Unsigned Senior Games: Middle Infield Analysis

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Illinois/Wisconsin

Michael Ferri stole the show defensively in the middle infield group. Ferri bounced all over the field and made several athletic plays in game. His sliding play up the middle in the showcase format sealed the deal for his defensive prowess. Since the event the Notre Dame HS shortstop has been courted by several schools and recently made his commitment to Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Here’s a look at the top middle infielders.

Top Middle Infield Prospects

1. Michael Ferri, MIF, Notre Dame, 2015
5-foot-8, 155-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder currently ranked No. 195 in Illinois’ class of 2015 impressed as the top overall middle infielder at the Unsigned Senior Games.  Ferri put on a show during the workout portion of the event, starting with spraying line drives to all fields during batting practice with 86 mph exit velocity off the tee.  Hits from an open setup, hands load back smoothly, short stride, simple approach with a short, level bat path consistently finding the barrel, with above average bat speed.  During defensive evaluations Ferri showed plus fielding ability that sets him apart from his peers, throwing 84 mph across the diamond from a short, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy, soft hands fielding the baseball, ranges well to both sides, especially up the middle where he made a sliding play to his left throwing all in one motion while still on one knee.  Footwork is quick and fluid, exchange is lightning quick, and plays through the baseball athletically.  Ferri has the hands and arm to stick at short at the next level, and be a plus defender at second.  Had a hustle double in first at bat, also stole third base.  Ran a 7.16 60, 4.83 from home to first.  Also to note from a toughness standpoint, during warm ups an errant throw hit him in the face, quite possibly breaking his nose.  He shoved gauze up his nostrils and played both games.

2. Jimmy Roche, OF/MIF, Sandburg, 2015
6-foot, 170-pound multi-positional athlete, average frame, athletic build. Defensively shows the ability to play multiple positions. On the infield, plays through the baseball well, light on his feet, fluid action, hands play. Arm action has athleticism, high ¾ slot, longer draw, 81 mph across the diamond. 7.00 runner in the 60, laser timed. Offensively hits from the right side, slightly open stance, smooth loading action, short stride, good balance through contact. Showed present bat speed, quick twitch athlete, loose athletic hands. Short path, line drive gap to gap approach.

3. Jaron Robinson, OF/MIF, Mendota, 2015
5-foot-11, 165-pound multi-positional player, athletic frame, thin build. Athletic defender, showed traditional actions in the outfield, played through with crowhop, long arm action, high ¾ slot. 85 mph from the outfield. On the infield played with athletic actions, athletic arm action, showed the ability to play on the move, 85 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from the right side, toe tap stride, slight open stance. Hits off back side, line drive approach. Two hard hit singles to the right side in game action.

4. Justin Lo, Shortstop, Whitney Young, 2015
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting shortstop currently ranked No. 219 in Illinois’ 2015 class.  Hits from a balanced setup, slight leg kick, hands load back smoothly; short, level bat path hitting several line drives with up the middle and opposite field tendencies.  Let the ball get deep during batting practice.  86 mph exit velocity off the tee.  Defensively, threw 80 mph across the diamond from long, loose, high ¾ arm action with carry and accuracy.  Hands are soft, fluid footwork, clean exchanges, plays through the baseball athletically.  Ran a 7.27 60, 4.80 from home to first.  Lo is a cerebral player and also excels in the classroom.  Lo finished the two games going 2-for-6 at the plate with two singles and a walk.  Ran 4.70 on a groundout to the pitcher.

5. Patrick McCabe, SS, Marian Central Catholic, 2015
6-foot, 165-pound middle infielder, medium build. Offensively hits from the right side, open stance, regular stride back to square. Slight pull side approach, uphill path, lifts baseball, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showcased above average defensively actions, athletic defender, softer hands with fluid actions. Arm played from short over the top slot, 81 mph across the diamond, some carry. 7.60 runner in the 60, 4.87 down the line.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Pierce Albright, MIF, Huntley, 2015
5-foot-11, 145-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder hits from a balanced setup, short stride, minimal hand movement, smooth loading action, producing short, level bat path with 73 mph exit velocity.  Defensively, threw 73 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot with some accuracy.  Profiles at second base, with average hands and clean exchanges.  Ran a 7.51 60 and 4.68 from home to first.  Impressed going 4-for-6 during game play with four singles and two groundouts.

