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2023 Rankings: Just Missed - Unsigned Position Players

Mon November 7, 2022
By Peter Hamot and Illinois Staff

Updating the rankings within the state is one, if not the most difficult, task our staff faces. There are only a certain amount of spots within the rankings, so naturally some players will be left off. With that being said, there are still plenty of college-caliber players in the state that didn't crack our Top 300.

Today, we would like to shine some light on the unsigned senior position players that just missed the cut within our rankings, with a plethora of prospects to be looked at, below. 

POSITION PLAYERS

Luke Bafia SS / OF / Benet Academy , IL / 2023

(10/2/22) Luke Bafia (Benet) is another strong, toolsy prospect from the event. Bafia, a 6-foot-1, 180-pound, outfielder/infielder, ran a 6.90 in the 60-yard dash, reached a 90 mph high from the outfield, 86 high across the infield, and recorded a max exit velocity of 96.1. Bafia was towards the top of a number of average Blast categories with a 22.9 mph hand speed, 70.9 mph bat speed and 21.6g rotational acceleration.

10.2.22

Nathan Bajic C / OF / Manteno , IL / 2023

(10/2/22)
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-10, 165-pounds. Compact/lean build with room to fill out. 
Hit: RHH Tall, slightly open setup, fluid load and controlled stride. Loose, athletic hands, uphill path, balanced finish.
Power: 85.6 max exit velocity, averaged 76.3 mph. 297' max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Short out of the glove, high 3/4 slot. 
Defense: Works under the baseball tp present pitches around the zone, clean transfer, feet work in-line out of the crouch. Deadens the ball out front on blocks. 
Run: 7.55 runner in the 60. 

10.2.22

Brenden Beals SS / 2B / Barrington, IL / 2023

(2/19/22) Another prospect to make an impression in his first-ever PBR event was INF Brenden Beals (Barrington, 2023). The uncommitted junior put together one of the more complete showings of the event. Offensively, Beals creates more physicality in his swing than his 5-foot-8, 140-pound frame would suggest. It is a compact, contact-oriented right-handed swing with strong hands, present bat speed (72.1 mph average), and the bat stays through the hitting zone a long time, resulting in a lot of hard line-drive contact. Beals proceeded to show some of the best infield actions of the event with easy range to both sides as well as soft, confident hands and a clean arm action that plays well on the move; topped at 75 mph across the diamond and ran a 6.98 at the start of the event. Impressive PBR debut for the uncommitted junior.

Wyatt Bugger OF / 2B / Triad, IL / 2023

(3/19/22) 5-foot-9, 165-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Looks more physical than listed weight. Has a quiet, confident presence in the box. Loose, strong hands, ball comes off the bat, middle/pull-side approach with feel for the barrel. Finished 3-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored. Follow 2023 right-handed bat.

5.9.22

Jonny Carrera OF / RHP / Bolingbrook, IL / 2023

(7/5/22) OF Jonny Carrera (Bolingbrook, 2023) was one of the biggest winners from Tuesday’s event. The 6-foot, 180-pound right-handed hitter started his day off with a quality round of BP, boasting quick hands through the zone with a loose/fluid swing, working the ball to the whole field. His barrel stays flat through the zone while looking to keep the ball on a line, also flashing some pop to his pull-side. In the outfield, Carrera moves athletically and plays through the baseball, transitioning into a high ¾ release that produced a top velocity of 84 mph from a crow-hop. 

7.5.22

Kyrent Cole SS / 2B / Leo, IL / 2023

2/19/22

Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-9, 145-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced setup. Hands start low while moving into a short stride.  Fluid rhythm. Handsy swing with an uphill path. Stays balanced throughout contact. Easy effort.
Power: 75.5 max exit velocity, averaged 69.8 mph. 255’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Short, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Athletic actions with soft hands. Quick transfer. Moves well side-to-side.
Run: 7.36 runner in the 60. 

10.2.22

Stephen Combs OF / SS / Harvest Christian Academy, IL / 2023

(10/22/22) Combs is listed at 6-foot 175-pounds with an athletic build and room to add more to the frame. Combs started the day with one of the faster 60’s of the day at 7.04, respectively.  During BP, Combs showed the ability to control the barrel and drove the ball to the gaps and he registered a max EV of 94.8 mph. From both the INF and OF, Combs showcased an accurate arm with carry, getting his throws up to 80 mph from the OF and 82 mph from the INF. Combs rounded out his day with a ‘pen in which he topped at 77.5 mph with his FB, also mixing in a short wrinkle CB, and a CT that plays with slider-type break. 

