The Class of 2019 Showcase took place on Sunday, October 15 at the MAX in McCook, IL. This event featured over 90 prospects from the Class of 2019. Shortly following the event we rolled out the full Statistical Analysis and Quick Hits from the event.

Today we continue the positional analysis by looking at the infielders in attendance. Dynamic Beiker Fuentes (Crystal Lake South) comes in as the top infielder, a day after leading the way in the outfield. Fuentes is a toolsy switch-hitter and looks natural wherever he plays defensively. Physical Nick Kosmetatos (St. Francis), who has been on the rise since the summer, continued to show well and comes in right behind Fuentes. 

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Beiker Fuentes, OF/SS, Crystal Lake South, 2019
5-foot-10, 165-pound switch hitting OF/SS. High level athlete, solidified himself as one of the top players in Illinois at the event. Filled out the state sheet running a 6.79 60-yard dash, plus arm strength throwing 86 mph across the infield and 93 mph from the outfield. Offensively relaxed setup with good balance from both sides of the plate. Linear leg lift stride with plus bat speed and a slightly uphill swing path. Mechanically repeats well from both sides. Presently stronger from right side where he shows a line drive middle of the field approach. 80 mph exit velocity right-handed and 79 mph exit velocity left-handed. Defensively in the outfield shows natural, fluid actions playing theu the ball. Quick footwork, takes efficient routes. Throws showed easy carry at 93 mph. In the infield displayed soft, sure hands with a swift transfer working thru the baseball. Throws showed carry across the infield at 86 mph.

2. Nick Kosmetatos, INF, St. Francis, 2019
6-foot-1, 190-pound, strong, physically built, right-handed hitting infielder. Continues to show he is one of the top uncommitted position players in the Illinois’ 2019 class. Showed off an impressive set of tools, 90 mph infield arm, 94 mph exit velocity and 7.13 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, short stride, fluid rhythm and good balance throughout. Simple swing, creates easy bat speed, ball jumps off the bat. Short bat path, extension through contact and gap-to-gap approach. Defensively, athletic, confident infield actions, profiles as a third baseman. Soft, sure hands, fluid footwork and clean transfer. Easy arm across the diamond, accurate with carry. High-follow 2019 infielder.

3. Ian Steinorth, INF, York, 2019
5-foot-11, 160-pound, athletic, wiry, right-handed hitting infielder. Ran a 6.93 laser-timed 60. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth minimal load and short stride. Quick twitch in swing, flashes bat speed and quick hands. Short, uphill bat path and 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid movements, flashes athletic actions, sure hands and clean transfer. Short, over-the-top arm action, throws carry, clocked at 82 mph across the infield.

4. Ethan Burgh, INF/RHP, Prospect, 2019
6-foot-1, 190-pound, strong, athletically built, two-way prospect. 7.16 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, slight pre-pitch load, short stride. Fluid rhythm, compact swing, flashed bat speed, short bat path, gets extension through contact at times and makes a lot of hard contact. 85 mph exit velocity. Defensively, natural infield actions, fluid footwork, athletic fielding position, soft hands, clean transfer. Arm works clean and over-the-top, accurate arms, throws carry, 86 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, some rhythm and regular effort. Short, quick arm action, out of a high ¾ window. Fastball flashed run action, 79-80 mph, topped at 81. Slider, 10/4 sweeping shape, flashed sharp bite, 60-66 mph. Changeup, straight, ranged between 65-70 mph.

5. Michael Chialdikas, INF, Lake Zurich, 2019
6-foot-1, 150-pound, long and lean, left-handed hitting infielder. Was one of the top left-handed hitters in attendance. Starts from a balanced position, smooth load, short stride and good balance. Fluid rhythm, loose hands, fast bat, natural lift in swing, feel for the barrel and gap-to-gap approach. 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, fields deep at times. Long, loose, quick arm action, throws carry across the diamond, clocked at 84 mph. 7.78 runner in the 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Dan Brannigan, RHP/INF, St. Rita, 2019
6-foot, 205-pound, big, thick-bodied, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, stays on-line and lands square. Arm works over-the-top and comes out of a short window. Fastball, works straight, sat 75-78 mph, topped at 79. Curveball works 12/6, 64-66 mph. Changeup, flashed hard sinking action, 65-69 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, relaxed, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride and fluid rhythm. Short, level bat path, gets extension through contact, line-drive approach; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, at first base, reliable hands, clean transfer, short arm action, high ¾ slot and topped at 73 mph across the diamond. 8.37 runner in the 60.

