PBR Class of 2014 Prospect Showcase top performers
August 2, 2012
We haven’t made this statement about a junior event in a long time: The Prep Baseball Report’s Class of 2014 Showcase on July 25 was dominated by hitters and athletes. Yes, that’s right, hitters. The lost art of hitting was on full display at Oakton C.C. in Des Plaines, as several Class of 2014 prospects showed that have the potential to be high-level offensive weapons.
Trevino Rodriguez, a strong-bodied outfielder from De La Salle HS earned top prospect honors at the event, as he demonstrated a complete package of skills. Rodriguez narrowly edged out the top two offensive players at the event, Lincoln-Way West 1B/OF Zach Speaker and New Trier 1B Grant Klenovich, both of whom showed big-time power potential. RHP/1B William Kincannon from Riverside-Brookfield HS was the top pitching prospect at the event.
A look at the top players at the event:
1. Trevino Rodriguez, OF/RHP, De La Salle, Class of 2014
Rodriguez is a physically advanced 6-foot-1, 205-pound multi-positional talent who impressed with his all-around play. Offensively, Rodriguez showcased quick hands and an explosive lower half. He generates considerable force to the baseball, and remains balanced throughout. The ball jumps off his bat with backspin carry and loft to the pull-side. Defensively, Rodriguez showcased arm strength (84 mph) from the outfield and athletic footwork. Rodriguez, who has a strong lower half, also ran a 7.21 60. On the mound, he threw from a high ¾ arm slot with a fastball that topped at 80 mph. Rodriguez also featured a curveball that sat at 62-64 mph and a changeup that sat at 71-72 mph.
2. Zach Speaker, 1B/OF, Lincoln-Way West HS, Class of 2014
Speaker is a 6-foot-4, 205-pound left-handed hitting outfielder who showcased a strong swing with pull side power. Speaker showcased bat speed and barrel whip through the zone. He exhibited a solid plate approach, spraying line drives to all fields. Defensively, Speaker exhibited good feet at first base and an accurate arm across the infield (73 mph). From the outfield, Speaker also exhibited an accurate and solid arm topping at 78 mph.
3. Grant Klenovich, 1B, New Trier HS, Class of 2014
Klenovich is a physically impressive 6-foot-4, 215-pound first baseman who looks to be one of the more impressive power bats in the Class of 2014. Klenovich has a quiet, balanced set up, and utilizes his strength and explosive lower half to drive the ball with carry and loft. The ball explodes off his bat with backspin carry. Klenovich generates plus bat speed and barrel whip without over-swinging. Defensively, Klenovich exhibited solid feet around the bag and topped at 79 mph across this infield.
4. William Kincannon, RHP/1B, Riverside-Brookfield HS, Class of 2014
Kincannon is an athletically built 6-foot-3, 180-pound multi-positional player who showcased solid skills in all facets of the game. On the bump is where Kincannon impressed the most, throwing from a ¾ arm slot with a fastball that topped at 85 mph with some arm-side sink. His secondary pitches included a slider with 11/5 movement that sat at 69-73 mph and a changeup that sat at 72-73 mph. Kincannon has an extremely projectable frame, one that should continue to develop in the coming years. Offensively, Kincannon displayed a solid left handed swing with some pop. Defensively, Kincannon exhibited good hands and a solid arm across the infield topping at 78 mph. He exhibited excellent footwork around the bag and soft hands. Additionally, Kincannon ran a 7.07 60.
5. Casey Danley, MIF, Washington Community HS, Class of 2014
Danley is a 6-foot, 170-pound middle infielder who is one of the premier athletes we’ve seen in the Class of 2014. Danley ran one of the fastest 60 times at the event, a 6.78. His athleticism translated in the field, as exhibited solid lateral movement, taking concise routes to the baseball and an accurate arm across the diamond (75 mph). At the plate, Danley showcased an advanced approach as he squared up balls to all fields. He has a level swing with quick hands and barrel control.