Bandon Harris, MIF, Hoffman Estates, 2015
5-foot-8, 140-pound middle infielder. Defensively showed athleticism moving to his left, reliable hands, quick exchange, second base type. Arm action is long, some effort, 68 mph across the diamond. Right handed hitter, open stance, leg kick stride, open setup stays open. Opposite field hitter, 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.38 runner in the 60, 4.76 runner down the line, stole two bases in game action.

Eric Horbach, SS/3B, Shepard, 2015
5-foot-9, 175-pound right-handed hitting shortstop/third baseman hits from an open setup, toe tap stride, front knee turns in during load, slightly uphill bat path, line drive type hitter, producing 81 mph exit velocity.  Defensively, threw 78 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot.  Ran a 7.76 60.  Went 2-for-3 in game one with two singles, one of which he went from home to first in 4.55 seconds for an infield single to short.

Austin Jacox, 2B/RHP, Sycamore, 2015
5-foot-11, 173-pound right-handed hitting second baseman/right-handed pitcher hits from a balanced setup, short stride, hands load back smoothly, hips open up early, producing level bat path, line drive type hitter with gap-to-gap tendencies and 81 mph exit velocity off the tee.  Defensively, threw 75 mph across the diamond from short, loose, ¾ arm slot.  Showcased soft hands, plays through the baseball.  Ran a 7.42 60 and 4.68 from home to first.  Went 2-for-6 during gameplay with two singles.  On the mound threw two scoreless innings.  Works from short, over the top arm slot, fastball sat 73-76 mph, all cutters.  Would most likely throw a bit harder if he stayed behind the ball longer, but cutting action gets outs.  Also threw 65-67 mph curveball and 70-71 mph straight change.

Dylan Ott, MIF, Jefferson (WI), 2015
5-foot-8, 150-pound middle infielder, medium build with athleticism. 7.12 runner in the 60, laser timed. Defensively showed typical infield actions, played well on the move, showed body control with athletic arm action, projects as second base type. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, athletic, some accuracy, 76 mph across the infield. Right handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Minimal lower half, handsy type swing, occasionally gets to front foot, simple swing that repeats well, line drive type hitter, showed the ability to find the barrel. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Daniel Paluch, MIF, Brother Rice, 2015
5-foot-9, 155-pound left-handed hitting middle infielder. Defensively arm plays at 76 mph across the diamond, short, over the top arm action, some accuracy. Hands work, showed above average defensive abilities. Left handed hitter, balanced stance, smooth loading action, short stride. Works the middle of the field, short approach, line drive style hitter. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Jake Radel, MIF, St. Francis, 2015
5-foot-10, 180-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder hits from a slight crouch, open stance, short stride, slight leg kick, slightly uphill bat path, swing provides lift, producing 81 mph exit velocity.  Defensively, threw 76 mph across the infield from low ¾ arm slot with some accuracy.  Ran a 7.45 60 and 4.79 seconds from home to first.

Sam Ray, MIF/OF, Dundee Crown, 2015
5-foot-8, 160-pound multi-positional player. Right handed hitter, balanced stance, minimal stride, heel lift trigger. Showed some bat speed, spray singles type hitter, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Showed foot speed, 7.18 runner in the 60, 4.29 down the line on a bunt attempt. Defensively uses a short arm action, 83 mph from the outfield, 74 mph across the diamond.

Nate Siener, MIF, Alton, 2015
6-foot-1, 160-pound middle infielder, athletic build with projection. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Flat path, stays through the zone, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a loose arm action, high ¾ slot, 70 mph across the diamond. Rangy defender, clean exchange, plays through the baseball. 7.62 runner in the 60.

Sam Warady, SS, Lake Zurich, 2015
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitting shortstop hits from an open, crouched stance, hands start low, move back smoothly, rocks body weight backwards to load smoothly, level bat path produces 82 mph exit velocity.  Defensively, threw 74 mph across the diamond from short, ¾ arm slot with accuracy.  Showed soft hands fielding, with clean exchanges playing through the baseball.  Ran a 7.29 60, 4.68 from home to first.  Finished 1-for-3 in game one with an infield single.

