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Romeoville I.D. - Infielder Analysis

March 21, 2016

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The Romeoville Preseason ID showcase took place on Monday February 15th at the Romeoville Athletic Center in Romeoville, IL. Last week we began the analysis of the event with the catchers.

Today we take a look at the top infielders from the event, led by three 2018 prospects at the top of the list.

TOP INFIELDERS

1. Nathan Gomez, 2B, Lake View HS, 2018
6-foot, 160-pound, athletically built, right-handed hitting second baseman. Fluid, athletic actions at the plate and on the infield. Offensively, loose hands, fluid rhythm, swings with conviction and flashed the ability to backspin the baseball. Short, level bat path, stays on top of the baseball, gap-to-gap/line-drive approach. Open setup, smooth pre-pitch load and leg-kick timing trigger. 73 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, athletic actions, soft hands, plays with confidence and good body control. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws and clocked at 80 mph. With improved foot speed and range he could profile as a shortstop; 8.06 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

2. Brendan Collins, MIF, St. Laurence HS, 2018
5-foot-10, 150-pound well-proportioned right-handed hitting middle infielder. Showed well at the plate and on the infield. Offensively, flashed quick hands, fluid rhythm and occasional bat speed. Aggressive swings, short, level bat path and a gap-to-gap approach. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load and toe-tap timing trigger. 73 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively currently profiles as an above-average second baseman. Soft hands, fields athletically with solid actions on the infield; Made an athletic play moving to his arm side; Quick release, short arm action, low ¾ arm slot and throws clocked at 73 mph across the diamond. 7.49 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

3. Maurey Garrett, MIF, Homewood-Flossmoor HS, 2018
5-foot-5, 138-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. Above-average runner for his age in the 60, 7.12. Defensively, profiles best at second base; throws clocked at 76 mph across the diamond. Flashed soft, confident hands on the infield; quick, clean release, long arm action and a high ¾ slot. Offensively, compact swing, contact hitter, top of the order type; short, level path, gets extension through contact, resulting in a lot of line-drives. Balanced, athletic setup position, slight pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance. 72 mph exit velocity from a tee.

4. Bo Minor, C/SS, Paris HS, 2017
5-foot-10, 170-pound right-handed hitting C/SS. Defensively behind the plate has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Accurate throws with carry. Showed a quick, clean transfer with quick footwork, gains ground towards second base on throws. Soft hands receiving with good flexibility in the lower half. Popped 2.94-2.01 and threw 75 mph from the crouch. In the infield showed soft hands with fluid footwork. Threw 76 mph across the infield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short even stride. Line drive pull hitter with a long, uphill path. Showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.48.

5. Andrew DeLaCruz, SS, Litchfield HS, 2018
5-foot-7, 130-pound athletic switch-hitting middle infielder. Solid overall ballplayer, with feel at the plate and on the infield. Offensively, controls the barrel with loose, quick hands from both sides of the plate. Line-drive type hitter, fluid rhythm and an advanced approach using the entire field. Short, level bat path and gets extension through contact. Exit velocity was 79 mph from the left side and 80 mph from the right. Defensively, soft hands, fields ball athletically, quick footwork, ability to range to his left and right with ease on the infield. Quick, clean transfer with the ability to throw from multiple arm angles, accurate throws, clocked at 72 mph. 7.64 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Should be a follow in the 2018 class.

6. Trevor Taus, MIF, Marmion Academy, 2017
5-foot-10, 150-pound, wiry, left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively fluid rhythm, pre-pitch looseness and line-drive approach. Short bat path, occasionally gets steep; 84 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Balanced, open setup, loads and short stride which gets back to square. Defensively steady hands, athletic fielding position, at times lets the ball get deep; Short arm action ¾ to low ¾ slot and clocked at 71 mph across the diamond. 7.33 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

7. Tim Hasto, MIF, St. Charles North HS, 2017
5-foot-10, 165-pound, strong build, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, flashed bat speed, aggressive swings and fluid rhythm. Gap-to-gap approach and a long, uphill bat path. Balanced, open setup, smooth pre-pitch load and leg-lift timing trigger; 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, throws flashed some carry on the infield; throws clocked at 81 mph. Soft hands, fields the ball athletically and body control. 7.65 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

