Underclass Showcase: Pitcher Analysis

November 20, 2015

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

We began rolling out the Underclass Showcase analysis earlier this week and today we take a look at the top pitchers. There was a plethora of young pitching prospects on display at the event so we decided to rank the Top 20. 2019 RHP Grant Leader stole the show, sitting 85-86 mph with a loose and quick arm action. Leader also flashed four pitches for strikes that are presently above-average offerings for his age.

Coming in closely behind Leader was 6-foot-7, 2018 LHP Steven Sanchez, an imposing figure who flashed a low 80's fastball and showed the ability to spin a breaking ball with depth.

Our Scouting staff got together and ranked the Top 20 pitchers which are listed below.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Grant Leader, RHP/C, Lyons, 2019
5-foot-8, 130-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/C. Works from an over the top arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Smooth rhythm with an open landing and athletic finish. Tends to leak out front early. Threw fastball for strikes with slight running action at 85-86 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape with sharp action at 67-69 mph. Slider showed 10-4 shape at 75 mph. Showed feel for changeup while maintaining arm speed at 71-72 mph. One of the top arms in the 2019 class. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws showed carry popping 2.11-2.19 and throwing 81 mph from the crouch. At the plate hits from a balanced setup, preloaded to backside, with a short linear stride. Line drive hitter with a short, level swing path. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.27.

2. Steven Sanchez, LHP/OF, Mundelein, 2018
Massive bodied 6-foot-7, 217-pound left-handed pitcher and left-handed hitting outfielder. On the mound, quick, clean, loose and long arm action. Smooth rhythm, high ¾ slot, tall and fall delivery. Short stride and tendency to finish upright. Fastball sat 81-82 mph. Featured a knuckle curveball, worked 12/6, sharp action, depth and sat 67-68 mph. Changeup flashed some arm-side-run and ranged between 70-73 mph. Given his extra-large frame and clean, loose arm action, his velocity should continue to climb as he gets more in sync with his body and matures. Offensively, athletic setup in the box. Simple, compact swing with present strength through contact. Fast bat speed, short path through the hitting zone and fluid rhythm and good balance throughout. Registered an exit velocity of 84 mph. Defensively, decent feet for his body type and size in the outfield. Plays through the baseball with a clean exchange. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, some accuracy and carry clocked at 80 mph. Also, ran a 7.82 laser-timed 60.

3. Scott Youngbrandt, INF/OF/RHP, Andrew, 2018
Solid build 5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed hitting infielder, outfielder and pitcher. Showed a good combination of tools at the event. One of the top exit velocities of the event, 88 mph. Offensively, simple and strong swing. Made a lot of hard contact during his round of batting practice. Smooth, fluid rhythm, and loose hands throughout swing. Advanced bat path for his age. Short to the ball and gets extension after contact. Balanced setup, pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance. Defensively, played the infield and the outfield. Athletic actions, with a plus outfield arm and carry. Throws were accurate, online and clocked at 86 mph from the outfield. Reliable hands, quick, fluid footwork and plays through the baseball. On the infield, short, over-the-top arm action, with life across the diamond, clocked at 84 mph. Also, ran a 7.55 laser-timed 60. On the mound, regular effort, tall and fall delivery. Quick, loose arm from an over-the-top slot. Smooth rhythm, on-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Featured a four-pitch mix, thrown for strikes. Fastball, fairly straight and sat 83-84 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, 73-74 mph. Curveball, worked 12/6 and 11/5 at times with depth, 73 mph. Slider was much tighter than his curveball, worked 10/4 and sat 74-75 mph.

4. Myles Norman, OF/RHP, Morgan Park, 2018
Lean, projectable frame 6-foot, 160-pound right-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. Impressive set of tools. Ran a 7.18 laser-timed 60, was 89 mph from the outfield, registered an exit velocity of 84 mph and was up to 84 mph with his fastball off the mound. Offensively, has a good feel for hitting. Creates easy bat speed with loose and whippy hands. Short path to the baseball and gets extension through contact at times. Balanced, open setup, smooth pre-pitch load and short toe-tap stride. Fluid rhythm, above-average balance and a quick bat. Defensively, athletic actions and attacks the baseball in the outfield. Quick, loose, long and athletic arm action. Throws had life and carry at times. On the mound, lightning quick arm from a high ¾ window. With his frame and arm action it would be easy to see his velocity climb in the near future. Drop and drive delivery with a lot of effort. Good command of his fastball and changeup. Fastball thrown for strikes, flashed life and sat 82-84 mph. Changeup, feel, thrown with fastball arm speed, ranged between 69-74 mph. Needs to sharpen up his curveball that worked 11/5 and sat 55-59 mph. Could benefit from learning a slider. Overall, athletic prospect that should be a high follow in the 2018 class.