 

 

 

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Illinois/Wisconsin

Michael Ferri stole the show defensively in the middle infield group. Ferri bounced all over the field and made several athletic plays in game. His sliding play up the middle in the showcase format sealed the deal for his defensive prowess. Since the event the Notre Dame HS shortstop has been courted by several schools and recently made his commitment to Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Here’s a look at the top middle infielders.

Top Middle Infield Prospects

1. Michael Ferri, MIF, Notre Dame, 2015
5-foot-8, 155-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder currently ranked No. 195 in Illinois’ class of 2015 impressed as the top overall middle infielder at the Unsigned Senior Games.  Ferri put on a show during the workout portion of the event, starting with spraying line drives to all fields during batting practice with 86 mph exit velocity off the tee.  Hits from an open setup, hands load back smoothly, short stride, simple approach with a short, level bat path consistently finding the barrel, with above average bat speed.  During defensive evaluations Ferri showed plus fielding ability that sets him apart from his peers, throwing 84 mph across the diamond from a short, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy, soft hands fielding the baseball, ranges well to both sides, especially up the middle where he made a sliding play to his left throwing all in one motion while still on one knee.  Footwork is quick and fluid, exchange is lightning quick, and plays through the baseball athletically.  Ferri has the hands and arm to stick at short at the next level, and be a plus defender at second.  Had a hustle double in first at bat, also stole third base.  Ran a 7.16 60, 4.83 from home to first.  Also to note from a toughness standpoint, during warm ups an errant throw hit him in the face, quite possibly breaking his nose.  He shoved gauze up his nostrils and played both games.

2. Jimmy Roche, OF/MIF, Sandburg, 2015
6-foot, 170-pound multi-positional athlete, average frame, athletic build. Defensively shows the ability to play multiple positions. On the infield, plays through the baseball well, light on his feet, fluid action, hands play. Arm action has athleticism, high ¾ slot, longer draw, 81 mph across the diamond. 7.00 runner in the 60, laser timed. Offensively hits from the right side, slightly open stance, smooth loading action, short stride, good balance through contact. Showed present bat speed, quick twitch athlete, loose athletic hands. Short path, line drive gap to gap approach.

3. Jaron Robinson, OF/MIF, Mendota, 2015
5-foot-11, 165-pound multi-positional player, athletic frame, thin build. Athletic defender, showed traditional actions in the outfield, played through with crowhop, long arm action, high ¾ slot. 85 mph from the outfield. On the infield played with athletic actions, athletic arm action, showed the ability to play on the move, 85 mph across the diamond. Offensively hits from the right side, toe tap stride, slight open stance. Hits off back side, line drive approach. Two hard hit singles to the right side in game action.

4. Justin Lo, Shortstop, Whitney Young, 2015
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting shortstop currently ranked No. 219 in Illinois’ 2015 class.  Hits from a balanced setup, slight leg kick, hands load back smoothly; short, level bat path hitting several line drives with up the middle and opposite field tendencies.  Let the ball get deep during batting practice.  86 mph exit velocity off the tee.  Defensively, threw 80 mph across the diamond from long, loose, high ¾ arm action with carry and accuracy.  Hands are soft, fluid footwork, clean exchanges, plays through the baseball athletically.  Ran a 7.27 60, 4.80 from home to first.  Lo is a cerebral player and also excels in the classroom.  Lo finished the two games going 2-for-6 at the plate with two singles and a walk.  Ran 4.70 on a groundout to the pitcher.

5. Patrick McCabe, SS, Marian Central Catholic, 2015
6-foot, 165-pound middle infielder, medium build. Offensively hits from the right side, open stance, regular stride back to square. Slight pull side approach, uphill path, lifts baseball, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showcased above average defensively actions, athletic defender, softer hands with fluid actions. Arm played from short over the top slot, 81 mph across the diamond, some carry. 7.60 runner in the 60, 4.87 down the line.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Pierce Albright, MIF, Huntley, 2015
5-foot-11, 145-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder hits from a balanced setup, short stride, minimal hand movement, smooth loading action, producing short, level bat path with 73 mph exit velocity.  Defensively, threw 73 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot with some accuracy.  Profiles at second base, with average hands and clean exchanges.  Ran a 7.51 60 and 4.68 from home to first.  Impressed going 4-for-6 during game play with four singles and two groundouts.