6. Richard Fordon, LHP/1B, Mt. Carmel HS, Class of 2014
Fordon is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound left-handed pitcher who impressed on the mound with his command of three pitches. He throws from an over the top arm angle and showed some arm quickness. Fordon has a projectable frame and showed life on his 83 mph fastball. Fordon showcased a tight slider with two-plane life. He also throws a 71-74 mph changeup that he kept down in the zone. Offensively, the left-handed hitting Fordon exhibited a short, compact swing. Fordon starts from a balanced setup and uses his line drive swing to square up balls to all fields.
7. J.T. Baksha, LHP/OF, Aurora Christian, Class of 2014
Verbally committed to the University of Iowa, Baksha is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound multi-positional talent who impressed on the mound with his clean mechanics and command of three pitches. Baksha throws from a high ¾ arm slot with easy effort. He displayed an 80-82 mph fastball that he kept down in the zone. His secondary pitches include a 71-73 mph curveball that had two-plane action and a 76-78 mph changeup. Baksha’s breaking ball showed a lot of promise. Defensively, Baksha displayed good hands and plays through the baseball, exhibiting an accurate arm(80 mph). At the plate, the left-handed hitting Baksha hits from a balanced set up and displayed an easy swing that produced loft and carry.
8. Braden Mayer, C/3B, Harrisburg HS, Class of 2014
Mayer is a strong 5-foot-10, 187-pound catcher who impressed in all facets of the game. Offensively, Mayer showcased an aggressive, repeatable line drive swing with excellent balance through contact. He remains quiet through contact, with little excess movement. He uses his strong lower half and quick hands to barrel the baseball with gap-to-gap power. Defensively, he displayed soft hands and solid blocking skills behind the plate. Mayer exhibited an accurate arm that was clocked at 76 mph from the crouch with a best pop time of 1.95. Additionally, Mayer ran a 7.35 60. In all, Mayer looks to be one of the more polished catchers in the Class of 2014.
9. Frank Nicholas, OF, New Trier HS, Class of 2014
Nicholas is a 6-foot, 175-pound outfielder who looks to be one of the premier athletes in the Class of 2014. Nicholas ran an event-best 6.68 60. His athleticism played in the outfield, as he took concise routes to the baseball and displayed a solid, accurate arm (78 mph). Offensively, Nicholas exhibited some bat speed and showed the ability to make consistent hard contact.
10. Zach Serna, 3B/SS, Palatine HS, Class of 2014
Serna is a 5-foot-10, 155-pound multi-positional player who showcased the top infield arm at the event. From third base he topped at 84 mph and was 79 mph from shortstop. Serna displayed solid feet and a good feel for both positions, moving well laterally and taking concise routes to the baseball. At the plate, Serna showed bat speed and a level path through the zone. Additionally, Serna ran a 7.19 60.
11. Freddie Landers, C, Grayslake Central HS, Class of 2014
Landers is a 6-foot-1, 165-pound switch-hitting catcher who showcased solid skills behind the plate. Landers exhibited a clean exchange, athletic feet and quick arm, all of which resulted in a best pop time of 1.97. Landers was clocked at 71 mph from the crouch. Offensively, Landers has an active lower half and maintains excellent balance throughout contact from both sides of the plate. Landers has athletic, loose hands at the plate, and demonstrated whip through the zone from both sides, but more power potential from the right.
12. Jake Terrazas, RHP/1B, Lemont HS, Class of 2014
Terrazas is a strong-bodied, 6-foot-5, 215-pound multi-positional player with a projectable frame who showcased a level bat path and power potential at the plate. The ball jumps off his bat with backspin carry and loft. Defensively, Terrazas exhibited solid feet and actions at first base. On the mound, his fastball topped at 75 mph and his curveball sat at 64 mph. Additionally, his changeup sat at 68-70 mph.
