Prep Baseball Report

PBR Class of 2013 Showcase: Position Player analysis



By Matt Yarber and Sean Duncan

The Prep Baseball Report Class of 2013 Showcase on Oct. 23 at The Max unveiled many impressive prospects from across the state. The position players were especially impressive, as many prospects emerged as players to pay close attention to in the coming years.

A look at the position players at the event:

1. Kevin Smith, SS, St. Laurence HS
Smith proved to be one of the premier prospects in the Class of 2013. Already committed to Creighton University, Smith’s physical 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame projects well at the next level.  Smith showed one of the strongest arms from the infield, posting a velocity of 84 mph.  His fluid footwork and reliable hands make him a top-level infield prospect.  Offensively, Smith uses his strong body and natural athleticism to create excellent barrel whip through the zone while squaring up the baseball.  He demonstrated power in his swing with an aggressive lower half and a balanced swing. The ball jumps off his bat with backspin carry. Smith also ran a 7.24 60.

2. Jake Ring, OF, Grant HS
Ring is an athletic left-handed hitter who showed natural outfield instincts and an all-around aptitude for the game. The 5-foot-11, 160-pound Ring exhibited a strong arm (84 mph) that had carry and was on target. He moves with fluidity and purpose to the ball, and his natural instincts and hands further separated him from the pack.  Ring, who ran a 7.01 60, has a quick and compact swing from the left-side. He demonstrated good balance and barrel whip through the zone as he sprayed line drives to all fields. 

3. Peter Doughty, OF, York HS
Doughty features one of the most natural, fluid left-handed swings in the Class of 2013, and proved it at the event by putting on the best round of BP of the day.  With his athletic 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame, Doughty demonstrated a balanced setup at the plate.  His short stride and economical path to the ball, coupled with his excellent barrel whip and swing looseness, resulted in gap-to-gap power to both alleys.   In the outfield, Doughty exhibited solid footwork and arm strength (82 mph) as he fired strikes to the target. 

4. Derek Bangert, C/3B, Lockport HS
With his 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame and extraordinarily strong lower half, Bangert is a physically advanced catcher who showcased big power potential at the plate.  With his strength and balance throughout his swing, the ball jumps off his bat with backspin carry. He has an easy swing that features a short stride and economical path to the ball.  Defensively, Bangert can play behind the plate or a corner infield position.  He demonstrated a strong, accurate arm in which he posted velocities of 78 mph from behind the dish and 85 mph from third base.  Bangert delivered top pop times of 2.02 and 2.04.

5. Matt Miller, RHP/SS, Aurora Central HS
Miller was the best two-way prospect at the event, as he showed extremely well both at shortstop and on the mound. Standing at 5-foot-10, 160-pounds, Miller displayed one of the strongest arms across the diamond, posting a velocity of 84 mph.  Aside from his arm strength, he showed polished defensive actions, as he took precise routes, demonstrated quick, soft hands and played through the ball well. Offensively, he hits with an open setup and showed good rhythm and swing looseness. On the mound, Miller operates from a high ¾ slot. He showed good hand acceleration and fluid mechanics throughout while showing the ability to command four pitches for strikes. His arm works with little effort; his fastball sat in the 82-83 mph range. His 70-72 mph curveball demonstrated two-plane break, and he also showed feel for a changeup and slider.

6. Alexander Cain, SS/RHP, Oregon HS
An athletically built 6-foot-3, 185-pound two-way player, Cain is an extremely projectable talent.  He showcased his strong arm at the event by throwing 84 mph from across the diamond. Cain, who ran a 7.33 60, showed athletic feet and played through the ball well, particularly on the move. Offensively, Cain flashed some power potential at the plate. On the mound, Cain comes from a high ¾ arm slot and features a quick and free arm action.  His fastball topped at 83 mph, and his 75-77 mph slider demonstrated some late, hard bite. He also threw a curveball in the 70-73 mph range, a changeup in 73-77 mph range.

