By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

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The Future Prospects Showcase & Educational Camp took place on Sunday, March 5^th at The MAX in McCook, IL. Close to 70 2021 and 2022 high school graduates participated in the event. At the event we take the time to educate players on what scouts look for, the recruiting process, and the overall landscape of playing baseball at the next level.

A number of players in attendance will be high follow prospects as they continue to mature and step foot into their respective high schools.

SS Noah Smith (Marist, 2021) was one of the top performers of the event. 6-foot-1, 160-pound, athletically built, Smith, ran a 7.01 laser-timed 60, has advanced actions on the infield and took one of the best rounds of batting practice on the day. Smith has a loose, easy swing, made consistent hard contact and registered a 90 mph exit velocity.

2021 infielder Ryan Moerman (Lockport) was another impressive infielder in attendance. Moerman showcased soft hands, athletic actions, quick smooth exchange and good body control on the move.

Jared Comia (Hanover Central, 2021) is a left/left prospect to keep an eye on. Offensively, Comia has a smooth left-handed swing with loose hands and made consistent hard contact. Defensively, he flashed natural outfield actions, quick feet, plays through the baseball and soft hands.

RHP Cole Collander (Oswego East, 2021) was one of the top arms of the day and has a high ceiling. The 6-foot, 172-pound right-hander’s arm works fast and loose and his fastball got up to 79 mph.

John Zimmerman (Metea Valley, 2021) is a southpaw with a clean and easy arm, repeatable delivery and three-pitch feel.

Below we rolled out all of the analysis from the event, breaking down 2021 and 2022 graduates separately:

2021 PROSECTS (Listed Alphabetically)

Matt Ahearn, 2B, Ottawa, 2021
5-foot-9, 155-pound, right-handed hitting second baseman. On the infield, works from a ¾ arm slot, keeps throws around the bag, clocked at 57 mph across the infield. At the plate, closed setup, short stride, slight load back, late rhythm. Recorded a 74 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.87 laser-timed 60.

Gavin Arseneau, INF/OF, Oswego, 2021
5-foot-5, 110-pound, middle infielder and outfielder. Fields athletically, plays through the baseball and ranges well laterally in the outfield. Across the infield, throws from a low ¾ arm slot with long, firm action, clocked at 62 mph across the infield. Exhibited quick footwork, and clean, quick transfers. From the outfield, throws from a ¾ arm slot with long, firm action, clocked at 68 mph from the outfield. Offensively, open setup, leg kick stride, stays balanced. Looks to pull, uphill barrel path, recorded 76 mph exit velocity. 7.78 laser-timed 60.

Alexander Barrido, SS, Riverside-Brookfield, 2021
5-foot-5, 117-pound, switch hitting shortstop. Defensively, arm works from a low ¾-to-high ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, clocked at 61 mph across the infield. Switch hitter, looked more natural right-handed, balanced setup, toe tap stride. Long and level barrel path. 73 mph exit velocity off a tee. From the left side, balanced setup, late rhythm, long bat path and 70 mph exit velocity. 8.38 laser-timed 60.

Nicholas Bibian, C/OF, Minooka, 2021
5-foot-5, 107-pound, catcher and outfielder. Throws from a high ¾ arm slot with short action. Clocked at 59 mph from the crouch and outfield, with some accuracy; natural blocker and recorded pop times between 2.47-2.58. Offensively, balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger and average balance throughout. Pull hitter, path works uphill. Recorded a 68 mph exit velocity. 7.86 laser timed 60.

Dylan Buckner, INF, Glenbrook North, 2021
5-foot-9, 140-pound, right-handed hitting middle infielder. Defensively, works with a short, firm arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Fields the ball in an athletic position with soft hands, throws were around the bag, clocked at 70 mph across the infield. Balanced setup at the plate, leg kick stride. Opposite field approach, uphill path, registered a 78 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.87 laser-timed 60.

Blaze Cano, 2B/RHP, Hanover Central (IN), 2021
5-foot-5, 115-pound, second baseman and right-handed pitcher. Offensively balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger. Pull hitter, natural lift in swing. Recorded a 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, flashed clean transfers on the infield, long, over the top arm slot, kept throws around the bag, clocked at 69 mph across the infield. 7.57 laser-timed 60. On the mound, loose, clean arm action, high ¾ slot. Works on line, with a square landing, flashed some rhythm throughout delivery. Fastball clocked at 67-68 mph. Curveball, 12/6 action, maintains arm speed, clocked at 56-58. Changeup, flashed feel, clocked at 58-61 mph.

Cole Collander, RHP/1B, Oswego East, 2021
6-foot, 172-pound, lanky, athletically built, two-way prospect. High ceiling right-handed pitcher with advanced arm speed for his age. Quick, loose arm from a high ¾ slot. Tall and fall delivery, works with some rhythm and on-line, lands square, finishing upright. Firm fastball clocked at 76-78 mph, topped at 79 mph. Curveball, 10/4 shape, clocked at 60-61 mph. Changeup flashed sink, clocked at 63-66 mph. Offensively, wide, balanced setup, short stride. Barrel stays flat and level through the zone, generates bat speed, recorded an 88 mph exit velocity. At first base, throws with a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot with carry. Clocked at 76 mph across the infield. Ran an 8.23 laser-timed 60.

