Prep Baseball Report

Underclass Trials: Pitcher Analysis


By: Adam Panayotovich
Area Scout

The final analysis breakdown from June’s Underclass Trials digs into the pitchers. This was one of the best positional groups in attendance and saw two 2021’s crack the top-10 ranks, those being left-handers Ryan Kraft (Lincoln-Way Central) and Kade Walker (De La Salle).

Two athletic, projectable right-handers claimed the 1-2 spots in Mason Burns (Normal Community) and Aidan Stewart (Marian Catholic), both seeing their fastballs sit comfortably in the mid 80’s. Each showed an ability to spin the breaking and pull the string on a changeup.

Isaiah Coupet (Homewood-Flossmoor) is a 6-foot, wiry left-hander that impressed with a lively, loose arm. Coupet sat his heater at 85/86 mph and showed off legit power break on his curveball.

Will Tenuta is an uber projectable right-hander who has plenty of room for continued physical development. The 2020 Sandburg product flashed signs of an electric arm with a potential three-pitch repertoire that’s more than playable at the next level.

To see the how the top-10 list played out, as well as an in-depth report on every pitcher in attendance, read on below.

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Mason Burns, RHP, Normal Community, 2020
6-foot-3, 170-pound, right-handed pitcher, wiry, athletic frame, plenty of room for continued development. Stretch only delivery, sturdy, flat foot balance point, utilizes lower half to extend down the mound, works straight to home, heel first open landing, athletic finish with easy effort. Full, short arm swing, loose arm action, arm speed gradually picks up after hand break, clean high ¾ slot, rhythm and tempo throughout. Fastball works downhill, flashed run with occasional heavy sink, 83-86 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, occasional depth and bite, 71-74 mph. Changeup worked down, swing and miss drop action with arm speed,77-80 mph.

2. Aidan Stewart, INF/RHP, Marian Catholic, 2020
6-foot-5, 173-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, thin, athletic, projectable frame. At the plate, open setup, smooth load, short leg lift trigger, maintains balance. Confident hitter, loose hands, short/level bat with with extension through the zone, natural uphill lift at times, line drive ability to the middle of the field, smooth rhythm throughout. Above average bat speed, exit velocity topped 91 mph from a tee. Defensively, natural actions, plays through the ball with fluid, agile footwork, soft hands, quick/clean release, short arm action, high ¾ slot. True ball, comes out easy, carried across at 88 mph. 7.81 runner in the 60. On the mound, compact balance point, works in line down the mound, square landing, athletic finish. Super loose arm, full arm swing, quick and clean out front, high ¾ slot, easy effort involved. Flashed four pitch mix with feel for the zone. Fastball, worked straight 82-84 mph, topped 85 mph. Curveball, 12/6 action with depth, 64-66 mph. Slider, 10/4 sweeper, can bury it,  68-71 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, hard fade, 72-73 mph.

3. Isaiah Coupet, LHP, Homewood-Flossmoor, 2020
6-foot, 160-pound, left-handed pitcher, high-waisted, athletic frame. Quick side step to sturdy, compact balance point, tall on back side, hip lead extension down the mound, closed toe landing, athletic finish out front. High front side, keeps shoulders in line, long arm action on back side, clean and super loose out front, effortless arm speed, hides the ball on back side, high ¾ slot, natural smooth rhythm involved. Three pitch mix, all maintain arm speed with feel for the strike zone. Fastball, hard downhill tilt, slight run, 85-86 mph. Curveball, 12/6 power break, swing and miss depth, 66-68 mph. Changeup, arm side run, faded off the table when down, 71-74 mph.

