By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

One of the biggest Unsigned Senior Showcases on the PBR circuit is the October event at The MAX in McCook, IL. This year more than 130 prospects came out and showcased in front of 50+ coaches in attendance. The next position analysis on the list is outfielders. Here’s a look at the top outfield prospects at the event.

Top Outfield Prospects

1. Thalame Byrd, OF, Morgan Park, 2016
Lanky, athletic frame at 6-foot, 165-pounds with room to fill. 6.67 runner in the 60. Offensively hits from an open stance with a high hand set. Rhythm heavy swing with loose hands creating whip with the barrel. Line drive gap to gap hitter with good balance and a fast bat. Showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Throws flashed carry. Athletic actions with fluid footwork and soft hands.

2. Jeremy Gaines, 2B/OF, Oak Park-River Forest, 2016
5-foot-9, 165-pound athletic body right-handed hitting infielder and outfielder. Flashed some of the better tools at the event. Ran a 6.87 60 yard dash. Offensively, showed some bat speed and registered an exit velocity of 89 mph. Starts from a balanced and open setup position. Slight pre-pitch load, short stride and good balance through contact. Uphill bat path through the hitting zone. Defensively, athletic actions in the outfield. Fluid footwork, clean exchange, long arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate clocked at 84 mph. On the infield, soft hands, athletic fielding position, out front. Fluid footwork and shorter arm action, clocked at 78 mph across the infield.

3. Jacob Ahrens, OF, McHenry, 2016
Strong framed right-handed hitting outfielder at 6-foot, 190-pounds. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with simple mechanics and a short stride. Gap to gap hitter with a short, level swing path and good balance. Showed strength thru contact with the second best exit velocity at 95 mph off a tee. Moves well for size running the 60 at 6.99. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Athletic actions, playing thru the ball with fluid footwork and a quick exchange. Threw 86 mph from the outfield.

4. Jimmy Cook, OF/LHP, Lincoln-Way North, 2016
5-foot-9, 175-pound, left-handed hitting OF/LHP. Offensively hits from a balanced slightly crouched setup. Short stride with good balance throughout. Line drive pull hitter with a short uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 87mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.08. Defensively has a short arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Athletic actions with some aggressiveness and fluid footwork. Showed soft hands with a clean exchange. Threw 79 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tilt, topple delivery with a high front side at balance point. Some rhythm with an open landing and athletic finish. Fastball was mostly straight at 77-79 mph. Curveball showed 12-6 shape with early action and some depth at 64-68 mph.

5. TJ Geritano, OF, Willowbrook, 2016
5-foot-9, 160-pound, left-handed hitting outfielder with a strong frame. Offensively hits form a balanced, athletic setup with a low hand set. . Short leg lift stride with a smooth load. Gap-to-gap hitter  with fluid rhythm and looseness in the hands. Short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.11. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Uphill throws with stiffer actions. Threw 75 mph from the outfield.

6. Jack Cappalli, OF, Stevenson, 2016
5-foot-10, 170-pound, left-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a balanced setup. Smooth load to backside with a short stride and good balance thru contact. Gap to gap hitter with a short level swing path, get uphill occasionally. Showed strength thru contact with 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 6.98. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Throws showed running action at 76 mph.  Solid fundamentals in the outfield with slower actions. 

7. Anthony Marino, OF, Plainfield Central, 2016
5-foot-9, 155-pound, left-handed hitting outfielder. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot with a clean exchange and quick release. Aggressive, athletic actions with fluid footwork. Threw 77 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a leg lift trigger and short stride. Line drive hitter with a short path and fluid rhythm. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.26.

8. Matthew Nagel, OF, McHenry, 2016
5-foot-11, 180-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a balanced, slightly open stance. Short, heel lift stride with good balance. Short, level swing path with extension. Pull hitter with some pop. Showed strength thru contact with 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.60. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Fluid footwork with a slow exchange. Showcased raw arm strength throwing 88 mph from the outfield.

9. Jacob Goldberg, OF, Woodstock North, 2016
6-foot, 190-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Defensively has a long arm action form an over the top arm slot with online actions. Throws showed carry with some effort at 87 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced, slightly open stance. Short toe tap stride. Sits on the backside with good balance and a short, flat bat path. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.28.

10. Connor Ceglarz, OF/RHP, Tinley Park, 2016
6-foot-1, 185-pound, left-handed hitting OF/RHP with an athletic frame. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Quick, fluid footwork with a long, clean exchange. Threw 84 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a smooth load to backside and toe tap stride. Opposite field hitter with a loose quick bat. Showed strength thru contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.31. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action and wrap on the backside. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing, gets extension out front. Fastball was straight at 82-84 mph. Curveball showed minimal action at 73-76 mph. Changeup flashed fade at 74-75 mph.  

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Seth Burger, OF, Eureka, 2016
6-foot-1, 160-pound, left-handed hitting outfielder with a lanky frame. At the plate hits from a tall open setup. Long leg lift stride with occasional toe tap. Short level swing path with average bat speed. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.90. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot and some accuracy. Threw 78 mph from the outfield. Slower actions with a long exchange. 