8. Nicolas Plankenhorn, OF/INF, St. Bede Academy, 2017
5-foot-10, 180-pound multi-positional player, could project at both a corner outfield or infield position with a solid bat. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, slight open stance, short stride, gets foot down, solid balance. Aggressive swing, shows bat strength, path is short, got extension, occasionally lifts the baseball and shows pull side pop. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed actions and confidence both in the outfield and infield. Hands played well for third base, showed body control and softer back hand. In the outfield showed actions, shuffles through the baseball. Arm plays at 85 mph from the outfield and 80 mph across the diamond, over the top slot, carried and accurate. 7.51 runner.

9. AJ Fidanzo, 2B/SS, Lemont HS, 2018
5-foot-8, 138-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder. 7.30 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Offensively fluid rhythm, simple swing, made hard contact, middle-opposite field approach during batting practice. Level bat path, line-drive type hitter and ability to repeat his swing. Balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride and average balance. 71 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively steady hands, athletic fielding position, occasionally lets the ball get deep and flashed fluid footwork on the infield. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy and throws clocked at 74 mph across the diamond.

10. Rasheed Bernard, MIF, Simeon HS, 2017
5-foot-7, 160-pound, strong lower half, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, aggressive swings, some hard contact and looks to pull; 83 mph exit velocity. Fluid rhythm, balanced setup, deep pre-pitch load and leg-kick timing trigger. Defensively, showed soft hands and body control on the infield. Short arm action from a high ¾ slot, accurate and clocked at 78 mph. 7.47 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Adam Brown, 2B, Streator HS, 2017
5-foot-10, 140-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Started the day off running a 7.24 60, laser-timed. Offensively, balanced setup, bat wraps on his load at times and toe-tap leg-lift timing trigger. Long, uphill bat path; 73 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, long arm action from a high ¾ slot on the infield; throws clocked at 68 mph across the diamond.

Bryce Burton, 3B, Kaneland HS, 2018
5-foot-11, 165-pound, wiry strong, switch-hitting infielder. Offensively, aggressive swings from both sides of the plate and flashed above average exit velocities for his age; 88 mph from the right-side and 81 mph from the left. Fluid rhythm, gap-to-gap approach and smooth deep load from both sides of the plate. Balanced setup, leg-lift timing trigger; tendency to bar his front arm from the right-side. Defensively, long arm action, over-the-top slot and clocked at 76 mph. 7.35 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Will Carey, 1B/RHP, Plainfield South HS, 2018
6-foot, 160-pound long and lean two-way prospect. Offensively hits from the right side with an uphill bat path. Wide balanced setup, pre-pitch load, short stride and average bat speed. 78 mph exit velocity. Defensively, steady hands and showed some feel around the first base bag. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy on throws; 67 mph across the infield. 7.37 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound worked strictly out of a side-arm to submarine slot; easy effort, stays in-line and slightly closed finish. Fastball flashed sink and arm-side-run when located down in the zone, clocked at 65-68 mph. Curveball clocked at 63-65 mph. Changeup sat 58-59 mph. Also featured a splitter that was clocked at 65-66 mph.

Garret Cook, SS, Plainfield North HS, 2019
5-foot-9, 150-pound left-handed hitting infielder. Ran an above-average 60 time for his age, 7.34. At the plate, simple swing and a gap-to-gap approach at the plate; long, uphill bat path, low hand set. Balanced, open setup, short stride and average balance. 77 mph exit velocity. Defensively, steady hands, gets rid of the baseball quickly and accurately; short arm action, ¾ slot and clocked at 73 mph.

Tony DeLuna, 1B/RHP, Morton, 2017
6-foot-3, 210-pound right-handed hitting 1B/RHP. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a leg lift stride. Line drive hitter with a long, level path. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.33. Defensively has a short arm action from a low ¾ slot. Threw 66 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a low ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with a square landing. Fastball sat 70-72 topping out at 74 mph. Curveball showed sweeping action at 57-60 mph that he can drop in for strikes. Changeup Showed slight fading action at 61-63 mph for strikes.