13. Matt Loeffl, OF/SS, Grayslake Central HS, Class of 2014
Loeffl is a 6-foot, 160-pound left-handed hitting multi-positional player who impressed at the plate with his clean, easy swing. Loeffl showed good rhythm offensively, using lower half to generate whip through the zone. He maintains excellent balance throughout contact and showed some power potential. Defensively, Loeffl showed solid feet in the infield with good actions. He exhibited a solid, accurate arm that was clocked at 75 mph across the diamond. From the outfield, Loeffl exhibited a solid feel for the position, moving through the ball and showing an accurate arm (73 mph). Additionally, he ran a 7.15 60.
14. Danny Pecoraro, MIF, Prairie Ridge HS, Class of 2014
Pecoraro is a 5-foot-9, 135-pound middle infielder who showed advanced feel and actions for the position. Pecoraro moved well laterally and displayed soft hands while playing through the baseball well. He was clocked at 72 mph across the diamond with accurate throws. Offensively, he displayed loose hands and barrel whip through the zone. Pecoraro kept his hands inside the ball consistently, and utilized the entire field. Additionally, he ran a 7.69 60. As he physically develops, Pecoraro showed the ability to be a top-level defensive middle infielder.
15. Hayden Bodine, OF, Washington HS, Class of 2014
Bodine is an athletic 5-foot-11, 155-pound outfielder who impressed at the plate with his level, line drive swing. Bodine hits from an athletic setup with good barrel whip through the zone. He showed a level swing and worked up the middle throughout his round. Defensively, Bodine displayed a solid, accurate arm that was clocked at 76 mph. Additionally, Bodine showed off his athleticism by running a 7.04 60.
16. Kevin Mampe, RHP/MIF, Lincoln-Way Central, Class of 2014
Mampe is a 6-foot-2, 185-pound multi-positional player who has a strong, athletic frame. On the mound, Mampe operates from a 3/4 arm slot, and everything he throws has movement. His fastball, which sat in the 80-81 range, displayed arm-side life. He commanded his 71-73 mph slider down in the zone for strikes. Mampe also showed feel for a 72-74 mph changeup. Offensively, Mampe hits from a wide, balanced set up and takes a short and quick approach to the ball. He demonstrated bat speed and utilized a strong lower half to drive the baseball with consistent hard contact. Defensively, he displayed an accurate arm across the infield, topping at 79 mph.
17. Matt Guenther, OF, Geneva, Class of 2014
Guenther is a 6-foot-1, 215-pound outfielder who impressed at the plate with his short, compact swing. Guenther takes an economical approach to the baseball and showed solid whip through the zone. He uses an explosive lower half and advanced approach at the plate to spray lines drives to all fields, exhibiting gap-to-gap power. Additionally, Guenther ran a 7.4 60.
18. Kyle Rothrock, LHP/1B, LaSalle-Peru HS, Class of 2014
Rothrock is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound multi-positional player who showcased a loose swing with solid extension and some pull side power. Rothrock’s balanced approach and swing looseness make for a repeatable swing. Defensively, Rothrock exhibited solid hands and an accurate arm across the diamond (73 mph). On the mound, Rothrock throws from a high 3/4 slot and featured a 73-76 mph fastball. Rothrock also throws a curveball that sat at 60-62 mph and a changeup that sat at 64-65 mph.
19. Clay Shourd, RHP, Springfield HS, Class of 2014
Shourd is a 6-foot, 165-pound right-handed pitcher who throws from a high ¾ arm slot. He has a quick arm and an athletic frame. His fastball, which showed late life, sat in the 83-84 mph range. He also showcased a 69-71 mph slider that flashed two-plane life and has a chance to be a legit out pitch. Additionally, Shourd threw a 73-74 mph changeup.
20. Peter Minella, LHP, Nazareth Academy, Class of 2014
Minella is a long-limbed 6-foot-2, 160-pound left-handed pitcher who impressed with his rhythm on the mound and feel for three pitches. Operating from a high ¾ arm slot, Minella’s arm works with little effort. He showcased a fastball with run that topped at 78 mph. With his frame and looseness, he could see a velocity spike as he physically develops. Minella also threw 63-64 mph curveball and a changeup that sat at 75-76.