7. Chance Rappe, SS, Wheaton-Warrenville South HS
Rappe is a 6-foot-2, 160-pound left-handed hitting shortstop who impressed by running a 6.9 60. Rappe has long legs and a lanky body type, one that should fill out nicely as he physically develops. Defensively, Rappe showed soft, reliable hands and solid arm strength (80 mph) across the infield.  Offensively, Rappe demonstrated an easy, loose swing with barrel whip through the zone from the left side. As Rappe fills into his body, he has the potential to become one of the more coveted middle infield prospects in the Class of 2013.

8. Ryne Blanton, 3B/RHP, Richmond Burton HS
Blanton is a strong, athletically built two-way player who has a projectable build for the next level.  With his 6-foot-1, 185-pound frame, Blanton features a strong arm that was clocked at 82 mph from third base.  Additionally, he showed concise lateral footwork and soft hands at third base. Blanton, who ran a 7.38 60, demonstrated some power potential at the plate.  On the mound, Blanton has a high ¾ slot and was sitting at 80-81 mph with his fastball.  He also showed feel for his changeup, which he threw for strikes at a similar arm speed.

9. Jake Lackovic, OF, Huntley HS
Lackovic is an athletically built 6-foot-4, 190-pound outfielder who ran a 6.9 60. In addition to his athleticism and size, Lackovic also impressed with his arm strength from the outfield (87 mph). Offensively, Lackovic features a balanced setup and used his aggressive lower half to generate bat speed through the zone.

10. Bill Hayes, C, Lemont HS
Hayes was the most polished catching prospect at the event, as he showed well in all facets of the game.  Defensively, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound Hayes displayed soft hands and athletic feet behind the plate while receiving bullpens. He also showed carry on his throws (78 mph) while delivering consistent pop times on the bag, ranging between 2.05, 2.13, and 2.15. Offensively, he demonstrated a balanced, level swing with excellent barrel whip through the zone. He consistently squared up the ball while driving the ball to all fields.

11. Alec Skender, MIF, Metamora HS
The 6-foot, 165-pound Skender showed well in all facets of the game.  Skender demonstrated soft hands, quick feet and a clean exchange in the middle infield.  The athletically built infielder continued to impress by running a 6.98 60.  Offensively, Skender has a wide setup, and he used his active lower half to create barrel whip through the zone. He maintained balance throughout his swing as he sprayed line drives to all fields.

12. Steven Chamberlain, RHP/MIF, Guilford HS
Chamberlain is a projectable 6-foot-2, 170-pound two-way player who showed well both as a position player and on the mound. As a position player, he displayed natural instincts in the field and showed a velocity of 81 mph from the outfield and 72 mph from across the diamond.  Offensively, Chamberlain features a quick left-handed swing with good extension through the zone.  He displayed excellent barrel whip through the zone and created backspin carry when he squared the ball up.  On the mound, Chamberlain has a high ¾ arm slot and showed good hand acceleration.  His fastball sat at 78-80 mph and featured some downward sink.  His changeup had some downward action, and he also threw a curveball and slider.

13. Matt Fallon, OF, Loyola Academy HS
The 5-foot-11, 158-pound Fallon is an athletically built outfielder who moved well at his position.  With his long legs, Fallon moves athletically and showed good carry on his throws (81 mph). Offensively, Fallon showed a compact swing with rhythm and swing looseness. With his whippy hands and economical path to the ball, Fallon uses the whole field. He also ran a 7.1 60.

14. Tyler Gorski, 3B, Grant HS
Gorski is a 6-foot, 220-pound third baseman who showcased big right-handed power potential.  With his size and lower-half explosion, the ball really jumps off his bat with excellent carry and loft.  With his smooth load and short stride, Defensively, Gorski showed reliable hands at third base and  threw 76 mph from across the diamond.

