Inside The Illinois Rankings: Top '21 Uncommitted INF's

2019 Future Games: 6-foot-3, 195-pound, strong, wide-shouldered, physical, right-handed hitting third baseman. Showed off an impressive combination of tools during the workout portion of the event and carried it over into gameplay. Jimenez ran a 6.62 laser-timed 60, registered a 100 mph exit velocity and was 85 mph across the infield. The combination of size, speed and bat strength make Jimenez one of the more interesting follows on Team Illinois. At the plate, open setup, slight coiled loading action and hands get separation. Aggressive swing, looks to drive the baseball with authority and consistently worked the left-center field gap. Took a number of quality, competitive at-bats throughout the week. Collected a hit in each of the three games, including a double in game two and a triple into the right-center field gap in game three. Defensively, profiles at a corner infield spot and potentially a corner outfield spot given the way he runs. Deliberate actions on the infield, steady hands, length through release and arm plays long from a ¾ slot. High-follow 2021 prospect.

Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-2, 210-pounds. Physical, wide-shouldered, strong frame.
Hit: LHH. Wide quiet setup, smooth load and leg-lift timing trigger. Loose, athletic, strong hands, present bat speed, natural lift in swing, stays on plane, extension through contact, fluid rhythm throughout and consistent hard gap-to-gap contact.
Power: 99 mph exit velocity from the tee. Present pull-side power.
Arm: LH. INF - 85 mph. Clean arm action, 3/4 slot and throws carry across the diamond.
Defense: Feel for the first base bag, steady hands, clean release.
Run: 7.33 runner in the 60. 

2019 Future Games: 5-foot-11, 170-pound, well-proportioned, left-handed hitting infielder. Was one of the top statistical hitters for Team Illinois on the week. Finished 5-for-9 (.555 BA) with three runs scored, three RBIs and a walk. Starts from a balanced, relaxed. slightly open setup. Creates pre-pitch rhythm in hands, long stride and gets separation. Swings with intent, feel for the strike zone and the barrel. Rarely chases out of the zone. Stays on top of the baseball, uses the entire field and advanced bat-to-ball skills. 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, ability to play all around the infield but may profile best as an offensive second baseman. Handles the run-through play with body control and ease. Steady defender, reliable hands, clean release and arm works long out of a ¾ to high ¾ slot. Throws topped at 83 mph. 7.14 runner in the 60, laser-timed. 

Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-foot, 185-pounds. Compact, strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, quiet, slightly open setup, minimal pre-pitch movement and short stride. Simple swing, strong quick hands, creates easy bat speed, ball jumps off the barrel at times and works gap-to-gap.
Power: 93 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Short, loose strong arm with the ability to throw from multiple slots.
Defense: Smooth, confident defender, easy actions, soft hands, plays under control, maintains body control on the move. Clean release and plays through the baseball.
Run: 6.92 runner in the 60. 

Delivery: Methodical controlled tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands square.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, quick arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T86, 84-86 mph. Works straight, lively through the zone.
CB: 72-75 mph. Thrown aggressively, tight spin, depth, feel 11/5 shape.
CH: 76-79 mph. Fastball arm speed, fade action at times.

Currently ranked No. 54 in Illinois’ 2021 class. 6-foot, 200-pound 2021 right handed pitcher playing against 2020 competition. Strong build with a defined lower half. Came in relief against Hitters and showcased long and loose arm action from a high 3/4 window. Quick arm speed and arm works out front. Effortless delivery, ball jumps out of his hand. Showed off a heavy fastball that sat 86-88 mph, a sweeping slider at 77-78 mph, and a curveball with 11/5 shape at 71-73 mph. Offensively carries bat strength from the right side, flashed gap to gap pop, swings with intent. Follow 2021 prospect. 

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short leg lift stride. Quick bat speed, level path to the baseball, fluid rhythm throughout swing, line drive and gap-to-gap approach at the plate. Loose, strong hands.
Power: 94 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short and loose arm action out of an over the top slot. Throws showed accuracy and carry.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, quick and clean exchanges, plays through the baseball. Natural actions, quick releases, and a clean backhand.
Run: 6.61 runner in the 60. Plus runner.

Positional Profile: 1B Left-handed first baseman with easy pull-side power
Body: 5-foot-10, 190-pounds. Strong compact frame. Broad shoulders.
Hit: LHH. Crouched setup quick leg lift trigger. Loose hands, easy swing, uphill path, repeats, gap-to-gap approach, rhythm through contact, confidence in the box.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: LH. INF - 72 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Steady defender, fluid footwork.
Run: 8.02 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: SS. An advanced defender that can stick up the middle moving forward.
Body: 6-foot, 170-pounds. Wiry, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, open setup, leg kick trigger, aggressive through contact.  Uphill path to the baseball, creates extension through contact, gap-to-gap approach at the plate, consistent hard contact.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 88 mph. Short, loose arm action, lively arm, high 3/4 slot. Well above-average arm strength, throws produced carry across the diamond.
Defense: Athletic fielding position, quick to the ball, fluid footwork, soft hands, clean funnels, confident on the move, ability to change arm angles, plays through the baseball.
Run: 6.88 runner in the 60. 

Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 180-pounds. Strong, compact frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, slight leg-lift timing trigger, fluid rhythm. Compact, strong swing, fast bat, works uphill, works gap-to-gap.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Highly-athletic feet, works around the baseball and plays through. Comfortable playing on the move, quick release and can manipulate arm angle when needed.
Run: 6.85 runner in the 60.