Jared Comia, LHP/OF/1B, Hanover Central (IN), 2021
5-foot-10, 143 pound, lanky, multi-positional left-handed hitting prospect. Natural outfielder with a loose, easy swing. Offensively, setup open, leg kick timing trigger, good use of lower half, maintains balance with fluid rhythm throughout. Gap-to-gap hitter with an easy, loose, low effort swing, short uphill barrel path, occasionally gets good extension, generates bat speed, recorded a 77 mph exit velocity. As a position player, plays through the ball, fields with soft hands, quick and fluid footwork, clean exchanges. Throws with a short, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot, accurate arm, clocked at 72 mph from the outfield and 68 mph across the infield. On the mound,  short, quick arm works from a high ¾-to-3/4 arm slot. Athletic delivery, smooth rhythm, works on-line, lands square. Fastball features slight run, clocked at 66-67 mph, topped out at 69 mph. Curveball breaks on a 12/6 plane, near fastball arm speed, controlled the zone, clocked at 50-52 mph. Changeup clocked at 55-58 mph. Ran a 7.47 laser-timed 60.

Daniel Contreras, C/3B, Boylan Catholic, 2021
5-foot-10, 170-pound, strong frame, catcher and third baseman. Offensively, wide, balanced setup, leg-lift stride, lift in swing, bat speed, recorded an 82 mph exit velocity. On the infield, long arm action from a ¾ slot, clocked at 68 mph across the infield. Behind the plate, natural catcher arm action, short, over-the-top slot, clocked at 71 mph from the crouch. Recorded pop times between 2.25-2.42. Ran a 7.80 laser-timed 60. 

Brock Daniels, SS/3B, Marquette (MO), 2021
5-foot-11, 150-pound, lanky, left-handed hitting infielder. Defensively, short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, kept throws around the bag with carry, clocked at 70 mph across the infield. Athletic fielding position, soft hands, flashed fluid footwork, quick and clean exchanges. Offensively, balanced setup, leg-kick stride, maintains balance, late rhythm. Pull hitter, occasional line drive, uphill barrel path, recorded a 76 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.58 laser-timed 60.

Sava Dupor, RHP/SS, Glenbrook South, 2021
5-foot-8, 150-pound, athletically built, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, long, loose arm action, from a high ¾ arm slot. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort, works on-line, lands square, occasionally falls off to first base side. Fastball flashed slight run, clocked at 70-72 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, sat 58-59 mph. Changeup flashed sink, clocked at 65-66 mph. Offensively, open setup, bar load, leg kick stride, maintains balance throughout. Pull hitter, occasionally went gap-to-gap, uphill path, bat speed, recorded a 79 mph exit velocity. In the field, long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, accurate throws, clocked at 69 mph across the infield. Ran an 8.41 laser-timed 60.

Charlie Evans, 3B/1B, St. Rita, 2021
5-foot-6, 135-pound, corner infielder. Balanced setup, drops hands with load, long stride, uphill bat path and recorded an exit velocity of 67 mph. Short arm action from a high ¾-to-3/4 arm slot. Clocked at 56 mph across the infield. 9.21 laser-timed 60.

Quinn Flemming, 2B/OF, Oak Park-River Forest, 2021
5-foot-10, 135-pound, second baseman and outfielder. Defensively, firm arm action from a high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy, clocked at 57 mph across the infield and 63 mph from the outfield. In the outfield, aggressive to the ball, plays through at times. Offensively balanced setup, slight leg kick with occasional toe tap stride, and late rhythm. Exit velocity registered at 69 mph off a tee. 7.75 laser-timed 60.

Stanley Galbreath, OF/C, Hanover Central (IN), 2021
5-foot-8, 142-pound, lanky, multi-positional right handed-hitting prospect. Offensively, open, crouched setup, short stride, stays balanced, early rhythm. Flashed pull-side power, short bat path, works uphill, present bat speed, registered a 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively, from the outfield, long, loose action, high ¾ slot, accurate arm, clocked at 72 mph. Played through the ball, soft hands, clean exchanges, fluid footwork. Behind the plate, similar arm action and slot that he used in the outfield, throws were around the bag, clocked at 64 mph from the crouch. Recorded pop times between 2.48-2.61. Ran a 7.44 laser-timed 60.

Nick Gehrke, 2B/SS, Minooka, 2021
5-foot-3, 100 pound, left-handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, keeps lower ½ on line, fluid rhythm. Aggressive approach at the plate, line drive hitter with an uphill bat path, recorded a 65 mph exit velocity. Defensively, fields in center of his body, funnels to release, flashed reliable hands, fluid footwork. Long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, clocked at 61 mph across the infield. 9.00 laser-timed 60.

Jayden Gonzalez, 3B/1B, De La Salle, 2021
5-foot-6, 136-pound, right-handed hitting corner infielder. Fields athletically, soft hands, fluid footwork, maintains body control on the move, clean exchanges. Throws from a short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, accurate, clocked at 70 mph across the infield. Offensively, balanced, slightly open setup, short stride. Short, uphill barrel path, generates bat speed, recorded an 82 mph exit velocity. Ran an 8.15 laser-timed 60.

Adam Graham,C/INF, Hanover Central (IN), 2021
5-foot-10, 150-pound, strong frame, right-handed hitting multi-positional prospect. Offensively, balanced setup, loads back, short stride. Occasional line drive type hitter, short, uphill barrel path, strength at the plate, flashed power potential, recorded a 79 mph exit velocity. In the infield, threw from a ¾ arm slot with long arm action, kept throws around the bag, clocked at 69 mph across the infield. Behind the plate, traditional catcher’s arm action, over-the-top and short, clocked at 67 mph out of the crouch. Recorded pop times between 2.30-2.44. Ran a 7.64 laser-timed 60.

