Brian Hobbie

Glenwood HS (IL), RHP, Class of 2014
Although Hobbie has always been a top 20 prospect in Illinois’ 2014 class, it would be remiss not to mention him here. Because certainly Hobbie’s performance elevated his status as a premier right-handed prospect in the Midwest. For starters, he his 6-foot-5, 215-pound frame cuts an imposing presence on the mound. He has wide shoulders, long arms and is surprisingly athletic in his delivery. Oh, and his stuff is legit. His fastball sat at 88 mph with hard, late run. He works downhill and gets excellent extension. He continued to impress with his secondary stuff. His curveball is a legitimate swing-and-miss pitch, as it demonstrated sharp 12/6 break down in the zone (72-73 mph). He throws his breaking ball with confidence and command. His changeup, too, showed promise, sitting at 77 mph with sink. With his size, athleticism and arm, there’s little doubt Hobbie should become one of the most coveted prospects in the 2014 class. 

Butch Baird

West Holmes (OH), LHP, Class of 2014
5-foot-11, 175-pound lefty showed the quick arm that has already made him one of the top pitching prospects in Ohio’s junior class. His fastball sat 85-87 mph with good run (we saw him sit at 88 and touch 89 a few times in December). His curveball shows good depth at 65-67 mph and his changeup shows similar run to his fastball at 80-81 mph.

Keith Grieshaber

Marquette HS (MO), MIF, Class of 2014
Greishaber proved to be one of the top prospects in the Class of 2014. Greishaber’s physical 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame projects well at the next level.  Greishaber showed one of the strongest arms from the infield, posting a velocity of 82 mph.  His fluid footwork and reliable hands make him a top-level infield prospect.  Offensively, Greishaber 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 hard but controlled swing.  Greishaber is also a standout soccer player.

Drue Tranquill

Carroll HS (IN), OF, Class of 2014
Tranquill is a 6-foot-2, 190 pound outfielder that shows good projectability as an incoming sophomore.  He ran an event best 6.8 sixty.  In the outfield he shows good quickness and a plus arm at 89 mph.  His throws are accurate and show good carry.  At the plate he sets up with a wide , athletic base.  His hands work, allowing him to barrel up most balls.  He possesses good strength producing a lot of pop.  

Nic Perkins

Francis Howell HS (MO), C, Class of 2014
The 6-foot-2, 215 Perkins showed to be a projectable catcher, recording pop times of 1.8 and 2.0 at 75-78 mph, emerging as one of the top players in the class of 2014. At the plate, Perkins uses a strong lower half and a compact swing to drive the ball gap-to-gap.