4. Ryan Kraft, INF/RHP, Lincoln-Way Central, 2021
6-foot-3, 180-pound, left-handed hitting two-way player, tall, athletic, projectable frame. At the plate, tall, open setup, smooth back load, short stride, maintains balance. Loose hands, uphill bat path with extension, creates lift through swing, gap to gap approach, easy, fluid rhythm throughout. Fast bat speed, exit velocity topped 90 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through athletically, clean actions, agile footwork, soft hands, long, loose arm, ¾ slot, throws carried 76 mph across. 7.80 runner in the 60. On the mound, short side step windup, toe lift, high knee balance point, works in line, high front side with hip lead, open toe landing, super athletic finish out front, rhythm involved. Short, loose arm swing, hides ball well on back side, quick arm speed, high ¾ slot, easy effort throughout. Polished three pitch mix with feel for the zone. Fastball comes out easy with late run, 81-83 mph. Curveball, gradual 2/8 break, flashed depth 64-68 mph. Changeup maintained fastball arm speed, faded hard off the table, 73-75 mph.

5. Will Tenuta, RHP, Sandburg, 2020
6-foot-1, 160-pound, right-handed pitcher, lanky, athletic frame. Quick tempo delivery, short side step to toe lift, compact balance point, tilt and topple style, extends in line down the mound, square landing, athletic finish out front, easy effort involved. High front side, loose, short arm swing, repeatable, quick and aggressive arm speed, hides ball well on back side, clean high ¾ slot, rhythm involved. Fastball worked straight to glive side, 83-84 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, worked straight with occasional fade, 72-79 mph. Curveball, 12/6 shape, flashed tight spin, 67-72 mph.

6. Brandon Jernigan, 1B/RHP, Huntley, 2020
6-foot, 240-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, imposing, physical frame. Offensively, balanced, closed toe setup, back/drop load, short toe tap trigger. Loose hands, long, uphill bat path, above average bat speed, looks to create lift though swing, flashed major pull side pop deep to left field. Some effort and rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 91 mph from a tee. Defensively, moves well for his size, plays through with rhythm, soft hands, clean transfer/exchange, short, high ¾ slot, ball carried across at 84 mph. 7.80 runner in the 60. On the mound, short rocker step to heel lift balance point, utilizes hip lead to extend down the mound, works in line, athletic finish out front. Full arm swing on back side, some quickness out front, loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball sank, down in the zone to arm side, ranged 82-85 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, flashed depth, 66-69 mph.

7. Kade Walker, LHP/OF, De La Salle, 2021
6-foot-1, 160-pound, left-handed hitting two-way player, long-limbed, athletic, projectable, frame. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth back/drop load, leg kick trigger, maintains balance with rhythm involved. Confident hitter, loose hands, long, level bat path, attacks the baseball, sprayed line drives to the middle of the field, natural, present bat speed, exit velocity topped 84 mph from a tee. Defensively, moves well laterally, agile footwork, plays through, clean pre-throw actions, long, super loose arm action, ¾ slot, slings it, throws topped 77 mph from the outfield. 7.95 runner in the 60. Left-handed pitcher, deliberate pace to high knee balance point, short stride down the mound, works in line, high front side, closed toe landing, slight recoil/spin to third at finish. Short arm swing, super loose arm action, arm gets quick gradually after hand break, ¾ slot. Fastball, worked down with arm side run, 73-75 mph. Changeup maintains arm speed, faded with occasional cut 65-69 mph. Slider, gradual 2/8 break, 60-62 mph.

8. Benjamin Collins, LHP/OF, Chesterton (IN), 2020
5-foot-11, 150-pound,  two-way player, lanky, athletic frame, plenty of room for continued physical development. Left-handed pitcher, tall, relaxed heel lift balance point, keeps hands low, works in line, aggressive over the front side, athletic finish with some spin to third base. Super loose, full arm swing, gradual arm speed at hand break, quick and clean out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball worked straight in the zone, some cut, 79-81 mph, topped 82 mph. Slider ⅔ gradual break, 66-69 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, faded, 73-75 mph. Left-handed hitter, open setup, back bar load, short leg lift trigger. Short, uphill bat path, stays inside the ball, flashed line drive ability, present bat speed, exit velocity topped 89 mph from a tee. Defensively, agile footwork, naturally plays through, clean exchange, full arm swing, long and loose, ¾ slot, throws carried 82 mph from the outfield. 7.20 runner in the 60..

