Unsigned Senior Showcase: Pitcher Analysis
November 1, 2018
On Oct. 7, our staff hosted the fall’s Unsigned Senior Showcase – an annual event for the area’s top talents belonging to the 2019 class who remain uncommitted. There were 160 prospects at The MAX taking part in the pro-style workout, performing in front of a collection of over 35 colleges. Already, 14 of the prospects in attendance have since committed to play at the next level.
Today, we’ll take take a look at all of the pitchers who took the mound at the senior-only showcase in earlier October.
Two of Illinois’ ranked Class of 2019 arms snagged the top-two spots from the Unsigned Senior Showcase: RHPs Zachary Gould (Joliet Catholic) and Ryan Mintz (Willowbrook). Gould is back on the market after decommitting from Memphis in July. He’s looked sharp since then, including his performance at The MAX. He has a quick and clean arm, sat 86-88 mph, feel for three pitches including a sharp slider with tight spin.
As for Mintz, the Willowbrook righty was repeatedly up to 86 mph last month. He, too, has feel for three pitches, especially his changeup that featured arm-side action.
Missouri RHP Kyle Pothoff (Marquette) is a top-20-ranked pitcher within his state’s senior class, and among the top-ranked righties without a commitment. In McCook, Pothoff was up to 85 mph and has the lean 6-foot-5 frame that could project for more as he further develops.
Check out the full reports below on these three arms, as well as each and every one of the pitchers who toed the rubber at The MAX. We’ve already published the Statistical Analysis from this showcase, as well as the breakdown of the day’s catchers, infielders, and outfielders. Keep an eye out tomorrow when we wrap up our event analysis by ranking the top-10 prospects in attendance.
TOP PROSPECTS
1. Zachary Gould, RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2019
6-foot-4, 205-pound, right-handed pitcher; athletic, strong, well-proportioned build. Smooth, tall and fall delivery, repeats, works on-line and lands square. Clean arm action, works loose and quick from a high ¾ slot. Fastball, clean out of the hand, works mostly straight, carries through the zone, 86-88 mph. Changeup, thrown aggressively, heavy power type pitch, fade action, 79-82 mph. Slider, maintains arm speed, tight spin and shape, 10/4 plane, feel, 72-74 mph. One of the top unsigned arms in the class.
2. Ryan Mintz, RHP Willowbrook, 2019
6-foot-3, 160-pound right-handed pitcher, compact delivery with slight drop and drive style, lands square and in rhythm, easy effort. Arm action is long and loose, ¾ slot. Fastball plays with run to arm side, feel for the zone, sat 85-86 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape with feel for strike zone, 69-71 mph. Changeup was best secondary offering, above-average action to arm side, with feel, 77-79 mph.
3. Kyle Potthoff, RHP, Marquette (MO), 2019
6-foot-5, 193-pound, right-handed pitcher, lean, athletic, projectable frame. Tall and fall delivery, low hanging knee balance point, works in-line, lands square, repeats short stride, rhythm involved. Arm plays loose, arm gradually speeds through a high ¾ window, regular effort. Fastball played straight with slight run at times, 83-84 mph, topped 85 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, occasional tight spin, 74-76 mph. Changeup sank, 75-79 mph.
4. Jake Kmiecik, RHP, Neuqua Valley, 2019
6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, lean live body, athletic shape. Athletic delivery, tall and fall type, work in rhythm with tempo. Arm action draws short, loose out front, ¾ slot. Fastball played with slight sink action, 84-85 mph, touched 86 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 70-72 mph, above average feel. Changeup sinks, arm speed present, 75-77 mph.
5. Cameron Mulvihill, LHP, Evanston, 2019
Recent Wisconsin-Oshkosh commit. 6-foot-2, 170-pound left-handed pitcher, long lean frame that projects. Tall and fall delivery with tempo, lands square, regular effort. Arm action is short and loose, over the top slot. Fastball is sneaky quick at times, mostly straight but creates angle, feel for the zone, 82-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Slider has 2/8 shape, showed ability to throw for strikes, 72-76 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm speed, 75-79 mph.
6. Ayden Head, RHP, Hinsdale Central, 2019
6-foot-2, 210-pound, right-handed pitcher, solid build, strong lower half. Drop and drive delivery, repeatable, works with rhythm, stays on-line and lands square. Projectable arm action; works loose and quick out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, run and sink action, heavy at times, thrown for strikes, 82-84 mph, touched 85. Changeup, aggressive fastball arm speed, sink and fade action, ranged between 73-78 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, depth at times, 68-71 mph.