15. Josh Reid, SS, Lincoln-Way North HS
Reid posted the best 60 time of the event when he ran a 6.81.  His 6-foot, 170-pound athlete also showed well in the infield, where he demonstrated soft hands and quick feet.  Offensively, Reid features an athletic setup and short stride to the ball. 

16. Will Farmer, SS/RHP, Mundelein HS
Farmer is a 5-foot-11, 160-pound two-way player who showed well in all aspects of the game. At the plate, Farmer showed an advanced plate approach; he has an easy, simple swing with good rhythm and balance throughout.  With a short stride and economical approach to the ball, Farmer made consistent hard contact.  Defensively, Farmer showed good hands and range while delivering consistent throws across the infield (76 mph). Farmer also ran a 7.29 60. On the mound, Farmer has an over the top slot with a fastball in the 79-81 mph range.  His curveball showed flashes of two-plane break.

17. Jeffery Reynolds, OF, De La Salle HS
Reynolds is a 5-foot-10, 155-pound athlete who had one of the strongest arms from the outfield, posting a velocity of 85 mph.  He moves aggressively to the ball, and his throws had excellent carry and ride. Offensively, Reynolds features a slightly open setup with a smooth load and short stride to the ball. He showed the ability to make consistent hard contact while spraying line drives to all fields. He also ran a 7.33 60.

18. Pat Mollo, C, Naperville North HS
Mollo is a strong-bodied 6-foot-1, 220-pound catcher who features an extremely strong lower half.  At the plate, Mollo demonstrated raw power, using his strong legs and extension after contact to create backspin carry and loft.  Additionally, Mollo showed an overall solid approach at the plate.  Defensively, Mollo was gunned at 74 mph from behind the plate and had pop times ranging from 2.07-2.1.

19. Justin Gonzalez, MIF, Mt. Carmel HS
Gonzalez is a 5-foot-9, 165-pound left-handed hitter who was clearly one of the best offensive players at the event. Gonzalez possesses an easy, repeatable swing, one that included fluid rhythm and excellent balance at the plate. He creates impressive barrel whip through the zone and excellent extension after contact. Defensively, Gonzalez showed soft hands and an accurate arm across the diamond.

20. Grant Amick, 3B/RHP, New Trier HS
An athletically built two-way talent, Amick stands at 6-foot-1, 197-pounds.  On the mound, Amick comes from an over-the-top arm slot with a fastball that topped out at 84 mph.  His secondary pitches included a 63-64 mph curveball and a splitter that had late action when down in the zone.  Defensively, Amick displayed athletic lateral movements and reliable hands at third base. He also had solid carry across the infield (77 mph). Offensively, Amick has a strong lower half and showed pull-side power potential.

20. Kurtis Brown, 1B, Champaign Central HS
Brown is strong-bodied left-handed hitting first baseman who showed to be one of the best hitters at the event. Using his 6-foot, 205-pound frame, he displayed big power potential at the plate, as the ball exploded off his bat with excellent backspin carry. Brown features an explosive lower half and excellent body control.  His body allows him to create a long, powerful swing with barrel whip through the zone.  Defensively, Brown exhibited advanced footwork around the bag and soft hands.

 

Best of the Rest (Alphabetically)

Colin Ash, RHP/OF, Naperville HS
Ash is a 5-foot-10, 150-pounder who showcased one of the stronger arms (82 mph) from the outfield.  In addition to his arm strength, he displayed natural instincts in the outfield, as he played through the ball well and moved with fluid purpose.  Offensively, Ash hits with an open setup and is short to the ball. He demonstrated excellent balance and swing mechanics throughout. Ash ran a 7.5 60.

Jack Atterberry, SS, Chatham Glenwood HS
Atterberry is a 5-foot-11, 160-pound middle infielder who displayed an accurate arm (75 mph) across the diamond.  Offensively, Atterberry features a balanced setup at the plate and creates some whip through the zone with his level bat path.  Additionally, he posted a 7.2 60 time.

