Prep Baseball Report

Metro East Open: Infielder Analysis


By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The annual Metro East took place earlier this summer on June 26th. The event, originally scheduled to take place at Blazier Field in O’Fallon was moved indoors to Kings Point Sports Club (Batters Box), due to inclement weather.

On Monday, we began the breakdown of the event, looking at the catchers in attendance. Today we rolled out a top 10 infield list and a look at the best of the rest from the event. A number of intriguing underclassman made the top 10.

Below is a look at all of the infielders from the event.

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Chris Dansberry, INF/RHP, Francis Howell (MO), 2019
5-foot-8, 150-pound, athletic, strong, right handed hitting infielder. Ran a 6.84 laser-timed 60. Offensively, balanced setup, even weight distribution, smooth load, quiet aggressive hands, fluid rhythm, short stride, good balanced throughout. Flashed bat speed, short level barrel path, line drive approach, uphill finish and exit velocity of 82-mph off tee,  Defensively, athletic fielding position, quick fluid footwork, clean exchange, plays through baseball, soft hands. Short arm action, high ¾ release, flashed accuracy, threw 77-mph across infield. On the mound, over the top release, longer arm action, remains balanced, effortless release, linear direction. Fastball thrown for strikes, sat between 77-78-mph. Curveball had 11/5 break, outer thirds of plate, ranged from 65-70-mph. Changeup was 72-73 mph.  

2. Matthew Albritton, 1B/RHP, O’Fallon, 2019
6-foot-3, 220-pound, strong, imposing, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced slightly crouched setup, smooth load, leg kick trigger and remains balanced. Showed fast bat speed, long barrel path, gap-gap approach with power, extension through contact and exit velocity of 95-mph off the tee. Defensively, athletic fielding position, clean exchange, fluid footwork, long arm action, high ¾ slot, accuracy and carry on throws, clocked at 83-mph across infield. Ran 7.61 in the 60. On the mound, quick motion, high leg kick, rhythm, linear direction, square landing athletic finish. High ¾ slot, quick arm speed, long action, pats glove. Fastball flashed run,  sat between 83-85. Curveball had 10/4 action, gradual break to outer half, sat between 67-69 mph. Changeup thrown in lower half of zone, ranged between 72-75 mph.  

3. Sam Antonacci, INF, Sacred Heart Griffin, 2021
5-foot-8, 140-pound, well-proportioned, switch-hitting infielder. From the left side, balanced setup, smooth load, quiet hands, short stride, balanced finish. Level barrel path, fluid rhythm, exit velocity of 75-mph off the tee. From right side, balanced setup, quiet hands, strong top hand, long stride, engaged lower half, balanced finish. Line drive approach, level barrel path, exit velocity of 78-mph off the tee. Defensively, quick first step, soft hands, repeatable hand placement, plays through baseball. Long arm action, high ¾ release, accuracy on throws, threw 78-mph across infield. Ran 7.33 in the 60. 

4. Hayden Moore, INF/OF, Edwardsville, 2021
5-foot-9, 140-pound, lanky switch hitting outfielder. From the left side, balanced open setup, flashed bat speed, gap-gap approach, uphill finish, smooth back load, toe tap, short stride, engaged lower half, extension through contact and clocked at 77-mph off a tee. From the right side, balanced setup, smooth load, quiet hands, good balance, stays inside baseball, extension, fluid rhythm, uphill finish. Exit velocity of 79-off tee. Defensively, worked out in the infield and in the outfield. Natural outfield actions, fluid footwork, athletic fielding position, clean exchange, plays through baseball. Short arm action, high ¾ arm action, follows through target. Throws 82-mph from outfield and 76 mph across the infield. Ran 6.88 in the 60.   

5. Will Holland, INF, Harrisburg, 2020
6-foot-1, 152-pound, lanky, lean-build, right-handed hitting infielder. 6.75 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Offensively, balanced athletic setup, smooth load, short stride, engaged lower half. Flashed bat speed, gap-gap approach, fluid rhythm throughout and exit velocity of 87-mph off tee,  Defensively, quick first step, repeatable footwork, flashed soft hands, clean exchange, plays through baseball. Natural working to his glove side and can throw from multiple arm angles. Short quick arm action, accuracy on throws, 76-mph from across infield.  