Pierre Danet 2B / 3B / Providence Catholic, IL / 2023

2/21/22

Positional Profile: 2B/3B
Body: 5-7, 175-pounds. Compact frame. Thick lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, slightly open setup, short stride. Fluid, simple swing, athletic actions. Short path, uphill through the zone, strong through contact and one the barrel to both gaps.
Power: 94 max exit velocity, averaged 88.9 mph. 301’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Compact arm action. Natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Quick, active feet. Good instincts. Flashed range to the arm side. Natural infield actions.
Run: 7.25 runner in the 60. 

Liam Egan C / RHP / Marist , IL / 2023

10/2/22

Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Lean with an athletic build, room for added strength. 
Hit: Tall setup, quiet load and short stride. Loose, strong hands, whippy through the zone and uses the middle of the field.
Power: 89.2 max exit velocity, averaged 77.1 mph. 275' max distance. 
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Medium draw out of the glove, high 3/4 slot. Shoulders work uphill on throws to second. 
Defense: Clean transfer, feet work in-line to second. Athletic mover into blocks. 
Run: 7.58 runner in the 60. 

10.2.22

Jack Falls 3B / 1B / Lyons Township, IL / 2023

2/21/22

Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 6-3, 205-pounds. Strong, long legs.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, high hand start, bat wraps, short stride.  Short bat path, strong hands, repeats hard contact, pull-side tendencies.
Power: 95.7 max exit velocity, averaged 91.8 mph. 319’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. Short, whippy arm action. Natural high 3/4 with the ability to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Clean two-handed gather out front. Flashed range to the arm side. Balanced footwork.
Run: 7.29 runner in the 60.

CJ Filipek 1B / LHP / Huntley, IL / 2023

2/12/22

Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-1, 190-pounds. Athletic build.
Delivery: Under control and balanced. Drop and drive delivery. Smooth weight transfer over and through front knee. Lands front toe open.
Arm Action: LH. Compact arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T79.7, 76.2-78.8 mph. Running action. Consistently in and around the zone. T1974, 1899 average rpm.
CB: 66.7-68.7 mph. 1/7 shape. Depth. Feel for the zone. T1966, 1883 average rpm.
SL: 70.0-70.8 mph. 2/8 shape. T2186, 2097 average rpm.

Hit: LHH. Wide, slightly open setup, short stride.  Strong, uphill path, natural lift through the zone.
Power: 93.6 max exit velocity, averaged 89 mph. 312’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 81 mph. Long, loose arm action. Able to throw from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Moves well around the bag. Active feet. Good first step.
Run: 4.50 runner home-to-first. 

Ben Flerlage OF / RHP / Latin School of Chicago, IL / 2023

3/06/22

Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds. Athletic looking frame with evenly distributed strength.
Hit: RHH. Stock, open setup. Striding closed. Flatter barrel set. Aggressive modified leg kick.  Aggressive rotation with high connection. Flatter path with pullside approach.
Power: 92.6 max exit velocity, averaged 83.5 mph. 339’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 91 mph. Long over the top slot. Arm strength with carry.
Defense: Gains ground well, clean footwork alignment.
Run: 7.52 runner in the 60. 

8.9.22

Kevin Geake C / RHP / Glenbrook North, IL / 2023

(10/2/22) Geake is an active 5-foot-10, 180-pound, right-handed-hitting catcher with quick, strong wrists at the plate. His arm plays compact and true out of the chute, topping at 78 mph. At the plate, he registered a max exit velocity of 94.2 mph. 7.09 runner in the 60-yard dash.

10.2.22

Kenneth Gillette C / RHP / Sandburg , IL / 2023

2/21/22

Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Strong frame. Physical lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, slightly open base, smooth load, short stride.  Loose athletic hands with bat speed, level to contact with some barrel leverage, gap-to-gap approach with juice off the barrel.
Power: 92.1 max exit velocity, averaged 86.2 mph. 289’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.11 - 2.30 pop times. Slightly upright to start, quiet and controlled actions, feet work to the bag.
Run: 7.57 runner in the 60. 

NJ Gott 1B / OF / Glenbrook North, IL / 2023

(2/13/22) INF/RHP NJ Gott (Glenbrook North, 2023) stands at a strong 6-foot-2, 195-pounds with room to add more mass onto his frame. Gott showed well at an event last fall and carried some of that into Sunday’s showing, taking a quality round of BP with strong hands and natural feel to elevate the baseball, primarily to the pull-side. On defense, Gott recorded one of the day’s hardest infield throws, peaking at 86 mph across the diamond from a loose high ¾ window. Later on, Gott hopped on the mound and impressed, too. His fastball was delivered from a high ¾ arm slot, riding through the zone while flashing arm-side run at 82-83 mph, reaching up to 84 mph. To pair off his fastball, Gott went to a fading changeup kept down in the zone at 76-78 mph and an 11/5 breaking ball at 71-72 mph, all thrown from similar windows to his fastball. 

