Prep Baseball Report

Class of 2017 Showcase: Infield Analysis



By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

We began rolling out the Class of 2017 Showcase analysis this week and today we take a look at the top infielders from the event. A number of the infielders will likely find their way into the updated 2017 rankings that are right around the corner. Infielders were led by right-handed hitting 3B Gavin Lovesky (Lockport HS) who took an eye opening round of batting practice. Lovesky has a chance to be an impact bat at the next level, with power potential and a 96 mph exit velocity, the best of the event.

Versatile right-handed hitting 3B/OF Easton Bertrand (Manteno HS) who was ranked the top outfielder from the event made a strong case to also be the top infielder. Bertrand showed equally as well in the infield as he did in the outfield. He was clocked at 86 mph across the diamond, moved well and flashed soft hands on the infield.

Top Infield prospects

1. Gavin Lovesky, 3B/SS, Lockport, 2017
6-foot-1, 185-pound strong, athletic build right-handed hitting infielder. Took an eye opening round of batting practice. Flashed explosive bat speed, big pull power, aggressive swings and rhythm through contact. Made a ton of hard contact and the ball jumps off of his bat. Tall, open setup, smooth pre-pitch load and slight leg-lift timing trigger. Short, level bat path through the hitting zone. Registered the best exit velocity of the event, 96 mph. Defensively, steady hands, fluid footwork and athletic fielding position on the infield. Long arm action, over-the-top slot, carry on throws and clocked at 84 mph. Also, ran a 7.26 laser-timed 60.

2. Easton Bertrand, 3B/OF, Manteno, 2017
Projectable, well-proportioned 6-foot-3, 175-pound right-handed hitting infielder and outfielder. Bertrand was one of the top performers at the event. Showed off a combination of plus tools across the board. Ran a 6.79 laser-timed 60, 86 mph across the infield, 90 mph from the outfield and a 91 mph exit velocity. Offensively, extremely easy bat speed. Fluid rhythm, explosive hands, strength through contact and the ball jumps off of the bat. Displayed pull power during his round of batting practice. Short, level bat path through the hitting zone. Balanced setup, short stride, god use of lower half and good balance through contact. Defensively, showed athletic actions in the infield and outfield. Comfortable at third base, good body control, soft hands and athletic arm action. Accurate throws with carry. In the outfield, easy arm with carry and true flight. Quick and fluid footwork, soft hands, athletic fielding position, playing through the baseball and accurate throws. Impressive athlete and one of the top uncommitted prospects in the 2017 Class. Should be a high follow moving forward.

3. Lee Musgraves, SS, Von Steuben, 2017
Smaller build 5-foot-9, 140-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Under control and fluid in everything he does on the baseball field. Offensively, loose, easy and repeatable swing. Creates a lot of bat speed for his size and maintains excellent balance through contact. Made a lot of strong, solid contact in his round of batting practice. Gap-to-gap approach and does not get cheated at the plate. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, and controlled leg-kick trigger. Excellent use of his lower half, quick hands and short uphill bat path through the zone. Registered an exit velocity of 80 mph. Defensively, plus body control and defensive actions at shortstop. Soft hands, and athletic fielding position. Quick, fluid footwork, fast and clean exchange. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws with carry, clocked at 84 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.25 60.

4. Donivan Williams, 3B/OF/RHP, Morgan Park, 2017
6-foot, 187-pound athletically built right-handed hitting versatile prospect. Showed well in all areas of his game and on the mound. Offensively, short and compact stroke. Fast bat speed and strength through contact. Line-drive hitter, made a lot of hard contact at the plate. Balanced, wide setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance throughout. Registered an exit velocity of 85 mph. Defensively, short arm action and over-the-top slot from the outfield and infield. Quick and fluid footwork and soft hands. Athletic fielding position, carry on throws, clocked at 87 mph from the outfield and 85 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.01 60. On the mound, featured a three pitch mix, with two different breaking balls featuring two distinct shapes. Quick arm action, some rhythm, on-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Fastball, late life and ranged between 82-85 mph, touching 86.  Ability to spin the baseball. Slider, worked 10/4, tight sweeping action, potential swing and miss pitch, 72-73 mph. Curveball, 12/6 with downer action and ranged between 67-72 mph.