6. Adam Ebling, INF/RHP, Westminster Christian Academy (MO), 2021
5-foot-11, 173-pound, athletically-built, projectable right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, quiet hands, smooth load, short stride, good balance throughout. Flashed bat speed, exit velocity of 84-mph off the tee. Defensively, athletic fielding position, fluid footwork, soft hands, clean exchange. Long arm action, quick out front, high ¾ slot, accuracy on throws, finishes through target,clocked at 80-mph across infield. Ran 7.44 in the 60. On the mound, high leg kick,  high ¾ arm slot, long loose arm action, repeatable balance point, linear direction, closed landing athletic finish. Fastball thrown for strikes, sat between 79-80 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 break, gradual action, sat between 66-68 mph.  

7. Logan Lowery, INF, O’Fallon, 2020
6-foot, 145-pound, long, wiry, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall balanced setup, short stride, smooth load, balanced finish. Occasional bat speed, long barrel path, line drive approach and exit velocity of 80-mph off the bat. Defensively, short, easy arm action, ¾ arm slot, smooth transition, accuracy on throws, threw 70-mph across infield. Athletic fielding position, soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Ran 7.11 in the 60.    

8. Zachary Kempfer, INF/RHP, Nashville, 2021
6-foot-3, 215-pound, projectable, strong athletic right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, quiet hands, aggressive hacks, toe tap, long stride. Fast bat speed, gap-gap approach with power, fluid rhythm throughout, uphill finish and exit velocity of 82-mph off tee. Defensively, short arm action, ¾ arm slot, accuracy on throws, repeatable footwork, clean exchange. Ran 8.35 in the 60. On the mound, remains in ¾ slot, quick arm speed, short arm action, high leg kick, sits on back side, uphill shoulders, out front finish. Fastball flashed run, sat between 74-76 touching 77 mph. Curveball showed 10/4 shape, sweeping action, arm action near fastball, for strikes, outer third, sat between 63-68 mph. Changeup showed fade, repeatable motion, 68-70 mph.    

9. Anthony Benz, INF/RHP, McCluer North (MO), 2020
6-foot-2, 170-pound, projectable, athletically-built, left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced slightly open stance, fluid rhythm, simple load, loose hands, small toe tap stride, maintains balance throughout. Flashed bat speed, level barrel path, gap-gap approach, extension through contact and exit velocity of 79-mph off tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ release, accuracy on throws, threw 70-mph across infield. Athletic fielding position, plays through baseball, soft hands, clean exchange, fluid footwork. Ran 7.39 in the 60. On the mound, over the top angle, short arm action, slight sink into back leg, rhythm, level shoulders, linear direction, slightly closed landing, out front landing. Fastball thrown for strikes, ranging between 76-78 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 break, gradual action, for strikes, sitting 64-66 mph. Change Up similar arm action to fastball, thrown between 74-77 mph.   

10. Jack Schark, INF, Home School (MO), 2021
5-foot-9, 135-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, small leg kick, engaged lower half. Quick hands, aggressive swing, level barrel path, line drive approach and exit velocity of 78-mph off a tee,. Defensively, plays through baseball, quick first step, fluid footwork, soft hands, clean exchange. Short arm action, over the top release, accuracy on throws, 75-mph across the infield, feel for position. Ran a 7.47 in the 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Jack Beyersdorfer, INF/RHP, Triad, 2020
6-foot-1, 185-pound, tall, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, slight crouch, smooth back load, strong top hand, engaged lower half,long toe tap stride, remains balanced throughout. Flashed bat speed, exit velocity of 83-mph off tee, gap-gap approach with power, fluid rhythm, uphill finish. Defensively, long arm action, ¾ arm slot, quick footwork, flashed accuracy, carry on throws, threw 72-mph across infield. On the mound, high ¾ arm slot, long arm action, consistent balance point, rhythm, out front finish, closed landing. Fastball thrown for strikes, sat between 74-75 mph. Curveball had 11/5 shape, late action, could locate, ranged between 67-68 mph. Changeup, flashed fade, sat between 67-68 mph.