Zamaurion Hatcher, OF/C, Kenwood, 2021
5-foot-6, 124-pound, left-handed hitting outfielder and catcher. Long, loose arm action from the outfield with a high ¾ arm slot, accurate with carry, clocked at 75 mph from the outfield. Athletic fielder, plays through the ball with soft hands, quick and fluid footwork, quick and clean exchanges. Behind the plate, traditional catcher’s arm action, short, over-the-top. Athletic setup, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Clocked at 66 mph from the crouch. Recorded pop times between 2.41-2.51. Offensively, balanced, open setup, slight leg-kick timing trigger, good lower ½, stays balanced throughout. Opposite-field, line-drive approach, path stays level through the zone. Recorded an 81 mph exit velocity. 8.24 laser timed 60.

Nicholas Heerde, C/OF, St.Laurence, 2021
5-foot-2, 108-pound, catcher and outfielder. Defensively, throws from an over-the-top arm slot with short action, accurate throws from the outfield and behind the plate. Clocked at 70 mph from the outfield and 59 mph out of the crouch. In the outfield,  attacks, plays through the baseball, soft hands, quick footwork, clean on exchanges. Behind the plate, recorded pop times between 2.26-2.34. Offensively, closed setup, long stride, maintains some balance throughout. Uphill barrel path, recorded a 71 mph exit velocity. Ran an 8.21 laser-timed 60.

Will Henson, SS/RHP, N/A, 2021
5-foot-6, 110 pound, wiry shortstop and right-handed pitcher. On the infield, steady hands, long arm action from a ¾ slot, clocked at 59 mph across the infield. Offensively, open setup, leg-kick stride, slight pre-pitch load, uphill path, recorded a 67 mph exit velocity. On the mound, works from a high ¾ slot with long action. Drop and drive delivery, works on line, squared landing, slightly upright finish. Fastball clocked at 59-61 mph with slight arm side run. Changeup, flashed fade, clocked at 53-55 mph. Knuckleball clocked at 50-54 mph. 8.47 laser timed 60.

Hunter Hrycyk, C, Bolingbrook, 2021
5-foot-8, 140 pound, right-handed hitting catcher. Offensively, balance setup, long leg-kick stride, maintains balance throughout. Opposite-field approach, recorded a 79 mph exit velocity off a tee. Defensively, throws from an over-the-top slot with short arm action. Clocked at 64 mph from the crouch. Recorded pop times between 2.40 and 2.59. 8.32 laser-timed 60.

Jack Irwin, SS, Plainfield Central, 2021
5-foot-8, 140 pound, left-handed hitting shortstop. Defensively, moves well, quick footwork and body control, flashed soft hands. Throws with short arm action from a ¾ slot, clocked at 68 mph across the infield. Offensively, wide crouching setup with late rhythm, long stride. Opposite field hitter, recorded a 75 mph exit velocity off a tee. 7.41 laser-timed 60.

Camden Janik, C/INF, Wauconda, 2021
5-foot-8, 170 pound, athletically built, well-proportioned catcher and infielder. Highly advanced defensive catcher in the 2021 class. Flexible lower half, athletic setup, soft hands, natural catcher actions, quick, highly athletic feet, comes out the crouch clean and quick, stays on-line. Arm is advanced for age, short, over-the-top action, accurate, throws carry, clocked at 71 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.15-2.22. At first base, similar athletic actions as he showed behind the plate; soft hands, quick, fluid footwork and feel for the position. Clocked at 71 mph across the infield. Offensively, tall, open setup, long stride, maintains balance throughout. Flashed bat speed, made consistent hard contact, used the middle of the field with some looseness in swing, path stays level through the zone, gets extension, line drive approach. Exit velocity registered at 83 mph. 7.91 laser-timed 60.

Julian Jimenez, OF/SS/RHP, Romeoville, 2021
5-foot-11, 137-pound, lanky, multi-positional prospect. On the mound, throws from a ¾ arm slot with above-average arm speed and a long, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery, works on line, lands toe closed, finishes in a slightly upright position. Fastball flashed run, clocked at 70-72 mph, topped out at 73 mph. Slider clocked at 59-62 mph. Changeup, flashed sink, good feel, clocked at 63-64 mph. Offensively, left-handed hitter, balanced setup, long toe-tap stride, early rhythm, pull hitter, uphill path, recorded a 77 mph exit velocity. Defensively, throws with a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot, throws were around the bag. Plays through the ball, fluid footwork, clean exchanges, clocked at 71 mph from the outfield and 70 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.98 laser-timed 60.

Ryan Kaestle, SS/RHP, New Trier, 2021
5-foot-11, 150-pound, lanky middle infielder and right-handed pitcher. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, leg kick stride, maintains balance. Uphill path, bat speed, recorded an 83 mph exit velocity. Defensively, throws from a high ¾ arm slot, kept throws around the bag, clocked at 67 mph across the diamond. Fields in an athletic position, flashed soft hands and fluid footwork. On the mound, short arm action, out of a high ¾ arm slot with smooth rhythm and easy effort. Works on-line, lands square and finishes in an athletic position. Straight fastball, clocked at 68-70 mph. Curveball showed feel, 11/5 action, controlled the zone, clocked at 57-58. Straight changeup, controlled the zone, clocked at 63-65 mph. Ran a 7.58 laser-timed 60.

