Prospect I.D. - Position Player Analysis

July 5, 2016

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The Prospect Identification Showcase took place on June 14th at Hoffer Field on the campus of Judson University. The open showcase consisted of over 40 prospects from all high school classes. Today we begin the roll-out of the event by taking a look at the top position players.

2017 Brian Fuentes, locked up the top spot, after flashing easy juice at the plate and advanced defensive actions. Fuentes recently moved from Venezuela and will be attending Crystal Lake South next school year.

TOP POSITION PLAYERS

1. Brian Fuentes, C/SS, Crystal Lake South, 2017
5-foot-10, 178-pound physically advanced prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, rhythm and plate presence. Flashed easy bat speed, strength through contact; recorded a 93 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Long, uphill bat path, gap-to-gap approach and good balance through contact. Balanced stance, slightly open, smooth load and leg-kick timing trigger. Also, ran a 7.08 60- yard dash. Defensively, in the infield, Fuentes flashed high level hands, quick and fluid glove to hand transfers and moved well laterally. Throws clocked at 79 mph across the diamond. Behind the plate, Fuentes, impressed with his catch and throw ability. He consistently threw sub 2.0 pop times, ranging from 1.92 to 2.01. Comes from a high ¾ slot, short arm action, throws flashed carry, clocked at 76 mph from the crouch. High level prospect.

2. Ryne Travis, C/OF, Lockport, 2017
6-foot, 195-pound, strong, switch-hitting catcher. Offensively, looks more natural from the left side. Compact, fluid, loose swing from the left side; flashed bat speed, lift in swing, gap-to-gap approach. Recorded an 80 mph exit velocity right handed and an 85 mph left handed. Also, ran a 7.35 60-yard dash. Defensively, strong back stop, plus blocking ability, showed ability to catch and throw recording pop times between 2.03-2.11. Clocked at 73 mph from the crouch.

3. Kevin Davis, 1B/RHP. Lockport, 2017
6-foot-8, 200-pound long, lean, projectable two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, with fluid rhythm, looseness and easy pop in swing; ball jumps off the bat, creates backspin. Level, long bat path and gap-to-gap approach. Balanced setup, back-side load, long, toe-turn stride. 87 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Also, ran an 8.04 laser timed 60. Defensively, showed clean, fluid footwork, clean glove habits, and an athletic fielding position. Arm worked from an over-the-top slot, long arm action, flashed carry to throws. On the mound, over-the-top slot, stays in direction with the plate, lands square, finishes athletic. Arm works loose and quick. Tall and fall delivery style, up-tempo, tall balance point, regular effort, projectable velocity. Fastball, downhill tilt, sat 78-79 mph. Curveball 12/6 shape, clocked between 63-66 mph.

4. Scott Garrow, OF, Lyons Township, 2017
6-foot-1, 175-pound, lanky, athletic, prospect. Ran the top laser-timed 60 of the event, a 6.79. Defensively, showed well in the outfield. Attacked the baseball and read hops well. Fluid footwork, consistent clean exchanges, played through the baseball. Over-the-top arm slot, short, quick arm action, accurate throws clocked at 75 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, uphill bat path, extension through the hitting zone. Slightly open stance, balanced, smooth rhythmic load and short stride. 87 mph exit velocity off of a tee.

5. Ben Hopkins, SS/3B, Dunlap, 2017
6-foot-4, 175-pound infielder with an athletic and lanky build. Offensively, left-handed hitter, presence in the box, bat speed, uphill path and pull-side approach. Slightly open stance, smooth, backside load, short stride, maintains balance throughout. Recorded an 86 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Also, ran 7.44 60-yard dash. Defensively, over-the-top slot, long arm action, plays through the baseball and throws clocked at 81 mph across the infield.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Givon Alonzo, INF, United Township, 2017
5-foot-11, 180-pound middle infielder. Defensively, soft hands and quick, clean exchanges. Fluid footwork and athletic fielding position. Short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, accurate throws clocked at 78 mph across the diamond. Offensively, right-handed hitter, short, level and loose bat, created some backspin, pull side, line-drive approach. Athletic, slightly open set up and short stride. Exit velocity registered at 81 mph off of a tee. Also, ran an 8.00 laser timed 60.