Jackson Broom, INF, Huntley, 2019
5-foot-11, 170-pound, infielder with a well-proportioned strong build. Offensively, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, short stride and maintains balance throughout. Short bat path, lift in swing and pull approach at times; 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands on the infield. Long arm action, over-the-top slot and clocked at 80 mph. 7.30 runner in the 60.

Angel Cadena, RHP/INF, De La Salle, 2019
5-foot-8, 135-pound, lean, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, stays on-line, lands square, works out of a high ¾ slot and regular effort throughout. Fastball thrown for strikes, works straight, 76-78 mph. Curveball feel for strikes, slurve action, 11/5 shape, 65-67 mph. Changeup, thrown near fastball arm speed, sink and fade action, 6-67 mph. At the plate, left-handed hitter, open, athletic setup, long stride and fluid rhythm throughout. 69 mph exit velocity from a tee. 7.72 runner in the 60. On the infield, actiony defender, soft, sure hands, fluid footwork, clean transfer, long arm action, high ¾ slot, 79 mph.

Anthony Caruso, INF, Streamwood, 2019
5-foot-11, 210-pound, left-handed hitting infielder with a thick frame. At the plate, relaxed, quiet setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Aggressive swing, present bat speed, looks to drive the baseball with authority, flashed pull power; 82 mph exit velocity from tee. Defensively, throws from a high ¾ slot, clocked at 75 mph across the diamond. 7.57 runner in the 60.

Jason Cihak, OF/2B/RHP, Neuqua Valley, 2019
5-foot-5, 130-pound left-handed hitting utility player. At the plate narrow setup, low hand set, leg kick stride. Opposite field hitter. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.21. Defensively took drills in the infield and outfield, projects best in the outfield. Plays thru the ball with quick footwork. Threw 80 mph from the outfield. Threw 72 mph across the infield. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Fastball sat 71-73 mph. Curveball has gradual action at 55-60 mph. Changeup has slight running action at 61-64 mph. Threw strikes.

David Czirjak, INF, Peoria Notre Dame, 2019
5-foot-11, 180-pound, left-handed hitting infielder with a strong, athletic build. At the plate, balanced setup, pre-pitch rhythm and movement, leg-kick timing trigger and maintains balance through contact. Present bat speed, strength through contact and the ball jumps off his bat at times. Short, uphill bat path, 80 mph exit velocity. Defensively, fluid feet on the infield and steady hands. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, 72 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.34 60.

Jimmy DeAngelo, INF/RHP, Hall, 2019
6-foot-3, 205-pound, physical, strong, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, smooth rhythm and easy effort throughout. Loose arm from a ¾ slot. Fastball, arm-side-run, sat 83-84 mph, touched 86. Changeup, maintains arm speed, arm-side-action, 73-75 mph. Curveball 11/5 shape, 67-69 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, relaxed, tall, slightly open setup, leg-lift trigger. Simple, easy swing, advanced strength through contact and made a lot of hard contact; 93 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, showed feel around the first base bag, clean transfer and long, loose arm action, 81 mph. 7.47 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Johnny DeConcilis, INF, Lake Park, 2019
5-foot-7, 150-pound, lean, athletically built, right-handed hitting infielder. Ran a 7.22 60, laser-timed. Offensively, balanced slightly open setup and short stride. Flashed quick twitch in swing, path works uphill and 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, natural infield actions, fluid footwork, maintains body control on the move, clean exchange. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 72 mph across the diamond.

Noah Diederich, INF, Richwoods, 2019
5-foot-11, 190-pound, left-handed hitting first baseman with a strong frame. 7.18 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Offensively, open balanced setup and short stride. Level bat path, flashed strength through contact; 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady defender, reliable hands, clean transfer, short arm action from a ¾ slot, clocked at 66 mph across the diamond.