Richard LaCien, RHP/INF, Lincoln-Way Central, 2021
5-foot-7, 145-pound, multi-positional prospect. On the mound, throws from a high ¾ arm slot with long action. Effort in delivery, works on-line, lands closed, and finishes upright. Straight fastball clocked at 63-65 mph. Curveball had good feel, showed 12/6 shape, gradual break, controlled the zone, clocked at 55-58 mph. Changeup thrown at near fastball arm speed, clocked at 60-62 mph. Defensivley, throws from a high ¾ arm slot with long arm action. Clocked at 60 mph across the infield. Offensively, tall, open setup, maintains balance, recorded a 70 mph exit velocity. Ran a 9.62 laser-timed 60.

Alec Mallinder, RHP/INF, Plainfield North, 2021
5-foot-7, 120 pound, right-handed pitcher and infielder. Defensively reliable hands, clean exchanges, flashed fluid footwork, solid with backhand. Long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, accurate, clocked at 68 mph across the infield. Offensively, wide setup at the plate, toe tap stride, average balance throughout. Uphill barrel path a 71 mph exit velocity. 8.28 laser-timed 60.On the mound, athletic delivery, on line, square-to-closed landing with an athletic finish, some rhythm. Straight fastball clocked at 65-68 mph. Curveball on 11/5 plane, slurvish shape, gradual break, near fastball arm speed, controls the zone, clocked at 56-59 mph. Pulls string on changeup, near fastball arm speed, controls the zone at 54-57 mph. Three pitch feel with solid spin.

Jake Marik, OF/1B, St. Laurence, 2021
5-foot-8, 140 pound, multi-positional right-handed hitting prospect. At the plate, setup wide with a short stride and no load, keeps it simple, stays balanced throughout. Kept the barrel on a level-to-uphill path, registered a 74 mph exit velocity. Defensively, threw with a short, firm action from a high ¾-to-3/4 arm slot. Occasionally played through the ball. Clocked at 65 mph from the outfield and 64 mph across the infield. 7.83 laser-timed 60.

Bret Matthys, LHP/1B, Hanover Central (IN), 2021
6-foot, 154-pound, athletic left-handed pitcher and first baseman. On the mound, works from a high ¾ arm slot with long, loose arm action, smooth rhythm. Tall and fall delivery, pitches with effort, works on-line, lands square and finishes in an athletic position. Fastball clocked at 69-71 mph. Curveball followed a 1/7 shape, clocked at 57-61 mph. Straight changeup clocked at 64-66 mph. In the field, throws with a long, firm arm action from an over-the-top-to-high ¾ arm slot, clocked at 64 mph across the infield. Good feel for first base, athletic position, clean exchanges.  Offensively, narrow, crouching setup, toe-tap stride, maintains some balance throughout, keeps it simple. Line drive hitter, potentially gap-to-gap, keeps it simple, swings the bat hard with a long, uphill barrel path, recorded a 70 mph exit velocity. Ran an 8.26 laser-timed 60.

Shea McGahan, C, Lindbergh (MO), 2021
5-foot-9, 150 pound, strong frame, right-handed hitting catcher. Defensively, traditional catcher’s arm action and slot, short and over-the-top, works on-line, throws were consistently around the bag, good carry, clocked at 73 mph out of the crouch. Moves athletically behind the plate, quick, clean exchanges, soft blocker. Recorded pop times between 2.08-2.19. Offensively, open setup, leg-kick stride, maintains balance throughout, fluid rhythm. Pull hitter with power potential, uphill barrel path, generates bat speed, recorded an 83 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.69 laser-timed 60.

Ryan Moerman, INF/RHP, Lockport, 2021
5-foot-4, 130 pound, middle infielder and right-handed pitcher. Athletic defensively, soft hands with a quick and clean exchange. Transfers the ball and fields his backhand well. Flashed a short, loose arm action from a ¾-to-low ¾ arm slot, clocked at 71 mph across the infield. Offensively sets up wide and closed, small load back, double taps stride, early rhythm. Generates average bat speed with an uphill barrel path resulting in an exit velocity of 85 mph. 7.81 laser-timed 60. Tall and fall delivery off the mound, works on line with an athletic squared landing. Throws from a high ¾ angle with short action. Straight fastball with occasional sinking action, controlled the lower half of the zone at 73-74 mph. Curveball showed a slight 10/4 break at 65-67 mph. Controlled changeup at near fastball arm speed, with sink and occasional arm side run, clocked at 66-68.

Patrick Mulcahey, RHP/INF, Bloomington Central Catholic, 2021
5-foot-11, 180-pound, lanky right-handed pitcher and infielder. On the mound, works from a high ¾ arm slot with short, firm arm action. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands square, finishes upright. Fastball, sinking action, clocked at 67-69 mph, topped out at 70. Curveball broke 11/5, clocked at 54-55 mph. Sinking changeup, controlled the zone, clocked at 57-58 mph. Has good feel for secondary pitches. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride, maintains some balance throughout, late rhythm. Uphill barrel path, generates bat speed, registered an 81 mph exit velocity. In the infield, throws from a high ¾ arm slot with short arm action, clean on exchanges, keeps ball on target, clocked at 64 mph across the infield. Ran an 8.13 laser-timed 60.

Ulysses Munoz, RHP/3B, Romeoville, 2021
5-foot-10, 149 pound, lanky right-handed pitcher and third baseman. On the mound, works with a short action from an over-the-top angle, pitches with effort. Tall and fall delivery, up-tempo rhythm, works on-line, lands square, and finishes in an upright position. Fastball clocked at 72-74 mph. Curveball clocked at 59-62 mph. Changeup flashed fade, clocked at 65-68 mph. In the field, works from an over-the-top arm angle with a long arm action, kept throws around the bag, clocked 71 mph across the infield. Offensively, open setup, leg lift stride. Pull hitter, keeps hands in, barrel travels uphill, recorded a 66 mph exit velocity. Ran an 8.44 laser-timed 60.

