By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin

Today we break down the infield group at the Preseason Identification Showcase. Alex Henwood took the top spot in the infield group as he showed well above average defensive action, with foot speed and arm strength. His left handed swing looked much improved since last seeing him and looks to be one of the top middle infielders in region for the Class of 2015. Logan Rupard showed a powerful bat and solid hands defensively, while Cade Bunnell showed a smooth repeatable left handed stroke and soft hands on the infield.

Top Infielders

1. Alex Henwood, Appleton North HS, SS, Class of 2015
Athletic frame, 5-foot-10, 170-pound left handed hitting shortstop. One of the premier shortstops in the Class of 2015, high level defender. Defensively shows soft hands, advanced infield actions, fluid footwork, 4.16 runner down the line, fields left of center and plays through it. Arm works loosely, short arm action, quick release, high ¾ arm action, showed accuracy, 78 mph arm strength across the diamond. Offensively hits from the left side, open stance, smooth load, short stride, occasionally dives to the baseball, excellent balance. Lower half works, short bat path, flat through the zone with extension. Line drive gap to gap hitter, repeatable swing makes consistent contact, barrel awareness, works the middle of the field. Overall high level 2015 recruit.

2. Logan Rupard, Arrowhead Union HS, 1B/OF, Class of 2014
Excellent physical make up, strong build, large frame, 6-foot-4, 215-pounds. Offensively brings a powerful presence. Hits from a balanced stance, slight leg lift, high back elbow, excellent balance. Bat path gets extension, excellent bat speed, 90 mph exit velocity, hard contact, lacks repeatability. Gap to gap hitter with power. Defensively shows a long arm action, high ¾ slot, 80 mph from the outfield, 77 mph across the infield. Shows solid hands on the infield, more natural at first base, shows footwork and awareness around the bag.

3. Cade Bunnell, Stoughton HS, MIF, Class of 2015
5-foot-9, 150-pound left handed hitting middle infielder. Defensively, showed athleticism, excellent body control, fields baseball athletically, left of center, soft on backhand. Exchange is quick and clean, shows fluid footwork that works well through the baseball. Arm plays, 77 mph across the diamond, athletic release. Offensively, hits from an open stance, smooth load, short stride. Quiet approach, athletic setup and swing, line drive approach, fluid rhythm. Swing shows some lift, whip through the zone, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.

4. Brendan Meissner, West De Pere HS, 3B, Class of 2015
Athletic build, shows strength, 6-foot-2, 190-pound third baseman. Defensively shows a loose arm action across the diamond, high ¾ arm slot, shows carry (78 mph). Soft hands, fields athletically, shows body control. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, smooth load, short stride. Lower half works, good balance throughout. Solid contact, repeatability, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.

5. Jack Eagan, Wautoma HS, LHP/1B, Class of 2016
Highly advanced build, strong lower half, wide shoulders, overall strong build, 6-foot-2, 200-pound left handed two way player. High prospect on the mound, highly rated left handed pitcher, a top prospect in his class. Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, stays on line, directional, easy effort. Arm action is long, sits between high ¾ and ¾ arm slot. Fastball has occasional run and sink, some late life, showed the ability for command, 82-84 mph. Curveball has plus potential, highly advanced for age. Curve works on 11/5 plane, shows sharp bite, excellent feel, commanded it well, 65-66 mph. Changeup is thrown with near fastball arm speed, sinking action, well above average feel, thrown for strikes, 68-70 mph. Offensively showed power potential. Hits from open stance, short stride. Lacks lower half, long path, lift in swing, hard contact, excellent bat speed for age, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.

6. Shane Coker, Athens HS, LHP/1B, Class of 2015
Athletic build, strong lower half, wide shoulders, 6-foot-3, 200-pound left handed two way player. Has a high ceiling on both sides of the ball, might project higher on the mound right now. On the mound delivery is smooth, effortless actions, athletic finish. Arm action is clean, free and easy, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball has slight sink, showed command, 76-78 mph, arm action dictates room for more velocity. Curveball has 11/5 shape, sharp action, 61-64 mph, showed good feel. Showed a cutter, 65-68 mph, had more of a slider rotation and action, short quick action, little depth, needs to be thrown harder, lacks identity.