5. Jordan Mikel, SS/RHP, Plainfield South, 2017
Projectable, lanky build 6-foot-4, 175-pound plenty of room to fill out right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, generates easy pop at the plate. Open, tall setup, pre-pitch load of his hands and long stride. Short bat path and stays fairly flat through the hitting zone. Registered one of the better exit velocities of the event, 93 mph. Defensively, athletic actions and moves well laterally given his tall and lean frame at shortstop.  Quick, clean exchange and athletic fielding position. Ability to throw from multiple angles and clean arm. Throws were accurate, with carry and clocked at 84 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.39 laser-timed 60. On the mound, short, quick arm action out of a high ¾ window. Some rhythm and quite a bit of effort in delivery. Four pitch repertoire, two distinct breaking balls and throws all of his pitches with conviction. Fastball flashed late life, thrown for strikes, mostly straight and ranged between 82-85 mph, touching 86. Curveball, better command than the slider, worked 11/5, depth and sharp action, sat 69-70 mph. Slider worked 10/4, some sweeping action and clocked 72-74 mph. Also, flashed a changeup that sat 69-72 mph. Intriguing prospect and legitimate two-way potential at the next level.

6. Tommy Washington, SS, Harlan, 2017
5-foot-10, 165-pound solid build right-handed hitting infielder. Stood out defensively on the infield. Athletic actions and plus footwork at shortstop. Fluid movements, good body control, soft hands, clean and quick arm action. Quick, clean transfer, accurate throws with carry and clocked at 81 mph. Flashed confident, sure hands on a short hop to his glove side. Offensively, short, uphill bat path through the hitting zone and the ability to create lift. Fluid rhythm through contact, fast bat at times and gap-to-gap approach. Athletic, open setup, smooth pre-pitch load and short leg-lift trigger. Recorded an exit velocity of 75 mph. Also, ran a 7.39 60.

7. Billy Mote, SS/3B, University, 2017
Solid, athletic build 6-foot, 175-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, registered one of the better exit velocities of the event, 89 mph. Offensively, hard contact during batting practice and takes aggressive swings. Fast bat speed and gets extension through contact. Starts from a crouched setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good use of his lower half. Gap-to-gap approach. Defensively, ability to throw from multiple arm angles on the infield. Steady hands, athletic arm action, carry across the diamond and clocked at 81 mph. Also, ran a 7.29 60.

8. Ben Collazo, 3B/RHP, Lake View, 2017
Athletic and projectable bodied 6-foot-2, 165-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Ran a 6.97 laser-timed 60. Offensively, athletic setup and some quick twitch in his swing. Pre-pitch leg-kick timing trigger was late at times. Short bat path through the hitting zone and good use of his lower half. Line-drive approach. Registered a 91 mph exit velocity. Defensively, on the infield quick and smooth lateral movements. Athletic actions and long, clean and loose arm action. Throws had carry and clocked at 85 mph across the diamond. On the mound, slow paced, in-line delivery with some rhythm.  Square landing and athletic finish. Long arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball, worked mainly straight, sat 78-81 mph.  Curveball some inconsistency, worked 12/6 and 11/5 at times, ranged between 62-65 mph. Changeup looked to be his best secondary offering, featuring run and fade at times, sat 70-72 mph.

9. Felix Rosario, SS/2B, Lane Tech, 2017
Athletic 5-foot-9, 155-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Defensively, impressed with his athletic actions and soft hands at shortstop. Quick, fluid footwork, clean exchange and athletic fielding position. Plays with some bounce in his step, short arm action, over-the-top slot and clocked at 79 mph across the infield. Offensively, flashed some bat speed and quick hands. Fluid rhythm, short bat path into the hitting zone and good balance through contact. Balanced, open setup and long stride. Registered an exit velocity of 86 mph. Also, ran a 7.08 60.

