Prep Baseball Report

GPA Games: Player Analysis


By Dew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

For the fourth straight year, PBR Illinois hosted the GPA Games at Lee Pfund Stadium at Wheaton College, on Aug. 11. This one-of-a-kind showcase is targeted for high school prospects looking to leverage their skills on the diamond and in the classroom into opportunities to play baseball at the next level. Taking the field in August were 30-plus prospects not only from Illinois, but also from Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan.

Following the event we rolled out a statistical analysis breaking down the leaders from the day in seven different statistical categories. 

Today we conclude the event with scouting reports on all of the prospects in attendance.

A number of uncommitted 2021s emerged as follows in the class and respective states. C/INF Sam Holtz (Lake Zurich, 2021) had one of the more impressive days. Holtz a solidly built, right-handed hitter, put together one of the more complete rounds of BP and has the tools to stick behind the plate or play the infield. Holtz has a strong arm and is a fundamentally sound defender. 

Wisconsin infielder, Sawyer Smith (Shoreland Lutheran, 2021), is a highly-projectable, 6-foot-2, 160-pound, left-handed hitter, with a loose swing and smooth defensive actions. Smith is comfortable on the move, can throw from multiple angles and has a frame to add quality strength. 

Indiana OF/INF Reese Harmon (Columbus North, 2021) is another left-handed hitter to keep an eye on. Harmon creates leverage to the pull-side, has a strong arm and ran a 6.89 60. 

OF Zachary Lorentsen (Wheaton North, IL) and INF Daniel Moore (Benton Harbor, MI) are two unsigned seniors who should be followed closely heading into the winter. Lorentsen is a strong right-handed hitter with loose hands, bat speed and made a lot of hard contact in BP. Lorentsen was also up to 84 mph from the outfield and 82 on the mound. Moore, ranked No. 163 in Michigan, showed twitchy hands with feel for the barrel in BP. 

One of the top arms on the day was RHP Connor Cassady (Lyons Township, 2020), a recent Bowdoin College commit. Cassady has a physical 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame, fastball up to 85 mph and sharp-biting breaking ball. 

Continue below for full reports on all the prospects in attendance.

ALL PROSPECTS (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Steven Arrambide, St. Charles East, 2020
Positional Profile: 2B/3B
Body: 5-foot-7, 160-pounds. Short, athletic build.
Defense: Sure-handed, works through the baseball, occasional pack through exchange.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot and arm played accurate.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride and stays balanced through contact. Quiet swing, easy effort, short, level bat path and consistently worked the middle of the field.
Power: 79 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.18 runner in the 60. 

Daniel Baumgartner, St. Laurence, 2021
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-3, 190-pounds. Long-levered, well-proportioned build.
Defense: Feel around the first base bag, reliable hands, clean release.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Long bat path, line-drive approach and works the opposite field.
Power: 90 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.34 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Slow, deliberate side-step delivery, works on-line and lands closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T72, 69-72 mph. Thrown for strikes, slight arm-side-run.
CB: 59-60 mph. 11/5 shape.
SPLT: 65-65 mph. Near fastball arm speed.

Jack Burkhardt, Plainfield High School, 2021
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. Athletic frame.
Defense: Reliable hands, plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, long leg-lift and maintains balance through contact. Athletic hands, swings with intent, fast bat. Level path, gets extension through the zone and line-drive approach.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. 

Connor Cassady, Lyons Township, 2020
Positional Profile: RHP. Did not allow a hit in his inning of work.
Body: 6-foot-4, 205-pounds. Athletic, strong, wide-shouldered frame.
Delivery: Smooth tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands slightly closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long, full arm swing, works quick out of a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T85, 83-84 mph. Controlled the zone, late running action.
CB: 69-71 mph. Thrown aggressively, sharp spin 12/6 shape and feel for the zone.
CH: 73-75 mph. Arm-side-run and fade.

George Dizard, Wauwatosa East, 2020
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 170-pounds. Strong, compact frame.
Delivery: Minimal wasted movement throughout, delivery works tall and fall, slight hesitation at balance point.
Arm Action: LH. Clean arm swing, works from an over-the-top slot.
FB: T77, 75-77 mph. Cut action, worked mostly up in the zone.
CB: 69-71 mph. 1/7 shape, short break, late downer action at times.
CH: 76-76 mph.  