Jacob Duncan, INF, Cary-Grove, 2019
5-foot-11, 180-pound, infielder with a strong, muscular build. At the plate, right-handed hitter, wide, relaxed setup, short leg-lift trigger. Long, uphill bat path and strength through contact. 92 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, flashed soft hands, quick feet and a quick, clean transfer on the infield. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot, throws topped at 81 mph. 7.51 runner in the 60.

Geno Frieri, INF/RHP, Bartlett, 2019
5-foot-10, 180-pound, left-handed hitting, two-way prospect. At the plate, closed tall setup and leg-kick timing trigger. Long, uphill bat path and uses the middle of the field. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, throws from a high ¾ slot, 77 mph across the infield. 7.83 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, lands open and regular effort throughout. Short, loose arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball works straight, around the zone, sat 78-79 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 68-70 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, sinking action, 71-75 mph.

Brandon Gonzales, C/INF, Glenbard North, 2019
6-foot, 215-pound catcher/infielder. Right-handed hitter, open stance, leg kick trigger, average balance. Long path with some effort, uphill plane, 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short, ¾ slot, 67 mph out of the crouch. 2.51-2.63 pop times. On the infield, clocked at 72 mph across the diamond. 8.82 runner in the 60.

Van Harrington, 1B, Metea Valley, 2019
6-foot-4, 175-pound right-handed hitting first baseman. At the plate wide base with a crouched setup. Short, leg lift stride with an uphill swing path. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.43. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Quick footwork with decent feel around the bag. Threw 75 mph across the infield.

Austin Higgins, INF, Fremd, 2019
6-foot, 165-pound, athletically built, switch-hitting infielder. Offensively, similar swing from both sides of the plate. Athletic, wide setup, slight load into backside, short stride and good balance throughout. Easy swing, loose hands, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm. 82 mph exit velocity from the left side and 75 mph from the right. Defensively, flashes natural infield actions, fields deep into his body at times, steady hands. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot, throws topped at 80 mph. 7.37 runner in the 60.

Will Hissong, 2B/RHP/OF, Hononegah, 2019
5-foot-11, 155-pound left-handed hitting utility player. Offensively hits from a wide base, quick leg kick stride. Long, uphill swing path with average balance. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.75. Defensively has a loose arm action from a ¾ slot. Threw 77 mph across the infield and 80 mph across the infield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery, coil at balance point. Works across body. Fastball was straight at 75-77 mph. Curveball has slurve action at 60-63 mph. Changeup sat 68-69 mph.

Connor Johnson, INF, Streamwood, 2019
6-foot, 210-pound, two-way prospect with a strong build. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, short stride and flashed bat strength at times; 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 72 mph across the infield. 7.70 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery and regular effort throughout. Long arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball works straight, 76-77 mph, topped at 78. Curveball, 11/5 shape, flashed tight spin and action at times, thrown for strikes, 63-66 mph. Changeup, sink, fade action, 72-73 mph.

Michael Kolb, INF/RHP, Lake Zurich, 2019
5-foot-10, 165-pound, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, stays on-line, lands square and some effort throughout. Short arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball works straight, around the zone, 77-78 mph, touching 79. Curveball, flashed sharp action, 11/5 shape, 60-64 mph. Changeup, straight action, works down, 71-73 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, wide setup, deep load, low hands, long bat path and lift in swing. 83 mph exit velocity. Defensively, fluid footwork and maintains body control at times on the infield. Short arm action from a ¾ slot, clocked at 81 mph across the diamond. 7.37 runner in the 60.

Griffin Lapp, INF, Plainfield South, 2019
5-foot-10, 163-pound, wiry, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, slight bar load, short stride and fluid rhythm. Line-drive approach; exit velocity clocked at 84 mph from a tee. Defensively, maintains body control on the move, steady hands, clean exchange, short arm action from a high ¾ slot, topped at 81 mph across the diamond. 7.33 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Danzel Lucas, 1B, Morgan Park, 2019
5-foot-8, 242-pound left-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively hits from a narrow, closed setup, minimal load and stride. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.62. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Threw 67 mph across the infield.