Best of the Rest (Alphabetically)
Justin Agne, C, Riverside Brookfield HS, Class of 2014
Agne is a 5-foot-11 catcher used his strong lower half and strength to generate whip through the zone as he sprayed line drives to all fields. Agne had a best pop time of 2.1 and was clocked at 69 mph from the crouch.
Collin Andrews, SS/OF, St. Ignatius, Class of 2014
Andrews is a 5-foot-10, 165-pound multi-positional player who showcased an accurate arm from the from the outfield (74 mph) and 75 mph from across the diamond. Additionally, Andrews ran a 7.56 60.
Mick Best, OF, Peoria Notre Dame HS, Class of 2014
Best is a 5-foot-8, 155-pound outfielder who showcased a level, balanced swing. Defensively, Best tookconcise routes and showed the ability to play through the baseball, displaying an accurate arm that was clocked at 77 mph. Additionally, Best ran a 7.32 60.
Joe Berg, OF, Carmel Catholic, Class of 2014
Berg is a 6-foot, 185-pound outfielder who displayed an accurate arm (75 mph) from the outfield. Berg ran a 7.21 60.
Evan Cherney, RHP, Neuqua Valley HS, Class of 2014
Cherney is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound right-handed pitcher who showcased a 74-75 mph fastball. Throwing from an over the top arm angle, Cherney also featured a curveball that sat at 63-64 mph and a changeup that sat at 70-72 mph.
Patrick Cole, C, Aurora Christian HS, Class of 2014
Cole is a 6-foot, 165-pound catcher who showcased a quick release and accurate arm (73 mph) from behind the plate. An athletic catcher, Cole’s feet work well behind the plate, and further showed his athleticism by running a 7.19 60. Offensively, Cole has a balanced swing and exhibited some pull side power potential.
Mark DeCicco, C/INF, Bloomington Central Catholic, Class of 2014
DeCiccois a 5-foot-10, 180-pound multi-positional player who showcased an accurate arm from behind the dish (72 mph) and a best pop time of 2.03. From shortstop, DeCicco displayed good balance and an accurate arm (72 mph). Offensively, he hit with a balanced setup with a smooth load and short stride. Additionally, DeCicco ran a 7.37 60.
Ben Doiron, MIF, Metea Valley, Class of 2014
Doiron is a 5-foot-6, 130-pound middle infielder who displayed a solid, accurate arm across the infield (72 mph). Offensively, Doiron maintained solid balance throughout his swing. Additionally, Doiron ran a 7.25 60.
Ryan Donegan, C, Marist, Class of 2014
Donegan is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound catcher who exhibited strong blocking skills, athletic feet and a quick release to second base. Doengan had a best pop time of 2.15 and was clocked at 71 mph from the crouch. Offensively, Donegan has a clean, mechanically sound swing in which he maintains balance throughout contact as he sprayed line drives to all fields.
David Eagen, OF, New Trier HS, Class of 2014
Eagen is a switch hitting 5-foot-8, 150-pound outfielder who had one of the fastest 60 times of the event, running a 6.88. Defensively, Eagen moved well in the outfield, using his speed and athleticism to play through the baseball. Eagen showed the ability to get on top of his throws, which were on the bag and clocked at 74 mph. At the plate, Eagen showed the ability to get to the baseball from the right side and worked the middle of the field well.
Connor Etheridge, RHP, Sacred-Heart Griffin, Class of 2014
Etheridge is an athletically built 6-foot-4, 200-pound right-handed pitcher who showcased a 78-80 mph fastball that he was able to keep down in the zone with some run. Etheridge also featured a curveball that sat at 64-66 mph and a changeup that sat at 73-75 mph. With his frame and athleticism, Etheridge should see a velocity spike in the coming years.
Drew Fischer, RHP, New Trier HS, Class of 2014
Fischer is a lanky, long-legged 6-foot-2, 165-pound right handed pitcher who showcased a sneaky fastball with run that topped at 81 mph. He displayed a smooth rhythm on the mound with a quick arm. Fischer’s secondary pitches include a 63-66 mph curveballand a 70-71mph changeup with deception and feel.