Zachary Barrett, MIF, Bradley Bourbonnais HS
Barrett is left-handed hitting middle infielder who has an easy, mechanically sound swing. He features a short, compact swing with good balance and fluid rhythm.  The 5-foot-10, 143-pounder displayed soft hands and solid footwork in the middle infield. 

Brian Czyl, C, Lisle HS
Czyl was one of the better receiving catchers at the showcase, as he repeatedly demonstrated during bullpen sessions. Czyl showcased quick, athletic feet, and an advanced aptitude for blocking. The 5-foot-9, 150-pounder delivered a top pop time of 2.11.  Offensively, Czyl features a balanced setup with a short, compact swing.

Brent Feldner, C, Marian Catholic HS
A 5-foot-10, 160-pound catcher, Feldner displayed soft hands and solid arm (77 mph) from the crouch position.  Feldner showed athletic feet and an accurate arm while posting pop times between 2.17-2.25.  Offensively, Feldner has a quick and compact swing. He takes a short stride with no load, and consistently laced line drives to all fields.  

Mario Gargano, 3B/C, De La Salle HS
Gargano is a 5-foot-10, 170-pound third baseman and catcher who showed solid defensive actions. He posted a velocity of 75-76 mph from across the diamond and displayed quick footwork.  Gargano ran a 7.70 60 and recorded a top pop time of 2.25.

Paxton Harmon, RHP/SS, Warsaw HS
Harmon is a 6-foot-4, 201-pound two-way player who possesses an impressive, athletically built frame.  Defensively, Harmon showed solid hands and an accurate arm (76 mph) across the infield.  Offensively, Harmon showed the ability to square up the baseball. On the mound, Harmon has a high ¾ arm slot and three pitches: a fastball that sits at 77-79 mph, a curveball, and a changeup.

Jordan Herman-Griffiths, 1B/OF, Niles West HS
Herman-Griffiths is a 6-foot-1, 165-pound multi-positional player who ran a 7.16 60.  At first base, he handled himself well around the bag.  At the plate, Herman-Griffiths demonstrated some bat speed.

Ryan Hickman, 1B, Sacred Heart Griffin HS
Hickman is a 6-foot, 185-pound first baseman who threw 65 mph from his position and handled his glove solidly around the bag.

Ira Hughes, 3B, Joliet Catholic Academy HS
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Hughes showed well at the third base position.  With his quick, fluid footwork and accurate arm (79 mph), Hughes’ frame and skills are playable at the next level.  Offensively, Hughes has a balanced setup with an active, aggressive lower half.  Hughes showed good rhythm and extension through contact as he demonstrated some pullside power potential.

Cal Jacklin, OF/3B, Kettle Moraine HS
Jacklin is an athletically built 6-foot-3, 190-pound shortstop who has a very projectable frame. Defensively, Jacklin showed concise footwork and reliable hands while delivering strikes across the infield (73 mph). Offensively, Jacklin has an open set-up, and he showed a level swing with good balance as he squared up balls to all fields. Jacklin ran a 7.72 60.

Brett Jungles, C, St. Francis HS
Jungles is a 5-foot-9, 145-pound catcher who demonstrated athletic feet and soft hands behind the plate.  Jungles showcased an accurate arm with a top pop time of 2.07.  Offensively, Jungles exhibited a balanced, level swing, taking an economical path to the baseball while spraying line drive to all fields.

Dylan Kissack, C, Dundee-Crown HS
Kissack is an athletically built 6-foot-2, 195-pounder who features an accurate arm that had a velocity of 70 mph from the crouch.  His pop times ranged from 2.12-2.26 with all his throws consistently being around the bag.  Offensively, Kissack has a short stride and economical path to the ball.  He exhibited good balance throughout his swing while squaring up the ball.

Dario Lopez, SS/RHP, Brother Rice HS
Standing at 5-foot-10, Lopez displayed solid hands and accurate throws in the infield (75 mph).  His feet and hands worked well together as he showed solid defensive actions.  Offensively, Lopez has a fundamental approach at the plate and made solid contact. Lopez also ran a 7.36 60.