Jaidyn Harrell OF / RHP / Brooks , IL / 2023

8/9/22

Positional Profile: OF
Body: 6-2, 190-pounds. Strong, wide-shouldered frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, leg-lift trigger. Loose hands, stays long through the zone.
Power: 87 max exit velocity, averaged 86.6 mph. 310’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 83 mph. Over the top slot, loose accurate arm, long arm action
Defense: Deliberate routes, gets behind the baseball, clean transfer, shuffle to release
Run: 7.59 runner in the 60. 

8.9.22

Patrick Keating SS / 2B / Andrew, IL / 2023

(4/21/22) Uncommitted. Projectable, wiry frame standing 6-foot-2, 170-pounds. Keating showed some two-way potential; starting at shortstop and hitting out of the five hole while also hopping on the mound to provide some quality relief out of the ‘pen. At the plate, the right-handed hitter starts with an open setup, moving back to the plate with a long stride, hangs foot. His hands work uphill to the baseball, staying loose through contact; recorded a single and two walks in gameplay. On the mound, Keating ran his fastball up to 82 mph and paired it with a sharp 11/5 breaking ball, 74-76 mph. 

Aiden Knipper C / C / Lincoln-Way East, IL / 2023

10/2/22

Positional Profile: C 
Body: 6-1, 185-pounds. Athletic build with evenly proportioned strength. 
Hit: Balanced, relaxed, quiet setup, minimal load. Easy, repeatable swing, uphill path and works the ball to the middle of the field with lift.
Power: 92.4 max exit velocity, averaged 83.2 mph. 360' max distance. 
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Short draw into an over-the-top slot. 
Defense: Clean transfer, directional footwork out of the crouch, simple drop into block, deadens the ball out front. 
Run: 7.24 runner in the 60. 

10.2.22

Tyler Koscinski SS / RHP / Lincoln-Way West, IL / 2023

(5/10/22) Uncommitted. A long limbed 5-foot-11,150-pound bat from the right side, started the game at shortstop before closing out the game on the mound. Balanced setup, open stance, bat lays flat on shoulder, minimal pre-pitch actions, long, slow stride to get back to even. Short, level swing through the zone, line-drive type hitter on a gap-to-gap approach. Koscinski went 2-for-2 at the plate with a double and two RBIs. In his first plate appearance, drove an 0-2 pitch to left center to bring in a pair. Defensively, simple actions with fluid footwork. Clean exchange, throws play accurately out of a high ¾ slot. On the mound, Koscinski tossed two innings with two runs allowed on one hit and struck out one. He boasted a fastball/curveball mix to attack Lincoln-Way Central hitters. The fastball played with late arm-side movement, sitting 80-82 mph with a curveball on a 11/5 shaped plane, 69-72 mph. 

Jake LaVine C / SS / Metea Valley, IL / 2023

2/26/22

Positional Profile: C/SS
Body: 5-10, 180-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Quiet in the box. Balanced setup, short stride. Strong hands, compact swing, flat through the zone.
Power: 89.1 max exit velocity, averaged 80.3 mph. 321’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: 2.03-2.13 pop times. Balanced setup behind the plate. Feet work in line with the second base bag. Clean exchange
Run: 7.22 runner in the 60. 

Joe Lukancic OF / 1B / Joliet West, IL / 2023

(3/18/22) 6-foot-, 180-pound, long-levered, left-handed hitter with strength. Was first time we have had eyes on Lukancic who hit out of the two-hole for the Tigers and DH’s. Strong levers, creates leverage and quality jump off the barrel at the plate. Stays inside the baseball and showed the ability to drive the ball to the opposite field with authority. Singled down the left-field line in his first at-bat, drove a sac-fly to left-field in his second at-bat and lined out hard to the left-fielder in his third at-bat. Left-handed bat to follow in the 2023 class. 