Alex Buchanan, RHP/3B, Kaneland, 2019
6-foot, 175-pound, lanky, two-way player. Offensively, right-handed hitter, uphill bat path, pull side approach. Balanced, open stance, short stride. 76 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Also, ran an 8.19 60-yard dash. Defensively, quick exchanges on the infield. High ¾ arm slot, accurate throws, clocked at 70 mph from the infield. On the mound, high ¾ slot, tall and fall delivery. Fastball, flashed cut, sat 71-72, topped at 73 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, short break, sat 61-62 mph. Changeup, arm side run, clocked between 64-65 mph.

Michael Coughlin, INF, St. Patrick, 2017
5-foot-11, 165-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, short, quick bat, fluid rhythm, line-drive approach with pull-side tendencies. Balanced setup, short stride, maintains balance through contact. Exit velocity clocked at 79 mph. Ran a 7.48 60 yard dash. Defensively, soft hands, fluid footwork, and clean transfers. Over-the-top arm slot, short, quick arm action, consistent, accurate throws to first. Topped at 77 mph across the diamond.

Tony Deluna, 1B/RHP, Morton, 2017
6-foot-3, 210-pound strong-bodied prospect. Defensively, displayed quick footwork and glove exchanges. High ¾ arm slot, long arm action. Clocked at 72 mph across the diamond. Offensively, right-handed hitter with a short bat path. Tall and balanced setup, leg-lift timing mechanism. Flashed looseness in his swing. 78 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Also, ran an 8.30 60. On the mound, high ¾ arm slot and long arm action. Drop and drive delivery, stays in line with target. Fastball, flashed arm side run, sat 70-73 mph, topped 76. Curveball, 10/4 shape, sat 62-63 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, slight sink, ranged from 69-72 mph. Knuckleball, ranged from 59-61 mph.

Antonio Dominguez, INF, United Township, 2017
5-foot-10, 260-pound corner infielder. Offensively, right-handed hitter, quick, short bat path, line-drive approach and flashed pull side pop. Open, wide setup, short stride and good balance. 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively, over-the-top, long arm action, accurate throws, clocked at 67 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.67 60 yard dash.

Anthony Donahue, OF, Lockport, 2018
5-foot-6, 160-pound outfielder. Offensively, right-handed hitter, uphill bat path, worked the middle of the field. Balanced set-up, back side load, leg kick. 77 mph exit velocity. Defensively, long and clean exchange. Over-the-top arm slot, long arm swing. Clocked at 72 mph. Also ran a 7.41 60 yard-dash.

Cody Gallagher, OF/INF, South Elgin, 2019
5-foot-9, 140-pound multi-positional prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, some looseness in swing. Uphill bat path and opposite field approach. Balance set-up, back-side load, toe-tap leg kick. 69 mph exit velocity. Defensively, plays through the baseball, over-the-top arm slot, long arm action. Arm played with some accuracy and clocked 63 mph from the outfield and 64 mph across the diamond. Ran an 8.32 laser timed 60.

Reece Harris, 1B/RHP, Minooka, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect. Offensively, left-handed hitter, fluid rhythm, loose, level bat path, extension through contact, line drive, gap-to-gap approach. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, signs of explosive lower half. Exit velocity clocked at 75 mph. Also, ran a 9.13 60 yard-dash. Defensively, high ¾ arm slot, clocked at 65 mph across the infield. On the mound, displayed the same high ¾ arm slot as shown in the infield. Tall and fall delivery, easy effort, stays in line with target and lands square. Fastball, strikes, slight run, sat 66-67 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape clocked at 52-53 mph. Changeup, slight cut, ranged between 59-62 mph. Cutter, 10/4 shape, sat 53-56 mph.

Joshua Heller, INF, N/A, 2017
6-foot-1, 171-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, loose swing with bat speed; path has some length, pull-side approach. Open, balanced setup and short stride. Recorded an 82 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Also, ran a 7.76 laser timed 60. Defensively, clean glove to hand exchanges on the infield. Low ¾ arm slot and a long arm action. Clocked at 63 mph across the diamond.