5. Sean Sinisko, LHP/1B, Aurora Central Catholic, 2018
Extra-large 6-foot-4, 210-pound, two-way player, sturdy build, projects best on the mound. Delivery shows some rhythm, keeps front side closed, soft landing flexed front knee, exaggerated finish. Arm action is loose, quick strong arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed slight action, mostly down, 80-81 mph, topped at 82 mph. Curveball showed feel, gradual 1/7 action, 65-67 mph. Straight changeup flashed feel for the zone, 70-73 mph. Left-handed hitter, balanced stance, drops hands into load, short stride. Long uphill path, pull side approach. 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed actions around the bag, short loose arm action, 76 mph across the diamond.

6. Andrew Wiegman, SS/RHP, Carmel Catholic, 2019
Loose projectable frame, lean athlete, 6-foot-2, 170-pound two-way prospect, big upside. Lively bat, right-handed hitter, tall balanced stance, heel lift load, lower half works, solid balance through contact. Loose whippy hands, aggressive athletic hacks, fast bat, level path, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed athleticism in the field, clean exchange, fluid feet, 7.26 runner in the 60. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, lacked carry, 76 mph across the diamond. On the mound delivery is athletic and repeats, stays online. Live loose arm, high ¾ arm slot, upside arm on the mound. Fastball showed control, worked the bottom half with some tilt, 80-81 mph. Curveball has sweeping action, flashed good bite, 66-69 mph. Showed a knuckle ball at 67-70 mph.

7. Jacob Rosenkranz, RHP, Stevenson, 2019
Right-handed pitcher with a lanky build at 6-foot-1, 140-pounds. On the mound works from a high ¾ with a short, loose arm action. Full overhead delivery, slow paced, inline with home plate. Square landing with athletic finish. Repeatable delivery. Fastball showed slight running action at 77-78 topping out at 79 mph. Threw slider for strikes with sharp 11-5 shape at 67-70 mph. Changeup showed hard cutting action at 73-74 mph. Will continue to improve with maturity.

8. Isaac Kaufmann, LHP/1B/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2018
Athletic build 6-foot-1, 165-pound room to fill out left-handed hitting infielder, outfielder and pitcher. On the mound, smooth rhythm and repeats his delivery well. Over-the-head windup, in-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Short, quick and loose arm action from a high ¾ window. Uses a four-pitch arsenal. Fastball, heavy action, arm-side-run, thrown for strikes and sat 76-79 mph, touching 80. Curveball thrown for strikes, worked 1/7, good depth, 66-69 mph. Also, featured a slider, sharp, tight spin worked mainly 1/7 and sat 67-70 mph. Changeup, spotted down in the zone, for strikes, sink and fade, ranged between 66-71 mph. Offensively, showed feel for hitting and worked the opposite-field gap at times during batting practice. Balanced, open setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 75 mph. Defensively, flashed some actions in the outfield and infield. Reliable hands and clean exchange. Athletic, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot. Throws were accurate and clocked at 73 mph across the infield and 80 mph from the outfield. Also, ran a 7.89 laser-timed 60.

9. Logan Peterson, RHP/INF, Morton, 2018
6-foot-1, 180-pound two-way player, projectable frame, long athletic shape. Tall and fall delivery, stays online, squared landing, balanced finish, uses slide step in stretch. Arm action is long, over the top slot, with some effort. Stayed on top of fastball mostly down when missed, 80-82 mph, touched 84 mph. Curveball showed feel, shorter back swing, dropped for strikes, 72-73 mph. Changeup has feel at 69-72 mph, controlled at the bottom of the zone. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, bat waggle load, toe tap stride. Longer path on uphill plane, average bat speed, showed looseness. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed arm strength across the diamond (81 mph), projects as third base, flashed body control on the move, average hands. 7.53 runner in the 60.

10. AJ Golembiewski, RHP, Marian Central Catholic, 2018
Right-handed pitcher with a lanky, thin frame at 6-foot-3, 165-pounds. Works from a high ¾ arm angle with short, loose arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with a short stride towards home plate. Toe closed at landing with good balance throughout delivery. Threw fastball for strikes with slight running action at 78-80 topping out at 81 mph. Slider Showed 11-5 shape at 66-68 mph. Showed feel for his changeup with fading action for strikes at 69-73 mph.