9. Cole Anderson, LHP, St. Laurence, 2020
6-foot-2, 175-pound, left-handed pitcher, athletic frame, projectable frame. Hybrid delivery, relaxed actions, simple leg up and down balance point, extends down the mound, works in line, square landing, clean, athletic finish out front. High front side, loose, short arm swing, clean, high ¾ slot, easy effort involved. Fastball worked straight, occasional cut, 78-80 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, faded down, 67-70 mph. Curveball, loose, 1/7 spinner, 63-65 mph.

10. Breck Nowik, INF/RHP, Lake Forest, 2020
6-foot-2, 160-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, lanky, athletic frame. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, maintains balance. Loose hands, short, level, compact bat path, flashed line drive ability to the middle of the field, fluid rhythm involved. Exit velocity topped 86 mph from a tee. Defensively can stick in the middle of the field, fluid footwork, plays through with soft hands, gets rid of it on the move, short, loose arm, multi angle slot, throws topped 80 mph across. 7.40 runner in the 60. On the mound, short leg up and down delivery, works in line, short stride down the mound, spins towards first at finish. Short, loose, whippy arm action, quick out front, ¾ slot. Fastball flashed run in the zone, 78-80 mph, topped 82 mph. Curveball, 10/4 slurve shape, gradual break, some depth, 66-74 mph. Changeup, faded with arm speed, 70-75 mph.

Best of the rest (Listed alphabetically)

Connor Cassady, C/RHP, Lyons, 2020
6-foot-3, 180-pound, lanky, athletically-built two-way prospect. Defensively, traditional catcher’s actions, short, over-the-top slot, throws on target with easy effort, 74 mph out of the crouch. Fluid footwork, clean exchanges, pop times ranged between 2.11-2.19. Offensively, right-handed, open setup, hands load back. Line drive contact, loose actions, long, level barrel path, 78 mph exit velocity off a tee. On the mound, long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, easy effort. Tall and fall delivery, smooth rhythm, momentum works down the mound towards home, lands square, finishes athletically out front. Fastball, consistent sink action, run at-times, some tilt, commanded, 78-81, touched 82. Curveball, 12/6 shape, feel for, 63-70. Changeup, fastball arm speed, fade action, thrown with conviction, 62-69.  

Cameron Demos, RHP/OF, Downers Grove North, 2020
6-foot-1, 185-pound, left-handed hitting two-way player, wiry, athletic frame. Offensively, balanced, closed toe setup, smooth load, short stride, maintains balance. Loose, athletic hands, uphill bat path, line drive hitter with pull side tendencies, smooth rhythm involved. Quick bat speed, exit velocity topped 88 mph from a tee. Defensively plays through with fluid footwork, hands work, clean exchange, full, loose arm swing, high ¾ slot, throws carried 84 mph from the outfield. 7.17 runner in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, quick side step to a sturdy balance point, hip leads to extension down the mound, in line, square landing, athletic finish, easy effort. Short, loose arm action, clean high ¾ slot. Fastball, worked straight, 78-80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 gradual break, slows arm, 63-64 mph. Changeup, faded in the zone, 66-69 mph.

Jimmy Fairley, RHP/OF, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-2, 185-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, high-waisted frame. Offensively, tall, narrow setup, smooth drop load, short stride. Long, level bat path, occasionally uphill, simple middle of the field approach, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, plays through, clean exchange, long, whippy arm action, ¾ slot, throws topped 80 mph from the outfield. 7.71 runner in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, coils at balance point, heel first, square landing, works mostly in line, can get rotational with a stiff finish, easy effort. Long loose arm action, full arm swing, present arm speed, ¾ slot. Fastball ran, occasional heavy sink, 80-82 mph, topped 83 mph. Slider, 10/4 shape, flashed ability to spin it, 64-67 mph. Changeup, faded with arm speed, in the zone, 73-74 mph.

Nick Fehrle, INF/RHP, Boylan, 2021
6-foot-2, 215-pound, left-handed hitting two-way player, thick frame. At the plate, balanced, closed setup, drop/bar load, short toe tap trigger. Loose hands, long, level bat path, favored pull side, some bat speed, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, pack exchange, short arm action, ¾ slot, throws topped 71 mph across with accuracy. 8.42 runner in the 60. On the mound, compact short balance point, works straight, short, closed toe stride, pop up recoil at finish. Short arm swing, some quickness out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball, worked straight, 70-73 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 59-68 mph.

