By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Illinois/Wisconsin

The Prospect I.D. Showcase on February 17 unveiled many new names to the PBR scouting staff this year and as we continue our positional analysis from this event we take a look at the middle infielders.

It was a big group of middle infielders and in the end South Elgin’s Dane Toppel (2015) took the top spot. Toppel showed excellent foot speed at 6.65 and defensive abilities to go with it. He projects as a contact type hitter with the speed to hit at the top of a lineup.

Here’s a look at the top middle infielders.

Top Middle Infielders

1. Dane Toppel, MIF, South Elgin, 2015
5-foot-9, 145-pound middle infielder. Flashed quick twitch actions, advanced foot speed, 6.65 runner. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, slightly open, short stride. Bat path is short, gets occasional extension, hands work well, flat through the zone. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively has well above average actions, athletic arm action, showed body control, exchange is quick and clean, plays through the baseball well. Arm action is short and loose, high ¾ arm slot, some accuracy, 75 mph across the diamond.

2. Brandon Skopick, MIF, Lincoln-Way East, 2016
5-foot-8, 140-pound left handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, minimal stride, heel lift load. Smooth left handed swing, short path, loose hands, little effort, line drive hitter.  87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays through the baseball, clean exchange, showed soft hands and body control. Arm played with carry across the diamond, 77 mph across the infield, short loose arm action. Footwork is quick on the infield, ran a 6.90 in the 60.

3. Nick Pettigrew, SS, De La Salle, 2015
5-foot-10, 150-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from an open stance, smooth loading action, toe tap load, good balance throughout. Bat path is short, athletic hands, gets extension, line drive approach, well above average bat speed. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Athletic feet, runs a 7.00 60. Defensively plays with a loose arm across the diamond, high 3/4 arm slot, athletic arm action, 71 mph across the diamond. Softer hands, quick footwork, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.

4. Michael Mateja, MIF, Bradley Bourbonnais, 2015
5-foot-11, 175-pound infielder that shows projectability. Defensively he has solid hands, athletic actions, and plays through the ball aggressively. Arm works clean and loose, from a high ¾ slot at 83 mph with solid accuracy and carry. Ran a 7.09 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance with no load and a short stride. Swing is long and quick, with fluid rhythm and a pull side approach. Exit velocity was 86 mph off a tee.

5. Darius Hill, MIF, Morgan Park, 2016
Thin build, 5-foot-8, 125-pound middle infielder. Advanced foot speed, runs the 60 in 6.66, smooth runner. Defensively showed soft hands on the infield, short quick footwork. Arm action is short, quicker release, 68 mph arm strength across the diamond. Offensively hits from a tall narrow stance, short stride, maintains balance. Handsy swing, spray singles hitter, flat path. 68 mph exit velocity from the tee.

6. Talon File, MIF/RHP, Williamsville, 2017
5-foot-10, 150-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, above average bat speed. Athletic hands, solid contact throughout his round, 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively plays with a long arm action, high 3/4 slot, accurate arm across the diamond (78 mph). 7.67 runner in the 60. On the mound works from a high 3/4 slot, short arm action, regular effort. Fastball is mostly straight, 76-77 mph, showed control of the zone. Curveball has 11/5 action, 60-63 mph. Changeup has slight fade, 60-62 mph, showed control.

7. Jaron Robinson, SS/OF, Mendota, 2015
5-foot-11, 160-pound lanky, multi-positional player who moves athletically. On the infield he showed soft hands, fluid footwork, clean and quick exchanges, and plays through the ball athletically. Arm action is loose and athletic from a high ¾ slot at 81 mph with carry and accuracy. From the outfield his arm works long and loose from the same slot, at 85 mph with strong carry and accuracy. Ran a 7.4 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced setup with a toe tap load and launch sequence. Swing is slightly uphill with solid bat speed. Exit velocity was 79 mph off a tee.

8. Jon Miranda, MIF/RHP, Lyons, 2016
5-foot-7, 150-pound two-way player. Offensively hits from a slightly open and narrow stance, taller setup, high hands setup. Well above average bat speed, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee, bat path is level, gap to gap approach, overall above average offensive abilities. Defensively uses a longer arm action across the diamond (73 mph), showed some accuracy. Hands work defensively, can play through the baseball more. On the mound fastball is straight with occasional sink, 77-79 mph. Curveball 11/5 shape, 62-63 mph. Changeup sits at 65-66 mph.

