Blake
Crancer

Verbally committed to Des Moines Area CC.

Uncommitted. The Wildcats finished the week 3-2 behind some impressive performances from Crancer. On the week Crancer hit 5-for-9 (.556) with a home run, two doubles, six RBIs, six runs scored and a walk. In their 13-1 win over Peoria, he went 3-for-3 with a home run, double, three RBIs and two runs scored. He went 2-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and three runs scored in their second win over Peoria.

Uncommitted. Ranked No. 105 in Illinois’ class of 2024. Listed at an athletic and projectable 5-foot-10, 170-pounds with room to add strength. Hit sixth for the Wildcats, starting at shortstop. A right-handed hitter, simple approach at the plate, starts hands high with bat standing straight up, brings hands back with load, toe-tap trigger. Short, direct path, hands direct to the ball, favored the pull-side. Showed smooth and athletic actions in the infield, quick arm with accurate throws. On the day, Crancer was 3-for-4 with two doubles, a single, and a run scored.

Jackson Spring (St. Charles North), Cael Karczewski (Joliet West), Blake Crancer (Normal West), Will Potter (Downers Grove South), Bobby Kutt (Providence Catholic) and Jaden Obaldo (Crystal Lake Central) were a strong crop of middle infielders that should be able to stick up the middle moving forward and they all swing intriguing right-handed bats. 

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds. Lean, athletic frame, some to add on strength.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, slightly open setup, short stride. Short, direct swing, controls the barrel, works on top of the baseball, line-drive approach with sneaky jump off the bat.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 74.6 mph. 261’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. 3/4 release, short arm circle out of the glove.
Defense: Two-hand gather out front, sure-handed, receives the ball into his body, clean transfer.
Run: 6.97 runner in the 60. 

INF Blake Crancer (Normal West, 2024) is a sure-handed defender on the infield with top-of-the-order ability. He worked counts at the plate throughout the event, turning those into added bases by swiping a few bags. Crancer continues to add quality strength to his frame which has allowed his bat to continue to make strides, almost leaving the yard to the opposite field. Crancer showed well on the dirt too, playing through the baseball with soft hands and clean footwork. 

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds. Athletic build with developing strength.
Hits: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, long stride. Stays short and inside the baseball, line-drive approach with developing pull-side jump off the barrel.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 72.9 MPH. 234' max distance.
Arm: RH.
Defense:
Run: 7.12 runner in the 60.
Vizual Edge: 76.3 Edge Score

5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Started at third base for the Wildcats in the first game of the day. Relaxed setup in the box, quiet load, hands get in a strong position. Loose hands, direct path and uses the whole field. Steady defender at third base with natural infield actions and receptive glove. Continues to add strength to his frame. Sophomore infielder to follow moving forward. 

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-10, 150-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, smooth load, toe-tap stride. Athletic hands, flat path, backspins the baseball and uses the whole field.
Power: 88.7 max exit velocity, averaged 81.4 mph. 308’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Length out of the glove. Short arm action from a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields the ball out front. Funnels to the center. Smooth, athletic actions on the infield.
Run: 7.21 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-8, 135-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load and short stride. Simple, repeatable swing, level bat path, consistent line drives in BP.
Power: 83.57 max exit velocity, averaged 72.31 mph. 254’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Reliable hands, fluid feet, clean exchanges, athletic double play turn, can play on the move.
Run: 7.58 runner in the 60.