Dominic Ferrari, C/RHP, Alleman Catholic, 2021
6-foot-1, 170-pound, physically-built two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, tall, open setup, barrel wrap on load, long stride. Pull hitter, long, uphill barrel path, 84 mph exit velocity. Ran a 7.72 laser-timed 60. Defensively, behind the plate, long arm action, high ¾ slot, 75 mph out of the crouch, pop times ranged 2.22-2.29. On the mound, long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot. Drop and drive delivery, smooth rhythm, shoulders stay level, lands square. Fastball, slight cut at-times, located, 76-78, touched 79. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 61-64. Changeup, mostly straight, 64-66.  

Brandon Frankel, LHP/OF, Stevenson, 2020
6-foot-1, 170-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, thin, athletic frame. At the plate, wide setup, back load, short toe lift stride. Long, level bat path, occasional line drive hitter, exit velocity topped 87 mph from a tee. Defensively, hands work, long exchange, full arm swing windup, over the top slot, throws topped 80 mph from the outfield. 7.55 runner in the 60. Left-handed pitcher, sturdy balance point, drops on back side, works in line, square landing, pops up at finish. Long arm on the back side, slight stab, quick and loose out front, over the top slot, effort involved. Fastball, occasional run, 75-78 mph, topped 80 mph. Curveball, minimal 1/7 break, 60-64 mph. Changeup played 66-68 mph.

Thomas Giese, 1B/RHP, Huntley, 2020
6-foot-4, 185-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, lanky, projectable frame. Balanced, slightly crouched setup, back/wrap load, long toe tap trigger. Long, uphill bat path, some rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 77 mph from a tee. Defensively comfortable around first base, steady hands, short, quick arm action, ball comes out easy, high ¾ slot, throws topped 71 mph across. 8.05 runner in the 60. On the mound, heel lift, sturdy balance point, slightly closed toe landing, spins off to first base at finish. Short arm swing, over the top slot, occasionally stiff at release, some effort involved. Fastball worked to the arm side, slight run, 74-79 mph, topped 80 mph. Curveball, 12/6 gradual break, 64-69 mph. Changeup played 74-75 mph.

David Hanson, RHP, Downers Grove North, 2021
6-foot, 175-pound, right-handed pitcher. Short side step to low toe lift balance point, keeps body over the rubber, short, closed toe stride, athleticism in finish. Long arm swing, high ¾ slot. Fastball worked straight, worked down, 65-68 mph, topped 70 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, 54-59 mph. Changeup played 62-64 mph.

Andrew Henderson, LHP, Huntley, 2020
5-foot-11, 141-pound, left-handed pitcher, lanky frame. Stretch only delivery, heel lift, high knee balance point, sits on back side then extends down mound, square landing, some athleticism in finish. High front side, long arm on the back side, clean and loose out front, present arm speed with effort involved. Fastball ran, 73-74 mph. Curveball, gradual 1/7 break, side spinner, 64-67 mph. Changeup worked straight and down, 67-68 mph.

Evan Herpstreith, INF/RHP, Nokomis, 2021
5-foot-9, 150-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, well-proportioned, athletic frame. At the plate, balanced setup, back bar load, short leg lift trigger, maintains balance. Loose hands, short, level bat path, favored pull side, flashed quick twitch swing with above average bat speed, exit velocity topped 82 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, quick exchange, short, whippy arm, ¾ slot. Throws carried across at 78 mph with accuracy. 7.46 runner in the 60. On the mound, compact, flat foot balance point, works in line, square/heel landing. Short, loose arm swing, arm speed throughout, ¾ to high ¾ slot. Fastball ran, down in the zone, 76-78 mph. Slider, gradual 11/5 break, 64-68 mph. Gets under changeup, played 67-71 mph.

