Michael Papierski

Lemont HS (IL), Class of 2014
Papierski is a 6-foot-3, 190-pound switch-hitting catcher who showcased power from both sides of the plate. Papierski’s rare ability to hit for power from both sides, coupled with his arm strength, should make him one of the most coveted catching prospects in the Midwest. His athletic frame is one that should fill out well in the coming years, which will only add to his offensive prowess. Papierski was especially impressive from the left side, where he demonstrated a quick, quiet and explosive path to the baseball. He has tremendous whip and torque, and he creates impressive loft and backspin carry after contact. Defensively, Papierski showcased extremely quick feet, delivering accurate throws on the bag with a top pop time of 1.98 while being clocked at 76 mph from the crouch.  Additionally, Papierski ran a 7.53 60.

Ryan Rippee

Kickapoo HS (MO), Class of 2012
Rippee is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound outfielder/1B. In the outfield, Rippee shows good footwork with precise routes to the ball, while working through the ball and getting it out of his glove quickly. He has a long loose arm, with accurate throws, reaching a top velocity of 82mph. At 1B, Rippee moves well around the bag, with athletic fielding and some range. Offensively, Rippee squares up the ball well, with big power potential to both power alleys. With better body control, Rippee should have the ability to be a more consistent hitter.

Colby Fitch

Hickman HS (MO), Class of 2014
This multi-talented prospect has impressive versatility on the field, showing equally well behind the plate and as an outfielder. The 5-foot-10 Fitch displayed an accurate arm wherever he plays. As a catcher, he showed quick feet and recorded an impressive pop time of 1.91, with above average receiving and blocking skills. In the field, Fitch showed athletic movements to the ball and an accurate arm (81 mph) from the outfield. Offensively, the left handed hitting Fitch displayed good rhythm and balance while showing some bat speed.

Cody Smith

Canton HS (IL), Class of 2012
Unknown to us heading into the event, Smith opened eyes with his potential on the mound. Smith, who has a projectable 6-foot-3, 185-pound frame, should continue to throw harder as he fills out.  Working from over the top slot, Smith has a quick, long arm action and throws with easy effort. Smith’s fastball sat in the 84-86 range with some run. He also throws a 67-69 mph curveball that has an 11/5 shape and a changeup that sits 71-72 mph.  Smith continued to display his athleticism in the field, showing solid actions in the outfield, clocked at 83 mph.  Additionally, Smith ran a 7.29 60.

Corey Peterson

Prairie Ridge HS (IL), Class of 2012
Peterson impressed with his two-way abilities, as he showed well in all facets of the game.  Standing at 6-foot-2, 205-pounds, Peterson features a strong, athletic frame.  On the mound, Peterson comes from a 3/4 arm slot.  He has a smooth, clean delivery and good feel for all three of his pitches, all for strikes. His fastball sat at 79-82 mph and showed some run and sink.  His best pitch, however, was his curveball that had an 11/5 shape with sharp, late break to it. His arsenal also included a 72-73 mph changeup that also flashed sink. Peterson continued to impress at the plate, where he proved to be one of the best overall hitters at the event. He has a balanced setup, takes an economical approach to the baseball and is able to generate bat speed.  He uses his strong lower half and generates good torque; the ball jumps off his bat with good backspin carry.