Cam Galgano, OF, Providence Catholic, Class of 2014
Galgano is a 5-foot-8, 165-pound left-handed hitting outfielder who showcased a short balanced swing at the plate. Galgano displayed excellent balance throughout his swing, exhibiting whip through the zone as he sprayed lines drives to all fields. Defensively, Galgano displayed an accurate arm from the outfield (67 mph). Additionally, Galgano ran a 7.53 60.
Ian Grant, LHP, Libertyville HS, Class of 2014
Grant is a 5-foot-11, 125-pound left handed pitcher who comes an over the top arm angle and a fastball that topped at 72 mph. A strike-thrower, Grant also filled the zone with a 58-62 mph curveball and a 61-63 mph changeup.
Chase Haught, OF/LHP, Marian Central, Class of 2014
Haught is a 6-foot, 165-pound left-handed hitting multi-positional player who displayed a solid feel for the outfield. His throws were clocked at 70 mph from the outfield. On the bump, the left-hander threw from a high ¾ arm slot with a fastball that topped at 69 mph. He also showcased a curveball that sat at 56-57 mph and a 65-67 mph changeup with sink that he is able to keep down in the zone.
Alan Hernandez, C/3B, Lincoln-Way East HS, Class of 2014
Hernandez is a 5-foot-8, 165-pound multi-positional player who displayed clean actions at third base with a sound backhand. Behind the dish, Hernandez exhibited solid footwork and had a best pop time 2.05 and was clocked at 69 mph from the crouch. Offensively, Hernandez has a fluid, easy swing and a level bat path through the zone. He showed the ability to keep his hands inside as he sprayed lines drives to all fields.
Joey Holtz, MIF, Lake Zurich HS, Class of 2014
Holtz is a 5-foot-8, 170-pound middle infielder who showcased a short quick swing with solid bat speed. He hit from an athletic setup and barreled up some balls. Defensively, Holtz had an accurate arm topping at 70 mph across the infield. Additionally, Holtz ran a 7.35 60.
Josh Hubbs, C/3B, Mahomet Seymour, Class of 2014
Hubbs is a 5-foot-10, 150-pound catcher who showcased solid blocking skills and a best pop time of 2.09. He was clocked at 66 mph from the crouch. Offensively, Hubbs has a level bat path and showed some power in his swing as he sprayed line drives to all fields.
Mike Jentel, C/3B, Sandburg, Class of 2014
Jentel is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound multi-positional player who showcased solid hands while moving through the ball at third base. Jentel topped at 74 mph across the infield. Behind the plate, Jentel exhibited an accurate arm (71 mph) with a best pop time of 2.09.
Patrick Killelea, INF, Marquette Academy, Class of 2014
Killelea is a 5-foot-9, 165-pound infielder who showcased solid hands at third base. He exhibited accurate throws across the diamond that was clocked at 77 mph. Additionally, he ran a 7.34 60.
Brett King, LHP, Lincoln-Way North HS, Class of 2014
King is a 5-foot-9, 155-pound left-handed pitcher who displayed a quick arm on the mound and feel for four pitches. King showed rhythm on the mound, throwing from over the top. He showcased an 80 mph fastball with some life and a solid 70-72 mph changeup that looked to be his top pitch. Additionally, King threw a knuckleball that sat consistently at 63 mph.
Matt Lynch, RHP, Loyola Academy, Class of 2014
Lynch is a 5-foot-11, 185-pound right-handed pitcher. Coming from an over the top arm slot, Lynch hides the ball well and showed command of his 77-79 mph fastball. He also threw a 64-65 mph curveball with sharp 11/5 break and a 68-69 mph changeup. All three pitches Lynch located down in the zone.
Tyler Marcheschi, MIF/OF, Wheaton Warrenville South, Class of 2014
Marcheschi is a 5-foot-10, 165-pound outfielder with an accurate arm from the outfield, topping at 71 mph. Offensively, Marcheschi showed a level bat path through the zone with solid whip as he worked the middle of the field. Additionally, Marcheschi ran a 7.47 60.