10.2.22

Vinnie Marvucic OF / Niles North , IL / 2023

6/21/22

Positional Profile: OF
Body: 5-11, 185-pounds. Strong body, strong upper half.
Hits: LHH. Narrow base. Slightly open, upright stance. Short stride. Short path to the ball, uphill through the zone, extension though contact with bat-speed, ball jumps off the bat, power to the pull-side, line-drive approach up the middle at times and to the opposite field.
Power: 95 max exit velocity, averaged 87.3 MPH. 360' max distance.
Arm: LH. OF-80 mph. Short/clean arm circle, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Reliable actions, stady hands.
Run: 7.55 runner in the 60.
Vizual Edge: 71.9 Edge Score

8.9.22

Colin McCormick SS / RHP / New Trier, IL / 2023

7/19/22

Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Tall, Athletic frame with projection,
Delivery: Athletic delivery, stretch only, high leg-kick into balance point, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm swing into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83.2, 82-83 mph. Heavy sinking action. T2231, 2116 average rpm.
CB: 68-72 mph. Tight 11/5 shape.  T2397, 2369 average rpm.
CH: 75-77 mph. Fades late to the bottom of the zone.  T1717, 1614 average rpm.

Hit: RHH. Tall, open stance, knee lift to wide base. Athletic swing, stays on plane, controlled intent and uphill tendencies. Loose hands and pull-side oriented approach.
Power: 91 max exit velocity, averaged 83.6 mph. 318’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. Quick release, short arm action, high 3/4 slot, accurate.
Defense: Above-average feel, plays through the ball, advanced actions, elite instincts.
Run: 7.03 runner in the 60. Clean runner, long strider.

7.19.22

Wade Menard OF / 2B / Oswego , IL / 2023

(10/22/22) Menard is a lanky 6-foot-3, 160-pound prospect from Illinois that made the trip up to Franklin on Saturday. Offensively, the right-handed hitter showed well in his round of BP with a controlled, short and compact swing that created line drives with a max EV of 89.6 mph and an average of 84 mph. Defensively, he gets around the ball and fields it in front of him, finishing his throws through the catcher, with his hardest throw coming in at 73 mph. 

Caden Monti CF / LHP / Woodstock, IL / 2023

2/12/22

Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-11, 160-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned frame.Hit: LHH. Athletic, slightly open setup, short stride.  Bat speed. Level bat path through the zone. Used the middle of the field. Line drive hitter. Fluid rhythm.
Power: 89.4 max exit velocity, averaged 76.8 mph. 290’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 81 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Good first step. Plays with confidence.
Run: 4.32 runner home-to-first. 

Luke Perry SS / Mattoon, IL / 2023

2/26/22

Positional Profile: SS
Body: 6-0, 150-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, relaxed setup. Quiet load and long stride. Long, level path. Easy effort. Sprays line-drive contact to all fields.
Power: 89.7 max exit velocity, averaged 79.2 mph. 238’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields the ball out front. Balanced footwork. Clean exchange.
Run: 7.22 runner in the 60. 

Joey Raineri C / 1B / Lisle, IL / 2023

6/28/22

Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-2, 220-pounds. Strong build, round shoulders with developed lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, high hands, loads to an efficient launch position. Long through the zone with extension through contact, bat-strength, showed power up the middle and to the pull-side, on the barrel.
Power: 95 max exit velocity, averaged 78.8 mph. 338’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Over the top slot with some effort behind it, accurate throws.
Defense: 2.32-2.33 pop times. Soft hands, clean exchange, clean footwork.
Run: 7.54 runner in the 60. 

7.19.22

Cristian Ruiz SS / RHP / Oak Lawn, IL / 2023

(2/21/22) INF Christian Ruiz (Oak Lawn, 2023), had a great day showcasing his defensive abilities on the infield.  Ruiz moves with rhythm and tempo on the infield, playing light on his feet which allows his hands to look soft and quick.  He utilizes multiple arm angles and smooth actions to field the ball when on the move and impresses with an 87 mph high across the infield. Ruiz flashed elite level infield actions and is a follow for the class of 2023.

Alex Schreckenberg 2B / OF / Columbia, IL / 2023

9/27/22

Positional Profile: 2B/OF
Body: 6-2, 195-pounds. Strong, athletic frame. Wide-shoulders.
Hits: RHH. Wide setup, minimal load, short stride and pre-pitch bat tip. Strong hands, long path, consistently on time and on the barrel. Sneaky strength and jump off the barrel at times.
Power: 92 max exit velocity, averaged 83.5 MPH. 315' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-78 mph.Ability to throw from multiple slots; arm plays long.
Defense: Secures the baseball out front, funnels through release.
Run: 6.94 runner in the 60.
Vizual Edge: 73.44 Edge Score

10.23.22

Julian Silva 2B / SS / Plainfield Central, IL / 2023

(7/19/22) Silva is a smooth, natural defender on the infield with clean, efficient actions and soft confident hands. Silva plays low to the ground, is comfortable ranging to both sides and showed an accurate arm that topped at 80 mph. Offensively, Silva has a repeatable right-handed swing that stays simple, direct and flat to the baseball with above-average feel for the barrel and a line-drive approach. Tools to stick on the dirt moving forward and a right-handed swing tailored for minimal swing and miss. 