Matt Nolan, LHP, Minooka, 2021
5-foot-7, 148 pound, left-handed pitcher. Showed overall feel for the zone, potential three pitch feel, southpaw. Tall and fall delivery, works on line, with a strong front side, squared landing and a balanced finish. Arm works from a loose, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball showed arm side run, controlled the zone at 68-70 mph. Curveball on 1/7 plane, ability to throw for strikes at 59-61 mph. Sinking changeup at 60-62 mph, showed feel for the zone.

Bryce Noren, 2B/RHP, Lake Central (IN), 2021
5-foot-4, 100 pound, second baseman and right-handed pitcher with a small frame. Defensively, long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, clocked at 62 mph velocity across the infield. Offensively, closed setup, leg kick stride, recorded a 68 mph exit velocity. 8.52 laser-timed 60. Right-handed pitcher, repeats tall and fall delivery, works on line, squared landing and an athletic finish. Showed a long arm action with a high ¾ slot. Controlled the zone with a sinking fastball at 59-63 mph. Showed feel for changeup, clocked at 52-54 mph.

Brandon Norred, 2B/RHP, St. Rita, 2021
5-foot-9, 130 pound, second baseman and right-handed pitcher. Hits from the right-side, balanced setup, leg lift stride, simple swing, early rhythm. Line drive hitter, long, uphill barrel path, recorded an 80 mph exit velocity. In the infield, worked with a short, firm arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Clocked at 64 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.64 laser-timed 60. On the mound, threw with a short arm action, over-the-top-to-high ¾ arm slot. Tall and fall type delivery, works on-line, lands closed and finishes upright. Straight fastball, flashed slight run, clocked at 68-70 mph, topped out at 71 mph. Curveball on 12/6 plane, gradual break, clocked at 51-55 mph. Changeup flashed fade with near fastball arm speed, clocked at 59-62. Controlled all three pitches.

Aidan O’Brien, RHP/3B, Lake Central (IN), 2021
5-foot-11, 180-pound, lanky with room for physical development, right-handed pitcher and third baseman. On the mound, throws from a high ¾ arm slot with long, loose arm action and quick arm speed, smooth rhythm. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands square and finishes in an athletic position. Straight fastball controlled the zone, clocked at 74-76 mph, topped out at 77 mph. Hard curveball, 10/4 shape, throws with fastball arm speed, clocked at 63-67 mph. Changeup flashed sink and fade, controlled the lower half of the zone, clocked at 58-60 mph. In the field, throws a true four-seamer with some carry, from a high ¾ arm slot with short arm action, kept throws around the bag. Clocked at 70 mph across the infield. Offensively, balanced setup, leg kick stride. Barrel follows an uphill path, recorded a 77 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.81 laser-timed 60.

Peyton Olejnik, RHP/1B, Hanover Central (IN), 2021
5-foot-10, 115-pound, right-handed pitcher and first baseman. Recorded a 7.23 laser-timed 60. Defensively, long arm action from an over the top-to-high ¾ arm slot, clocked at 64 mph across the infield. Left-handed hitter, narrow, tall setup, leg kick stride, looks to pull, recorded a 62 mph exit velocity. Right-handed pitcher, flashed a long, loose arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Works on line and finishes athletically. Controlled the zone with a straight fastball, clocked at 63-65 mph. Curveball clocked at 50-52 mph. Straight changeup, near fastball arm speed, clocked at 58-61 mph.

Michael Rivera, SS/RHP, Warren, 2021
5-foot-10, 125 pound, lanky frame, shortstop and right-handed pitcher. Defensively,   moves well with body control, soft hands, fluid footwork, accurately throws from a high ¾ slot with short action. Clocked at 68 mph across the infield. 7.36 laser-timed 60. Offensively balanced approach, wide, slightly open setup, toe tap stride. Gap-to-gap, occasional line drive hitter, uphill barrel path, recorded a 79 mph exit velocity. Right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, works on line, open-toe landing, smooth rhythm, athletic finish. Works from a high ¾ slot, with short, loose action, generates quick arm speed. Straight fastball clocked at 69-70 mph. Sharp curveball, controlled the zone at 58-60 mph. Changeup flashed sink and arm side run, clocked at 59-61 mph.

Jake Rybka, C, Lincoln-Way Central, 2021
5-foot-8, 160 pound, right-handed hitting catcher. Throws with a traditional catcher’s arm action and slot, short, over-the-top, throws were around the bag and carried, clocked at 70 mph from the crouch. Soft hands, clean, quick exchanges and fluid footwork, stays on-line. Recorded pop times between 2.19-2.33. Solid defensive tools for age. Offensively, balanced setup and approach at the plate, short stride, lower half works on-line. Line drive hitter, generates bat speed, registered a 79 mph exit velocity. Ran an 8.31 laser-timed 60.

Armani Sanchez, RHP/SS, Lake Central (IN), 2021
5-foot-8, 125 pound, right-handed pitcher and shortstop. Defensively, flashed reliable hands with clean transfers. Short, firm arm action from a high ¾-to-3/4 slot, flashed accuracy, 65 mph across the infield. Offensively, balanced setup, leg kick stride, occasional toe tap, pull approach, early rhythm. 7.70 laser-timed 60. On the mound, tall and fall delivery, lands closed, falls first base side, finishes in athletic position. Over the top-to-high ¾ arm slot with stiff action. Fastball flashed slight run, clocked at 65-67 mph.  Curveball 11/5 shape, clocked at 51-54 mph. Changeup featured arm side run, clocked at 55-58 mph.