10. John Carpinelli, 3B/SS, Buffalo Grove, 2017
Well-proportioned 6-foot-3, 185-pound athletic build left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, athletic, open pre-pitch setup and fluid rhythm through contact. Deep pre-pitch load, low hand set and a leg-kick timing trigger. Uphill bat path through the zone and an opposite field approach. Registered an 89 mph exit velocity. Defensively, steady hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange and athletic fielding position. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy and clocked at 81 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.53 laser-timed 60.

10. Dominic Connolly, 2B/OF/RHP, Lemont, 2017
Smaller build 5-foot-9, 150-pound right handed hitting infielder, outfielder and pitcher. Looks to be better suited as a position player. Offensively, balanced and athletic pre-pitch setup. Simple, compact swing and flashed bat speed. Short and level bat path through the hitting zone. Fluid rhythm, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, quick feet and athletic actions on the infield and outfield. Soft hands, athletic fielding position, short arm action and over-the-top slot with carry on throws. Clocked at 80 mph across the infield and 86 mph from the outfield. Ran a 7.36 60. On the mound smooth rhythm throughout delivery. On-line direction, square landing, athletic finish and repeatable delivery. Over-the-top window, short arm action, quick arm and regular effort. Fastball, thrown for strikes and sat 77-79 mph. Curveball flashed action and worked 12/6, 65-69 mph, with feel. Changeup sat 68-69 mph, with sink.

Best of the rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Kyel Alexander, 2B/OF, Morgan Park, 2017
Slender build 5-foot-7, 135-pound right-handed hitting second baseman and outfielder. Ran a 6.9 60. Offensively, present bat speed and creates whip in swing. Short, simple swing with fluid rhythm and good balance through contact. Balanced stance, slight pre-pitch load and short, leg-lift trigger.  Registered a 68 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showed solid actions in the infield and outfield. Fluid footwork, quick and clean exchange. Plays through the baseball in the outfield. Overall short arm action, high ¾ slot some accuracy and clocked at 74 mph across the infield and 79 mph from the outfield.

Dylan Baer, SS/OF, Geneva, 2017
Average build 5-foot-10, 150-pound right-handed hitting shortstop and outfielder. Offensively, starts from a balanced setup, pre-pitch load of his hands and short, leg-lift trigger. Short, uphill bat path through the hitting zone and opposite field approach. Defensively, worked out on the infield and outfield. Short, quick arm action, ¾ slot from both positions. Reliable hands in the outfield, quick footwork and clean exchange. Clocked at 82 mph from the outfield and 78 mph from across the infield. Also, ran a 7.15 60.

Adam Beckman, LHP/1B, Lincoln-Way North, 2017
6-foot, 165 athletically build right-handed hitting first baseman and pitcher. Offensively, balanced setup, pre-pitch drop of his hands and long stride. Long bat pat and opposite field approach. Registered an exit velocity of 73 mph. Defensively, the left-handed throwing first baseman showcased average hands on the infield. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 71 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.31 60. On the mound, slight notion of across the body delivery, closed landing, athletic finish and some effort. High ¾ slot, short arm action and slight stab on the backside. Fastball, slight run sat 75-77 mph. Curveball, near fastball arm speed, worked 12/6, 59-60 mph. Changeup ranged anywhere from 64-69 mph.

Tyler Brinker, RHP/2B, Naperville Central, 2017
Lean build 5-foot-11, 155-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, repeatable swing and creates some whip. Balanced setup, long stride and finishes off of his backside. Long bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 80 mph. Defensively, flashed a quick exchange on the infield. Long arm action, over-the-top slot and clocked at 77 mph across the diamond. On the mound some rhythm, clean delivery and repeats well. On-line direction, square landing, athletic finish and regular effort. Short arm action, from an over-the-top window. Fastball featured slight run, thrown for strikes and sat 75-76 mph, touching 78. Threw both curveball and slider for strikes. Curveball worked 12/6, sat 66-68 mph. Slider, tighter spin and action 11/5 shape, ranging between 67-69 mph. Changeup, thrown for strikes, good arm speed, sink and fade, sitting 67-68 mph.

