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 …

LINCOLN-WAY CENTRAL VS CHICAGO CHRISTIAN - 5/13/19

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

Adam Brouwer, RHP, Chicago Christian, 2021
Uncommitted, currently ranked No. 43 in the Illinois’ 2021 class. 6-foot-1, 175-pound, athletically-built, trim-waisted, right-handed pitcher. Has been having an impressive spring for Chicago Christian. Advanced presence and composure for age, works fast, pitches with a purpose and is constantly on the attack. Pounded the strike zone throughout his outing, throwing 74 pitches in his seven innings of work; 73% strikes. Athletic delivery, highly-repeatable, minimal wasted movement. Arm works loose, clean and extremely easy out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball comes out of the hand clean, works both sides of the plate, velocity plays up, sat 82-84 mph for most of the outing. Showed feel for a true three-pitch mix. Went primarily to the curveball against right-handed hitters and changeup against left-handed hitters. Changeup, slightly ahead of the breaking ball at this point, maintains arm speed, feel to the arm-side and late fade action, 73-75 mph. Curveball,11/5 shape, thrown for strikes in any count, occasional depth; could expand more with two strikes, 67-70 mph. Overall, impressive outing for a sophomore. Went seven innings, scattered nine hits, three runs, one earned, struck out three and did not walk a batter. Follow 2021 right-handed pitcher.

Johnny Dieck, 2B, Chicago Christian, 2021
6-foot-3, 160-pound, long and lean, highly-projectable, right-handed hitting infielder. Started at second base and hit in the seven-hole. Made a highlight-reel play ranging to his glove side. Laid out, full extension to stop a hard hit ground ball, got to his feet and made an accurate throw to first base; saved a run from scoring in the process. Steady hands, clean, loose arm action. At the plate, static, tall setup, and simple swing. Stays short and on top of the baseball. Finished 2-for-3 with an RBI and stolen base.

Ryan Kraft, LHP/1B, Lincoln-Way Central, 2021
Indiana commit, currently ranked No. 11 in the Illinois’ 2021 class. 6-foot-3, 180-pound, extra-large, long loose-bodied, left-handed pitcher. Started on the mound and hit in the three-hole. On the mound, deliberate delivery, works with rhythm, lands front-toe slightly open and will spin off on finish. Arm works long, loose and easy from a ¾ slot. Fastball, easy out of the hand, arm-side-run action, around the zone, sat 80-83 mph throughout. Looks to have plenty more in the tank. Went to his curveball as his go-to secondary offering. Varied in shape at times, but worked mostly 2/8, sweeping shape, slurvy action at times, occasionally back-footed right-handed hitters, 66-69 mph. At the plate, left-handed hitter, open setup, loose, strong hands and natural uphill path. Finished 1-for-3 with a go-ahead, RBI single to center field.