7. Joe Buikema, RHP, Notre Dame, 2019
5-foot-11, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher, wiry, athletic frame. Short side step to sturdy balance point, weight stays back, works in-line to home, some rhythm throughout. Long, live arm action, full arm swing, generates quick arm speed, high ¾ slot, effort involved. Fastball ran, occasionally sank, 83-84 mph, topped 85 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape with arm speed, sharp break and bite, aggressive with it, 75-78 mph. Slider, thrown hard, tight spinner, 79-81 mph.
8. Mike Sullivan, RHP, Wheaton North, 2019
6-foot-1, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, lanky frame, athletic actions, body projects. Tall presence at setup, quick side step to sturdy, coiled balance, directionally in line, athletic stride down the mound, foot lands square, easy, upright finish. Arm plays long, full arm swing, generates present arm speed, clean high ¾ slot, smooth rhythm. Fastball came out easy through the zone, occasional sink, 82-84 mph. Curveball, 11/5 tight spin, sharp break at times, feel for it, 72-76 mph. Changeup, turned it over, faded with arm speed at 78-80 mph.
9. Keegan Gagliardo, OF/LHP, Coal City, 2019
5-foot-10, 145-pound two-way player, lean build. Left-handed hitter, tall closed setup, short stride. Path is level, line drive contact to pull side approach. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long and loose, over the top slot, runs to arm side, 83 mph from the outfield. 7.31 runner in the 60. Tall and fall delivery on the mound, smooth rhythm, squared landing. Arm is loose from high ¾ slot. Fastball showed feel for the zone, slight angle, 80-82 mph, touched 83 mph. Curveball plays 1/7, 65-67 mph, flashed sharp action at times. Changeup fades to arm side, near-fastball arm speed, 67-70 mph.
10. Jake McKendry, RHP, Providence Catholic, 2019
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, large frame, sturdy lower half. Delivery is smooth, lands closed toe, low effort. Arm action is long and loose, above average arm speed, high ¾ slot. Fastball is straight, feel for the zone, 83-85 mph. Curveball plays light on 11/5 plane, ability to consistently get over for strikes, 65-68 mph. Straight changeup, near-fastball arm speed, 72-74 mph.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Matthew Ande, RHP, Bartlett, 2019
5-foot-10, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher, athletic frame. Tall and fall delivery, sturdy balance point, slightly cross bodied to home, toe lands square, upright finish with rhythm involved. Arm plays long and out of a high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball, mostly straight in the zone, occasional cut, 77-80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, feel for, 60-63 mph. Changeup played straight, 65-67 mph.
Mason Barnick, LHP/INF, Glenbard South, 2019
6-foot, 190-pound, two-way prospect with a strong lower half. Right-handed hitter, open setup, pre-pitch load and reverse toe-tap stride. Aggressive swing, loose hands, creates bat speed and registered a 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, steady hands, winds up at times, loose arm action, ¾ slot and throws topped at 80 mph across the diamond. 7.45 runner in the 60. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, delivery works on-line, lands square, creates deception at times with regular effort throughout. Short, loose, quick arm action from a ¾ slot. Fastball late run action, down in the zone at 79-80 mph, touched 81. Slider was best secondary; flashed sharp action at times, 10/4 shape, ranged between 65-71 mph. Also, threw a curveball, 1/7 shape, 69-71 mph.
Luke Bentley, INF/RHP, Lockport, 2019
5-foot-10, 185-pound, two-way prospect with a durable build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, throws from multiple arm angles. Natural ¾ arm slot but also throws from a side-arm to submarine window. Fastball ranged mostly 77-79 mph, touching 80. Curveball, 10/4 shape, 64-68 mph. Changeup, arm-side-run action, occasional sink, 67-70 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, slightly crouched setup, short stride, long bat path, uphill at times, opposite field approach and an 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 78 mph across the diamond. 7.88 runner in the 60.
Travis Bergkoetter, RHP, Freeburg, 2019
6-foot-2, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher, lanky, athletic frame, room for continued physical growth. Deliberate side step, high knee balance point, tilts over the rubber, lead leg kicks straight and lands in-line to home, toe lands square, athletic finish with pop-up. Long arm action, shows on back side, arm speeds through a high ¾ slot, rhythm involved. Fastball played straight, tilt down at times, 79-80 mph, topped 81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, flashed depth, 66-70 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, thrown harder, tight break with arm speed, 70-72 mph. Changeup faded, 70-72 mph.