Todd Brown, RHP/SS, East Aurora, 2017
Lean, young looking 5-foot-10, 145-pound right-handed hitting shortstop and pitcher. On the mound the right-hander operates with a repeatable, controlled and balanced delivery. Long and loose arm action from a high ¾ window. Smooth rhythm throughout, in-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Fastball sat 82-83 mph and thrown for strikes. Curveball, flashed solid depth at times, 12/6 action and ranged between 67-69 mph. Changeup, fade action and sat 67-70 mph. Offensively, sprayed balls to all fields during batting practice. Simple swing with limited moving parts. Balanced, closed setup, short stride and average balance through contact. Long, uphill bat path through the hitting zone flashing occasional bat speed. Registered an exit velocity of 79 mph. Defensively, on the infield displayed a solid arm. Long and loose arm action, ¾ slot, accurate and clocked at 82 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.12 60.

Luke Calabrese, C/INF, Kaneland, 2017
5-foot-11, 175-pound catcher/infielder. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Bat path is uphill, average bat speed, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee, flashed hard contact. Defensively arm played over the top out of the crouch, 71 mph from behind the plate, 72 mph across the diamond. Hands showed an ability to play, solid exchanges. Pop times ranged from 2.14-2.26. 7.93 runner.

Kurt Dankovich, 3B/RHP, Providence Catholic, 2017
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitting third baseman and pitcher. Offensively, tall setup and smooth, deep pre-pitch load. Fluid rhythm, big leg-kick timing trigger and flashed a quick bat at times. Short bat path and extension through contact. Gap-to-gap approach. Registered an exit velocity of 85 mph. Defensively, athletic fielding position and clean exchange on the infield. Reliable hands, long, loose arm action, ¾ slot and clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.57 60. On the mound, tall and fall delivery and regular effort. Some rhythm, square landing and athletic finish. Long arm action and comes at the hitter out of a ¾ window. Fastball, slight arm-side-run, thrown for strikes, 79-81 mph. Changeup, slows arm, flashed sink and sat 66-68 mph. Curveball worked 11/5, some depth and sat 66-68 mph.

Ryan Denz, SS/2B, Dundee Crown, 2017
Undersized 5-foot-5, 130-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, flashed quick twitch and bat speed during batting practice. Short, uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Balanced setup, short stride and registered an exit velocity of 73 mph. Defensively, reliable hands and clean exchange on the infield. Long arm action, over-the-top slot, accurate and clocked at 76 mph. Also, ran a 7.26 laser-timed 60.

Kevin Donahue, SS/2B, New Trier, 2017
Solid build 6-foot-1, 180-pound athletic frame right-handing hitting middle infielder. Offensively, starts from a balanced setup, pre-pitch load and heel-lift stride. Short, uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, quick and clean exchange on the infield. Athletic fielding position and reliable hands. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and accurate throws clocked at 84 mph. Also, ran a 7.37 laser-timed 60.

Ian Duke, SS/RHP, Lincoln-Way Central, 2017
Solid build 5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitting shortstop and pitcher. On the mound, tall and fall delivery. In-line delivery, square landing and athletic finish. Long arm on the backside and comes at you from a high ¾ window. Hesitation in delivery, tall at balance point. Fastball sat 82-84 mph with occasional run and sink. Changeup worked anywhere between 71-76 mph. Curveball ranged between 71-77 mph. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load and short leg-lift trigger. Long and level bat path through the hitting zone. Opposite field approach during batting practice. Registered an exit velocity of 77 mph. Defensively, displayed some body control and a quick release on the infield. Short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate with carry and clocked at 84 mph across the diamond. Also, ran 7.01 60.

Nicholas Ferguson, 3B/RHP, Plainfield North, 2017
Lean build 6-foot, 155-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, tall, open setup. Pre-pitch load, short leg-lift trigger and average balance through contact. Uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Exit velocity registered 76 mph off of a tee. Defensively, flashed a quick exchange on the infield. Short arm action, ¾ slot, some accuracy and clocked at 71 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.29 60. On the mound, over-the-top slot, short arm action and regular effort. Tall and fall delivery and lands closed. Fastball mostly straight sat 73-75 mph and touched 76. Curveball worked 12/6 ranging between 58-61 mph. Also, featured a changeup, sinking action, 65-67 mph.