7. Luke Schafer, Middleton HS, MIF, Class of 2014
Athletic build, shows strength, 6-foot, 175-pound infielder. Hits from a balanced setup, short stride. Bat speed present, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Line drive, gap to gap hitter, makes hard contact, some extension. Defensively shows a soft glove, footwork is fluid and athletic, fields athletically left of center, quick clean exchange, shows body control. Arm works loosely from a high ¾ arm slot, 74 mph across the diamond.

8. Cole Hernikl, Menomonee Falls HS, OF/INF, Class of 2013
Strong build, shorter stature, 5-foot-9, 175-pound multi-positional player. Offensively showed excellent bat speed at the plate. Hits from a balanced stance, smooth load, short stride, excellent balance throughout. Bat path is short, excellent barrel awareness, repeatable swing makes consistently hard contact, works the middle of the field. Bat speed is advanced, 93 mph exit velocity from the tee, line drive gap to gap hitter. Excellent runner, 4.00 home to first. Defensively in the outfield showed raw actions, foot speed is apparent. Outfield arm is long, high ¾ arm slot, shows accuracy. On the infield displayed solid hands and a 77 mph arm across the diamond.

9. Vincent Hubli, Kenosha Bradford HS, OF/INF, Class of 2015
Strong build, shows athleticism, 5-foot-10, 179-pound multi-positional player. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, slightly wider stance, smooth load, short stride, excellent balance throughout. Bat speed is present, 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Gap to gap hitter, bat path shows extension, hard contact, barrel creates whip through the zone. Some uphill tendencies, fluid rhythm, solid barrel awareness. Defensively shows athletic feet in the outfield, hands work in the infield. Arm works at 76 mph from the outfield and 74 mph from the infield, occasional carry.

10. Evan Ketterhagen, Wilmot HS, OF/INF, Class of 2014
Lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot, 140-pound multi-positional payer. Defensively on the infield showed a quick exchange, playable arm, and body control when on the move. From the outfield he gets on top of the baseball, from a long over the top arm slot (80mph). Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, short stride. Athletic swing, short path, gap to gap approach, fluid rhythm. Lacks overall strength. 4.19 runner home to first.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

James Alexander, Wilmot Union HS, 1B/3B, Class of 2014
6-foot-3, 215-pound corner infielder, solid frame. Defensively shows workable hands, some actions. Lacked arm strength, 68 mph across the diamond, short high ¾ arm slot. Hits from an open stance, smooth load, short stride. Lower half works, good balance throughout. Works the middle of the field, repeats swing well, finds the barrel often, smooth swing, gap to gap guy.

Tyler Anderson, Holmen HS, C/INF, Class of 2014
Strong build, 5-foot-10, 170-pound catcher/infielder. Behind the plate recorded pop times at 2.25-2.37, 72 mph arm strength from the crouch, average hands, some athleticism. Lacks infield actions. Offensively hits from a crouched wide stance, uses short stride, balanced throughout. Pull side approach, hits off backside, 74 mph exit velocity.

Nick Bastien, Hartland Arrowhead HS, MIF, Class of 2016
Smaller frame, 5-foot-7, 148-pound middle infielder. Defensively showed a 67 mph arm across the infield, 4.21 runner home to first. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Swing shows repeatability, quiet approach, swing has a level path, some uphill tendencies. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Carter Beaudion, Hortonville HS, 3B, Class of 2015
5-foot-11, 170-pound, third baseman. Short arm action, 75 mph across the diamond, lacked accuracy. 4.33 runner home to first. Offensively showed solid balance throughout. Barrel showed some whip through the zone, uphill bat path, 80 mph exit velocity.

Travis Berg, Eau Claire Memorial HS, RHP/3B, Class of 2016
Advanced body for age, 6-foot-1, 190-pound two way player. Has a higher projection on the mound. Delivery is smooth, shows regular effort. Arm action is loose, high ¾ arm slot, quick arm action. Fastball showed run and sink to his arm side, flashed hard action, 77-79 mph, showed feel. Curveball has 12/6 shape, lacks finish, leaves arm side, decelerated hand speed, 61-63 mph. Changeup is thrown with near fastball arm action, 71-74 mph. Defensively uses long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, with accuracy (72 mph), lacks foot quickness. At the plate hits from an open stance, minimal stride. Shows bat speed for age, 79 mph exit velocity. Hits off backside, pull side approach. High follow on the mound.