Anthony Fumagalli, SS, Plainfield North HS, 2017
5-foot-10, 155-pound well-proportioned right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively level bat path through the hitting zone and a gap-to-gap approach. Balanced setup, short stride and average balance through contact; front foot hitter at times. 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively looked natural on the move; quick release, soft hands and athletic fielding position. Clean, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot and clocked at 79 mph across the diamond. 7.30 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

BJ Graves, 1B, Oswego East, 2018
5-foot-11, 215-pound left-handed hitting first baseman with a strong frame. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a slightly open stance. Short stride with average balance. Gap to gap hitter with a short, uphill path, flashed some pop in batting practice. 77 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.47. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top slot. Average hands, fields the ball deep. Threw 66 mph across the infield.

Ethan Green, 3B, Romeoville HS, 2018
6-foot-1, 195-pound, athletically built, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, simple approach and level bat path through the hitting zone. Balanced setup, long stride, and average balance; 83 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, accurate throws across the infield; clocked at 79 mph. Long arm action and throws from a high ¾ to ¾ slot. 7.91 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Ethan Harrast, SS, Hinsdale Central HS, 2019
5-foot-10, 145-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, simple approach, line-drive type hitter; Short, level bat path and above-average balance through contact. Balanced setup, hands load pre-pitch and short stride. 73 mph exit velocity. Defensively, flashed good lateral movement, ranging up the middle; steady hands, short arm action from a high ¾ slot; clocked at 73 mph across the diamond. 8.08 runner in the 60.

TJ Heafey, LHP/1B, Providence Catholic, 2019
6-foot-3, 230-pound right-handed hitting LHP/1B. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short, quick arm action and stab on the backside. Tall and fall delivery with a slightly closed landing. Fastball showed sinking action at 76-77 topping out at 78 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape at 62-64 mph. Changeup was mostly straight with occasional fading action at 67-69 mph. Cutter sat 73-74 mph. Offensively hits from a balanced setup wit a short leg lift stride. Gap to gap hitter with a level path. Showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.37. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Threw 70 mph across the infield.

Daniel Hrvojevic, 3B/RHP, Loyola Academy, 2018
5-foot-11, 220-pound right-handed hitting 3B/RHP. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short heel lift stride. Long, uphill path with average bat speed. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.60. Defensively has a short arm action from a ¾ slot. Threw 70 mph across the infield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a square landing, working in line with home plate. Threw fastball for strikes down in the zone at 71-72 mph. Curveball sat 58-63 mph. Changeup showed slider action at 61-65 mph.

Brandon Kaihara, 3B/RHP, Niles West, 2018
5-foot-10, 190-pound right-handed hitting 3B/RHP. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Average hands with a slower exchange. Threw 74 mph across the infield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short stride. Long swing path, 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.46. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery working in line with home plate. Fastball sat 70-71 topping out at 72 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape at 57-61 mph. Changeup showed sinking action at 58-61 mph.

Connor Kelly, RHP/1B, Morton HS, 2018
6-foot-5, 210-pound, strong, imposing build, two-way prospect. Projects best as a right-handed pitcher. On the mound, features an above-average arm for his age; up to 82 mph with his fastball. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and effort in his delivery. Fastball works mainly straight, some good down angle when located at the bottom of the zone, sat 81-82 mph. Curveball, 11/5 action, 65-67 mph. Changeup, thrown with near fastball arm speed and ranged between 71-74 mph. Offensively, flashed bat speed and a gap-to-gap/line-drive approach; 84 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Balanced, tall setup, long stride and collapses on his backside. Defensively, long arm action, over-the-top slot, some accuracy on his throws, clocked at 76 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.80 laser-timed 60.