Raul Flores, MIF, Oak Forest, 2017
Athletic build 5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, short, flat bat path through the hitting zone. Tall, open setup, short stride and average balance through contact. Registered a 73 mph exit velocity. Defensively, fluid and quick footwork on the infield. Clean exchange and athletic fielding position. Loose arm action from an over-the-top slot, some carry and clocked at 81 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.7 laser-timed 60.

Luke Gregorio, MIF, Waubonsie Valley, 2017
Solidly built 6-foot, 170-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively, starts from a balanced setup. Smooth pre-pitch load, toe-tap leg-kick timing trigger and average balance through contact. Short, uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, fluid footwork on the infield. Quick exchange, average hands, short loose arm action, ¾ slot. Accurate throws, clocked at 72 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.78 laser-timed 60.

Will Isdell, 2B, Waubonsie Valley, 2017
Long and lean 6-foot-2, 165-pound projectable frame right-handed hitting infielder. Ran a 7.11 laser-timed 60. Offensively, sprayed balls to the opposite field during batting practice. Tall, balanced setup, toe-tap timing trigger and average balance. Short, uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 79 mph. Defensively, reliable hands and quick exchange on the infield. Short arm action, low ¾ slot and clocked at 74 mph across the diamond.

Taylor Jackson, OF/2B, Kenwood, 2017
Lean, athletic 5-foot-10, 165-pound right-handed hitting outfielder and infielder. Ran a 6.85 laser-timed 60. Offensively, short, simple swing and good balance through contact. Loose hands and stays on top of the baseball. Wide, athletic setup, pre-pitch load and a short, toe-tap stride. Line-drive approach at the plate. Exit velocity of 80 mph. Defensively, quick, active feet on the infield and outfield. Athletic, fluid actions and soft hands. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, flashing carry on throws, clocked at 83 from the outfield and 76 across the infield.

Jose Juarez, MIF, East Aurora, 2017
5-foot-11, 145-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, level bat path through the hitting zone. Starts from a balanced and closed setup position. Pre-pitch drop of his hands, short stride and average balance through contact. Registered a 75 mph exit velocity. Defensively, quick footwork on the infield. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy and clocked at 70 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.64 laser-timed 60.

Hunter Keim, RHP/SS, Rock Island, 2017
Long and lean build 6-foot-2, 160-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. On the mound, smooth rhythm and athletic delivery. On-line direction, square landing, athletic finish and regular effort. High ¾ window, long and loose arm action. Features a four-pitch repertoire. Fastball thrown for strikes, slight run and sat 82-83 mph. Throws two different breaking balls. Curveball was the better of the breaking balls. Thrown for strikes, working 12/6 with action, depth and sat 70-71 mph. Slider was much firmer working 10/4, tight spin and sat 74-75 mph. Also, featured feel a changeup, thrown aggressively, sink, arm-side-run and ranged between 75-78 mph. Offensively, looseness and fluid rhythm through contact. Short and level bat path through the hitting zone. Balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 77 mph. Defensively, fluid footwork, steady hands and athletic fielding position out in front of his body. Loose, athletic arm action, accurate arm, some carry on throws and clocked at 83 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.07 60.

Justin Klug, SS, Lockport, 2017
Smaller build 5-foot-8, 135-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Offensively, balanced setup and short leg-lift trigger. Middle, opposite field approach during batting practice. Registered an exit velocity of 70 mph. Defensively, some effort on throws from a high ¾ slot and short arm action. Clocked at 69 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.46 60.

Yaki Lee, C/INF, Harlan, 2017
5-foot-10, 167-pound catcher/infielder, athletic shape. Left-handed hitter, hits from a slightly open crouched stance, short stride, good balance through contact. Hands work well in swing, can get more out of lower half. Short path, line drive type hitter, oppo contact in BP. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed good arm strength all over the diamond, short over the top arm action, played accurately with carry, 78 mph out of the crouch, 83 mph across the diamond. On the infield, plays the baseball out in front, quick exchange, showed body control. Behind the plate posted pop times at 2.00-2.08, similar abilities to transfer the baseball. 7.02 runner in the 60.