Jeffery Biermann, C/INF, Belleville West, 2019
6-foot, 170-pound, multi-positional, switch-hitting prospect. At the plate, handles the bat well from both sides of the plate. Narrow setup, long leg-lift stride and maintains balance through contact. Flashed bat speed, level path, line-drive approach and fluid rhythm. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee from the right side and 77 mph from the left. Defensively worked out on the infield and behind the plate. On the infield, steady actions, sure hands and throws topped at 73 mph. Behind the plate, short, high ¾ arm action, and throws topped at 73 mph. Pop times ranged between 2.11-2.29. 7.81 runner in the 60.

Brant Bowen, INF/RHP, Freeburg, 2019
6-foot, 180-pound, athletic, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall balanced setup, open, short toe tap stride, slight back load. Flashed bat speed, exit velocity of 75-mph off tee, level barrel path, line drive approach, uses whole field, rhythm throughout. Defensively, ¾ arm slot, quick arm action, flashed accuracy, threw 75-mph across infield. Fluid footwork, flashed soft hands. Ran 7.73 in the 60. On the mound, fastball showed run, sat between 78-79 touching 81 mph. Curveball showed 11/5 break, sharp late action, lower quadrants of plate, 62-69 mph. Changeup showed repeatable arm action, sink, command, ranged between 64-66 mph.

Trey Bredensteiner, INF, Fort Zumwalt West (MO), 2020
6-foot, 210-pound, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced closed setup, smooth rhythmic load, short stride, good balance. Flashed bat speed, exit velocity of 82-mph of the tee, level barrel path, line drive swing with opposite field focus, fluid rhythm throughout. Defensively, long arm action, high ¾ release, accuracy on throws, clean exchange, soft hands, 70-mph across the infield. Ran 8.19 in the 60.  

Nick Cortese, 1B, Belleville West, 2019
6-foot-1, 215-pound, strong bulky, right handed hitting first baseman. Offensively, tall balanced setup, slight drop load, smooth, leg kick hip coil, short stride, balanced landing, rhythm throughout. Showed bat speed, exit velocity of 90-mph off tee, gap-gap approach with power, extension through baseball, uphill finish. Defensively, athletic fielding position, fluid repeatable footwork, clean exchange, threw 76-mph across infield. Short arm action, effortless, high ¾ arm slot, showed accuracy on throws. Ran 7.67 in the 60.  

Seth Daniels, INF, Murphysboro, 2019
5-foot-10, 140-pound, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, slightly opened stance, short stride, engaged hips, balanced finish. Long barrel path, line drive approach, stays inside baseball, exit velocity of 76 off the bat. Defensively, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, flashed accuracy, throws 78-mph across infield. Ran 7.49 in the 60.

Zach Floyd, INF/OF, Lutheran St. Charles (MO), 2019
5-foot-10, 190-pound, athletic, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, narrow, closed toe set up, short toe tap stride, balanced landing, quiet hands, slight back load, extension. Fast bat speed, exit velocity of 94-mph off the bat, short level barrel path, line drive approach, easy rhythm. On the infield, longer arm action, high ¾ slot, repeatable, exit velocity of 80-mph across infield. Average hand placement, athletic fielding position. Outfield, athletic fielding position, exit velocity of 85-mph from position. Ran 7.04 in the 60.   

Evan Fournie, INF, Mascoutah, 2019
5-foot-11, 162-pound, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall balanced setup, quiet hands, slight knee bend, short stride, fair balance. Long barrel path, line drive approach, flashed bat speed, exit velocity of 86 off the tee. Defensively, ¾ arm slot, short quick release, accuracy on throws. Quick exchange, throws 67-mph across the infield. Ran 7.60 in the 60.   