9. Marc Schaefer, MIF, Lincoln-Way Central, 2016
5-foot-5, 120-pound middle infielder. Defensively showed well above average actions, loose athletic arm action, high 3/4 slot with some accuracy, 71 mph across the diamond. Hands are soft, shows the ability to play through the baseball. Ran the 60 in 7.19. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, maintains good balance throughout. Bat path is short, lacks overall strength, line drive type hitter. 72 mph exit velocity from the tee.

10. Blake Honda, SS, Metea Valley, 2016
5-foot-10, 155-pound infielder. Defensively, showcased soft hands as he played through balls athletically. Arm works loose, at 76 mph with solid accuracy. Ran a 7.33 60. At the plate he hits from an open stance with a short stride, maintaining excellent balance through contact. Has a gap-to-gap swing that is short and level with solid extension, and above average bat speed. Consistently made strong contact. Exit velocity off the tee was 81 mph.

11. Connor Cook, SS/RHP, Lake Park, 2016
6-foot, 165-pound two-way athletic player. On the infield he plays through balls athletically with soft hands, fluid footwork, and clean exchanges. Showed above average range, as well as body control when playing on the run. Arm works loose from a high ¾ slot at 72 mph with solid accuracy and carry. Ran a 7.13 60. At the plate he hits from a wide, balanced stance with smooth loading action and heel lift stride. Swing is level, with quick bat speed. Exit velocity was 86 mph off a tee. On the mound his delivery has some rhythm with regular effort and clean lines. Arm works loose and quick from a high ¾ slot. Showed command of his fastball, sitting 74-75 mph, touching 79 mph once, with slight running action. Curveball was 60-64 mph with 11/5 shape and gradual break. Also throws a changeup at 65-67 mph.

12. Austin Earl, SS, Stevenson, 2016
6-foot, 175-pound infielder with an athletic frame. At the plate he showed a strong hit tool, hitting from a balanced stance with smooth load, short stride, strong lower half, and high quality balance through contact. Has a line drive swing, with an uphill path and pull side tendencies. Exit velocity off the tee was 85 mph. Defensively, showed solid hands. Arm works long and stiff from a high ¾ slot at 73 mph with some accuracy and carry. Ran a 7.25 60.

13. Matthew Collins, SS/RHP, Carmel Catholic, 2016
5-foot-11, 155-pound athletic two way player. On the infield he shows athletic movements, solid hands, quick feet, and clean exchanges. Arm works loose from high ¾ slot at 74 mph with some accuracy. Ran a 7.58 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance, short stride, solid balance through contact. Swing has fluid rhythm, level path, and solid bat speed. Exit velocity off the tee was 76 mph. On the mound he uses regular effort in his delivery. Arm works long and stiff from a high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed solid run, sitting 77-79 mph, touching 81 mph once. Curveball has 11/5 shape with rolling action, sitting 61-65 mph. Changeup was 58-63 mph with run and sink actions occasionally.

14. Jake Radel, MIF, St. Francis, 2015
5-foot-10, 175-pound strong body infielder. At the plate he hits from a balanced, open stance with a short leg kick stride. Swing is level with solid extension, displayed power to the pull side. Exit velocity was 80 mph off a tee. Defensively, showed solid actions playing through ground balls. Arm works short, from high ¾ slot at 72 mph with accuracy. Ran a 7.15 60.

15. Steve Likins, MIF, Lincoln-Way Central, 2016
5-foot-10, 145-pound left handed hitting middle infielder. Defensively plays with a loose arm, shows arm strength and carry across the diamond (79 mph). Showed above average actions, has the ability to play through the baseball. Offensively hits from an open stance, shorter stride. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.95 runner in the 60.

15. Angel Torres, MIF, St. Charles North, 2016
5-foot-10, 160-pound infielder with solid actions and above average foot speed for the event. Defensively played through the ball with fluid feet, solid hands, and clean exchanges. Arm works long, with solid accuracy and carry at 73 mph. Ran a 7.0 60. At the plate he has a balanced stance, smooth load, short stride and solid balance through contact. Swing is short, with a slight uphill path, and solid bat speed. Exit velocity off the tee was 78 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Chazz Brown, MIF, Homewood Flossmoor, 2015
5-foot-10, 155-pound infielder with a lanky frame. Defensively, he throws with a short arm action from over the top at 71 mph with standard carry. Ran a 7.13 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance with smooth load and toe tap stride, solid lower half, and maintains balance through contact. Swing is long, uphill, and fluid rhythm. Exit velocity off a tee was 81 mph.