11. Miles Powell, RHP, Deerfield, 2018
6-foot-4, 200-pound, right-handed pitcher with a solid frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall at balance point, slight collapse on the backside before heading to the plate. Some rhythm with level shoulder and a closed landing. Fastball sat 78-80 mph. Got under curveball that showed sweeping action at 60-61 mph. Splitter sat 72-74 mph.

12. Marcus Wright, RHP/SS, St. Patrick, 2019
5-foot-10, 160-pound two-way player, athletic shape. Delivery is athletic, slide step stretch. Quick arm, short arm action, arm speed projects. Fastball has life, slight run, solid control, 79-81 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, ranged 64-70 mph. Offensively hits from both sides, balanced stance, short stride, average balance. Showed a more natural bat from the right side, attacked the baseball, easy swing. Path is short and level, pull side approach. 81 mph exit velocity from the right side, 76 mph from the left side. Defensively showed arm strength across the diamond, 82 mph. Good athlete, 6.72 runner in the 60.

13. Jacob Newman, RHP/1B, Glenbrook South, 2018
6-foot-2, 190-pound two-way player, large frame, projects best on the mound. Full windup, clean repeatable delivery, showed good balance and flashed signs of pitchability. Loose arm action, high ¾ slot, minimal effort. Fastball sat 79-80 mph, touched 81 mph, mostly straight, showed control. Curveball has vertical action, gets on top of it, 64-67 mph. Changeup showed some feel with arm action, 72-74 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, loads hands back, average balance. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed actions around the bag, hands played. Arm action is short from a high ¾ slot, 75 mph across the diamond. 7.98 runner in the 60.

14. Kyle Salley, OF/LHP, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2018
Smaller framed 5-foot-7, 140-pound athletic left-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. Defensively, showed off one of the strongest arms at the event from the outfield, 88 mph. Clean, quick arm action, throws had life, accuracy and carry. Athletic actions, soft hands and fluid footwork. Offensively, quick bat that stayed flat through the hitting zone at times. Line drive approach at the plate. Open setup, short stride and stays short to the ball. Registered an exit velocity of 73 mph. Also, ran a 7.21 laser-timed 60. On the mound, tall and fall delivery and smooth rhythm throughout. Clean, loose arm action, high ¾ window and easy effort. High front side, in-line direction and athletic finish. Fastball, thrown for strikes, down in the zone and sat 77-79 mph. Curveball worked 1/7 and ranged between 61-64 mph. Changeup flashed some sink, worked the bottom of the zone, and sat 70-71 mph.

15. William Jackson, OF/RHP, Loyola, 2018
Athletically built 5-foot-10, 155-pound right-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. Offensively, gap-to-gap approach, long and level path through the zone. Balanced setup, toe-tap stride and average balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, athletic actions and fluid footwork in the outfield. Clean exchange and plays through the baseball. Long arm action, high ¾ slot some accuracy and carry, clocked at 79 mph. Also, ran a 7.46 laser-timed 60. On the mound, throws all of his pitches with conviction and some effort. Repeats well, three pitches for strikes and had action on all of his offerings. Long arm action, high ¾ window and some rhythm. Fastball, thrown for strikes, down in the zone with arm-side-run and ranged between 77-80 mph. Feel for his curveball, sharp 11/5 action and depth, 67-69 mph. Changeup thrown aggressively, down in the zone and at times flashed plus action, 71-74 mph.

16. Charles Wood, RHP/3B, Fenwick, 2018
Projectable frame, long lanky build, 6-foot-4, 195-pound two-way player. Raw gangly actions with some projection. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, short stride, minimal lower half. Upper half dominant swing and showed advanced bat speed, loose fast hands. 94 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played loose, and athletic from multiple slots when on the move. Showed some body control, 72 mph across the diamond. On the mound delivery is rotational, can get more separation from lower half, slight collapse. Arm action is loose, high ¾ slot, showed control of three pitches. Fastball has slight arm side run, feel for the zone, 76-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, near fastball arm speed, 66-69 mph. Changeup flashed fade, 68-73 mph with arm action.