Adam Bihun, Memorial HS, RHP/3B, Class of 2014
Lanky frame, long limbs, 6-foot-3, 170-pound two way player. Tall and fall style delivery, closed landing, works slightly across his body. Arm action is stiff, low elbows, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 77-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball has gradual bend, occasional 12/6 tilt, 61-63 mph. Changeup has fading action, 66-70 mph. Defensively arm played at 75 mph across the diamond, lacked accuracy. Hits from a slightly open stance, smooth load back, short stride, slightly dives. Some hard contact, long path, 79 mph exit velocity.

Andy Brahier, Jefferson HS, RHP/INF, Class of 2014
Athletic build, 6-foot-1, 190-pound two way player. Defensively showed some body control, fields with some athleticism, solid hands. Arm works long, shows accuracy, 75 mph across diamond. Hits from a balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, excellent setup. Makes consistent contact, hard contact, athletic swing, short path, fluid rhythm. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Fastball has occasional run, thrown for strikes, 76-77 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 58-62 mph. Changeup has near fastball arm speed, 57-60 mph.

Logan Burton, Kaukauna HS, 1B/3B, Class of 2015
Strong build, 5-foot-10, 200-pound infielder. Defensively arm worked from a ¾ slot, 63 mph across the diamond. Slow exchange, lacked infield actions. Offensively uses long stride approach, drops hands at load. Uphill bat path, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee.

JP Curran, Sun Prairie HS, INF, Class of 2016
6-foot-1, 172-pound middle infielder. Defensively showed reliable hands, average footwork with some body control. 69 mph arm strength across the diamond. Hits from a balanced stance, slightly drops hands at load, stride dives to the plate. Swing shows some strength, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee, level bat path. Young prospect to follow.

Johnny Duranso, Arrowhead HS, INF, Class of 2016
6-foot-1, 180-pound infielder. Defensively shows solid footwork, 4.26 runner home to first, 67 mph arm strength across the diamond. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, toe tap stride. Easy swing, repeats well, quiet approach, swing shows athleticism. Young prospect to follow.

Cal Giese, Stevens Point HS, LHP/OF/1B, Class of 2014
Athletic frame, 5-foot-11, 190-pound two way player. Projects as a left handed pitcher, arm is clean and easy. Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, repeats delivery well, excellent balance throughout. Arm works cleanly, easy arm action, loose arm, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball has slight run, showed the ability to command the fastball, sat 81-82 mph, touched 84 mph. Curveball has 12/6 action, showed control, 68-70 mph. Changeup is thrown with near fastball arm speed, showed command, 73-75 mph. Defensively showed a playable arm, 83 mph from the outfield with carry. Offensively hits from a wider stance, slight lunge, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Jakob Guenther, Oshkosh West HS, LHP/1B, Class of 2015
Long lean frame, highly projectable body, long levers, 6-foot-5, 190-pound left handed two way player. High ceiling on the mound, high level state prospect in 2015 class. Delivery shows some rhythm, stays on line and directional. Long arm action, arm works well, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball has slight run, showed control, 77-79 mph, should see increase in velocity with added strength. Curveball has 11/5 shape, opens early and leaves arm side, has potential, will be a high level pitch if he can stay closed longer and get it out in front. Changeup is thrown with near fastball arm speed, occasional sink and run to arm side, 72-74 mph. Defensively shows a soft glove around the bag, clean exchange. Hits from a balanced setup, drops hands at load, slight leg lift trigger. Average bat speed, 73 mph exit velocity, swing flattens out early, lacks overall strength.