Drew Hnilo, RHP/OF, Lindbergh Senior (MO), 2020
5-foot-10, 140-pound, two-way player, wiry, athletic frame. Right-handed pitcher, sturdy balance point, speeds up delivery at hand break, works slightly closed, lands square, super athletic finish, occasional spin to first. Some arm wrap on back side, long and super loose throughout, quick arm speed, clean high ¾ slot, effort involved. Fastball, slight run, bottom of the strike zone, 79-80 mph. Curveball, 11/5 power break with conviction, 67-70 mph. Slider, got on the side, some sweep, 71-74 mph. Changeup maintained  fastball arm speed with arm side run, sat 75 mph. At the plate, balanced setup, back load, short leg lift stride. Level bat path, pull side tendencies, exit velocity topped 75 mph from a tee. Defensively plays through, clean exchange, winds up, quick arm speed, high ¾ slot, throws carried in at 81 mph from the outfield. 7.51 runner in the 60.

Kyle Hussey, INF/RHP, Providence Catholic, 2021
5-foot-10, 145-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, high-waisted frame. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Keeps head down, level bat path, middle of the field, contact approach, one-handed finish, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, winds up at exchange, long arm action, high ¾ slot, throws topped 76 mph across. 7.32 runner in the 60. On the mound, tilt and topple delivery, tall balance, high front side, works in line, open landing, slight fall to first at finish. Full arm swing, long, loose, whippy arm, quick and clean out front, over the top slot. Fastball cut some, occasional tilt, 76-78 mph. Curveball 12/6 gradual break, 65-67 mph. Changeup worked at fastball arm speed, faded off the table, 70-71 mph.

Drew Iutzwig, RHP, Batavia, 2020
6-foot-5, 220-pound, right-handed pitcher, durable, imposing frame, athleticism in build. Repeatable tempo, toe lift, sturdy balance point, slight body coil, tilts back and uses frame to extend down the mound, works in line and lands square, super athletic finish. Full, long arm swing, clean out front, present arm speed, high ¾ slot, smooth rhythm throughout. Fastball thrown with conviction, occasional run in the zone, 78-80 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, flashed drop off the table ability, 69-72 mph. Curveball, gradual 10/4 break, 62-65 mph.

Tucker Kunzeman, RHP, Griggsville-Perry, 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted frame. Quick tempo delivery, tall and fall style, high knee, heel lift balance, hard sit on back side, shoulders open early, works in line, square landing, spins off to first at finish. Long arm stab on the back side, whippy ¾ arm slot. Fastball, slight run, kept it down, occasional cut, 72-74 mph. Curveball, loose 11/5 spin, 54-60 mph.Changeup cut, played 64-68 mph.

William Le Pretre, INF/RHP, DeLaSalle, 2020
5-foot-10, 130-pound, right-handed hitting, two-way player, thin, wiry frame. At the plate, balanced, relaxed setup, back bar drop load, short stride, rhythm involved. Long, uphill bat path, flashed hard contact to the pull side, exit velocity topped 85 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through the ball with fluid footwork, steady hands, ranges to his gloveside with ease. Clean exchange, short, loose arm action, over the top slot, ball carried with accuracy at 74 mph across the diamond. On the mound, tilt and topple delivery, works in line, extends down the mound, slight closed toe landing, athletic finish. Long arm on back side, some quickness out front, clean high ¾ arm slot, easy effort, rhythm involved. Slide step out of the stretch, quick to home and strikes with all pitches. Fastball, ran with tilt down in the zone, 77-80 mph. Slider, 11/5 gradual break, 67-69 mph. Changeup played 74-76 mph.

Jake Lynch, LHP/OF, Wheaton North, 2020
6-foot-1, 185-pound, left-handed hitting two-way player, high-waisted, durable frame. At the plate, open setup, top wrap load, short heel lift stride. Strong hands, level path, uphill at times, flashed line drive ability with lift to the pull side, exit velocity topped 91 mph from a tee. Defensively, plays through with athleticism, quick feet, steady hands, long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, effort involved, throws topped 81 mph from the outfield. 7.26 runner in the 60. Left-handed pitcher, easy effort and tempo, sturdy balance point, works in line down the mound, closed toe landing, athletic finish. Arm plays long and loose, clean, high ¾ slot. Fastball worked straight, in the zone, 78-80 mph. Curveball, gradual 2/8 shape, early out of the hand, 63-67 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, faded down for strikes, 74-75 mph.