Vinny Lovato, MIF, Minooka HS, 2017
5-foot-11, 167-pound athletically built right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, tall balanced setup and short bat path through the hitting zone; Short stride and gets tied up at times. 70 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, steady hands, short arm action, ¾ slot and clocked at 65 mph across the diamond. 7.56 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

James Marcinkowski, OF/1B/LHP, Sycamore, 2017
Long lanky frame, projectable 6-foot-4, 180-pound R/L two-way player. Offensively hits from the right side, wide base, minimal stride, lift and replace, average balance. Flashed bat speed, simple and showed an ability to repeat swing. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed actions at first base and in the outfield, lanky athleticism, 7.28 runner, feet work well at both positions. Arm action is long high ¾ slot, played at 77 mph from the outfield, 71 mph across the infield. Tall and fall delivery on the mound, stays compact for his size. Arm action has slight stab out of the glove, dart thrower release, showed some arm speed, can stay behind it more. Fastball showed running action to arm side, ranged 72-76 mph. Curveball has 12/6 action, 60-64 mph. Changeup worked at 64-66 mph. Flashed cutters at 66-68 mph, slider type action.

Seth Masters, 1B/LHP, Sandburg HS, 2018
6-foot, 150-pound, plenty of room for continued physical development left-handed hitting two-way prospect. Offensively, gets his lower half involved in his swing; long bat path and gap-to-gap approach at the plate. Balanced tall setup, hands load pre-pitch, tendency to bar the front arm, short stride and average balance through contact. 79 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, steady hands, quick exchange and moved well around the bag at first base. Short arm action, over-the-top slot and clocked at 68 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.96 60. On the mound features a three-pitch mix with some rhythm in his delivery; Stays on line, square landing and falls off towards third base at times. Long arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball thrown for strikes, flashed some arm-side-run and sat 74-75 mph, touching 76. Curveball worked 12/6 and clocked at 61-63 mph. Changeup, thrown down in the zone, near fastball arm speed, arm-side-run action and ranged between 67-69 mph.

Michael Metesh, SS/3B, Morris HS, 2018
5-foot-11, 170-pound muscle bound right-handed hitting infielder. Ran one of the better 60 times of the event, 7.27. Offensively, flashed bat speed, quick twitch and strength through contact; 84 mph exit velocity. Simple approach, short bat path and gap-to-gap approach. Balanced wide setup, short stride and average balance. Defensively, short, deliberate arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 73 mph across the diamond.

Michael Mitchell, MIF, Lyons Township HS, 2018
5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, back spun line-drives consistently during batting practice; flat bat path through the hitting zone. Balanced setup, reverse toe-tap stride and average balance. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, short arm action from a high ¾ slot on the infield; Throws clocked at 70 mph. 8.22 runner in the 60.

Jacob Overbeck, SS/RHP, Morris HS, 2019
6-foot, 150-pound, lanky build, right-handed hitting two-way prospect. Offensively, long bat path with an opposite field approach. Balanced setup, short stride and collapses on his backside. 66 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, reliable hands on the infield; some accuracy on throws from a high ¾ slot and clocked at 69 mph. 7.68 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, features a three-pitch mix and regular effort in his delivery; long arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed slight arm-side-run at times, clocked at 73-74 mph. Curveball worked 11/5 and ranged between 58-62 mph. Changeup, decent feel, thrown with fastball arm speed, some sinking action and sat 68-70 mph.

Billy Pindozzo, 1B/LHP, De La Salle HS, 2019
5-foot-10, 123-pound, long legged, right-handed hitting, left-handed throwing two-way player. Offensively, balanced, closed setup position, smooth pre-pitch load and reverse leg-lift timing trigger; Long, uphill bat path through the hitting zone; 65 mph exit velocity. Defensively, steady hands and fields the ball athletically in the middle of his body at first base. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 54 mph across the diamond. Also, ran an 8.32 laser-timed 60. On the mound smooth rhythm, stays in-line and uses regular effort in his delivery; Short arm action out of a high ¾ window. Fastball flashed some run and sink, clocked at 52-55 mph, touching 56. Curveball worked 12/6 and ranged between 43-48 mph. Changeup showed some sink and sat 51-53 mph.