Nick Black, RHP/INF, Geneva, 2019
6-foot-3, 185-pound, strong, long-limbed two-way prospect; projection in frame. Offensively, right-handed hitter, wide setup, smooth simple load and minimal stride. Loose hands, stays short to the ball and registered an 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, clean transfer, winds up at times. Arm works long, loose and quick, high ¾ slot, accurate throws with carry, clocked at 87 mph. 7.23 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery with smooth rhythm and easy effort throughout. Short arm action, works loose out front from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works mostly straight, occasional run, sat 79-82 mph, touched 83. Changeup, sinking action, 68-72 mph. Curveball, sat 64-66 mph.
Chase Bloxdorf, RHP, Union Grove (WI), 2019
6-foot-1, 150-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted, wiry frame. Tilt and topple delivery, tall at balance point, high front side, lands slightly cross bodied with toe closed, head jerks down into an athletic finish. Arm action is long, gradually speeds through a, over the top slot, regular effort. Fastball, mostly straight, 76-78 mph, topped 79 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual break, 68-69 mph. Changeup, sinking action, played down, 71-73 mph.
Nathan Boyer, LHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound left-handed pitcher with lanky, athletic frame. On the mound, throws from high ¾ slot, long arm action. Drop-and-drive delivery with some effort, high front side, works on line and lands square. Fastball, straight, 76-77 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape with gradual action, 60-62 mph. Changeup, straight, 67-70 mph.
Michael Carvatta, OF/RHP, Maine South, 2019
5-foot-10, 16-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, leg lift stride. Path works long on uphill plane, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm plays 79 mph from the outfield, long over the top slot. Actions are deliberate through the baseball, works with two hands. 7.86 runner in the 60. On the mound arm plays long from a high 3/4 slot. fastball has slight run to arm side showed control of the zone at 72-74 mph, topped at 75 mph. Curveball is firm compared to fastball, 66-69 mph, 11/5 plane. Change up cuts at times 69-70 mph.
Jason Cihak, OF/INF/RHP, Neuqua Valley, 2019
5-foot-5, 135-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, slightly open, short leg lift stride. Middle of the field contact, path is short and uphill, abrupt finish at times. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed actions in the outfield and infield, feet played athletically through the baseball, softer hands. Arm is short and loose, high ¾ slot, 79 mph from the outfield, 78 mph across the infield. 7.18 runner in the 60. On the mound fastball flashed sink, 71-74 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 56-59 mph. Changeup sinks showed feel for the zone, 66-68 mph.
Jakob Dirksen, RHP, Oswego East, 2019
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, athletic build. Tilt and topple delivery, uptempo style, tall balance, works in-line, strides short and square, some rhythm involved. Short arm action, occasionally rotational, arm speeds through a high 3/4 window, regular effort. Fastball, mostly straight, 76-78 mph, topped 79 mph. Changeup, showed sink and fade with arm speed, 69-73 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break early out of the hand, 64-66 mph.
Will Dowell, RHP, Normal Community, 2019
6-foot-2, 185-pound right-handed pitcher. On the mound, throws from high ¾ slot, short arm action. Uptempo delivery with effort, works on line. Fastball, straight, 75-78 mph, touched 80. Curveball, 11/5 plane, 65-67 mph. Changeup, sinking action, 69-73 mph.
Mike Dunne, LHP, Limestone, 2019
6-foot-5, 190-pound, extra-large, projectablly-built, left-handed pitcher. Side-step delivery, works on-line, lands square with regular effort throughout. Clean arm action, from a high ¾ slot. Fastball thrown for strikes, straight action, sat 78-79 mph, touched 80. Curveball short break, 1/7 plane, 69-71 mph. Changeup, fade action, 73-75 mph.
Nathaniel Elgin, RHP, Lake Geneva (WI), 2019
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, lanky, high-waisted frame. Tall and fall delivery, heel lift balance point, works in-line, stride is short and square to home. Arm plays long out of a high 3.4 slot, easy effort. Fastball, mostly straight, 70-73 mph, topped 74 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual and early break, 59-62 mph. Changeup, played straight, 66-68 mph.