Bobby Lochner, 2B/SS, Niles West, 2017
Solidly built 5-foot-9, 170-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively, worked the middle of the field during batting practice. Balanced setup, pre-pitch load, leg-kick trigger, average balance through contact and uphill bat path. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, on the infield displayed reliable hands. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 73 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.16 60.

Patrick Mayo, 3B, Brother Rice, 2017
Lean, athletic build 6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, flashed a quick bat, barrel whip and extension through contact. Fluid rhythm, balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance. Gap-to-gap approach. Registered an exit velocity of 86 mph. Defensively, athletic fielding position, at times let the ball get deep on the infield. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 81 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.64 laser-timed 60.

Antonio Milazzo, SS/2B, Minooka, 2017
Long and lean 5-foot-10, 140-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively, simple swing and short bat path through the zone. Balanced, tall setup, short toe-tap trigger and good balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 74 mph. Defensively, steady hands, quick release and fielding position is deep at times. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 71 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.75 60.

Joe Oswald, 1B/3B, Andrew, 2017
6-foot-1, 230-pound big bodied right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, registered one of the highest exit velocities of the event, 95 mph. Created easy juice at times and flashed strength through contact. Simple, balanced setup, short stride and good balance through contact. Gap-to-gap approach and uphill bat path. Defensively, steady hands and quick exchange on the infield. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy and clocked at 77 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.16 60.

Ryan Paige, 1B, Plainfield North, 2017
Big body 6-foot-2, 235-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, started from an open and tall setup. Short stride and short bat path through the hitting zone. Looked to use the middle/opposite part of the field during his round of batting practice. Registered a 75 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 70 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 8.0 laser-timed 60.

Colin Pfotenhauer, SS/RHP, Marist, 2017
Athletic build 6-foot-1, 165-pound right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Defensively, plays with some bounce on the infield. Reliable, soft hands, clean exchange and athletic fielding position. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate and clocked at 82 mph. Offensively, cocks bat during pre-pitch load back. Balanced, open setup. Long stride and short bat path through the hitting zone. Line-drive approach at the plate. Registered an exit velocity of 85 mph. Also, ran a 7.52 laser-timed 60. On the mound, operates with a tall and fall delivery. Quick arm, smooth rhythm, loose arm action, out of a high ¾ window. On-line direction and athletic finish. Fastball mostly straight and sat 81-82 mph. Curveball worked 12/6, some depth, 67-68 mph. Changeup featured sink and ranged between 72-74 mph.

James Raffauf, RHP/3B/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2017
Lean, room to fill out 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed hitting infielder, outfielder and pitcher.  Offensively, balanced and closed setup. Deep, pre-pitch early load and leg-kick timing trigger. Long, uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, in the outfield and infield, fluid footwork and clean exchange. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and quick release on the infield. Throws clocked at 76 mph from the outfield and 74 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.7 60. On the mound, featured a four pitch mix with decent feel for all. Over-the-top window, short and quick arm action. Some rhythm and effort in delivery. Fastball, flashed slight run and sat 78-80 mph, touching 81. Featured a curveball and slider. Curveball worked 12/6, thrown for strikes, 66-69 mph. Slider, firmer action, tighter spin, 11/5 shape and sat 70-71 mph. Changeup, mainly straight and sat 70-71 mph

Brad Roberts, 3B/SS Plainfield South, 2017
Lean 6-foot, 145-pound room to fill out right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, athletic, balanced pre-pitch setup and compact swing. Bat stays level through the hitting zone. Pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 85 mph. Defensively, fluid footwork and clean exchange on the infield. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 81 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.47 60.

Chas Sagedahl, LHP/1B, Prairie Du Chien, 2017
6-foot-2, 170-pound room to fill out right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. On the mound, smooth rhythm, clean, loose arm action, from a high ¾ window. In-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Four-pitch repertoire, a forkball being one of them.  Fastball, thrown for strikes, sat 76-77 mph. Feel for a curveball, worked 1/7 shape, some sweeping action and sat 67 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, thrown for strikes, sink and ranged between 65-68 mph. Forkball sat 69-70 mph. Offensively, a pull approach. Short bat path through the hitting zone and balanced, tall setup, pre-pitch load, short stride and average balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 80 mph. Defensively, steady hands and clean exchange at first base. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 74 mph across the diamond.