Beau Buchanan, MIF, Naperville Central, 2016
5-foot-8, 150-pound, left handed hitting middle infielder. Well above average foot speed for his age, 6.97 runner. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Line drive contact type hitter, opposite field approach, 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a short arm action on the infield, 66 mph across the diamond.

Alex Buhler, SS, Newman Central Catholic, 2015
Lanky build, 6-foot-2, 165-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, toe tap and leg kick trigger, lacks timing. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with two hands, arm action is loose, 76 mph arm across the diamond, glove pat prior to release. Ran the 60 in 7.40.

Logan Cody, RHP/SS, Glenwood, 2017
5-foot-11, 145-pound left handed hitting two-way player with an athletic build. On the mound he uses a drop and drive delivery, choppy rhythm, good direction and clean lines, and regular effort. Arm works short and stiff from a high ¾ slot. Fastball was straight, sitting 75-76 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape and sweeping action at 62-66 mph. Changeup was 64-67 mph with flashes of sink and cut action. At the plate he hits from a balanced stance and uses a toe tap load and stride sequence. Has a short, level, line drive swing with fluid rhythm. Exit velocity off a tee was 72 mph.

Noah Dawkins, MIF, St. Charles North, 2016
5-foot-8, 140-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, maintains balance. Uphill bat path, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a short rigid arm action, 68 mph across the infield.

Dalton Fletcher, SS, Athens, 2016
5-foot-9, 165-pound shortstop. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short leg kick stride. Line drive type hitter, hits off front foot some. 70 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a short arm action, 69 mph arm strength across the diamond. Shows the ability to release the baseball athletically. 7.47 runner in the 60.

Garrett Goetz, SS/RHP, Oswego East, 2017
6-foot, 150-pound two way player with a lanky frame. On the infield he showed solid hands and quick exchanges. Arm works short from a high ¾ slot at 70 mph with some accuracy. Ran a 7.51 60. At the plate he hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and solid balance through contact. Swing is long and uphill with solid bat speed and a pull side approach. Exit velocity was 74 mph off a tee. On the mound his delivery has some rhythm, good direction, and regular effort. Has a long, stabbing arm action that comes from a high ¾ slot. Showed feel for his fastball, consistently throwing it for strikes with slight running action, sitting 76-77 mph. Curveball was 63-65 mph with 11/5 shape and gradual break. Changeup was 69-72 mph with flashes of sinking action.

Stanton Hathaway, MIF, Eldorado, 2016
6-foot-1, 200-pound left handed hitting middle infielder. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Made hard contact, muscled swing. Occasional pull side approach, flat path , 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively has a short high ¾ arm action, average hands. Runs an 8.20 in the 60. Projects at a corner infield spot.

Caden Horner, MIF, Ottawa, 2016
5-foot-10, 165-pound infielder. At the plate he hits from a tall, narrow stance with a leg kick trigger and maintains solid balance through contact. Swing is long and uphill with late rhythm. Exit velocity off the tee was 76 mph. Defensively, throws with solid accuracy across the diamond at 58 mph. Ran a 7.91 60.

Matthew Inness, MIF, Abingdon-Avon, 2015
5-foot-9, 165-pound middle infielder. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, no stride approach. Path has some length, 63 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a short arm action, over the top slot, 72 mph arm strength across the diamond. Some body control, feet show the ability to work through the baseball. 7.62 runner in the 60.

Andrew Loberg, MIF/OF, Waubonsie Valley, 2016
5-foot-4, 115-pound utility player. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, leg kick trigger, average balance throughout. 72 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a loose over the top arm action, 69 mph from the outfield, 71 mph across the diamond. Showed some actions on the infield, 8.28 runner in the 60.

Jake Ryder, SS, Hinsdale Central, 2016
5-foot-10, 165-pound middle infielder. At the plate he hits from a balance setup with a toe tap load and launch sequence. Swing has an uphill path and solid bat speed. Exit velocity was 83 mph off a tee. On the infield his arm works short, with solid accuracy, at 68 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.76 60.

Jack Schaffer, SS, Metamora, 2017
5-foot-11, 140-pound infielder. Defensively showed solid hands. Arm works short, from high ¾ slot at 66 mph with accuracy. Ran an 8.25 60. At the plate he hits from a tall, narrow stance with a backward loading action, long stride, and maintains balance through the swing. Swing is uphill with solid extension and stiff rhythm. Exit velocity was 77 mph off a tee.