Max Engstrom, LHP, St. Laurence, 2019
Recent Indiana Wesleyan commit. 6-foot-1, 160-pound, left-handed pitcher, lean, athletic frame. Tall and fall delivery, short side step to leg lift balance, deliberate pace, works in-line and lands toe closed, rhythm throughout. Arm plays short, gradually speeds through high ¾ arm slot, some recoil, regular effort. Fastball, flashed sink down, 77-79 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, gradual break, 69-74 mph. Changeup, sank with arm speed, 72-74 mph.
Robert Farrell, LHP, Joliet Central, 2019
5-foot-7, 140-pound, left-handed pitcher, small, athletic build. Low effort delivery, high front side, hip leads in-line down the mound, lands square, athletic finish. Full arm swing, arm gradually speeds through a clean, over the top slot, rhythm throughout. Pounded the strike zone with three pitches. Fastball, slight run, late at times, 75-77 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape with arm speed, present depth and sharp at times, 66-67 mph. Changeup, faded with arm speed, 70-71 mph.
Justin Gasper, RHP, Lockport, 2019
6-foot-1, 181-pound right-handed pitcher with some projection. Works from over-the-top slot, long arm action. Tall-and-fall type with high front side, some rhythm, lands square. Fastball, occasional tilt, sat 79-81 mph, touched 83. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 65-67 mph. Changeup, thrown near-fastball arm speed, some fade, 71-72 mph.
Daniel Gay, OF/RHP, Lindblom, 2019
6-foot, 160-pound two-way player, athletic live body, projects best as an outfielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced athletic setup, short stride, maintains excellent balance. Hands are loose, creates barrel whip, line drive contact with middle of the field approach, in rhythm hitter, 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Plays through the ball in stride in the outfield, long exchange with long arm action from high ¾ slot, 82 mph from the outfield. 6.97 runner in the 60. On the mound works with directions and regular effort. Long arm action from high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight arm side run, 78-79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, above average feel, 63-65 mph. Changeup flashes sink, 72-74 mph.
John Hamer, OF/RHP, St. Charles North, 2019
5-foot-10, 163-pound two-way player. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, leg lift stride, average balance. Opposite field contact, path worked inside out, stays inside the baseball. Arm action is long and firm, high ¾ slot, 84 mph from the outfield. Actions play through the baseball, 7.01 runner in the 60. On the mound arm showed slight run and sink to arm side, 78-79 mph, touched 80 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 68-69 mph. Changeup plays with fading action, 70-74 mph.
Carson Harvey, LHP, Plainfield South, 2019
6-foot, 210-pound left-handed pitcher. On the mound, throws from a high ¾ slot with short arm action, regular effort. Works in some rhythm and on line, lands square. Fastball, mostly straight, occasional run, sat 76-80 mph. Curveball, 1/7 plane, some feel, 65-68 mph. Changeup, straight, near-fastball arm speed, 67-69 mph.
Patrick Heck, RHP, Batavia, 2019
6-foot-3, 170-pound right-handed pitcher. Delivery lands square, direction is online, occasional recoil finish. Fastball is mostly straight, flashed cut action, 77-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball has gradual 12/6 shape, 58-61 mph. Slider has 11/5 shape, has feel, 61-67 mph.
Will Hissong, OF/RHP, Hononegah, 2019
5-foot-11, 155-pound left-handed hitting outfielder, lean lanky frame. Hits from a balanced stance, loads hands back with leg kick trigger, average balance. Bat path is level, made line drive contact in BP, favors pull side showed gap to gap abilities. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long out of a high ¾ slot, 83 mph from the outfield. Actions showed ability to play through the baseball. 7.75 runner in the 60. On the mound works from a tall and fall delivery, stays level and balanced, uses slide step in stretch. Fastball plays 78-80 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 66-69 mph. Changeup has above average action for age, works with arm speed and fades, 70-73 mph.
Harrison Hoff, RHP, Providence Catholic, 2019
6-foot, 184-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted, athletic frame, projects. Short side step to high knee balance, weight stays back, foot lands square and slightly cross bodied, easy, athletic finish. Loose arm action, full arm swing, hides on back side, over the top slot, smooth rhythm throughout. Fastball, sinking action in the zone, creates tilt, 79-80 mph. Curveball, 12/6 break, has depth, 67-71 mph. Changeup, faded arm side with arm speed, 68-70 mph.