Garry Maynard, INF/RHP, Oswego, 2019
6-foot, 170-pound, two-way prospect with a strong build. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, drop and drive delivery, lands open, with some effort throughout. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed run and sink, 79-81 mph, touched 82. Featured a curveball and a slider. Slider worked 10/4, flashed sharp action and feel, 70-73 mph. Curveball, 11/5 action, 66-68 mph. Changeup, sinking action, ranged between 65-70 mph. Offensively, right-handed hitter, tall setup, toe-tap stride. Flashed bat speed and strength in swing; 88 mph exit velocity. Defensively, plays through the baseball, clean exchange, short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws clocked at 82 mph. 7.20 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Gabe McCall, C/1B, Maine South, 2019
5-foot-10, 170-pound catcher/first baseman. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, slight reverse lift. Path has length, works uphill. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm plays short and over the top, 74 mph out of the crouch, 72 mph from first base. 2.16-2.32 pop times. Hands worked, feet get flat at times. 7.69 runner in the 60.

Max McCullogh, INF, Warren, 2019
6-foot, 158-pound, wiry, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, slight wrap load, short stride and fluid rhythm throughout. Level bat path, gets extension through contact at times and line-drive approach; 82 mph exit velocity. On the infield, steady hands, clean exchange, short arm action from a high ¾ slot and throws topped at 78 mph. 7.34 runner in the 60.

Justin McGuigan, INF, Plainfield South, 2019
5-foot-8, 155-pound, right-handed hitting infielder with a compact, strong built. 6.99 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced, open setup, low hands, short stride and good balance throughout. Short, compact swing, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm; 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, reliable hands and a clean transfer. Short, quick arm action from an over-the-top slot, throws flash carry, clocked at 79 mph.

Austin Monaco, INF, De La Salle, 2019
5-foot-8, 140-pound, well-proportioned, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, open setup, drop, bar load, stride gets back to even, uphill bat path; 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action, ¾ slot and clocked at 67 mph from the infield. 8.08 runner in the 60.

Anthony Montalbano, INF, Andrew, 2019
5-foot-7, 150-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. 7.29 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, open, balanced setup, short stride and finishes on backside. Looks to lift the baseball, 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, quick, active footwork, athletic fielding position, out in front of his body, sure hands and clean transfer. Loose, quick arm from a ¾ slot, accurate throws, flashed carry, 77 mph across the diamond.

Cole Nelson, INF, Batavia, 2019
5-foot-10, 155-pound, infielder with a lean, athletic build. 7.15 runner in the 60, laser-timed. At the plate, left-handed hitter, balanced slightly open setup, short stride. Stays short to the ball, line-drive approach and uses the middle of the field. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, clean transfer, throws from a low ¾ slot; clocked at 70 mph across the diamond.

Nathan Novak, INF, Lincoln-Way Central, 2019
6-foot, 150-pound, lean, switch-hitting infielder. At the plate, slightly more natural from the right side of the plate. Balanced setup, short stride and maintains balance through contact. 85 mph exit velocity from his right side and 82 mph from his left. Defensively, flashed quick feet, worked through the baseball at times, short arm action froma high ¾ slot, accurate throws clocked at 72 mph. Ran a 7.53 60.

Ryan Pawlak, INF, Plainfield South, 2019
6-foot-1, 185-pound, long, lean, athletically built, left-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, open setup, slight pre-pitch rhythm, short stride and maintains good balance through contact. Simple swing, flashed quick twitch, short bat path, hard contact at times and worked the middle of the field. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. At first base, sure hands, fields out in front of his body, clean transfer, short arm action, high ¾ slot and throws topped at 76 mph across the diamond. 7.76 runner in the 60.

Logan Riley, C/INF, Sycamore, 2019
5-foot-10, 165-pound catcher/infielder, average build. Arm plays short and over the top with quick release out of the crouch, 75 mph out of the crouch, 78 mph across the diamond. 2.11-2.18 pop times. Projects best behind the dish. Right-handed hitter, open setup, long stride. Loose levers, showed bat speed, 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.50 runner in the 60.

Bobby Rinaldi, INF, Maine South, 2019
5-foot-10, 150-pound, lean infielder with plenty of room for continued physical development. At the plate, left-handed hitter, open setup, short stride, fluid rhythm and maintains balance through contact. Flashed loose, easy swing at times, long bat path and exit velocity clocked at 76 mph from a tee. Defensively, fluid, easy actions, sure hands, clean release, short, loose arm from a high ¾ slot. Accurate arm clocked at 72 mph. 7.41 runner in the 60.