Ethan McGrew, 3B/1B, Vernon Hills HS
McGrew is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 187-pound corner infielder with a projectable body type.  McGrew can play either corner infield position adeptly; from third base he was clocked at 73 mph across the infield. Offensively, the right-handed hitting McGrew flashed some pull-side power potential at the plate. He also ran a 7.43 60.

Peter Max Meitzler, 1B, Crystal Lake South HS
Meitzler is a strong 6-foot-4, 225-pound first baseman who showed some big power potential at the plate. The right-handed hitter showcased the ability to drive the ball with authority. Meitzler continued to impress at first base, where he demonstrated advanced glovework around the bag. Across the infield, he was clocked at 78 mph. 

Brodie Meyer, MIF, Chicago Christian HS
Meyer is a 5-foot-10, 155-pound middle infielder who showed a fundamentally sound approach at the plate. He features a balanced setup and a short path to the ball.  Additionally, he exhibited good extension after contact as he sprayed line drives.  Meyer, who ran a 7.5 60, showed reliable hands in the field and posted a 74 mph velocity from the shortstop position.

Josh Paparone, OF, York HS
A 6-foot, 165-pound outfielder, Paparone showed well in all facets of the game. He showed his athleticism by posting a 7.02 60 time.  From the outfield, he he moved with athletic purpose and took good routes to the ball as he fired strikes (75 mph) with some carry.  Offensively, Paparone has a balanced setup at the plate with a fundamentally sound approach.  He showed some swing looseness and barrel whip through the zone.

Justin Pasko, OF, Thornton Fractional South HS
Pasko is a lanky 6-foot-1, 145-pound outfielder who showed solid actions at his position.  His throws were clocked at 79 mph, and he ran a 7.27 60.  Offensively, Pasko features a crouched setup at the plate with a level bat path as he sprayed line drives.

William Payne, MIF, St. Ignatius HS
Payne is a 5-foot-9, 150-pound middle infielder who showed athleticism at his position.  Payne had an accurate arm that had some life to it, which was clocked at 77 mph.  Offensively, Payne is a switch hitter who showed better from the left side.  As a left-handed hitter, Payne showed some swing looseness and the ability to make consistent hard contact.

Michael Pilas, OF/RHP, Mt. Carmel HS
Pilas is a 5-foot-9, 150-pound two-way talent who showed well both as a position player and on the mound. From the outfield, Pilas demonstrated advanced defensive actions, as he moves aggressively to the ball and gets on top well. Out of his hand, his ball demonstrated carry and ride, topping at 84 mph. Offensively, Pilas is a switch-hitter who showed the ability to make hard contact from either side of the plate. On the mound, Pilas has a quick arm and showed good acceleration through his mechanics.  His fastball topped at 81 mph, though his split-fingered fastball has the potential to be a legitimate out-pitch, as it flashed sharp, late bite occasionally.

Michael Poluha, OF, De La Salle HS
Poluha is a 5-foot-6, 160-pound outfielder who showed quick feet and natural instincts.  Poluha ran a 7.22 60 and was clocked at 73 mph from the outfield. Offensively, he has an aggressive approach and uses his quick hands to find occasional barrel.

Nikko Popp, OF, St. Laurence HS
Popp is a 5-foot-8, 165-pound outfielder who featured a short, compact swing at the plate.  Using an athletic setup and a smooth load, Popp displayed rhythm and excellent balance throughout his swing.  Defensively, Popp was clocked at 79 mph throwing from his position.

Allen Redinger, RHP/SS, Whitney Young HS
Redinger is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound two-way player whose fastball sat at 74-77 mph fastball from an over-the-top arm slot.  Defensively, Redinger was clocked at 70 mph throw from across the diamond.