17. Francois Castillo, 3B/RHP, Roberto Clemente, 2018
5-foot-10, 195-pound two-way prospect, advanced physically, strong build, solid athlete. Defensively showed advanced actions, hands are soft, ability to cushion the baseball, athletic and plays through the baseball, feet work. 7.51 runner in the 60. Strong arm across the diamond, quick over the top slot, flashed carry, 83 mph across, advanced arm strength. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, slightly open stance, short stride. Aggressive swinger, good path to the baseball stays on top, ability to backspin and get extension through contact. Has upside with the bat, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound showed similar arm strength, raw abilities, high ¾ slot, short arm action with some effort. Fastball is mostly straight, 78-82 mph. Slider at 77-78 mph. Flashed changeup at 73-74 mph.

18. Gage Olszak, INF/RHP, St. Laurence, 2018
Long projectable frame, 6-foot-2, 188-pound lean shape projects. Right-handed bat looks to be best tool, balanced stance, short stride, maintains strong balance through contact. Simple strong approach, loose, hands, attacks the baseball, compact. Path works really well, short to it with extension, showed bat speed, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played loose, high ¾ slot across the diamond, showed arm strength at 80 mph across, only flashed carry at times. Plays tall defensively, clean exchange, hands played. 8.08 runner in the 60. On the mound showed arm strength, can get more out of lower half, stays tall through release, upright finish. Clean arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed slight sinking action, 77-79 mph, touched 80 mph. Showed two breaking balls, both at similar velocity, slider at 67-69 mph, curveball at 65-67 mph, both with similar shape, threw curveball for strikes. Changeup flashed feel and action, 69-73 mph.

19. Drew Gorski, RHP/3B, New Trier, 2018
Long gangly two-way player, 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. On the mound arm works long and loose, tall and fall delivery, shows projection on the mound. Fastball sits 77-80 mph. Curveball plays 11/5, tends to cast, 54-57 mph. Changeup is 58-61 mph, decelerated arm action. Projects best on the mound. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, slight arm bar load. Path works uphill, scooping path, creates some bat speed, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed arm strength across the diamond, long loose, 77 mph across. 7.84 runner in the 60.

20. Evan Daly, RHP/OF, Palatine, 2018
Average build 5-foot-10, 150-pound right-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. On the mound, regular effort, tall and fall delivery. Some rhythm, on-line, square landing and athletic finish. Short, quick arm action from a high ¾ slot. 2-seam fastball sat 79-80 mph. Curveball worked 11/5, 66-67 mph. Changeup thrown with feel, fastball arm speed and located down in the zone, flashed sink and arm-side-run at 73-75 mph. Offensively, flashed quick twitch and aggressiveness in swing. Strength through contact. Balanced, wide setup, pre-pitch load, short stride and average balance throughout. Level bat path through the hitting zone and gap-to-gap approach. Registered an exit velocity of 76 mph. Defensively, flashed arm strength with carry on throws, clocked at 78 mph from the outfield. Reliable hands and clean exchange. Long arm action from a high ¾ slot.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Jalen Acevedo, RHP, Clemente, 2018
5-foot-11, 165-pound, right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a long arm action. Slow leg lift to balance point, stays tall thru delivery. Online delivery with a slightly closed landing and upright finish. Threw fastball for strikes at 75-77 topping out at 78 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape with gradual, early action at 64-66 mph. Showed some feel for a changeup while maintaining arm speed at 69-71 mph.

Samson Barboza, SS/RHP, Solorio, 2018
5-foot-8, 165-pound two-way player, average frame. Defensively showed soft hands, ability to cushion the base to release, advanced actions, clean exchange. 7.94 runner in the 60. Arm plays over the top, short arm action, accurate across the diamond with carry, 77 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, coil loading action, heel lift load. Average bat speed, uphill path, fluid hitter, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound works from a high ¾ slot, coiled delivery. Fastball has slight run, 78-80 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, showed spin and occasional depth, ranged 55-61 mph. Changeup showed some feel, 68-74 mph, slight arm side action. Flashed a knuckleball, 65-66 mph.

Robert Bluntson, OF/RHP, Morgan Park, 2018
Solid build 5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. Offensively, balanced setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Average bat speed and short bat path through the hitting zone. Registered an exit velocity of 82 mph. Defensively, clean exchange in the outfield. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and some accuracy on throws, clocked at 72 mph. Also, ran a 7.38 laser-timed 60. On the mound, tall and fall delivery. Short arm action out of a high ¾ window. On-line direction and athletic finish. Fastball sat 68-70 mph, touching 71. Curveball worked 11/5 and ranged between 68-70 mph. Slider was 65 mph. Also, threw a splitter, flashed some sink, 64-68 mph.