7.19.22

Dylan Swanstrom OF / OF / Lemont , IL / 2023

2/21/22

Positional Profile: OF/OF
Body: 5-11, 171-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Crouched balanced setup, bat starts rested over back shoulder, slight barrel wrap at load, strides to closed.  Short path, stays on plane, uphill tendencies.
Power: 88.5 max exit velocity, averaged 81 mph. 295’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 83 mph. High 3/4 to over-the-top slot arm slot. Get on top of the baseball. Plays true to target.
Defense: Agile. Balanced and athletic footwork. Efficient routes to the baseball.
Run: 7.12 runner in the 60. 

8.9.22

Jordan Vazquez SS / 3B / Fenwick, IL / 2023

9/27/22
Positional Profile: SS/3B
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds. Lean, athletic build.
Hits: RHH. Balanced setup, fluid pre-pitch rhythm, short stride. Long, level swing, loose hands, middle of the field approach and stays within himself.
Power: 90 max exit velocity, averaged 78.8 MPH. 314' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-86 mph.Loose arm, plays from multiple slots, flashed carry.
Defense: Athletic actions, soft hands, plays with body control.
Run: 7.28 runner in the 60.
Vizual Edge: 73.07 Edge Score

9.27.22

Aaron Stuart SS / OF / St Ignatius, IL / 2023

9/27/22
Positional Profile: SS/OF
Body: 6-1, 175-pounds. Long-levered, projectable frame.
Hits: RHH. Wide, square setup, short stride. Direct swing, uphill tendencies and creates leverage.
Power: 95 max exit velocity, averaged 82 MPH. 340' max distance.
Arm: RH. INF-82 mph.OF-81 mph. Short, clean arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Easy, fluid outfield actions, plays through in rhythm, soft hands. Clean, athletic infield actions, comes and gets the baseball, plays through in rhythm, trusts hands and clean release.
Run: 6.88 runner in the 60.
Vizual Edge: 78.32 Edge Score
9.27.22

Kiefer Tarnoki OF / LHP / Sycamore, IL / 2023

2/12/22

Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 5-11, 195-pounds. Strong lower half.
Hit: SH. LH: Athletic base, slightly open with toe-tap into a short stride. RH: Slightly open, short stride. LH: Loose and relaxed in the box. Strong hands. Short, direct swing. Works uphill. RH: Loose, compact swing. Present bat strength. Line drive hitter.
Power: 93.5 max exit velocity, averaged 85.4 mph. 300’ max distance.
Arm: LH. OF - 82 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: Athletic outfielder. Good first step.
Run: 4.51 runner home-to-first. 

James Traficanti RHP / 1B / East Leyden, IL / 2023

(10/2/22) RHP/INF James Traficanti (East Leyden) is another two-way prospect worth knowing from the event. Traficanti stands out thanks to his 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame and he used it to register a max exit speed of 93 mph at the plate, with easy hands working off a level bat path. He also topped at 83 mph across the infield and 83 mph on the mound, with a low-spin, heavy sinking fastball that plays best at the bottom of the zone.
10.2.22

Joey Ward OF / 2B / Maine South, IL / 2023

2/5/22

Positional Profile: OF/2B
Body: 5-8, 155-pounds. Sloped shoulders. Thick upper half.
Hit: RHH. Open setup with an athletic base. Rhythmic back hip load, balanced throughout. Strong hands. Bat speed. Stays inside the baseball.
Power: 89.9 max exit velocity, averaged 81.4 mph. 292’ max distance.
Arm: RH. OF - 86 mph. Short and quick arm action. Over-the-top arm slot.
Defense: Takes an extra step on the transfer through the throw. Long to release.
Run: 7.37 runner in the 60. 

10.1.22

Ethan Winters C / Sacred Heart Griffin, IL / 2023

(2/23/22) Another 2023 who had a strong day was left-handed hitting catcher Ethan Winters (Sacred Heart Griffin, 2023). Winters put up notable metrics across the board, especially when it comes to Blast Motion. Winters recorded an average hand speed of 23.6 mph, second-best of the event as well as a 27.5 mph average rotational acceleration; a mark that led the event by a wide margin. He also led the event with a 91% on-plane efficiency. Overall, it is a quiet, simple swing and he sprayed hard contact to all fields. Defensively, Winters was on the bag and accurate during his catcher workout with true throws to his target. His hardest bullet peaked at 76 mph and his quickest pop clocked in at 2.12 seconds. 

 

+ CLICK HERE for a look at the updated 2023 Illinois rankings.

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