Chris Ralph, SS/RHP, Waubonsie Valley HS, 2017
6-foot-1, 151-pound, long-legged, right-handed hitting two-way prospect. Offensively, starts from a narrow, tall setup; no load, long stride and average balance. 76 mph exit velocity. Defensively, reliable hands on the infield. Arm worked long and out of a high ¾ slot; accurate throws clocked at 76 mph. 7.62 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound features a four-pitch mix. Up-tempo delivery with some rhythm, stays in-line, closed landing at times and regular effort. Fastball flashed arm-side-run and sink at times, clocked at 74-77 mph, touching 78. Threw a curveball and a slider. Curveball worked mainly 12/6, ranged between 65-67 mph. Slider, tendency to back up, clocked at 60-63 mph. Changeup thrown with fastball arm speed, sinking action, 72-74 mph.

Nathan Ricken, RHP/OF/INF, Oswego, 2018
6-foot, 158-pound two-way player, average lean frame, sloped shoulders. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short toe tap stride. Rotational hitter, level path minimal extension, pull side contact in BP. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played both infield and outfield, arm plays similar at both positions, 76 mph across the infield, 78 mph in the outfield, long high ¾ arm action. Defensively plays deep, firm actions. 7.39 runner in the 60. On the mound delivery is tall and fall, heel toe landing. Bow and arrow draw from the glove, over the top slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 73-75 mph. Curveball has gradual 12/6 action, 62-64 mph. Straight changeup showed occasional sink, some feel for the zone, 68-69 mph.

Brad Roberts, 3B/2B, Plainfield South HS, 2017
6-foot, 165-pound, plenty of room for continued physical development, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, uphill bat path with a pull approach. Balanced setup, hands load/drop, short stride and average balance through contact. Flashed bat speed at times; 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action from a high ¾ slot; clocked at 81 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.35 laser-timed 60.

Steven Salvino, SS, Lockport HS, 2018
5-foot-9, 140-pound, wiry, right-handed hitting infielder. Started his day off running a well above-average 60 time for his age, 7.10. Offensively, flashed looseness in his swing. Long, uphill bat path, fly ball type hitter. Balanced setup, pre-pitch load, slight leg-lift timing trigger and average balance. 76 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively fields the ball out front with soft hands and good body control on the infield; quick, clean exchange, throws from a ¾ slot, accurate and clocked at 77 mph across the diamond.

Alex Santiago, MIF, Plainfield Central HS, 2017
5-foot-10, 230-pound right-handed hitting middle-infielder. Defensively, soft hands, athletic fielding position and quick release on the infield; short arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy and 68 mph across the diamond. Offensively, balanced, narrow and low hands setup position; short stride and good balance through contact. 79 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Also, ran an 8.18 laser-timed 60.

Andrew Schimmoler, 3B/RHP, Oswego HS, 2018
6-foot-5, 175-pound, projectable frame, plenty of room for continued physical development, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-center field approach, long uphill bat path; balanced setup, no load and short stride. 69 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, long arm action from a ¾ slot on the infield. Throws clocked at 71 mph. 7.82 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound, works slightly across his body, short stride, and regular effort in his delivery. Long arm action from a high ¾ window and some rhythm throughout. Fastball flashed some run and ranged between 74-77 mph. Slider, looked more like a slurve at times, sweeping action, and clocked at 64-69 mph. Changeup worked 69-71 mph.

Zac Schultz, 3B, Minooka HS, 2017
6-foot-3, 165-pound, long limbed, projectable build, right-handed hitting infielder. 7.24 runner in the 60, laser-timed. Offensively, uphill bat path and looks to pull at the plate. Balanced setup, short stride and average balance through contact; 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, steady hands on the infield. Long arm action, ¾ slot and throws clocked at 72 mph.

Lucas Sharisky, SS, Streator HS, 2019
5-foot-8, 150-pound, solid lower half, broad shouldered left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively compact swing, flashed occasional bat speed and routinely made hard contact during batting practice. Short, flat bat path and a line-drive approach. Balanced setup, short toe-tap stride and average balance. 76 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, flashed a quick release at times on the infield. Throws from a low ¾ slot across the diamond, clocked at 66 mph. 7.76 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

David Stocking, MIF/RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2017
5-foot-8, 150-pound, wiry, right-handed hitting two-way prospect. Offensively, uphill bat path with a gap-to-gap approach. Balanced setup, pre-pitch load, long leg-kick timing trigger and average balance through contact. 66 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, short arm action from a high ¾ slot. Throws clocked at 73 mph across the diamond. 7.70 runner in the 60, laser-timed. On the mound uses a slow, segmented delivery. Short arm action, over-the-top slot and regular effort. Fastball, straight action, ranged between 65-67 mph, touching 68. Curveball 11/5 shape and clocked at 57-63 mph. Changeup flashed some sink and sat 61-64 mph.