Evan Funkhouser, INF, Edwardsville, 2021
5-foot-10, 140-pound, lanky athletic right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced open setup, slight drop load, high leg kick, soft landing, extension, remains balanced. Gap-gap approach, exit velocity of 73-mph off tee, uphill finish. Defensively, quick first step, plays through baseball, finishes through target, quick footwork, repeatable hand placement, clean exchange. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accuracy on throws, 68-mph across infield. Ran 7.50 in the 60.

Cameron Furbeck, INF, Pleasant Plains, 2019
6-foot-3, 200-pound, strong, athletic projectable right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall balanced setup, smooth back load, toe tap, short stride, engaged lower half, good balance throughout. Flashed bat speed, exit velocity of 77-mph off tee, level barrel path, stays inside baseball, top hand extension, power potential, fluid rhythm. Defensively, short whipping arm action, high ¾ release, accuracy on throws, threw 66-mph across infield. Athletic fielding position, repeatable footwork, clean exchange. Ran 7.42 in the 60.

Wyatt Gilbert, INF, Fairfield, 2020
5-foot-10, 165-pound, athletic left handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced slightly crouched setup, natural load, narrowed toes, high leg kick, short stride, slight hip explosion. Hit 79-mph off the tee, short barrel paath, line drive approach, extension, uphill finish. Defensively, quick first step, aggressively plays through baseball, quick footwork, clean exchange. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accuracy on throws, threw 72-mph across infield. Ran 6.99 in the 60.   

Brendan Haddix, INF, Granite City, 2019
5-foot-9, 145-pound, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balance tall open stance, smooth load, long stride, remains balanced. Long barrel path, line drive approach, fluid rhythm, exit velocity of 77-mph off tee. Defensively, high ¾ arm slot, short arm action, accuracy on throws, 72-mph across infield. Ran 7.58 in the 60.

Nathan Hallum, INF/RHP, Fort Zumwalt South (MO), 2020
6-foot, 165-pound, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced slightly opened stance, crouched, smooth drop load, short toe tap stride. Level barrel path, fluid rhythm, exit velocity of 73-mph off the tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot, accuracy on throws, threw 64-mph across infield.     

Alex Head, INF, Highland, 2021
6-foot-1, 165-pound, athletic projectable right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall balanced setup, open stance, smooth load, quiet hands, stays inside baseball, short stride, balanced finish. Flashed bat speed, 76-mph off the tee, long barrel path, power potential. Defensively, long arm action, over top release, accuracy on throws, threw 70-mph across the infield. Average hand placement, fluid footwork. Ran 7.27 in the 60.      

Chase Holder, INF, Francis Howell North (MO), 2020
5-foot-7, 125-pound, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth drop load, natural rhythm, high leg kick, short stride, engaged backside, balanced finish. Level barrel path, extension, line drive approach, exit velocity of 74-mph off tee. Defensively, athletic fielding position, soft hands, quick footwork, clean exchange, plays through baseball. Short quick arm action, over the top release, fluid arm action, throws 80-mph across infield. Ran 7.33 in the 60.  

Jacob Knaust, INF, O’Fallon, 2020
5-foot-10, 130-pound, lanky right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall balanced setup, short toe tap stride, fair balance, exit velocity of 76 off tee. Long barrel path, line drive approach. Defensively, short quick arm action, high ¾ slot, accuracy to throws, threw 74-mph across infield. Athletic fielding position, plays through baseball, quick clean exchange, repeatable hand placement. Ran 7.17 in the 60.          

Clayton Miller, INF, Granite City, 2019
 5-foot-11, 195-pound, strong right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, crouched balanced set up, slightly opened, natural back load, leg kick, balanced. Line drive middle approach, level path, extension, flashed bat speed, exit velocity of 84-mph off the bat. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, flashed accuracy, threw 74-mph across infield. Ran 7.63 in the 60.  