Luc Melnick, RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2020
6-foot-1, 180-pound, right-handed pitcher. Long rocker step delivery to sturdy balance point, drop and drive style, works in line, square landing, athleticism in finish. Short arm action, over the top slot, effort involved. Fastball worked straight in the zone, 79-81 mph. Curveball, gradual 11/5 break, 60-63 mph. Changeup played 70-72 mph.

Michael Moise, RHP, Huntley, 2021
5-foot-10, 150-pound, right-handed pitcher, high-waisted, athletic frame. Short side step to compact balance point, utilizes lower half to drive down the mound, gets extension, works straight to home, heel first, open toe landing, athletic finish out front. Short arm swing, loose and clean action, quick arm speed, high ¾ slot, rhythm and effort throughout. Fastball worked straight, in the zone, 76-77 mph. Changeup played straight, pulled it some, 66-68 mph. Curveball, gradual 11/5 break, 58-61 mph.

Griffin Neuweg, INF/RHP, Rochester, 2021
5-foot-10, 155-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, athletic, durable frame. At the plate, balanced setup, wrap load, short stride. Long, level bat path, occasionally uphill, flashed pull side pop, exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, winds up at exchange, full arm swing, high ¾ slot, throws topped 74 mph across with accuracy. 8.08 runner in the 60. On the mound, rocks back side step to compact balance point, works in line, hard heel landing, some spin off at finish. Long arm on the back side, sone quickness out front, ¾ to high ¾ slot. Fastball ran, some sink 74-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball gradual 12/6 break, flashed depth, 64-66 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, faded, 65-68 mph.

Joshua Notriano, RHP/OF, Johnsburg, 2021
6-foot-1, 185-pound, left-handed hitting two-way player, strong, athletic frame. At the plate, closed, crouched setup, minimal load, short toe tap trigger. Present pre-pitch movement, strong, loose hands, uphill bat path, can create lift to the pull side, quick twitch swing, plus bat speed through the zone, exit velocity topped 85 mph from a tee. Defensively, steady hands, arm plays long, speeds up out front, high ¾ slot, throws carried at 81 mph from the outfield. 7.50 runner in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, rocker step delivery, simple heel lift balance point, works in line to a square landing, spins off to first at finish. Short arm swing, over the top slot, effort involved. Fastball had run, cut occasionally, 75-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Curveball 11/5 gradual break, 54-57 mph. Changeup, near fastball arm speed, sank, 65-70 mph.

Ben Radel, LHP/OF, St. Francis, 2020
5-foot-11, 162-pound, left-handed hitting two-way player, well-proportioned, athletic frame. At the plate, relaxed, closed setup, wrap load, short leg lift stride, maintains balance. Short, level bat path, keeps it simple up the middle, flashed line drive ability, rhythm involved, exit velocity topped 74 mph from a tee. Defensively, quick feet, hands work, clean exchange, long, quick arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws, topped 77 mph from the outfield. 7.20 runner in the 60. Left-handed pitcher, repeats deliberate pace, high knee, toe lift balance point,  works in line, open toe landing, recoils, cuts off at finish. Short, clean arm swing, present arm speed, recoils at release, high ¾ slot. Fastball had run, 72-73 mph. Curveball 1/7 break, can spin it, 63-65 mph. Changeup, maintains arm speed, faded, 67-68 mph.

Chris Rooney, OF/RHP, Mundelein, 2021
6-foot, 152-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, lanky frame. Offensively, tall, open setup, wrap load, short toe tap trigger. Long, uphill bat path, gap to gap approach, flashed line drive ability, exit velocity topped 83 mph from a tee. Defensively, athletically plays through the ball, fluid transfer, clean, short, high ¾ slot, throws topped 74 mph from the outfield. 7.65 runner in the 60. Right-handed pitcher, deliberate tempo, repeats delivery, knee up and down balance, then extends down mound in line, square, heel first landing, athletic pop up finish. Long arm on back side, speeds up out front, clean high ¾ slot. Fastball worked straight in the zone, 71-73 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, breaks early,, 58-61 mph. Changeup maintained arm speed, faded in the zone, 64-65 mph.