Brendan Holloway, INF, Vernon Hills, 2020
5-foot-4, 125-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, quick twitch in swing. Flashed bat speed, fluid rhythm and a gap-to-gap approach. Balanced, slightly closed stance, minimal stride, maintains good balance. Good pop for size, controlled the barrel and should see development offensively in the future. 77 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Also, ran a 7.40 laser timed 60-yard dash. Defensively, high ¾ arm slot, long arm action, accurate throws, 67 mph across the diamond.

Brady Hough, 3B/RHP, Peoria Notre Dame, 2017
6-foot, 198-pound solidly built two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, quick and loose bat, flashed pull-side pop. Starts from a balanced, closed setup and short stride. Recorded a 90 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, high 3/4 arm slot, long arm action, carry, throws stay true, 80 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.10 60-yard dash. On the mound, long, quick arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Tall and fall delivery style, some tempo, lands slightly close, finishes athletically to glove side. Fastball, slight cut, controlled in the zone, sat 78-81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, near fastball arm speed, sat 65-67 mph. Slider, 10/4 action, tight spin, ranged between 70-73 mph.

Joey Keigher, INF, Joliet West, 2018
5-foot-10, 155-pound lanky infielder. Defensively, flashed soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchanges and plays through the baseball well. High ¾ arm slot, short arm action, accurate throws across the field at 71 mph across the infield. Offensively, right-handed hitter, bat stays level through the zone at times. Long path and line-drive approach. Balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger. 70 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Also, ran a 8.06 60 yard dash.

Cy Kerber, C, Larkin, 2018
5-foot-10, 165-pound prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, short, level bat path, 74 mph exit velocity. Open balanced setup, short stride with some balance through contact. Defensively, pop times between 2.11-2.25. Clocked at 70 mph from behind the plate. Also, ran an 8.00 laser-timed 60.

Chase Kuntzman, OF/INF, Rochester, 2017
5-foot-10, 180-pound, strong prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, short, level bat path, line drive approach with pull tendencies. Balanced setup, short, compact swing; 78 mph exit velocity. Defensively, worked as an outfielder and infielder. Shows more upside in the outfield. Plays through the baseball. Over-the-top slot, long arm action, accurate and clocked at 68 mph from the outfield. 71 mph across the infield. 8.09 laser timed 60.

Derek Lasky, OF/RHP, Valparaiso (IN), 2017
6-foot-3, 195-pound, strong, advanced frame. Offensively, right-handed hitter, fluid rhythm and looseness in swing. Short, uphill bat path, flashed bat speed and a pull approach. Balanced setup, leg-lift timing trigger, finishes on backside. Exit velocity clocked at 78 mph. Defensively, plays through the baseball, fluid footwork, clean glove transfer. Over-the-top arm slot, long arm action, throws flashed carry, true flight and clocked at 81 mph. 7.50 runner in the 60. On the mound, short, quick arm action and works out of a high ¾ arm slot. Drop and drive delivery, some rhythm, regular effort, stayed in line, landed square to the target and in an athletic defensive position. Fastball, ranged from 80-82 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, sat 66-68 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, some sink, sat 73-76 mph.

John McHugh, OF/LHP, St. Patrick, 2017
6-foot-3, 175-pound long and lean two-way player. Defensively, worked out as an outfielder. Attacks the baseball, quick and fluid footwork, works through the baseball, quick and clean exchange. Arm works from a short, over-the-top slot. Consistent, accurate throws to the plate. Clocked at 74 mph. Offensively, left-handed hitter, short, uphill bat path. Crouched stance, short, subtle load. 76 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Ran a 7.63 laser timed 60. On the mound, the lefty comes out of a high ¾ arm slot. Tall and fall delivery, finishes glove side, short arm action. Fastball, slight cut, registered 68-70 mph, topped at 73. Curveball, ranged from 58-60 mph. Slider showed similar action as curveball, sat between 57-61 mph.