Sean Mitchell, 1B/RHP, Marquette Catholic (MO), 2022
6-foot-1, 220-pound, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall balanced setup, slightly closed, back load, toe tap, short stride, fair balance. Line drive approach, stays through baseball, exit velocity of 75-mph off the tee. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot, accuracy on throws, moves well, carry on ball, throws 69-mph across infield. Clean exchange, repeatable hand placement. Ran 8.87 in the 60. On the mound, remains in high ¾ slot, short arm action, high leg kick, leans on backside, uphill shoulders, slightly opened landing, upright finish. Fastball sat between 67-69, touching 70 mph. Curveball had 11/5 break, gradual movement, ranged between 55-62 mph. Changeup  flashed fade, lower thirds of the zone, 69-70 mph.   

Ian Pruitt, INF, Winfield (MO), 2019
5-foot-11, 180-pound, tall athletic right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall open setup, legs close together, wrap load, leg kick, balanced. Short level barrel path, line drive approach, fluid rhythm throughout, exit velocity of 74 mph from a tee. Defensively, .Short clean arm action, high ¾ slot, flashed carry to throws. Clean exchange, repeatable hand placement, throws 69-mph across infield. Ran 7.16 in the 60.

Devin Ray, INF, Staunton, 2020
5-foot-10, 180-pound, strong, athletic, projectable right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall balanced setup, slightly open, loose quiet hands, simple smooth drop load, toe tap short stride, balanced landing. Fast bat speed, exit velocity of 91-off tee, short level barrel path, gap-gap approach with power, fluid rhythm throughout. Defensively, short arm action, high ¾ slot, accuracy on throws, flashed carry, threw 77-mph across infield. Athletic fielding position, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Ran 7.56 in the 60.

Matthew Schark, INF, Francis Howell (MO), 2020
6-foot-4, 220-pound, strong right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, quiet hands, short to baseball, short stride, remains balanced throughout. Fast bat speed, exit velocity of 94-mph off tee, level barrel path, line drive approach with power, fluid rhythm throughout. Defensively, first step anticipation, clean exchange, throws 73-mph across infield. Long arm action, ¾ slot, accuracy on throws. Ran 7.42 in the 60.      

Dawson Schuemann, INF/RHP, Jefferson City (MO), 2020
6-foot, 167-pound, athletically-built, right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, quiet hands, short to ball, toe tap, short stride, balanced finish. Line drive approach, level barrel path, fluid rhythm, exit velocity of 82-mph off tee. Defensively, high ¾ slot, quick arm action, accuracy on throws, 67-mph from across the infield. Fluid footwork, repeatable hand placement, clean exchange. Ran 7.70 in the 60. On the mound, high leg kick, over the top release, short arm action, consistent balance point, rhythm, closed landing. Fastball ranged between 74-75, touching 77-mph. Curveball showed 11/5 shape, gradual movement, ranging between 60-63 mph. Changeup thrown for strikes, 68-69 mph.  

Hunter Smith, INF/C, Triad, 2019
5-foot-9, 160-pound, multi-positional prospect. Defensively, worked out on the infield and behind the plate. Natural infield defender, moves well laterally, maintains body control and soft hands. Clean transfer, short, high ¾ arm action and throws topped at 74 mph across the diamond. Behind the plate, sure hands, clean release and pop times ranged between 2.19-2.33. Throws topped at 73 mph from the crouch. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, big load and long stride. Long bat path and registered a 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. 7.46 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Charlie Stergos, INF/RHP, Fort Zumwalt East (MO), 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound, athletic right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, bent knees, leans back, high elbow, smooth load, small toe tap, short stride, good balance throughout. Flashed bat speed, exit velocity of 85-mph off tee, line drive approach, fluid rhythm. Defensively, athletic fielding position, quick exchange, fluid footwork. Long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, flashed accuracy and carry, threw 73-mph from infield. On the mound, remains in high ¾ slot, high leg kick, slight short arm action, easy effort, smooth fluid rhythm, linear direction, closed landing, athletic finish. Fastball showed slight run, for strikes, ranged between 74-76 mph. Curveball had 11/5 break, gradual action, similar shape to fastball, for strikes, sat between 59-63 mph. Changeup displayed arm side run, lower third of plate, between 69-71 mph.  

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