Ben Swords, 3B/RHP, Freeport, 2017
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitting 3B/RHP. Offensively hits from a balanced, narrow stance with a toe tap stride and average balance. Gap to gap hitter with a long, uphill path and fluid rhythm. Showed a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.38. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ slot. Athletic actions with fluid footwork and a quick exchange. Threw 77 mph across the infield. On the mound works form a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed toe landing and some rhythm. Repeats well. Feel for three pitches. Fastball sat 79-81 topping out at 82 mph for strikes. Curveball showed 11-5 shape at 65-66 mph. Changeup was firm with slight fading action at 73-75 mph.

Nicholas Talarico, INF/RHP, Marmion Academy, 2019
5-foot-9, 145-pound right-handed hitting two-way prospect. Offensively, flashed feel for the barrel, aggressive swings and a long, level bat path at times; 81 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Balanced setup, hands load pre-pitch, short stride and average balance through contact. Defensively fluid footwork, fields the ball athletically and out front on the infield. Flashed soft hands, quick exchange, high ¾ slot, throws were accurate and clocked at 73 mph across the diamond. Ran an 8.30 laser-timed 60. On the mound throws strikes and showed feel for his three-pitch mix. Smooth rhythm, stays in-line, square landing and regular effort in his delivery.  Flashed a four-seam and two-seam fastball; Both worked mostly straight, thrown for strikes and ranged between 73-75 mph, touching 77. Curveball, feel, worked between 12/6 and 11/5 and clocked at 56-60 mph. Changeup, thrown with fastball arm speed, feel, arm-side-run and sat 68-71 mph.

Alex Verta, 3B/RHP, St. Laurence HS, 2017
6-foot, 180-pound, squared shouldered, two-way prospect. Offensively, long bat path and gap-to-gap approach. Balanced, open setup, smooth pre-pitch load and leg-kick timing trigger. 82 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, flashed some softness in his hands on the infield. Athletic fielding position, made a nice play to his backhand; short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws, clocked at 77 mph. Also, ran a 7.50 laser-timed 60. On the mound, short arm action, over-the-top slot and regular effort in his delivery. Stays in-line, square landing and short stride. Fastball works mostly straight and clocked at 77-79 mph. Curveball worked 12/6, some depth, left up in the zone at timed, 64-66 mph. Changeup, thrown with fastball arm speed, showed feel, flashed sink at times and ranged between 70-73 mph.

Sean Wepfer, SS, Oswego East HS, 2020
5-foot-7, 130-pound lean build switch-hitting infielder. Offensively, simple swing from both sides of the plate. Balanced setup, pre-pitch load and leg-kick trigger. Short bat path and line-drive approach. Exit velocity of 73 mph from the left and 76 mph from the right. Defensively, long arm action, high ¾ slot and throws clocked at 57 mph across the infield. 7.85 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Jason Wittenberg, 2B/C, Sycamore, 2017
5-foot-5, 140-pound right-handed hitting 2B/C with small, strong frame. Offensively hits from a balanced, narrow setup with a short stride. Line drive hitter with a short, compact swing, flashed a fast bat. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.39. Defensively in the infield has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot with an easy arm action. Athletic actions with a clean exchange. Threw 74 mph across the infield. Behind the plate has a short arm action from an over the top slot. Popped 2.36-2.44 and threw 71 mph from the crouch.

Devon Zielke, 2B, Oswego East HS, 2017
5-foot-6, 155-pound right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively flashed some athleticism in his swing, showing barrel control and a contact approach. Short bat path, works inside the baseball at times, line-drive type hitter. Balanced setup, early pre-pitch load, short stride and average balance through contact. 78 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Defensively, steady hands and clean exchange on the infield. Long arm action, high ¾ to ¾ slot at times, displayed some accuracy and throws clocked at 74 mph. 7.44 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

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