Braden Sayles, OF, Hononegah, 2021
5-foot-11, 150-pound, lanky, athletic outfielder. Ran a 7.28 laser-timed 60. Left-handed batter, balanced setup, short stride, maintains balance throughout, fluid rhythm. Uphill barrel path, occasionally level path, generates bat speed, recorded an 80 mph exit velocity. From the outfield,  long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, good carry, clocked at 75 mph from the outfield. Plays through the ball, with soft hands, fluid footwork and clean exchanges.

Noah Smith, SS, Marist, 2021
6-foot-1, 160-pound,athletically built shortstop with room to fill out. High-follow 2021 prospect. Physically advanced for his age at the plate and in the field. Ran a 7.01 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load back, short stride, fluid rhythm, maintains balance throughout. Gap-to-gap approach, power potential, loose hands, gets extension through contact, generates fast bat speed, consistent hard contact, recorded a 90 mph exit velocity. Defensively, advanced defensive actions, moves athletically, soft hands, fluid footwork, maintains body control, quick and clean on exchanges. Throws from an over-the-top arm slot with short, easy action, accurate, true arm with carry, clocked at 79 mph across the infield.

Zach Starr, C, Bradley Bourbonnais, 2021
5-foot-11, 170 pound, lanky catcher. Offensively, balanced setup, leg lift stride, maintains some balance throughout. Line drive hitter, long, level path, recorded a 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, works from with a short arm action from an over-the-top slot. Clocked at 64 mph out of the crouch. Recorded pop times between 2.34-2.47. Ran an 8.32 laser-timed 60.

Casey Swanson, C, Minooka, 2021
5-foot-11, 160-pound, lanky catcher. Left-handed batter, balanced setup, short stride,  pull hitter with an uphill barrel path, recorded a 71 mph exit velocity. Behind the plate, works from a ¾ arm slot with short arm action, clocked at 66 mph from the crouch. Recorded pop times between 2.29-2.41. Ran an 8.12 laser-timed 60.

Anthony Tado, 2B/OF, St. Laurence, 2021
5-foot-2, 105 pound, left-handed hitting second baseman. Defensively, athletic fielding position, moved well with quick and fluid footwork, reliable hands and a clean exchange. Long, firm arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, clocked at 65 mph from the infield. Left-handed hitter, balanced throughout, long, slightly uphill path, line drive contact, recorded 69 mph exit velocity. 8.16 laser-timed 60.

Preston Thompson, N/A, RHP/INF, 2021
5-foot-9, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher and infielder. In the field, works from a ¾ arm slot with long arm action. Clocked at 56 mph across the infield. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride, uphill barrel path, recorded a 71 mph exit velocity. Ran an 8.35 laser-timed 60. On the mound, throws from a ¾ slot with long, firm action. Tall and fall type delivery, works on-line, lands toe closed and finishes upright. Fastball clocked at 63-65 mph. Curveball 10/4 action, clocked at 53-56 mph. Changeup clocked at 54-56 mph.

Ty Trovero, C, Ottawa, 2021
5-foot-10, 130 pound, lean, wiry left-handed hitting catcher. Defensively, tall setup behind the plate, showed ability to block, short arm action from a ¾ slot, throws were around the bag, and clocked at 62 mph from the crouch. Recorded pop times between 2.54 and 2.64. Offensively tall setup, leg lift stride, hands work on top of the baseball, and exit velocity clocked at 71 mph. 8.05 laser-timed 60.

Bodie Turner, C/3B, St. Rita, 2021
5-foot-11, 180-pound, catcher and third baseman. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride, pre-pitch load, maintains balance throughout, compact swing. Pull hitter with power potential, uphill barrel path, generates bat speed, recorded an 81 mph exit velocity. Throws with a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. As a catcher, works on-line, clocked at 64 mph out of the crouch. Clocked at 64 mph across the infield. Ran an 8.23 laser-timed 60.

Cade Walker, RHP/3B, Hanover Central (IN), 2021
5-foot-8, 135 pound, right-handed pitcher and third baseman. On the mound, closed landing, slightly upright finish. Long, firm arm action from an over the top slot. Fastball flashed slight cut, clocked at 64-66 mph. Curveball 12/6 shape, gradual break, fastball arm speed, clocked at 58-60 mph. Changeup, kept down in the zone, clocked at 61-64 mph. Defensively, throws from a high 3/4 arm slot, clocked at 65 mph across the infield. Open, narrow setup at the plate, hands drift back, slight leg kick stride, average-to-fair balance. Recorded 73 mph exit velocity. 8.09 laser-timed 60.

Tyler Witt, 1B/LHP, Plainfield North, 2021
5-foot-11, 135-pound, lanky, wiry frame, first baseman and left-handed pitcher. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride, line drive hitter, level barrel path, recorded a 70 mph exit velocity. At first base, throws with a firm action, from an over-the-top-to-high ¾ slot. Average hands, clean exchanges, clocked at 54 mph across the infield. On the mound, works from a high ¾ slot with a long arm. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands square, finishes upright. Fastball sat 55-57 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, clocked at 47-49 mph. Changeup clocked at 54-56. Ran an 8.22 laser-timed 60.

