Illinois Metro East Open: Top Overall Prospects

The Metro East Open returned to the St. Louis area once again on Tuesday, June 25th. The showcase, which took place at GCS Ballpark, the home of the Gateway Grizzlies, was an open event that featured 50 players from all high school classes. Earlier in the summer we began the analysis of the event with a Quick Hits and Statistical Analysis and throughout the week we have rolled out position-by-position analysis. 

Evan Herpstreith RHP / SS / Nokomis, IL / 2021 Positional Profile: RHP/SS  Body: 5-foot-11, 155-pounds. Athletic, live-body.  Delivery: Controlled, balanced, drop and drive delivery, works with rhythm. Works on-line, lands square and finishes athletically.  Arm Action: RH. Clean, loose arm action, works quick out of a ¾ slot. Projects for more velocity to come.  FB: T85, 81-85 mph. Late life and finish through the zone, works mostly straight.  CB: 65-71 mph. Fastball arm speed, 11/5 shape, inconsistent feel, worked best out of the stretch. CH: 73-74 mph. Potential swing-and-miss offering. Maintains arm speed, late run and sink.

Javier Beal 2B / 3B / Harrisburg, IL / 2021 Positional Profile: 3B/2B. Follow left-handed hitter. Body: 6-foot, 175-pounds. Strong, durable build. Hit: LHH. Balance setup, smooth load, short stride, maintains balance through contact. Loose hands, short, level bat path, gets extension at times, controls the barrel, line-drive approach and easy effort. Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Defense: Natural infield actions, fluid footwork, sure-handed, clean transfer and plays through the baseball at times. Run: 7.22 runner in the 60.

Carter Sabol RHP / 1B / Nokomis, IL / 2020 Positional Profile: RHP/1B Body: 6-foot-8, 240-pounds. Extra-large, imposing, physically-advanced frame. Delivery: Tall and fall delivery, directional and lands square. Repeats delivery well for his size, gets minimal use out of his lower half. Arm Action: RH. Clean, short arm action, high 3/4 slot. FB: T87, 83-85 mph. Extreme downhill tilt at times, late running action, thrown for strikes. CB: 70-72 mph. Maintains arm speed, 11/5 shape, flashed sharp spin and bite. CH: 75-77 mph. Tilt at the bottom of the zone.