Kellen Mitchell, 1B/RHP, Wheaton Academy, 2017
6-foot-2, 210-pound athletically built two-way player. Offensively, left-handed hitter, fluid rhythm, bat speed and uphill path. Tall, open setup, low hands, long stride and good balance through contact. Exit velocity 81 mph. Also, ran a 7.71 60-yard dash. Defensively, high ¾ slot, long arm action, accurate throws clocked at 68 mph across the diamond. On the mound, showed the same high ¾ arm slot from the infield. Long arm action and regular effort. Short leg lift, stays in line, lands square towards target. Fastball, mainly straight action, slight arm side run at times, sat 72-74 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, sat 57-59 mph. Changeup, cutting action, kept down in the zone, ranged between 64-68 mph.

Ricky Monbrod, OF/LHP, Marian Central Catholic, 2017
6-foot-1, 185-pound, strong bodied, two-way prospect. Upside on the mound. Short, quick arm action, out of a high ¾ slot. Delivery works with some rhythm, closed front foot and stays in line. Tall and fall delivery, regular effort, tall balance point, rolls over back side, minimal leg drive. Flashed a four pitch mix. Fastball, sat 82-83 mph. Slider ranged from 67-70 mph, thrown arm side. Straight changeup, near fastball arm speed, sat 69-70 mph . Curveball, worked 58-59 mph. Interesting arm to follow, should see increase in velocity if back side develops. Defensively, attacks and works through the baseball, clean glove transfer. Arm works from a long, clean, out of a high ¾ arm slot, consistent, accurate throws, flashed some carry; clocked at 80 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, fluid rhythm and quick bat. Long, uphill path, gap-to-gap approach, displayed forearm strength by staying through the baseball; 87 mph exit velocity. Balanced, wide stance, no load, short stride, easy landing.

Tommy Moran, INF/RHP, Loyola, 2017
5-foot-10, 170-pound two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, long, uphill bat path, and fluid rhythm throughout. Registered a 78 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Also, ran a 7.90 laser timed 60. Defensively, fluid footwork, attacked the baseball, quick and clean transfers. Short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, accrurate throws, clocked at 69 mph across the diamond. On the mound, lower 3/4 slot, regular effort. Some rhythm, stayed in line with the plate, finishes square and athletic. Fastball, some arm side run, sat 67-70 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, sweeping, gradual action, near fastball arm speed, controlled in the zone, registered between 65-67 mph. Changeup, mostly straight, some feel, threw strikes, sat 65-67 mph.

Thomas Murray, 2B/RHP, Joliet West. 2017
5-foot-7, 175-pound two-way player. Defensively, long arm action from a ¾ arm slot. 70 mph across the diamond. Offensively, left-handed hitter, early rhythm, short, uphill bat path. Balanced setup, backside load, shows some lower half drive. 75 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Ran an 8.16 60-yard dash. On the mound, used the same ¾ arm slot, delivery worked with some rhythm, stays on path with target, lands closed and finishes in an athletic position. Fastball, slight sink, worked 73-74, topping at 75 mph. Curveball, showed some feel, 11/5 shape, gradual action, fastball arm speed, controlled in the zone, sat 65-67 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, sat 72-73 mph. Slider, clocked 68-69 mph.

Eric Nelson, SS/RHP, DeKalb, 2018
6-foot, 165-pound two way player. Defensively, athletic, fluid footwork, quick and clean glove exchanges. Loose, easy, clean arm out of a ¾ slot. Accurate throws flashed carry at 73 mph across the diamond. Offensively, right-handed hitter, fluid rhythm and quick bat. Open, balanced setup, short leg lift. 80 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Also, ran a 7.87 laser timed 60. On the mound, high ¾ slot, short and loose arm action. Some rhythm, tall and fall delivery, stayed in line, finished athletically. Fastball, sat 76-77 mph. Curveball, sweeping shape, sat 68-69 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, ranged between 71-73 mph.

Ricky Perez, OF. Addison Trail, 2017
6-foot-2, 170-pound lanky outfielder. Defensively, in the outfield, attacks the baseball, fluid footwork, quick, clean and consistent exchanges. Arm works from a high ¾ slot, long and loose action, flashed accurate throws, topped at 72 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, uphill bat path, pull side approach. Crouched stance, double tap timing mechanism. Exit velocity clocked at 76 mph. Ran a 7.48 60-yard dash.