Tristan Herber, Menona Grove HS, SS/RHP, Class of 2016
5-foot-9, 155-pound two way player. Young two way player with some upside. Defensively uses a long arm action, over the top slot, shows accuracy. Lacks footwork, 4.69 runner home to first. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride, quiet smooth approach. 70 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Dustin Hodgson, Barneveld HS, SS, Class of 2014
Athletically built, 5-foot-9, 165-pound middle infielder. Defensively shows some athleticism, moves well laterally, 4.22 runner home to first. Hands are playable, arm shows some carry, 78 mph across the infield. Hits from a balanced stance, smooth load, short stride. Line drive type hitter, quick hands, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Andrew Johnson, Waunakee HS, 3B, Class of 2014
Shows strength in build, 6-foot-1, 190-pound third baseman. Defensively arm works at 80 mph across the diamond, over the top slot, on target and on line. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, long stride. Occasional bat speed, short finish, lunges to the baseball, aggressive. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Alex Meyerhofer, Kaukauna HS, SS/3B, Class of 2014
6-foot-1, 160-pound left handed hitting infielder. Defensively arm works from a high ¾ slot, short arm action, 77 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, leg lift trigger. Short path showed occasional extension, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Aaron Mutter, Burlington HS, RHP/OF/INF, Class of 2016
Advanced frame, 6-foot-3, 195-pound two way player, projectable frame, young prospect to follow. Projects more on the mound. Delivery shows rhythm and balance, regular effort. Arm action is short, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, lacked action, 75-77 mph, touched 78 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, found the strike zone, 68-70 mph. Changeup has occasional fading action, near fastball arm action, 68-70 mph.

Nick Newburg, Madison Memorial HS, RHP/1B, Class of 2014
Lanky build, long limbed, 6-foot-2, 185-pound two way player. Tall and fall delivery, works downhill. Over the top arm slot. Fastball is straight, 79-80 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, slows arm action, 67-68 mph, could be better with a more aggressive approach. Changeup has occasional sink, 72 mph, decelerated arm action. Also showed a knuckleball, flashed above average action once, showed control. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, minimal load. Barrel head creates whip, some pop potential with added strength, gets extension.

Heath Renz, Jefferson HS, RHP/MIF, Class of 2014
Strong build, wide shoulders, 6-foot, 195-pound two way player. Shows higher projection on the mound. Delivery shows rhythm, stays online, athletic finish. Arm works loosely, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball is straight, thrown for strikes, 84-86 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, thrown for strikes, 66-68 mph. Changeup has feel and action, excellent arm speed shows deception, above average sink, thrown with feel, 68-69 mph, showed repeatable location. Defensively showed solid hands, some body control. 4.33 runner down the line. Hits from a slightly closed stance, short toe tap stride. Makes hard contact, line drive hitter, pull tendencies, occasionally rolls over.

Steve Sakar, New Berlin HS, RHP/3B, Class of 2013
Strong build, 5-foot-10, 180-pound two way player. Offensively hits from a closed stance, short stride, good balance throughout. Bat speed present, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Bat path is level shows some extension, gap to gap hitter with some pop, aggressive swinger. Defensively shows arm strength across the diamond (82 mph), shows carry. Choppy actions, hands lack a soft feel. Fastball showed occasional sink, 74-77 mph, touched 80 mph. Curveball worked on 11/5 plane, 56-61 mph. Changeup at 64-67 mph, also showed sinker at 76-77 mph.

Isaac Sexe, St. Joseph Catholic HS, RHP/SS, Class of 2016
Slender build, 6-foot, 150-pound two way player. Defensively uses a long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, 72 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, toe tap stride, good balance throughout. 71 mph exit velocity from the tee, some stiffness. Drop and drive delivery form the mound, opens front side early. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball has slight sink, 71-73 mph, touched 74 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, rolling action, 66-68 mph. Changeup has sink, 61-65 mph.

Isiah Siemers, Monroe HS, OF/MIF, Class of 2014
Smaller frame, 5-foot-8, 148-pound outfielder. Defensively uses a short arm action from the outfield, high ¾ arm slot, 71 mph from the outfield, no crow hop. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, short stride, slightly dives, loads hands deep. 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.28 runner home to first.

Maxwell Sires, Regis HS, SS, Class of 2014
6-foot, 165-pound infielder. Defensively showed some foot quickness, arm works from ¾ slot, 77 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from an open stance, smooth load, short stride, slight leg lift, good balance throughout finish. Bat path stays through the baseball, flat through the zone, some rhythm, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Alex Slowey, Monroe HS, SS/RHP, Class of 2014
Athletic frame, shows strength, 6-foot, 180-pound two way player. On the mound, delivery lacks balance, on heels, choppy delivery. Arm action is short and over the top, arm shows regular effort. Fastball is straight, showed occasional control, up in the zone, 81-83 mph. Curveball flashes 12/6 action, occasional biting action, lacked overall control, 64-67 mph. Changeup is mostly straight, 72-76 mph. Defensively shows average infield actions, some body control. Arm action is short and over the top, 77 mph across the diamond. At the plate hits from a tall, slightly open stance, short stride. Bat path is occasionally short, rotational. Shows solid tools, athletic, with strength, lacks polish.