Jalen Scales, 3B, Marian Catholic, 2019
5-foot-9, 210-pound right-handed hitting third baseman. Offensively balanced setup with a heel lift stride and minimal lower half. Long, level swing path. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.94. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Accurate throws across the infield at 74 mph.

Wyatt Simpson, OF/2B, Hononegah, 2019
5-foot-8, 140-pound right-handed hitting OF/2B. Defensively projects best in the outfield. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot, plays thru the ball, long exchange. Threw 75 mph from the outfield and 71 mph across the infield. At the plate crouched setup with a wide base. Wrap load with a short stride. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.58.

Ryne Singsank, LHP/1B, Elk Grove, 2019
Highly projectable 6-foot-7, 215-pound left-handed hitting LHP/1B. One of the biggest revelations of the event. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a short, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with regular effort. Works in line with home plate, shows good rhythm for size. Fastball has hard running action at 82-84 mph. Slider has 2-8 shape with sharp breaking action at 71-74 mph. Maintains arm speed on changeup at 77-79 mph with power sinking action at times for strikes. Offensively he posted an event best 101 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.50. At the plate hits from a wide base with a long, leg lift stride. Fluid rhythm with loose hands and a long, uphill swing path. Defensively has a loose arm action from a ¾ slot. Athletic actions around the bag at first with a clean exchange. Threw 78 mph across the infield.

Benjamin Taczy, INF, Cary-Grove, 2019
6-foot-3, 160-pound, long, lean, right-handed hitting infielder with plenty of room for continued physical development. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride and finishes on back side. Uphill bat path, looks to lift the baseball and 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, at first base, long arm action, 69 mph across the diamond. 7.83 runner in the 60.  

Michael Vaca, RHP/3B, Bartlett, 2019
6-foot-2, 182-pound right-handed hitting RHP/3B. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Drop and drive, full delivery with regular effort. Closed landing with some rhythm. Fastball was straight at 77-79 topping out at 80 mph. Curveball has 12-6 shape at 59-64 mph. Changeup has fading action at 65-69 mph. Open setup at the plate with a deep load. Long leg kick stride. Pull hitter with an uphill swing path. 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.41. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Quick footwork plays thru the ball with average hands. Threw 75 mph across the infield.

William Wachowski, INF/RHP, Maine South, 2019
5-foot-11, 180-pound, well-proportioned, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, works across his body, lands closed with regular effort throughout. Arm works short and from an over-the-top slot. Fastball, natural cut action, 75-77 mph, topped at 78. Curveball flashed true 12/6 action, good depth, 60-63 mph. Changeup works straight, 64-66 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, wide, closed setup and short leg-kick trigger. Uphill bat path and opposite field approach; 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. On the infield, clean and easy transfer. Short arm action from a ¾ to low ¾ slot, throws clocked at 71 mph. 7.81 runner in the 60.

LJ Waco, INF, Cary Grove, 2019
6-foot, 180-pound, athletically built, right-handed hitting infielder. At the plate, open setup, smooth load, short stride and fluid rhythm. Pull approach and 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, can play on the move, maintains body control, steady hands, fields deep at times, clean transfer. Short arm action, multiple arm angles, accurate throws, topped at 82 mph. 7.66 runner in the 60.

Marko Yager, 1B, Batavia, 2019
6-foot-5, 200-pound right-handed hitting first baseman. Offensively balanced setup with a short stride and fair balance. Uphill swing path. 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.61. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ slot, fields the ball deep. Threw 74 mph across the infield.

Marc Zavala, INF, St. Rita, 2019
5-foot-7, 155-pound, well-proportioned, switch-hitting infielder. 7.47 runner in the 60. Offensively, looked most natural from the right-side of the plate. Closed setup from the right side of the plate, leg-kick timing trigger, uphill bat path and looks to pull from both sides of the plate. 82 mph exit velocity from the right side and 75 mph from the left. Defensively, on the infield, steady defender, plays under control, short loose arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate arm clocked at 79 mph across the diamond.

RELATED CONTENT