Anwar Thornton, INF, Walther Christian Academy, 2017
5-foot-11, 190-pound infielder. Offensively, right-handed hitter, stays on top, ability to backspin the baseball; 87 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, average feet, slow glove transfer. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Clocked at 53 mph across the infield. Also, ran an 8.55 laser-timed 60.

David Trisko, C, Oak Park-River Forest, 2017
6-foot-1, 185- pound strong frame. Offensively, right-handed hitter, short, level bat path, line drive approach, creates some backspin. Wide, balanced setup. Exit velocity recorded at 85 mph. Defensively, easy, soft hands, showed feel for catching position, consistent pop times between 2.07-2.22. Clocked at 72 mph behind the plate. Also, ran a 7.81 60-yard dash.

Tyler Trojan, SS, Barrington, 2017
5-foot-9, 140-pound lean middle infielder. Offensively, left-handed hitter with a loose, line-drive swing. Fluid rhythm, open setup, smooth, quiet load, short stride, good balance. 83 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, worked around and through the baseball. High ¾ arm slot, short arm action, consistent and accurate throws across the diamond. Clocked at 76 mph. Also, ran a 7.56 60-yard dash.

Michael Vaca, MIF, Barlett, 2019
5-foot-10, 145-pound middle infielder. Offensively, right-handed hitter, fluid rhythm and looseness in swing. Short, uphill bat path with pull side tendencies. Balanced setup, smooth, back-side load, leg-kick timer. Recorded a 73 mph exit velocity. Also, ran a 7.69 60 yard dash. Defensively, flashed fluid footwork on the infield. Over-the-top arm slot, short arm action, throws stayed true and clocked at 74 mph across the infield.

Brandon Van Buren, INF/OF/LHP, Burlington Central, 2017
6-foot, 160-pound, lanky, versatile prospect. Offensively, left-handed hitter, fluid rhythm, uphill bat path, present bat speed with a gap-to-gap approach. Open and tall setup, leg-lift timing trigger, good balance through contact, occasional hard contact; 82 mph exit velocity. Defensively, worked out as an infielder and outfielder. First base looks to be best position, flashed soft hands, athletic fielding position. Clean exchange, short arm action, ¾ arm slot, clocked at 74 mph across the diamond. In the outfield, clocked at 73 mph. On the mound, the left hander showcased the same short ¾ slot as he did in the field. Tall and fall delivery, some rhythm, regular effort. Short stride, stays in line, lands slightly open with an athletic finish. Fastball, varied action, slight arm side run and cut at times. Fastball thrown for strikes, sat 75-76 mph, topped at 77. Curveball, 1/7 shape, maintained similar arm speed as fastball, ranged 61-63 mph. Changeup was best pitch, fastball arm speed, fade and sink, controlled in the zone, clocked at 69-70 mph.

Scott Wojcik, OF/INF, Dundee-Crown, 2017
5-foot-7, 150-pound multi-positional prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, flashed a quick bat and short path; line drive, spray approach. Balanced setup, short toe-tap stride and average balance through contact. Registered an 80 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, worked out in the infield and outfield. Reliable hands, plays through the baseball with quick feet. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, clocked at 75 mph from the outfield and 74 mph across the infield. Also ran a 7.64 laser timed 60.

Ryan Zimmer, 2B/RHP, Richmond Burton, 2017
5-foot-9, 170-pound two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, short, level bat path, early rhythm, spray approach. Balanced setup, short stride and simple approach. Exit velocity clocked at 83 mph. Also ran a 7.74 60-yard dash. Defensively, fluid footwork, clean glove transfers and athletic fielding position. High ¾ arm slot, clean, short arm action, accurate throws, flashed carry at 81 mph across the diamond. On the mound, over-the-top slot, quick, short arm action, regular effort. Drop and drive delivery style. Fastball stayed mostly straight, sat 77-79, topped 81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, up in the zone at times, sat 65-68 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, flashed sink when down, clocked at 71-73 mph.