Sebastian
Gutierrez

Formerly the No. 58 ranked player in the Illinois 2022 class, Gutierrez provided our staff with perhaps his most impressive showing to date. His arsenal has always been dynamic, but his up-tick in velocity paired with high-level spin made for an eye-opening ‘pen. The right-hander worked comfortably in the 90-92 mph range with an average spin rate of 2,375 rpm (T2458 RPM), exploding through the zone with late life to the arm-side and a max IVB of 19.1”. His slider comes out of a similar window to his fastball and he was able to land it for strikes consistently; sitting 75-77 mph with late 10/4 action and an average spin rate of 2,860 rpm (T2922 RPM). His final offering was a changeup at 81-82 mph, killing spin and darting late to the arm-side while averaging just over 18 inches of horizontal break. Overall, Gutierrez showed three pitches, all with above average potential at the professional level. 

Parkland commit, currently ranked No. 58 in Illinois. Lean, athletic right-hander with a 6-foot, 175-pound frame. Started on the mound against No. 5 Saint Viator and went five innings with three hits allowed, one earned run and struck out five to three walks. His arm works long out of the glove and moves into a ¾ slot, working with a quick arm to release. Gutierrez works with an up-tempo pace on the mound, moving into a high/athletic leg-kick with a drop/drive lower-half, remaining in-line to the plate with a square landing foot and athletic finish. The right-hander fields his position particularly well, moving off the mound with ease to either direction. His fastball played heavy into the zone, sitting in the 87-88 mph range with a notable amount of sink and run to the arm-side, getting in on the hands of right-handed hitters often. His go-to secondary offering was a changeup in which he was comfortable throwing in any count; playing around 74-75 mph with heavy diving action to his arm-side, thrown often for strikes. His last offering was a sharp 10/4 breaking ball, kept mostly down and thrown with aggression, 72-74 mph. The pitchability that Gutierrez possesses should certainly allow him to remain in the starting role at the next level; his fastball and changeup compliment each other nicely, while his breaking ball shows flashes of being plus at times with tight spin.

Parkland JC commit. Lean, athletic 6-foot, 175-pound frame with room to add strength, wiry fibers. Currently ranked No. 89 in the Illinois senior class. Was the first arm out of the bullpen for Nazareth Academy in this look. Simple tall/fall type delivery, upper half tucks in before working downhill, maintains direction to target, finishes towards the first base side of the mound. Short, tight arm action on the backside, works from a high ¾ slot with above-average arm speed. Fastball sat 87-90 mph with life and heavy arm-side run at times, played around the zone and favored the arm-side corner of the plate. Supreme confidence in his curveball. Threw it in all types of counts; to both get ahead and put hitters away. Played at 73-75 mph with consistent sharp spin off an 11/5 plane. Also threw a 74-76 mph changeup at arm speed and slot that showed late arm-side action, albeit used sparingly. Struck out three batters in 1.2  innings pitched against a quality Homewood-Flossmoor lineup. Owns an explosive three-pitch mix conducive to missing bats at the next level. 

Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Easy tall and fall delivery, repeatable, smooth tempo, leg kick works slightly across body, lands square, works in line to target, balanced finish on front side.
Arm Action: RH. Short, quick arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T88, 87-88 mph. Run/sink action, command of the strike zone. T2229, 2177 average rpm.
CB: 69-70 mph. Big 11/5 shape, sweeping action. T2698, 2604 average rpm.
CH: 78-80 mph. Fading action, arm speed similar to fastball. T2238, 2101 average rpm.

Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot, 160-pounds. Athletic frame.
Delivery: Methodical drop/drive type delivery, works directional to target and lands square, some rhythm throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Long draw, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81, 80-81 mph. Showed both run and sink, some strikes.
CB: 65-68 mph. Horizontal 11/5 shape, thrown with near fastball arm speed.
CH: 68-74 mph. Maintains fastball arm speed, late fading action, feel for pitch.

Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot, 160-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, open setup, steady leg lift timing trigger, gets back to square.  Quick bat, level path, extension through contact, line drive approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, comfortable on the move, maintains body control, steady hands, fields out front, long to release.
Run: 7.48 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot, 155-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Open set-up, slight knee bend, quick leg lift, long stride. Short, uphill pat bath, gap to gap approach, swings with intent.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 86 mph. Long and loose arm action, over the top to high 3/4 slot, ball carries across diamond.
Defense: Clean exchange, soft hands play through the baseball, corner infield actions present.
Run: 7.57 runner in the 60.  

Positional Profile: RHP
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, presence on the mound.
Arm Action: RH. High 3/4 slot, long and loose arm action, quick arm speed, regular to easy effort.
FB: T83, 78-82 mph. Sink, thrown for strikes.
CB: 62-63 mph. 11/5 shape.
CH: 70-71 mph. Arm-side run, down in the zone.