Jack Jacek, OF/RHP, Normal Community, 2019
6-foot-4, 200-pound, two-way player, long levered frame. Showed best on the mound, delivery is deceptive, works online, closed landing. Arm action is long and over the top, some effort. Fastball worked down at times with good finish, cut action, 79-82 mph, topped at 83 mph. Curveball has downward action with feel for the zone, 11/5 plane, 66-71 mph. Changeup played at 71 to 74 mph with fastball similar arm action. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, slight armbar load. Firm bat path favored opposite field contact. 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long and over-the-top, 85 mph from the outfield. Actions showed ability to play through the baseball at times. 7.44 runner in the 60.
Trevor Jaloszynski, OF/RHP, Willowbrook, 2019
6-foot-2, 175-pound two-way player, carries lean strength, projectable build. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, slightly crouched, short stride, excellent balance through contact. Loose hands showed ability to consistently find the barrel, hands work well, two-hole type who can spray the ball around. Contact worked gap to gap on a line, 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm plays 83 mph from the outfield, long high ¾ slot, played up. Outfield actions play through the baseball, long transfer at times. 7.06 runner in the 60. On the mound arm play long and over the top, works to open side. Fastball is mostly straight, 80-82 mph. Curveball has shape and depth, 11/5 plane, 66-69 mph. Changeup played with fastball arm speed, firm at 77-80 mph.
Matt Jeter, RHP, Aurora Central Catholic, 2019
5-foot-9, 155-pound, right-handed pitcher. Athletic, drop and drive delivery, works in line, lands square and hard, athletic finish with occasional spin-off to first. Arm plays short and loose, generates quick arm speed, high ¾ slot, some rhythm throughout. Strikes with three pitches. Fastball, late run, occasionally heavy, 80-82 mph, topped 83 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape with arm speed, 65-67 mph. Changeup, faded, 68-71 mph.
Frank Kalemba, RHP/INF, Jones College Prep, 2019
6-foot, 175-pound, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, quiet setup, short stride and level bat path through the hitting zone. 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, on the infield, clean release, long, firm arm action and throws clocked at 76 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.46 laser-timed 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, lands slightly closed. Short arm action from a high ¾ window. Fastball, flashed run and sink, 71-74 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, sat 65-66 mph. Splitter was best secondary, downer action, sink, 67-69 mph.
Dalton Kottmer, RHP, United Township, 2019
5-foot-10, 190-pound, right-handed pitcher, thick frame with lower half strength. Short rocker step to sturdy balance, slight sit on back side, shoulders leveled, works in-line, lands square, rhythm involved. Short arm action, arm speeds at foot strike, over the top slot, regular effort. Fastball played straight, 79-80 mph, topped 81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 65-67 mph. Changeup, faded with arm speed, 68-70 mph.
Connor Krantz, OF/LHP, Chesterton (IN), 2019
6-foot, 170-pound left/left two-way player, athletic shape. Natural actions in the outfield, plays through athletically and in stride, quick clean transfer, fluid feet. 7.55 runner in the 60. Arm is above average for his age, loose high ¾ action, played accurate at 85 mph. Left-handed hitter, open stance, leg kick load, hands separate. Path is short and on top of the baseball, above average bat speed, in rhythm and on time. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound arm played similar, ability to repeat and find the zone. Fastball runs to arm side, flashed heavy at times, above average control, 79-80 mph. Slider plays 1/7 with feel, consistent shape, fastball similar arm speed, 67-69 mph. Changeup cuts at times, deceptive arm speed, 73-75 mph.
Shawn Kwasny, RHP, Westmont, 2019
6-foot-2, 170-pound right-handed pitcher, lanky athletic frame. Drop and drive type delivery, long limbed and high front side, lands square. Arm action is long and over the top, some effort. Fastball played straight, 82-83 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, showed feel at times, 66-71 mph. Straight change has feel for the zone, 75-78 mph.
Ethan Lambrigger, RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2019
6-foot, 188-pound, right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned frame, strong lower half. Slight side step to study, high knee balance point, extends with lower half, slightly cross bodied to home, toe lands square, athletic finish. Long, whippy arm action, asm speeds through a high ¾ window, regular effort. Fastball, mostly straight, slight run at times, 79-80 mph, topped 81 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, aggressive, 70-71 mph. Changeup, faded for strikes, occasionally cut it, 72-74 mph.
