Entered the game in the fourth for the Panthers and hurled three key relief innings en route to a win. Quick tempo and pace throughout, simple tall/fall type delivery, stays connected with the rubber to front foot strike