Nick Rybarczyk, C, Addison Trail HS
Rybarczyk is a 6-foot-1, 190-pound athletically built catcher who showed quick feet and an accurate arm.  He displayed soft hands and handled himself well during bullpens.  Additionally, his best pop time was 2.11.  Offensively, Rybarczyk has a slightly open setup at the plate and showed the ability to drive the ball.

Bradley Schonder, 3B, Addison Trail HS
Schonder is a 5-foot-9, 165-pound third baseman who showcased a short stride and economical path to the ball, which resulted in a swing that is conducive to line-drive hitters.  With his good barrel whip and ability to extend his hands through contact, he showed the ability to make consistent contact.

Jacob Scudder, C/3B, Rock Island HS
Scudder is a left-handed hitting multi-positional prospect who showed well at the plate.  The 6-foot, 190-pound Scudder exhibited quick hands and swing looseness throughout. He ball jumps off his bat with some backspin carry. Defensively, Scudder features showed solidly both as a catcher and as a third baseman. Behind the plate, his pop times ranged between 2.14-2.28, and was clocked at 77 mph from the crouch. At third base, he demonstrated concise lateral movements and carry across the infield.

Kevin Sloat, SS, Manteno HS
Sloat is a 6-foot-0, 175-pound middle infielder who threw 71 mph from across the diamond.  He displayed some range at his position and posted a 7.4 60 time.

DJ Spears, 1B, Glenbard East HS
Spears has an incredibly projectable 6-foot-5, 198-pound frame. At first base, Spears showed advanced glovework and footwork around the bag. He moved well laterally, and exhibited a strong arm across the infield. With his size and arm action, we couldn’t help but think that he could be an extremely promising left-handed pitching prospect.

Michael Stellmack, MIF/RHP, Naperville Central HS
Stellmack is a 6-foot, 155-pound two-way player who comes from a ¾ arm slot and features a fastball, curveball, and changeup. His fastball checked in at 75-76 mph, while his 69-70 mph changeup demonstrated some sink.  Defensively, Stellmack posted a velocity of 74 mph from across the diamond and he ran a 7.27 60.

Keven Stonewall, SS, Chicago Agricultural and Science HS
Stonewall is a 5-foot-11, 162-pound multi-positional player who ran a 7.7 60.  He displayed an accurate arm that posted velocities of 76 mph from the outfield and 71 mph from across the diamond.

Blake Szurkowski, C/RHP, Yorkville HS
Szurkowski is a 5-foot-10, 185-pound two-way player.  On the mound, Szurkowski showed some arm quickness from a ¾ slot.  His best pitch was his changeup, in the 70-74 mph range, that showed sink when down in the zone.  His fastball topped at 80 mph, and he also threw a 64-65 mph slurve. Behind the plate, Szurkowski delivered pop times of 2.15, 2.22 and 2.31.

Mitchell Van Koevering, SS, Lyons Township HS
A 5-foot-10, 145-pound shortstop, Van Koevering showed soft, reliable hands and solid defensive actions in the field. He plays through the ball well, especially on the move. Offensively, Van Koevering hits from a slightly open setup, and showed good balance and a level swing throughout. Van Koevering has long legs and arms, and looks as though he is in for a significant growth spurt.

Alex Ventrella, LHP/1B, Lisle HS
Ventrella is a two-way player who displayed a good feel for all three pitches on the mound.  With his over the top arm angle, Ventrella is able to pound the zone with his 76-77 mph fastball.  His curveball showed some depth, while his demonstrated slight fade down in the zone.  Offensively, Ventrella is a left-handed hitter who exhibited a clean, easy swing. He showed the ability to square the ball up with consistent hard contact.

Aaron Walsh, RHP/OF, Hinsdale Central HS
Walsh is a 6-foot, 150-pound two-way player who showed well in the outfield.  Walsh, who ran a 7.46 60, displayed an accurate arm and was clocked at 77 mph from his position.  On the mound, Walsh comes from a high ¾ arm slot and a fastball that maxed out at 76 mph.  He also threw two off-speed pitches: a 58-61 mph curveball, and 67-70 mph changeup.