Henry Schuler, RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2020
5-foot-11, 152-pound,right-handed pitcher, well-proportioned frame. Short rocker step to compact, sturdy balance point, stays tall to hand break, slight sit on back side, momentum works to first base after square landing, aggressive/athletic finish. Full, loose arm swing, clean, over the top slot. Fastball worked straight, occasional tilt down in the zone, 77-79 mph. Slider, 11/5 shape, flashed depth, 66-70 mph.Changeup played 64-70 mph.

Patrick Straub, C/RHP, Metea Valley, 2020
6-foot-2, 165-pound, athletically-built, projectable frame, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed, open, balanced setup, short stride. Fluid rhythm, line drive hitter, flashed hard contact, loose, 89 mph exit velocity. Defensively, short arm action, over-the-top slot, kept throws on target with carry, 78 mph out of the crouch, pop times ranged 2.09-2.20. Ran a 7.93 laser-timed 60. On the mound, short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Tall and fall delivery, lands square, finishes upright with slight recoil. Fastball, some run, 81-82. Slider, 10/4 shape, occasional sharp action, 64-72. Changeup, mostly straight, 66-71.

Jake Tapia, INF/RHP, Belvidere North, 2021
6-foot, 158-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player, wiry, athletic frame. At the plate, open setup, back, top wrap load, short stride. Short, level bat path with bat speed, early timing mechanism led to pull side tendencies, exit velocity topped 85 mph from a tee. Defensively, fluid footwork, hands work, clean exchange, short arm, high ¾ slot, throws topped 77 mph across. 7.77 runner in the 60. On the mound, compact, toe lift balance point, works in line, closed toe landing, athletic finish. Long arm on the back side, quick and loose out front, high ¾ slot. Fastball worked straight, downhill some, 78-80 mph, topped 81 mph. Curveball 11/5 gradual break, 64-67 mph. Changeup maintained fastball arm speed, slight fade, 71-75 mph.

Tyler Taubr, RHP, Chicago Agricultural Sciences, 2021
5-foot-9, 185-pound, right-handed pitcher, thick frame. Stretch only delivery, toe lift, coil balance point, drop and drive delivery, works in line, square landing, spins to first base at finish. Loose, full arm swing, high ¾ slot. Fastball worked straight, occasional cut, 70-71 mph. Curveball, 10/4 loose break, 57-60 mph. Changeup worked straight, some fade, 64-66 mph.

Cade Turner, C/INF/RHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound, lanky frame, right-handed hitting two-way prospect. Defensively, at catcher, arm action works short, over-the-top, 74 mph out of the crouch, pop times ranged 2.26-2.36. On the infield, long arm action, high ¾ slot, kept throws around bag, 75 mph across the infield. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, 80 mph exit velocity off a tee. On the mound, short, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Tall and fall delivery, works on-line, lands open, finishes athletically with slight recoil. Fastball, sinking action, down in the zone for strikes, 74-76, touching 77. Curveball, 11/5 shape, gradual break, 59-61. Split-finger, some tumble, 62-64. Ran an 8.26 laser-timed 60.

Tanner Wagnon, RHP/OF, Plainfield Central, 2022
5-foot-9, 153-pound, right-handed hitting two-way player. At the plate, balanced setup, back load, short leg lift trigger, maintains balance. Short, level bat path, flashed line drive ability with extension through the zone, pull side tendencies, effort involved. Exit velocity topped 80 mph from a tee. Defensively, athletically plays through the ball, soft hands, clean exchange, short arm swing, ball comes out, high ¾ slot, throws carried 82 mph from the outfield. 7.63 runner in the 60. Left-handed pitcher, sturdy high knee, heel lift balance point, speeds up pace at hand break, works in line, open toe landing, athletic finish. Short arm swing, arms speeds significantly out front, high ¾ slot, effort involved.  Fastball ran, 74-77 mph, topped 78 mph. Changeup, maintained arm speed, slight fade, 69-71 mph. Knuckleball played 62-68.

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