Danny Fieweger, Wheaton North, 2020
Positional Profile: LHP. Struck out three in his one inning of work.
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Squared shouldered frame with present strength.
Delivery: Slight drop and drive linear delivery, works on-line, lands front-toe closed with regular effort throughout.
Arm Action: LH. Long takeaway out of the glove, comes out of a short high 3/4 window.
FB: T80, 78-80 mph. Works mostly straight, late run at times.
CB: 71-74 mph. Firm, thrown aggressively, short break.
CH: 74-78 mph. Works mostly gloveside, late arm-side-run at times.

Brennan Foeckler, Marquette University, 2020
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-5, 220-pounds. Extra-large, big-bodied frame.
Defense: Big-bodied target, clean transfer.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Long arm action out of a high 3/4 window.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, pre-pitch rhythm and load. Uphill bat path and pull approach.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.09 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, works with rhythm at times, works on-line and squared landing.
Arm Action: RH. Clean arm, over-the-top slot.
FB: T80, 73-76 mph. Works mostly straight, occasional cut.
CB: 61-65 mph. Maintains arm speed, 12/6 shape, thrown for strikes.
CH: 71-75 mph. Fastball arm speed, straight action.

Alexander Gonzalo, Maine South, 2021
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 5-foot-11, 180-pounds. Strong frame.
Defense: Quick feet, comfortable playing on the move, sure-hands and plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot and flashed carry across the infield.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, pre-pitch load and leg-lift timing trigger. Aggressive swing, uphill bat path and works gap-to-gap.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.08 runner in the 60. 

Robby Gray, Lake Forest, 2020
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 175-pounds. Strong, mature build.
Delivery: Up-tempo delivery, slight drop and drive, initiates lower half, works on-line and lands upright.
Arm Action: RH. Short out of the glove, over-the-top slot and quickness out front.
FB: T84, 82-84 mph. Live at times, late arm-side-run.
CB: 66-70 mph. Aggressive, 11/5 shape, 10/4 at times, sharp spin, flashed swing and miss action.
CH: 76-76 mph. Works mostly straight.

Reese Harmon, Columbus North, 2021
Positional Profile: OF/3B
Body: 5-foot-11, 170-pounds. Athletic frame.
Defense: Worked out in the infield and outfield. Made a highlight-reel, over-the-shoulder catch in game. Fluid, quick footwork, quick release.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. OF - 87 mph. Clean, easy arm action, high 3/4 slot and throws carry.
Hit: LHH. Balanced, quiet setup and short stride. Strong, quick-twitch hands, present bat speed, uphill swing plane.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 6.89 runner in the 60. Above-average runner for age. 

Sam Holtz, Lake Zurich, 2021
Positional Profile: SS/C
Body: 5-foot-10, 175-pounds. Proportional strength.
Defense: 2.14-2.19 pop times. Worked out on the infield and behind the plate. Athletic out of the crouch, directional and quick release. Soft hands, ability to stick on the infield, fluid footwork.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. INF - 83 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, plays accurate and with carry.
Hit: RHH. Wide, quiet setup, smooth load and short stride and maintains balance through contact. Repeatable swing, flashed bat speed, flat path through the zone, consistently back spun line-drives.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.02 runner in the 60.  

Wolfgang Kalz, Appleton West, 2021
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 5-foot-9, 135-pounds. Lean, wiry frame.
Defense: Highly-athletic outfield actions, plays fast, attacks the baseball, fluid footwork and plays through.
Arm: RH. OF - 79 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot and throws were accurate with carry to the plate.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load and leg-lift timing trigger. Loose hands, level bat path and line-drive approach.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 6.94 runner in the 60.  

Paul Kashishian II, Whitnall, 2020
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-4, 275-pounds. Extra-large, big-bodied frame.
Defense: Extra-large target, deliberate release.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, leg-kick timing trigger. Uphill bat path, opposite gap approach.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.73 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, stays on-line, lands slightly closed and finishes upright.
Arm Action: RH. Plunge out of the glove, over-the-top slot.
FB: T77, 74-77 mph. Thrown for strikes, works mostly straight.
CB: 66-68 mph. 12/6 shape.
SL: 67-70 mph. 10/4 sweeping shape, late action at times.
CH: 68-71 mph. Straight.

Andres Kleinsek, Verona Area, 2021
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Compact frame, durable lower half.
Delivery: Hybrid delivery, repeatable and works with rhythm. Squared landing and works on-line.
Arm Action: RH. Short, loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 81-82 mph. High-volume of strikes, late run and consistently challenges hitters.
CB: 65-69 mph. 11/5 shape, minimal depth.
SL: 70-71 mph. 10/4 shape, short lateral break.
CH: 71-71 mph. 