Ethan Laria, OF/LHP, St. Charles North, 2019
6-foot, 155-pound L/L two-way player, lean projectable frame. Hits from an open setup, long stride back to even, maintains balance. Hits off front foot at times, path tends to stay inside, line drive contact to eht middle of the field. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long and loose high ¾ slot, runs to arm side, 78 mph from the outfield. Average hands, plays deep and shuffles through transfer. 7.15 runner in the 60. On the mound uses tall and fall delivery, short high front side, regular effort. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball played with cut action, creates angle, 76-78 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, above average feel for age, dropped for strikes at 61-66 mph. Sinking changeup played 71-74 mph.
Julian Ledezma, RHP/INF, Marian Catholic, 2019
6-foot, 190-pound, strong lower half, wide-shouldered, two-way prospect. Right-handed hitter, open setup, long stride gets back to even, opposite field approach, 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, hands work steady, clean release, loose arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 79 mph across the infield. 7.40 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, smooth delivery, works on-line, lands closed. Long arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, occasional running action, 76-77 mph, touched 78. Curveball, 11/5 shape, sharp action at times, 63-65 mph. Changeup, sink and fade action, 70-73 mph.
Nick Loizzi, RHP, Notre Dame, 2019
6-foot-3, 190-pound, high-waisted, athletically-built, right-handed pitcher. Compact side-step delivery, works slightly across his body at times with regular effort throughout. Short, clean arm action from a high 3/4 to over-the-top slot. Fastball, occasional running action, sat 78-80 mph. Curveball works 11/5 to 12/6, fastball arm speed, depth at times, 64-70 mph.
Armando Marmolejo, RHP, Riverside-Brookfield, 2019
6-foot-1, 175-pound right-handed pitcher. Full windup delivery, tucks into balance point, lands across body. Arm plays out of ¾ slot. Fastball shows slight run to arm side, 75-77 mph. Curveball played 69-71 mph, slurve type action. Changeup slightly fades to arm side, 69-70 mph.
Michael McCormack, RHP, Hinsdale South, 2019
6-foot-4, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher; long-limbed, highly-projectable build with plenty of room for continued physical development. Drop and drive delivery, works on-line and lands front toe slightly open. Short arm action, from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works mostly straight, cutting action at times, sat 78-80 mph. Curveball 12/6 shape, feel, 68-72 mph. Changeup, down in the zone, slight arm-side-run, 75-77 mph.
Ryan McGrath, RHP, St. Laurence, 2019
5-foot-10, 187-pound right-handed pitcher, sturdy build, solid lower half. Works fast and uptempo, lands closed and in rhythm. Arm plays over the top, short quick draw. Fastball is straight, 77-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, better feel out of the stretch, 63-65 mph. Changeup is straight, 68-74 mph.
Garrett Moran, RHP, Glenbrook South, 2019
6-foot-3, 190-pound, right-handed pitcher, athletic, strong build. Tall and fall delivery, works across his body. Long arm action, slight stab on the backside and comes out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball, sinking action at times, sat 78-79 mph, touched 80. Curveball, 11/5 shape, maintains arm speed, 66-69 mph. Changeup, arm-side-run and sinking action, 73-75 mph.
Brad Niedzwiedz, LHP, Batavia, 2019
6-foot, 165-pound, left-handed pitcher, lanky frame. Tall and fall delivery, low hanging knee balance, weight stays back, lands square and in-line to home, smooth rhythm. Arm plays long and loose, whippy action with present arm speed, ¾ slot, creates angle. Flashed a feel for three pitches. Fastball, tilt down in the strike zone, 77-79 mph, topped 80 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, tumbled in for strikes, 70-71 mph, Changeup, sinking action, in the zone, 72-73 mph.
Samuel Ochoa, LHP/INF, Oak Forest, 2019
5-foot-10, 170-pound, well-proportioned, left/left, two-way prospect. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm, rides his front hip down the mound, front side stays closed and lands front toe slightly open. Long, clean arm action out of a high ¾ slot with regular effort. Fastball, thrown for strikes, slight running action, sat 74-77 mph. Curveball, short break, 1/7 shape, feel, 65-68 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed at times, slight fade action, 68-70 mph. At the plate, left-handed hitter, wide setup, short stride. Simple swing, occasional lift, pull approach and fluid rhythm; 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, smooth actions, steady hands and comfortable around the bag at first base. Loose arm action and throws topped at 77 mph across the infield. 7.66 runner in the 60.