Kellen Sarver, C/INF, Champaign Central, 2017
Loose athletic frame, 6-foot-1, 185-pound left-handed hitting catcher/infielder. Profiles as a primary catcher with the ability to play third base. Defensively showcased advanced actions behind the dish, ability to block, hands work, athletic out of the crouch. Big arm played with carry, 80 mph behind the plate and across the infield, athletic short arm action with accuracy. Pop time ranged 2.01-2.08. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with open stance, smooth rhythmic loading action, short leg lift stride, on time and balanced through contact. Path is short flashing extension through contact, showed an ability to backspin baseballs, strong upper half with bat speed. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.63 runner in the 60.

Alex Schram, 1B/RHP, Waubonsie Valley, 2017
Athletic, strong frame 6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed hitting first baseman and pitcher. On the mound, some present arm strength and four pitch arsenal. Short arm action and an over-the-top slot. Regular effort, on-line direction, square landing and finishes slightly toward first base. Fastball, flashed late life, ranging between 80-83 mph, touching 84. Curveball, near fastball arm speed, worked 12/6, sat 67-68 mph. Also, featured a cutter, 10/4 action, 72-74 mph. Changeup, down in the zone, 73-75 mph. Offensively, quick bat and present strength through contact. Balanced setup, short stride and average balance. Short bat path and gap-to-gap approach. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, average hands on the infield. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws with carry and clocked at 80 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.56 60.

Tyler Schuerg, 1B, Lincoln-Way Central, 2017
Strong build 5-foot-11, 205-pound right-handed hitting first baseman. Wide, slightly open setup and pre-pitch load. Short, leg-kick trigger, short bat path through the hitting zone and average bat speed. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, moved well around the first base bag for size. Reliable hands and clean exchange. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 70 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.14 laser-timed 60.

Max Schulz, 3B/2B, Lincoln-Way North, 2017
Strong 5-foot-8, 160-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, flashed a quick bat at times with strength through contact. Crouched setup, pre-pitch drop of the hands and short stride. Flashed an uphill bat path through the zone. Registered an exit velocity of 84 mph. Defensively, on the infield, flashed body control on the play up the middle and ability to change arm slots. Steady hands, clean exchange, short arm action, over-the-top slot and clocked at 79 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.64 60.

Trevor Taus, 2B/SS, Marmion, 2017
Lean build 5-foot-10, 143-pound left-handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively, flashed some whip in swing.  Simple, compact stroke and level bat path through the hitting zone. Athletic setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and fluid rhythm. Registered an exit velocity of 83 mph. Defensively, athletic fielding position out in front of body. Steady hands, fluid footwork and clean exchange. Short, loose arm action, ¾ slot, some accuracy and clocked at 73 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.47 60.

Donald Thurman, 2B/OF, Oswego East, 2017
Athletic build 5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting infielder and outfielder. Offensively, tall, closed setup, no pre-pitch load and short stride. Level bat path through the zone and average bat speed. Registered an exit velocity of 77 mph. Defensively, in the outfield and infield displayed a long arm action, ¾ slot. Clocked at 66 mph from the outfield and 62 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.96 laser-timed 60.

Tavion Towers, MIF, Harlan, 2017
Wiry 5-foot-11, 150-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, loose, quick hands through the hitting zone. Simple swing with some present bat speed. Balanced, closed setup, smooth pre-pitch load and short stride. Line drive approach at the plate. Registered an exit velocity of 73 mph. Defensively, light on his feet, quick and clean exchange. Athletic fielding position, soft hands, short arm action, ability to throw from multiple arm angles and clocked at 79 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.26 60.

Anthony Velazquez, 2B, Roberto Clemente, 2017
Average build 5-foot-8, 140-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, athletic and balanced setup. Pre-pitch load, short stride and average balance through contact. Registered a 63 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, fields the baseball athletically, out in front of his body. Clean exchange, over-the-top slot and clocked at 70 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.59 laser-timed 60.