Jason Kusibab, Loyola, 2021
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 5-foot-11, 215-pounds. Extra-large, strong, physically-imposing frame.
Defense: Feet move quick for size, clean release.
Arm: RH. OF - 73 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, spread setup, short stride and maintains balance. Present bat strength and bat speed. Short, uphill bat path and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.79 runner in the 60. 

Zach Lewis, Bishop Chatard, 2020
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-9, 170-pounds. Frame carries strength.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, reliable hands, clean exchange and plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot and arm plays accurate.
Hit: LHH. Wide, slightly open setup, smooth load and short stride. Short, uphill bat path and a lot of hard contact.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.76 runner in the 60. 

Matt Lopez, Morris, 2020
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-9, 155-pounds.
Defense: Receptive hands at times and clean release.'
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot and plays accurate across the infield.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, quiet setup, leg-kick timing trigger. Repeatable swing, controls the barrel, quick bat, uphill bat path, consistent hard contact and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.36 runner in the 60. 

Zachary Lorentsen, Wheaton North, 2020
Positional Profile: OF/RHP Did not allow a hit in his one inning of work.
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Muscular, athletic frame.
Defense: Charges the baseball, steady hands, clean release, played with length at times.
Arm: RH. OF - 84 mph. Short, quick arm action, works out of an over-the-top slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, pre-pitch rhythm, smooth load and short stride. Strong, quick hands, creates bat speed, short and uphill through the zone with a gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.13 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, works with rhythm, stays on-line and lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Long, clean arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T82, 79-82 mph. Works mostly straight, occasional cutting action to the glove side.
CB: 69-72 mph. 12/6 shape, sharp spin, maintains arm speed.
CH: 74-76 mph. Fastball arm speed, feel for the zone, straight action.

Miles Mann, New Castle, 2021
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Average, well-proportioned frame.
Defense: Steady hands, comfortable around the first base bag, clean release, high front side.
Arm: LH. INF - 65 mph. Long arm action works from a high 3/4 slot.
Hit: LHH. Crouched setup and short stride. Minimal wasted movement, long bat path and works gap-to-gap.
Power: 70 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.08 runner in the 60. 

Jared Mitchell, Random Lake, 2021
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot, 227-pounds. Thick, durable lower half.
Defense: Plays with bounce for his size, soft hands, plays through the baseball.
Arm: LH. INF - 70 mph. Short easy arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: LHH. Tall setup, minimal load and short stride.  Strong, loose hands, uphill bat path and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 6.93 runner in the 60. 

Luke Meister, Oak Park-River Forest, 2020
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-2, 180-pounds. Long, athletic frame with plenty of room for continued physical development.
Defense: Steady hands, clean release with length at times.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Long arm action comes out of a high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, minimal pre-pitch movement, short stride. Flashed bat speed, path works long and level.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.13 runner in the 60.  

Daniel Moore, Benton Harbor, 2020
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-foot-9, 150-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Defense: Stays back, fields in middle of body, natural double-play turn.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Short arm action, low 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, open setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Short, level bat path, direct to the baseball. Flashed bat speed and quick twitch, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm throughout.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.13 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Delivery works with rhythm, online and lands slightly closed.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action works out of a high 3/4 window.
FB: T78, 73-77 mph. Works mostly straight.
CB: 62-68 mph. 11/5 shape.
SL: 68-70 mph. Short break.

Nicholas Mulvihill, Hinsdale Central, 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 156-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Defense: Athletic infield actions, soft hands, confident look. Feet play fluid, works through the baseball, clean transfer. Natural double play turn.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Loose arm action, low 3/4 slot and accurate across the diamond.
Hit: RHH. Crouched, slightly open setup, stays quiet, short stride. Short, level path, gets extension through contact and fluid rhythm.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.00 runner in the 60. 

Blake Oliver, Bartlett, 2020
Positional Profile: OF/1B
Body: 6-foot, 205-pounds. Strong, physical, mature frame.
Defense: Active, quick feet, clean transfer.
Arm: RH. OF - 83 mph. Long, over-the-top arm slot and true ball.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Fast bat, short bat path, ball jumps off the barrel when on time.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 6.77 runner in the 60. Above-average runner given his frame.