Donovan Zielke, OF/2B/RHP, Oswego East, 2021
5-foot-1, 100-pound, athletic multi-positional prospect. From the outfield, throws from an over-the-top slot with long action, regularly hit the target. Clocked at 67 mph from the outfield. Uses similar arm slot and action in the infield, accurate throws, clocked at 62 mph across the infield. Plays through the ball when fielding, soft hands, good body control, fluid footwork, and clean exchanges. Offensively, hits from the left side, balanced setup, early, smooth rhythm, small stride, maintains balance throughout. Line drive, opposite field hitter, long barrel path, recorded a 66 mph exit velocity. Athlete on the mound, works from an over-the-top arm slot with long arm action. Smooth rhythm, easy effort, works on-line, lands closed, finishes athletically. Fastball commanded the zone, clocked at 64-65 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 shape, depth, clocked at 51-54 mph. Changeup thrown with near fastball arm speed, commanded the zone, clocked at 59-60 mph. Threw a high volume of strikes. Ran an 8.20 laser-timed 60.

John Zimmerman, LHP/1B, Metea Valley, 2021
5-foot-10, 167-pound, strong, athletic frame, left-handed pitcher and first baseman. On the mound, projectable southpaw, works with a quick, short arm from a ¾ arm with smooth rhythm. Works on-line, lands square in an athletic position. Fastball works mostly straight, flashed run, clocked at 71-73, topped out at 74 mph. Curveball, 1/7 shape, clocked at 57-59 mph. Changeup showed feel, sat 67-69 mph. Showed feel for all three pitches. Offensively, hits from the right side, tall, balanced setup, short leg kick stride, maintains balance through contact with loose hands, fluid rhythm. Pull hitter, uphill barrel path, repeats swing, generates bat speed, recorded an 82 mph exit velocity. From first base, loose arm action form a high ¾ arm slot, hit the target, clocked at 70 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.71 laser-timed 60.

2022 PROSECTS (Listed Alphabetically)

Jackson Bessette, C/SS, South Elgin, 2022
5-foot-7, 130-pound, lanky catcher and shortstop. Defensively, throws with a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot, regularly hit target. Clocked at 68 mph across the infield and 65 mph from the crouch. Behind the plate, works on-line, recorded pop times between 2.44-2.51. Offensively, tall, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. An occasional opposite field hitter, uphill barrel path, registered a 72 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.65 laser-timed 60. 

Zander Buchan, C/3B, Maine South, 2022
5-foot-5, 160-pound, switch-hitting catcher and third baseman. Offensively, a legitimate switch hitter, from the left side, a pull hitter with power potential, open setup, leg kick stride, fluid rhythm, uphill barrel path. From the right side, open setup, leg kick stride, explosive lower half, maintains balance throughout, fluid rhythm, uphill barrel path. Generates bat speed from both sides, recorded an 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, throws from a high ¾ arm slot with short arm action, regularly hit the target with some carry from behind the plate and across the infield. Clocked at 67 mph from the crouch and 66 mph across the infield. As a catcher showed off blocking ability, soft hands, clean on exchanges. Recorded pop times between 2.30-2.36. In the infield, moves well, plays through the ball, also featured soft hands, good body control. Ran an 8.58 laser-timed 60.

Connor Christian, C/2B, Lockport, 2022
5-foot-7, 137-pound, lanky, switch hitting catcher and second baseman. From the left side, open setup, wrap load, long stride, maintains balance throughout. Barrel takes a level path, recorded a 66 mph exit velocity. Pull hitter from the right side, balanced setup, short stride, early, fluid rhythm, uphill barrel path. In the field, throws from a ¾ arm slot with short arm action. Clocked at 63 mph across the infield. Behind the plate, athletic positioning, works on line, fluid footwork, clean exchanges, solid blocker with good form. Recorded pop times between 2.37-2.51.  Works from an over-the-top arm slot with short arm action. Clocked at 63 mph from the crouch. Ran an 8.46 laser-timed 60.

Evan Chung, 3B/RHP, Lake Zurich, 2022
5-foot-4, 125-pound, third baseman and right-handed pitcher. Offensively, tall, open setup, short stride, maintains balance throughout, fluid rhythm. Barrel path is long and stays level, occasionally showed power for age. Recorded a 74 mph exit velocity. In the field, throws from a high ¾ arm slot with long arm action, 62 mph across the infield. On the mound, works from a high ¾ slot with a long arm action. Fastball clocked at 63-64 mph, topped out at 66 mph. Curveball took 11/5 shape, gradual break, thrown with near fastball arm speed, clocked at 53-54 mph. Changeup thrown with near fastball arm speed, clocked at 57-58 mph. Ran an 8.45 laser-timed 60.

Aaron Colleran, OF/2B, Hinsdale Central, 2022
5-foot-2, 95-pound, outfielder and second baseman. From the outfield, throws from high ¾ arm slot with long arm action. Plays through the ball, moves well. Clocked at 61 mph from the outfield. On the infield, works with a shorter action, over-the-top slot, 58 mph across the infield. Plays through the ball, clean on transfers. Offensively, balanced setup, loads back, toe tap stride, maintains balance. Uphill barrel path, recorded a 65 mph exit velocity. Ran an 8.35 laser-timed 60.

Ivan Dahlberg, C, Minooka, 2022
5-foot-9, 155 pound, left-handed hitting catcher. Offensively open setup, leg kick stride with toe tap, good balance throughout, fluid rhythm. Line drive hitter, consistently squared the ball up, occasionally hit gap-to-gap, flashed bat speed, short and uphill barrel path. Registered an 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, traditional catcher’s arm action, throws were around the bag, 67 mph. Clean on exchanges, comes out of crouch on-line. Recorded pop times between 2.26 and 2.39. 7.87 laser-timed 60.