Sawyer Phillips, RHP, Antioch, 2019
Recent Wisconsin-La Crosse commit. 6-foot-1, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned athletic frame, strength in lower half. Wide setup on rubber, side step rock to a tall balance point, tilt over the rubber, works cross body to home, toe lands closed, leg swings quick to an upright finish. Long draw out of glove, arm swing is short and speeds through an over the top slot, slight recoil after release, some effort involved. Fastball worked straight, 82-84 mph, topped 85 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, early break, 69-74 mph. Changeup played straight, 75-80 mph.
Noah Pogonitz, 1B/LHP, Ida Crown, 2019
6-foot-1, 170-pound, athletically-built, two-way prospect. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced, closed setup and short stride. Long bat path, lift in swing, pull approach and exit velocity of 86 mph from a tee. Defensively, at first base, reliable hands, works through the baseball, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped 73 mph across the diamond. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, delivery works on-line and lands square. Long arm action, from a high ¾ to over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, sat 67-69 mph, touched 70. Curveball 12/6 shape, sat 59-61 mph. Changeup, straight action, 64-66 mph.
Josh Ralston, LHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2019
6-foot-4, 195-pound left-handed pitcher, large frame, durable build. Delivery has regular effort, works slightly across body, lands square. Arm action is long and plays out of high ¾ slot, some tilt. Fastball sinks, showed feel for the zone, 77-79 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, 68-69 mph. Changeup plays with sink to arm side, 73-74 mph.
Adam Rose, OF/RHP, St. Joseph-Ogden, 2019
Recent Lincoln Land CC commit. 6-foot, 165-pound two-way player, lean build. Defensively showed above average actions and arm, plays through the baseball with crowhop, clean transfer, attacks the baseball in stride. Arm carries from long over the top slot, 86 mph from the outfield. 7.40 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Occasional hard contact in BP, firm front side at contact, level path. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound delivery repeats working slightly across body. Loose over the top slot. Fastball is straight, some feel, ranged 78-81 mph, touched 82 mph. Curveball played with arm speed, 62-65 mph. Slider has tighter spin on 10/4 plane, 69-72 mph. Changeup flashed sink to arm side, 69-72 mph.
Tim Rybarczyk, RHP, Lincoln-Way Central, 2019
Recent Triton JC commit. 6-foot-5, 210-pound right-handed pitcher, extra large frame. Delivery works with some effort, loads on back side and works to open side at times, foot lands squared. Arm action is short and quick, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, 82-85 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, short action, 69-72 mph. Slider works 71-74 mph, backs up with some downer action.
Bryson Schmidt, RHP, Plano, 2019
6-foot-1, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher, lanky frame. Coiled, knee lift balance point, slight sit on back leg, shoulders uphill, short stride in-line with home, toe lands closed, recoil at finish. Closed setup in stretch, short arm action, high ¾ to over the top slot, effort involved. Fastball, flashed sink, early out of the hand, 77-79 mph, topped 80 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, gradual break, 65-71 mph. Changeup faded, 69-71 mph.
Jake Shoudis, RHP, Lemont, 2019
6-foot-4, 195-pound, right-handed pitcher; long, athletic, strong build. Drop and drive delivery, works across his body with regular effort throughout. Long arm action from a high ¾ window. Fastball, thrown for strikes, running action, sat 73-74 mph, touched 78. Curveball 11/5 shape, 62-63 mph. Changeup, 65-66 mph.
James Straten, LHP, Grayslake North, 2019
5-foot-8, 130-pound, left-handed pitcher, lanky frame. Tall and fall delivery, heel lift balance point, works across body to home, some rhythm involved. Long arm action, quick arm swing, ¾ to high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball, slight sinking action, 72-74 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, maintains arm speed, 59-61 mph. Changeup played straight, some sink, 65-67 mph.
Alec Strupp, RHP, Slinger, 2019
Strong 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame, right-handed pitcher. Delivery works slightly across body, tall and fall approach, down tempo through balance point, accelerates to release. Arm plays out of a high ¾ slot, backside plunge, long and loose out front. Fastball played 78-80 mph, touched 82 mph, mostly straight, four seam type. Aggressive curveball arm speed, 11/5 shape, 65-68 mph. Changeup plays 70-72 mph, occasional sink.