Brandon Peace, Nicolet, 2020
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot, 145-pounds. Lean, athletic frame with plenty of room for continued physical development.
Delivery: Simple tall and fall delivery, front-side present, works on-line and lands front-toe closed.
Arm Action: RH. Long, clean arm action, high 3/4 slot and quick out front.
FB: T81, 78-80 mph. Thrown for strikes, works straight.
CB: 67-71 mph. Thrown with fastball arm speed, 11/5 shape, occasional depth.
CH: 71-71 mph. Maintains arm speed, feel for the zone.

Christian Pedersen, Mukwonago, 2020
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot-2, 200-pounds. Strong, athletic build.
Defense: 2.33-2.44 pop times. Plays tall through exchange.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. Short arm action from a 3/4 to high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Tall, narrow setup, long stride. Present bat strength, long path, creates leverage to the pull side.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.85 runner in the 60. 

Steven Russell, Lemont, 2020
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot, 185-pounds. Strong, athletic setup.
Defense: 2.25-2.35 pop times. Reliable hands, strong wrists.
Arm: RH. C - 66 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Hit: RHH. Starts quiet and balanced, smooth pre-pitch load and long stride. Fluid rhythm, long, uphill path and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.7 runner in the 60. 

Jackson Schreckengast, Jefferson, 2020
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 165-pounds. Athletic build with well-proportioned strength.
Defense: Steady defender, directional exchange, clean release.
Arm: RH. OF - 73 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, leg-kick timing trigger and maintains balance. Simple swing, level through the zone, used the whole field and line-drive approach.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.06 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, directional and easy effort throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action works from an over-the-top slot.
FB: T73, 70-73 mph. Plays straight, thrown for strikes.
CB: 57-58 mph. 12/6 shape.
CH: 71-71 mph.
CUT: 63-65 mph. 10/4 shape, slider/slurve action at times.

Sawyer Smith, Shoreland Lutheran, 2021
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-foot-2, 160-pounds. Long, athletic, projectable frame.
Defense: Smooth actions, plays with body control and presence. Soft hands, clean release and works through the baseball.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short, loose arm action, ability to throw from multiple angles.
Hit: LHH. Wide setup, short stride and stays quiet. Aggressive swing, level bat path, line-drive approach, pull tendencies and fluid rhythm.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.66 runner in the 60. 

Garrett Swingler, Normal West, 2020
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-foot-3, 160-pounds. Long, lean, highly-projectable frame.
Delivery: Smooth, clean, tall and fall delivery, coiled at balance point.
Arm Action: RH. Short, uninterrupted arm action, high 3/4 slot, quick out front at times.
FB: T82, 78-81 mph. Occasional tilt and late running action.
CB: 65-68 mph. 11/5 shape, depth at times.
CH: 75-76 mph. Maintains arm speed, late sink and run action.

Anthony Tado, St. Laurence, 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-foot-9, 145-pounds. Lean, well-proportioned frame.
Defense: Infield actions, soft hands, fluid footwork, maintains body control on the move and clean release.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot and throws play accurate across the infield.
Hit: LHH. Quiet, balanced setup, minimal load and short stride. Maintains balance, short, level bat path, line-drive approach and middle of field approach.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.32 runner in the 60. 

Jose Troche, Lincoln Park, 2020
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot, 205-pounds. Thick, big-bodied frame.
Defense: 2.43-2.71 pop times. Sure-hands, soft block.
Arm: RH. C - 65 mph. Short, over-the-top arm action.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short toe-tap stride and fluid rhythm. Aggressive swing, long bat path, natural lift and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 75 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 8.42 runner in the 60. 

Martin Walsh, Mt. Carmel, 2021
Positional Profile: 2B/3B
Body: 5-foot-7, 155-pounds.
Defense: Steady hands, deep fielding position at times.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Long arm action, from an over-the-top slot and some accuracy across the infield.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, pre-pitch loading action and leg-kick timing trigger. Level bat path, line-drive approach and works the middle of the field.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.76 runner in the 60. 

Nicholas Wind, Montini Catholic, 2020
Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-foot, 168-pounds. Athletic frame with well-proportioned strength.
Defense: Clean outfield actions, reliable hands, clean transfer and plays through the baseball.
Arm: RH. OF - 79 mph. Short, over-the-top arm action. Throws played with carry and accurate to the plate.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, long toe-tap stride. Long, uphill bat path and opposite field approach.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Run: 7.17 runner in the 60.
Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, on-line direction and lands front-toe closed.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm action, over-the-top slot and easy effort.
FB: T74, 71-74 mph. Works mostly straight, occasional cut.
CB: 64-67 mph. 11/5 shape, maintains arm speed, flashed depth.
CH: 67-67 mph. 

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