Izo Delgado, INF, Mount Carmel, 2022
5-foot-6, 140-pound, athletic right-handed hitting middle infielder. Defensively, throws from a high ¾ arm slot with a short, loose arm action, clocked at 68 mph across the infield. Fields his position athletically, plays through the ball with soft hands, fluid footwork, and clean exchanges. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, fluid rhythm, maintains balance throughout. Line drive hitter, compact swing, short, level barrel path. Recorded an 80 mph exit velocity. Ran an 8.48 laser-timed 60.

Zach Fabis, SS/OF, Plainfield South, 2022
5-foot-3, 100-pound, left-handed hitting shortstop and outfielder. In the field, played through the ball with competent hands. Worked from a high ¾ arm slot, long action. Clocked at 59 mph from the outfield and 53 mph across the infield. Offensively, closed setup, short leg lift stride, maintains balance throughout. Opposite field hitter, uphill barrel path, recorded a 59 mph exit velocity. Ran an 8.80 laser-timed 60.

Gavin Gawronski, SS/RHP, Marquette (WI), 2022
5-foot-4, 100-pound, shortstop and right-handed pitcher. In the field, moves athletically, works from a short over-the-top arm slot, regularly hit target. Clocked at 59 mph across the infield. Offensively, balanced setup, bar load, leg kick stride. Barrel takes an uphill path, registered a 64 mph exit velocity. On the mound, works from a high ¾ arm slot with short, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery. Fastball clocked at 56-58 mph, topping out at 60 mph. Curveball took 11/5 shape, clocked at 50-52 mph. Sinking changeup at 52-53 mph. Ran a 9.20 laser-timed 60.

Braeden Gonzalez, C, Geneva, 2022
5-foot-4, 118-pound, right-handed hitting catcher. Offensively, open setup, wrap and bar load, leg kick stride, maintains balance throughout. Pull hitter, uphill barrel path, gets level on occasions, registered a 74 mph exit velocity. Behind the plate, throws from a high ¾ arm slot with long arm action, at 61 mph from the crouch. Works on-line, solid blocking fundamentals. Recorded pop times between 2.51-2.75. Ran an 8.63 laser-timed 60.

Christian Holmes, INF, De La Salle, 2022
5-foot-3, 115-pound, athletic infielder. On the infield, uses long arm action, high 3/4 slot, 62 mph from across the infield. Fields his position athletically, plays through the ball, soft hands, quick, fluid footwork, clean on exchanges. Offensively, balanced setup, slightly open, maintains balance throughout, fluid rhythm. Pull hitter, uphill barrel path, recorded a 69 mph exit velocity. Ran an 8.21 laser-timed 60.

Brent Klukas, C/RHP, Janesville Parker (WI), 2022
5-foot-8, 145-pound, lanky catcher and right-handed pitcher. On the mound, works from a high ¾ arm slot with long arm action. Fastball flashed sink, at 62-65 mph. 12/6 curveball at 51-54 mph. Changeup clocked at 54-58 mph. Offensively, closed, crouching setup, short stride, early rhythm, uphill barrel path. Recorded a 76 mph exit velocity.  Behind the plate, throws from an over-the-top arm slot with short action, 60 mph out of crouch. Recorded pop times between 2.61-2.83.

Sam Meidenbauer, OF/INF/RHP, Waukesha North (WI), 2022
5-foot-11, 140-pound, lanky framed multi-positional prospect. On the mound, works from a high ¾ arm slot with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort, works on-line, square landing, falls off as he finishes. Fastball flashed slight cut, controlled the zone, clocked at 65-66 mph. 11/5 curveball, thrown with near fastball arm speed, gradual break, controlled the zone, clocked at 55-60 mph. Cutting changeup, thrown with near fastball speed, clocked at 62-63 mph. In the field, throws from a ¾ arm slot, clocked at 67 mph from the outfield and 59 mph across the infield. Plays through the ball, showed good hands and fluid footwork in the field. Offensively, tall, open setup, bar load, toe tap stride, maintains some balance throughout. Uphill barrel path, recorded a 77 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.83 laser-timed 60.

Kyle Smith, C/RHP, Warren, 2022
5-foot-7, 150-pound, catcher and right-handed pitcher. Behind the plate, works from an over-the-top arm slot with short arm action. Clocked at 66 mph from the crouch. Works on-line, clean on exchanges, solid blocker. Recorded pop times between 2.37-2.50. On the mound, throws from a high ¾ arm slot with short arm action. Tall and fall delivery, featured some rhythm, works on-line, lands square, finishes upright. Fastball flashed sink, clocked at 67-68 mph, topped out at 71 mph. 12/6 curveball, clocked at 56-58 mph. Changeup clocked at 58-60 mph. Offensively, wide setup, leg kick stride, maintains some balance throughout, late rhythm. Recorded a 77 mph exit velocity. Ran an 8.40 laser-timed 60.

Brendan Som, INF, N/A, 2022
5-foot-8, 137-pound, infielder with power potential. Offensively, wide, open setup, leg kick stride, maintains good balance throughout, fluid rhythm. Pull hitter with power potential, aggressive at the plate, uphill barrel path, generates bat speed, recorded an 85 mph exit velocity. In the field, fluid footwork, throws from a low ¾ arm slot, kept his throws around the bag. Clocked at 64 mph across the infield. Ran a 7.74 laser-timed 60.

Jack Willsey, INF, Oak Park-River Forest, 2022
5-foot-4, 116-pound, middle infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride, maintains some balance throughout, fluid rhythm, simple swing. Line drive hitter, level barrel path, recorded a 63 mph exit velocity. In the field, throws from a ¾ arm slot with short, firm action. Quick and clean on his transfers, 56 mph across the infield. Ran a 9.03 laser-timed 60.

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