Bandon Harris, MIF, Hoffman Estates, 2015
5-foot-8, 140-pound middle infielder. Defensively showed athleticism moving to his left, reliable hands, quick exchange, second base type. Arm action is long, some effort, 68 mph across the diamond. Right handed hitter, open stance, leg kick stride, open setup stays open. Opposite field hitter, 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.38 runner in the 60, 4.76 runner down the line, stole two bases in game action.

Eric Horbach, SS/3B, Shepard, 2015
5-foot-9, 175-pound right-handed hitting shortstop/third baseman hits from an open setup, toe tap stride, front knee turns in during load, slightly uphill bat path, line drive type hitter, producing 81 mph exit velocity.  Defensively, threw 78 mph across the diamond from short, high ¾ arm slot.  Ran a 7.76 60.  Went 2-for-3 in game one with two singles, one of which he went from home to first in 4.55 seconds for an infield single to short.

Austin Jacox, 2B/RHP, Sycamore, 2015
5-foot-11, 173-pound right-handed hitting second baseman/right-handed pitcher hits from a balanced setup, short stride, hands load back smoothly, hips open up early, producing level bat path, line drive type hitter with gap-to-gap tendencies and 81 mph exit velocity off the tee.  Defensively, threw 75 mph across the diamond from short, loose, ¾ arm slot.  Showcased soft hands, plays through the baseball.  Ran a 7.42 60 and 4.68 from home to first.  Went 2-for-6 during gameplay with two singles.  On the mound threw two scoreless innings.  Works from short, over the top arm slot, fastball sat 73-76 mph, all cutters.  Would most likely throw a bit harder if he stayed behind the ball longer, but cutting action gets outs.  Also threw 65-67 mph curveball and 70-71 mph straight change.

Dylan Ott, MIF, Jefferson (WI), 2015
5-foot-8, 150-pound middle infielder, medium build with athleticism. 7.12 runner in the 60, laser timed. Defensively showed typical infield actions, played well on the move, showed body control with athletic arm action, projects as second base type. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, athletic, some accuracy, 76 mph across the infield. Right handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Minimal lower half, handsy type swing, occasionally gets to front foot, simple swing that repeats well, line drive type hitter, showed the ability to find the barrel. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Daniel Paluch, MIF, Brother Rice, 2015
5-foot-9, 155-pound left-handed hitting middle infielder. Defensively arm plays at 76 mph across the diamond, short, over the top arm action, some accuracy. Hands work, showed above average defensive abilities. Left handed hitter, balanced stance, smooth loading action, short stride. Works the middle of the field, short approach, line drive style hitter. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Jake Radel, MIF, St. Francis, 2015
5-foot-10, 180-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder hits from a slight crouch, open stance, short stride, slight leg kick, slightly uphill bat path, swing provides lift, producing 81 mph exit velocity.  Defensively, threw 76 mph across the infield from low ¾ arm slot with some accuracy.  Ran a 7.45 60 and 4.79 seconds from home to first.

Sam Ray, MIF/OF, Dundee Crown, 2015
5-foot-8, 160-pound multi-positional player. Right handed hitter, balanced stance, minimal stride, heel lift trigger. Showed some bat speed, spray singles type hitter, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Showed foot speed, 7.18 runner in the 60, 4.29 down the line on a bunt attempt. Defensively uses a short arm action, 83 mph from the outfield, 74 mph across the diamond.

Nate Siener, MIF, Alton, 2015
6-foot-1, 160-pound middle infielder, athletic build with projection. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride. Flat path, stays through the zone, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively plays with a loose arm action, high ¾ slot, 70 mph across the diamond. Rangy defender, clean exchange, plays through the baseball. 7.62 runner in the 60.

Sam Warady, SS, Lake Zurich, 2015
6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitting shortstop hits from an open, crouched stance, hands start low, move back smoothly, rocks body weight backwards to load smoothly, level bat path produces 82 mph exit velocity.  Defensively, threw 74 mph across the diamond from short, ¾ arm slot with accuracy.  Showed soft hands fielding, with clean exchanges playing through the baseball.  Ran a 7.29 60, 4.68 from home to first.  Finished 1-for-3 in game one with an infield single.