Wyatt Boyer, LHP/OF, Salt Fork, 2018
Slender build 5-foot-9, 130-pound left-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. Offensively, short, level bat path through the hitting zone. Balanced, closed setup, short stride average balance through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 64 mph. Defensively, long arm action from a ¾ slot. Throws clocked at 67 mph from the outfield. Also, ran a 7.67 laser-timed 60. On the mound, operated from a tall and fall delivery. Short, clean arm action out of a high ¾ window. Some rhythm in delivery, in-line direction, square landing and athletic finish. Fastball, slight run, ranged between 70-73 mph. Curveball, backed up at times, 1/7 shape, 61-65 mph. Changeup, fastball arm speed, sinking action and sat 64-66 mph.

Keaton Bubala, RHP/1B, Latin, 2018
6-foot-3, 195-pound two-way player, large frame, athletic shape. Tall and fall delivery, closed landing. Arm action is long, firm and over the top. Fastball is 73-75 mph, mostly straight. Slider is 10/4 action, 69-72 mph. Changeup played at 64-67 mph. Also flashed a curveball at 59-64 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, regular stride. Showed bat strength, lifting swing, uphill path. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long, 75 mph across the diamond, average hands. 7.86 runner in the 60.

Antonio Handley, MIF/RHP, Morgan Park, 2018
5-foot-8, 140-pound two-way player, lean athletic frame. Defensively arm plays short and over the top, played with some accuracy, 75 mph across the diamond. Played athletically with solid hands. 7.66 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, tall open setup, short stride back to even. Shorter path to the baseball, lacked extension, pull side contact in BP. 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound fastball flashed cut action, 74-75 mph. Curveball has 10/4 shape, showed feel, slider type action, 67-68 mph, flashed sharp action. Changeup is mostly straight, fastball arm speed, 64-66 mph.

Nate Jacobson, OF/SS/RHP, Crystal Lake South, 2018
Lanky build 5-foot-10, 133-pound room to fill out right-handed hitting outfielder, infielder and pitcher. Offensively, balanced setup, slight pre-pitch load and short stride. Uphill bat path and at times gets extension through contact. Registered an exit velocity of 69 mph. Defensively, looked more natural playing the outfield than the infield. Fluid movements in the outfield and a good first step. Steady hands, clean exchange and plays through the baseball in the outfield. Long arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 72 mph from the outfield and the infield. On the mound, coiled leg-lift, tall and fall delivery. Short arm action, high ¾ window and some rhythm throughout. Fastball flashed slight run at times, sat 71-73 mph. Curveball worked 11/5, up in the zone, 55-56 mph. Changeup looked to be his best offering. Feel, thrown for strikes with plus sink and fade at times, 61-64 mph.

Alec Kotler, RHP/MIF, Latin, 2018
5-foot-8, 143-pound two-way player. On the mound uses a full windup, balanced finish. Short arm action, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed slight run, 68-69 mph. Curveball has gradual action on 11/5 plane, 54-60 mph. Changeup played at 55-57 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, reverse toe tap to leg kick stride, late wrap load. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 70 mph across the diamond, long exchange. 7.92 runner in the 60.

Freddie Morales, MIF/RHP, Roberto Clemente, 2018
5-foot-8, 140-pound two-way player. Defensively arm played from a low ¾ slot, some accuracy, 71 mph across the diamond. Hands played average, clean exchange, plays deep. 7.85 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, minimal loading action. Bat path has length, slight cast on uphill plane, 71 mph exit velocity from the tee. Clean arm action, uninterrupted, high ¾ slot, showed ability to throw strikes with three pitches. Fastball is mostly straight, four seam type, 71-73 mph. Curveball is gradual on an 11/5 plane, near fastball arm speed, 60-62 mph. Straight changeup found the zone, 62-68 mph.

Elijah Paplanus, RHP/3B, Huntley, 2019
5-foot-11, 140-pound two-way player, average slender frame. Tall and fall delivery, closed off front side, works across his body. Full arm action, high ¾ slot, some effort. Fastball sat 72-74 mph, mostly straight. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 62-63 mph. Changeup stayed down, showed feel, slight sink at 68-69 mph. Right-handed hitter, wide crouched setup, short stride, slight dive. Long flat path, some cast, occasional line drive. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long, over the top slot, 66 mph across the diamond. 7.39 runner in the 60.