Dakota Tilton, Onalaska HS, MIF/RHP, Class of 2015
Lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot, 130-pound two way player. Defensively, arm played at 63 mph across the diamond, high ¾ arm slot. Fields deep, lacked body control. Offensively hits from slightly open stance, line drive approach, lacks overall strength, 61 mph exit velocity. On the mound works from a drop and drive delivery, regular effort, open landing. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball is 65-67 mph. Curveball works on 11/5 plane, 54-57 mph. Changeup sat at 61-65 mph.

Joshua Toonen, Elkhorn HS, RHP/3B, Class of 2015
6-foot-2, 170-pound two way player. Shows some upside on the mound. Tall and fall delivery with some rhythm, regular effort. Long arm action, ¾ arm slot. Fastball has cut action, showed command, 78-79 mph touching 80 mph. Curveball has minimal action, 65-68 mph. Changeup has sink, some feel, thrown for strikes, 69-71 mph. Defensively arm plays at 71 mph across the diamond, stands up at release. Offensively hits from an open stance, drops hands at load. 77 mph exit velocity from the tee, some extension.

Aaron Trattner, Hortonville HS, 3B/OF, Class of 2016
5-foot-8, 155-pound infielder. Showed some foot speed, 4.32 runner home to first. Defensively, arm work at 68 mph across the diamond with some accuracy. Offensively hit from a balanced setup, short stride approach. Short bat path, worked the middle of the field some, lacked extension, tendency to roll over.

Nolan Tucker, Reedsburg HS, INF, Class of 2015
Lanky frame, 5-foot-10, 150-pound infielder. Showed the ability to have soft hands on the infield, some infield actions. Loose arm action, showed some accuracy, lacked arm strength, 68 mph. Hits from a wide stance, sets hands high. Level bat path, 72 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Jesse Turner, Lake County Lutheran HS, RHP/OF/INF, Class of 2015
6-foot-3, 180-pound two way player, lanky frame, some projectability. Projects more on the mound, tall and fall style delivery, regular effort with some rhythm. Arm works from a high ¾ arm slot, quick arm action, loose arm. Fastball is mostly straight, 81-83 mph, touching 84 mph. Breaking ball lacked feel, 68-71 mph, needs true action. Changeup showed occasional sink, 72-73 mph. Offensively this from a wide stance, smooth load, drops hands, no stride. Lower half lacks involvement, rotational hitter, pull side approach, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed solid arm strength from the outfield (84 mph) and infield (81 mph).

Dryden Van Schoyck, DeForest HS, RHP/1B, Class of 2016
Lanky frame, slender build, 6-foot-2, 165-pound two way player. On the mound arm action is long and from a ¾ slot. Fastball has gradual sink, 69-71 mph. Curveball has 12/6 tendencies, gradual break, loose rotation, 63-64 mph. Changeup has sinking action, 67 mph, lacks separation from fastball. Defensively uses long arm action across the diamond (69 mph).  Hits from a slightly closed stance, slight front foot lift trigger. Some uphill path, lift, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Bailey Valencia, Lake County Lutheran HS, MIF, Class of 2015
Smaller frame and build, 5-foot-7, 125-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from a crouched stance. Quiet approach, swing is repeatable, level path, line drive hitter. Defensively arm works at 69 mph across the diamond, lacks body control, fields the baseball deep.

Logan Wonn, Oconomowoc HS, RHP/1B, Class of 2015
6-foot-2, 210 pound two way player. Shows higher projection on the mound. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort, stays tall at balance point, closed landing. High ¾ arm slot. Fastball ranges from 79-80 mph, topped out at 81 mph, straight, thrown for strikes. Curveball has slurve action, flashing occasional sweep, showed the ability to throw for strikes, 68-70 mph. Changeup has near fastball arm action, occasional sink, 70-73 mph. Offensively hits from a balance stance, leg kick trigger. Makes hard contact, pull side approach, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.