Pat Michalek, OF, Lincoln Way Central, Class of 2014
Michalek is a 5-foot-10, 150-pound left-handed hitting outfielder. He was clocked at 67 mph from the outfield. Offensively, Michalek gets low in his setup and displayed the ability to barrel up the baseball. Additionally, he ran a 7.21 60.
Dan O’Neill, OF, Wheaton Academy HS, Class of 2014
O’Neil is a 5-foot-10, 170-pound outfielder who showcased his speed and athleticism running a 6.86 60. Offensively, O’Neill hit with an athletic set up, displaying a solid lower half. He has a level bat path and displayed some whip through the zone. From the outfield he displayed a solid, accurate arm that was clocked at 73 mph.
Semaj Patterson, 1B/RHP, Harlan HS, Class of 2014
Semaj Patterson is a 6-foot-5, 315-pound multi-positional player. On the mound Patterson’s fastball topped at72 mph and his curveball sat at 67 mph. Additionally, his changeup sat at 62 mph.
Rhett Rasphus, RHP, Lake Park HS, Class of 2014
Rasphus is an athletically built 6-foot-1, 178-pound right-handed pitcher who operates from a high ¾ arm slot with aloose arm action. His fastball sat in the 80-82 mph range with arm-side life. Rasphus’ secondary pitches include a 66-68 mph curveball that has a 10/4 shape and a 71-72 mph changeup.
Steven Robinson, RHP/MIF, Harlan HS, Class of 2014
Robinson is a 5-foot-10, 155-pound multi-positional player who displayed good actions in the field and an accurate arm across the diamond (70 mph). On the mound, Robinson throws from an over the top arm angle with a 72 mph heavy fastball that he is able to keep down in the zone. He also displayed a 72 mph curveball that has a 12/6 movement with depth and a 68 mph changeup.
Austyn Ruback, 3B, Grayslake North HS, Class of 2014
Ruback is a 6-foot, 160-pound third baseman who impressed at the plate with his smooth, line drive swing and clean swing mechanics. Ruback displayed whip through the zone and the ability to make consistent hard contact. Defensively, Ruback showed solid hands and an accurate arm across the diamond (76 mph). Additionally, Ruback ran a 7.22 60.
Jacob Taschetta, OF, Wheaton North HS, Class of 2014
Taschetta is a 5-foot-10, 165-pound outfielder who showed his athleticism by running a 7.01 60. In the outfield, he showcased an accurate arm that was clocked at 71 mph. Offensively, Taschetta has a level bat path through the zone.
Chase Tomney, RHP/MIF, Aurora Christian HS, Class of 2014
Tomney is a 5-foot-9, 155 pound multi-positional player who showcased an accurate arm (74 mph) and solid feet from the infield. Offensively, Tomney sprayed line drives to all fields. On the mound, Tomney throws from over the top and showcased a 75-76 mph fastball. His secondary pitches include 54-59 mph curveball and a 63-65 mph changeup.
Matthew Trembly, LHP, Palatine HS, Class of 2014
Trembly is a projectable 6-foot-2, 175-pound left-handed pitcher who comes from a lower ¾ arm angle. He featured a fastball that flashed sink that topped at 77 mph and a curveball that sat at 68-69 mph. He also threw a changeup that was in 60-64 mph range.
Colton Wagner, C/OF, Lake Zurich HS, Class of 2014
Wagner is a 6-foot-1, 180-pound multi-positional player who impressed with his athleticism, running a 6.73 60. At the plate, Wagner starts from a balanced setup and showed a fundamental approach to the baseball. Wagner has an aggressive swing with some pull side power potential.
Tanner Wood, 1B/3B, Hononegah, Class of 2014
Wood is a 6-foot-2, 170-pound first baseman who showcased some bat speed through the zone. Defensively, Wood topped at 69 mph across the infield. Additionally, Wood ran a 7.50 60.
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