Anthony Viviano, 2B, Nazareth, 2017
Average build 5-foot-7, 150-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced, closed setup. Short stride and short bat path through the hitting zone. Registered a 73 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, flashed a clean exchange at times on the infield. Short arm action from a ¾ slot clocked at 68 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.74 60.

Dustin Wayne, 3B, Oswego, 2017
Wide-shouldered, big bodied 6-foot, 205-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. Offensively, low hand set, balanced setup and pre-pitch load. Leg-lift timing trigger and average bat speed. Registered an exit velocity of 75 mph. Defensively, clean exchange on the infield. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 75 mph across the infield. Also, ran an 8.54 laser-timed 60.

Jacob Weaver, MIF, Oak Forest, 2017
Lean build 5-foot-11, 145-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, starts from a balanced, wide setup. Pre-pitch load, short leg-lift trigger, and average balance through contact. Long bat path and pull approach. Registered an exit velocity of 76 mph. Defensively, steady hands on the infield. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 65 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.47 60.

Noah Wernke, SS/RHP, Oswego, 2017
Athletic build 6-foot, 168-pound projectable frame right-handed hitting infielder and pitcher. Offensively, barreled a number of balls during batting practice. Narrow setup, pre-pitch load of hands and short stride. Bat stayed flat through the hitting zone at times. Registered an exit velocity of 79 mph. Defensively, made a nice play on a ball to his glove side on the infield. Steady, reliable hands and quick transfer. Athletic arm action, ¾ slot and clocked at 74 mph. Also, ran an 8.09 60. On the mound, balanced delivery, short leg lift and easy effort throughout. Square landing, on-line and athletic finish. Long arm action and high ¾ slot. Fastball, mostly straight and sat 76-78 mph, touching 79. Curveball worked 12/6, ranging between 64-66 mph. Changeup, showed some sink, ranging between 61-64 mph.

Nathan Willig, LHP/1B, Oswego, 2017
Long and lean 6-foot-1, 150-pound right-handed hitting first baseman and pitcher. Offensively, starts with hands back and toe-tap timing trigger. Balanced setup, average bat speed and uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 74 mph. Defensively, the left handed first baseman displayed reliable hands and a clean transfer. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 70 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.08 laser-timed 60. On the mound, tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Short arm action, high ¾ window and it comes out by his ear. Fastball sat 71-73 mph, mostly straight. Curveball works 1/7, 56-58 mph. Changeup ranged between 58-60 mph.

Scott Wojcik, SS, Dundee Crown, 2017
Average build 5-foot-7, 150-pound right-handed hitting shortstop. Offensively, balanced setup, long toe-tap stride and average bat speed. Looked to pull during his round of batting practice. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, fields the ball out front at shortstop. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy and clocked at 73 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.32 60.

Tyler Woynerowski, 1B/3B, St. Rita, 2017
6-foot-2, 192-pound strong bodied right-handed hitting corner infielder. Offensively,
compact and simple swing. Short and level bat path through the hitting zone. Looks to pull the baseball. Balanced, open setup, slight pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, showed feel and body control around the bag at first base. Athletic receiver of the baseball and showed the ability to pick short hops from across the infield. Soft hands, athletic fielding position. Short arm action, over-the-top slot and clocked at 60 mph. Also, ran a 7.49 60.

Tyler Zarembka, LHP/1B, Providence Catholic, 2017
Long and lean 6-foot-3, 165-pound projectable build right-handed hitting first baseman and pitcher. On the mound, the left-hander featured three pitches for strikes. Some rhythm, in-line direction, square landing, athletic finish and regular effort in delivery. High ¾ window and long arm action. Curveball, good spin, feel and depth. Worked 1/7, fastball arm speed, thrown for strikes and sat 65-67 mph. Feel for changeup, fade at times, thrown for strikes, 68-70 mph. Fastball, slight run ranged between 76-78 mph. Offensively, short bat path and showed a gap-to-gap approach during batting practice. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, long arm action, ¾ slot, some accuracy and clocked at 77 mph. Also, ran a 7.77 60.

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----IL 2.14.16 Preseason All-State SLIDE - 2.14.16ILpreseason_slide_FINAL.jpg