Eli Sweiss, RHP, Brother Rice, 2019
6-foot-2, 180-pound right-handed pitcher with high waist, projectable. Works from high ¾ slot with above-average arm speed, short arm action. Throws on line, shoulders uphill, heel-first landing, some deception. Fastball, downhill tilt, slight run with late action, 78-79 mph, touched 81. Curveball, 11/5 shape, slurve-y action, 63-67 mph. Changeup, straight, 64-67 mph.
Alex Talley, RHP, Cumberland, 2019
6-foot-3, 165-pound right-handed pitcher, lean frame, projects. Works up tempo and in line, heel to toe landing, finishes to first base side. Regular effort and arm action, some arm speed, high ¾ slot. Fastball controls the zone, run and sink action to arm side, sat 81-83 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, flashed sharp action, potential swing and miss type offering, 71-72 mph. Fading changeup works with fastball arm speed, 76-78 mph.
Michael Thompson, LHP, Illinois Lutheran, 2019
5-foot-10, 141-pound, left-handed pitcher. Short side step to tall, heel lift balance point, slight sit on back side, short stride, toe lands closed. Short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, regular effort involved. Fastball, occasional run at times, 70-72 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, gradual break, 53-57 mph. Changeup played straight, 65-67 mph.
Joseph Tor, RHP, Lockport, 2019
6-foot, 215-pound right-handed pitcher, sturdy build. Tall and fall type delivery, works uptempo and lands square, strike thrower who showed feel for the zone. Full circle arm action, some length, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed sink and heavy feel, control of the zone, sat 82-83 mph, touched 84 mph. Slider drops for strikes, 11/5 action, 68-71 mph. Changeup slightly fades to arm side, above average control, 71-73 mph.
Sammy Valdez, RHP, Plainfield North, 2019
Recent Waubonsee CC commit. 6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed pitching prospect. On the mound, throws from low ¾ to full side-arm slot with long arm action. Works on line with rhythm, can be effective in a bullpen role. Fastball, running/sinking action, 79-82 mph. Slider, 10/4 plane with sweeping action, some feel, 67-70 mph. Changeup, some run and fade, 74-75 mph.
Kale Ven Huizen, RHP, Port Byron Riverdale, 2019
6-foot-1, 150-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted, lanky and athletic frame. Long gather step to coiled, sturdy balance point, rotational at hand break with shoulders leveled, works in-line, lands square, athletic finish. Arm plays long and loose, generates quick arm speed, high ¾ window, regular effort. Fastball, repeatedly cut, 80-81 mph, topped 82 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape with sharp action and arm speed, can spin it, 68-70 mph. Changeup, arm side run with arm speed, feel for, 73-76 mph.
Nic Vitiritti, RHP, Mount Carmel, 2019
6-foot-3, 185-pound, athletically-built, well-proportioned, right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands front foot slightly closed. Long draw out of the glove, high 3/54 slot and some looseness out front. Fastball, run and sink action, sat 81-83 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, power type pitch, arm-side-run and sink, 75-77 mph. Curveball 11/5 plane, sharp spin at times, thrown for strikes, 71-74 mph.
Jack Vrba, RHP, Lockport, 2019
6-foot-2, 175-pound right-handed pitcher. Pitches from an over-the-top slot with long arm action on the mound. Drop-and-drive type with some effort. Fastball, straight, 78-80 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, 71-72 mph. Changeup, straight, 73-76 mph.
Barry White, OF/LHP, Simeon, 2019
5-foot-10, 145-pound two-way player, lean athletic frame. Left-handed hitter, open stance, short toe tap stride, good balance through contact. Quick hands, creates short bat path with bat speed, fluid hitter. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. 6.81 runner in the 60. Arm is loose and clean, 81 mph from the outfield, high ¾ slot, flashed carry. Actions played through the baseball, athletic and active footwork, soft hands. On the mound arm is easy and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed cut action, 77-80 mph, touched 81 mph. Curveball has 1/7 shape, 61-65 mph. Changeup sinks, 65-69 mph.
Marko Yager, INF/RHP, Batavia, 2019
6-foot-5, 200-pound, extra-large, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, fast, strong bat, works long through the zone and flashed pull power. 90 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, reliable hands, feet work around the bag at first base and throws topped at 74 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.36 laser-timed 60. Right-handed pitcher, delivery works with rhythm and easy effort throughout. Long arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball, heavy run and sink action, sat 79-82 mph, touched 83. Curveball, short break, 12/6 shape, 71-74 mph. Changeup, occasional sink, 75-77 mph.