Ryan Patel, MIF/RHP, Mundelein, 2018
Thin lanky frame, 5-foot-10, 130-pound two-way player, projectable build. Defensively is a loose and gangly athlete, advanced actions, hands played really well, cushions the baseball, played well on the move, good body control. Well above average arm for his age, 75 mph across the diamond, flashed carry, showed accuracy, loose high ¾ arm that can play athletically. Right-handed hitter, open stance, leg lift back to even. Loose hands, level path, line drive type, sits on back side. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran the 60 at 8.06. On the mound showed a loose arm with regular effort, works slightly across his body, high ¾ slot. Fastball has slight run, 73-75 mph, touched 77 mph. Curveball found the zone at 59-61 mph. Showed feel for his changeup, 66-68 mph, slight arm side run, near fastball arm speed.

Brandon Petkoff, SS/RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2018
6-foot-1, 168-pound left-handed hitting two-way player, lanky athletic shape with projection. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, solid balance. Flashed bat speed and hard contact, pull side approach, 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played from a high ¾ slot and firm, 70 mph across the diamond. Ran a 7.19 60 yard dash. On the mound delivery is directional, high ¾ slot. Fastball showed some feel of the zone, slight running action, 73-75 mph. Slider plays 10/4, gradual action, 66 mph. Changeup fades, found the strike zone, fastball arm speed, 63-66 mph.

Alex Pittman, 3B/RHP, Morgan Park, 2019
5-foot-7, 180-pound two-way player, solid stocky build. Profiles best at third base. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, solid balance. Loose hands, easy swing with occasional pop, showed bat strength, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee, gained extension, fluid hitter. Defensively hands appeared soft, cushioned and funneled to release. Longer exchange, over the top slot, flashed carry, throws stayed on line, 78 mph across the diamond. 8.06 runner. On the mound fastball sat at 75-77 mph. Curveball plays on 12/6 plane, 67-69 mph. Flashed a knuckle ball at 67-69 mph.

Ernan Rivera, INF/RHP, Solorio, 2018
5-foot-9, 145-pound two-way player, lean slender build. Defensively showed soft hands on the infield, fluid feet, plays athletically through the baseball, good body control, clean advanced actions for his age. Arm played up, short loose and athletic, can play from multiple angles and on the move, highly accurate and showed carry, 73 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short toe tap stride. Showed the ability to repeat swing, fluid loose hitter, spray type singles guy. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 8.44 runner in the 60. On the mound uses a clean arm action, high ¾ slot, slide step from the stretch. Fastball has run, sat 76-77 mph, touched 78 mph. Showed ability to spin his curveball, flashed action, 61-63 mph. Changeup is firm at 72-73 mph, fastball arm speed.

Daniel Rodriguez, RHP/3B, Oswego East, 2018
Long slender, 6-foot-1, 158-pound two-way player, projectable frame. Delivery works with rhythm, repeats, closed landing. Full/firm arm swing, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed slight cut action, 74-75 mph. Curveball plays on 11/5 plane, 66-70 mph, casts some, showed action. Firm changeup thrown aggressively with fastball arm speed, some feel, lacked separation from fastball, 71-73 mph. Right-handed hitter, open stance, short stride back to even. Swing flashed looseness, hits off back side, 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played with some actions, looks the part, best suited for third base. Arm plays longer from high ¾ slot, 75 mph across the diamond. 7.70 runner in the 60.

Brett Selke, OF/RHP, Brother Rice, 2018
Lean 6-foot, 160-pound room to fill out right-handed hitting outfielder and pitcher. Ran a 7.26 laser-timed 60. Offensively, athletic and balanced setup. Short stride and average balance through contact. Uphill bat path at times. Registered an exit velocity of 76 mph. Defensively, steady hands, fluid footwork and a long clean exchange. Long arm action, over-the-top slot, some accuracy and clocked at 80 mph. On the mound, long arm action, tall and fall delivery. Some rhythm, in-line direction and athletic finish. Fastball sat 71-74 mph, touched 75. Curveball, sat 59-62 mph. Flashed some feel for his changeup, 67-68 mph.

Payton Sowa, MIF/RHP, Wheaton Academy, 2018
5-foot-11, 157-pound two-way player, average body type. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, late wrap/waggle load, short leg kick stride. Aggressive swinger, showed bat speed, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played short from a high ¾ slot, showed above average arm strength for age, 75 mph across the diamond. 7.94 runner in the 60. On the mound is a slight drop and drive style delivery, ¾ arm slot, draws out with slight stabbing action. Fastball showed slight run, 74-75 mph. Curveball played on 11/5 plane, 59-61 mph. Changeup showed some feel with slight sink, 69-71 mph.

Underclass Showcase: Pitcher Analysis

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

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