Cody Cardillo, OF, Plainfield North, 2016
5-foot-7, 155-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Throws showed carry with accuracy. Threw 81 mph from the outfield. Athletic actions plaything thru the baseball with quick, fluid footwork. Offensively hits from an open stance with a short stride back to even. Hits off his front foot, line drive hitter with a short path. 78 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.55.

Nick DeWier, OF/LHP, Lincoln-Way East, 2016
5-foot-9, 160-pound, left-handed hitting OF/LHP. Defensively has a short arm action from a ¾ arm angle. Fluid footwork with a long exchange. Threw 79 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a wide setup with a short stride and average balance. Long, level swing path occasionally getting uphill. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.70. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall online delivery, tucks front side at balance point. Square landing with athletic finish. Fastball was straight at 77-78 topping out at 79 mph. Slider showed slurvy action at 67-68 mph. Showed some feel for his changeup at 74-75 mph.

Jacob Diaz, OF, St. Laurence, 2016
5-foot-11, 190-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Defensively has a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Throws flashed carry with armside run. Threw 87 mph from the outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced, slightly open stance with a high hand set. Deep load to backside with good balance. Short, uphill swing path. 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 7.49. Committed to College of Dupage shortly after the event.

Dominik Garcia, OF, Lake Park West, 2016
5-foot-7, 170-pound, left-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from tall, balanced setup with a smooth load and leg kick stride. Short, uphill swing path. 75 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.15. Defensively has a short arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Slower actions with a long exchange. Threw 68 mph from the outfield.

Mario Jenkins, OF, Rich South, 2016
5-foot-7, 155-pound right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively, loads hands pre-pitch and long, level bat path through the hitting zone. Open setup, long stride and average balance through contact.  Registered an exit velocity of 73 mph. Defensively, in the outfield flashed quick footwork and clean exchange. Short arm action, ¾ slot and clocked at 71 mph from the outfield. Also, ran a 7.50 60.

Andrew Jurack, OF/LHP, Hinsdale Central, 2016
5-foot-10, 160-pound, left-handed hitting OF/LHP. Offensively hits form a balanced, athletic stance. Smooth load to backside with a leg lift trigger. Simple compact mechanics with a short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. 7.06 runner in the 60. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Uphill throws with fluid footwork and a clean exchange. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with a square landing and athletic finish. Fastball showed running action for strikes at 80-82 mph. Curveball showed 11-5 shape with sharp action at64-67 mph. Slider showed tight rotation with minimal depth at 72-74 mph. Changeup was straight at 68-70 mph.

Collin Kissel, OF, Plainfield North, 2016
Strong framed 5-foot-11, 175-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a balanced open stance with a short to minimal stride. Line drive hitter with a short, level swing path. Raw mechanics with strength. Strong thru contact with 91 mph exit velocity form a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.27. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Hesitant fielder with fluid footwork. Threw 84 mph from the outfield.

Steve Krueger, OF, Jacobs, 2016
5-foot-11, 175-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder. Defensively has a long, stiff arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Plays thru the ball with quick footwork and a clean exchange. Threw 78 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a tall open setup. Short stride back to even with good balance. Long, level swing path with fluid rhythm. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.44.

Kyle MacFarlane, OF, Plainfield Central, 2016
5-foot-8, 150-pound, right-handed hitting outfielder with a lanky, athletic frame running the 60 at 6.97. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Throws flashed carry at 82 mph. Athletic actions with quick footwork and a clean exchange. Offensively hits from an open stance with a long stride. Long, uphill swing path with some looseness. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee.

Trevon Mattox, OF/LHP, Clemente, 2016
5-foot-9, 165-pound, right-handed hitting OF/LHP. Defensively showed off raw arm strength in the outfield throwing 84 mph. Has a long stiff arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Plays thru the ball with fluid footwork and a big crowhop. Offensively hits form a tall open stance. Short stride, hits off backside. Long, level swing path. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.11. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Easy effort with some rhythm. Slow paced delivery with back tilt at balance point. Square landing with an upright finish. Fastball sat 77-78 topping out at 79 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape with gradual action at 67-70 mph. Changeup showed slight cutting action at 70-72 mph.

Patrick McGowan, MIF/OF, Lincoln-Way East, 2016
6-foot-3, 175-pound right-handed hitting middle infielder and outfielder. Offensively, looseness in swing. Open, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, and long stride. Long, uphill bat path through the zone. Registered an exit velocity of 85 mph. Defensively, flashed a good arm from the outfield. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, true flight on throws, clocked at 85 mph. On the infield, quick exchange from a lower slot than in the outfield. Clocked at 78 across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.44 60.

Nolan Moeller, OF/LHP, Rock Falls, 2016
6-foot, 160-pound left-handed hitting OF/LHP. Offensively hits from a balanced athletic setup. Short load to backside with a heel lift stride. Short uphill swing path with early rhythm. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.98. In the field has a long arm action from a ¾ arm slot. Slower actions with uphill throws. Threw 68 mph from the outfield. On the mound works from ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with uphill shoulders and crossfire action. Fastball was straight at 70-72 topping out at 73 mph. Rolling curveball at 57-58 mph. Got on the side of his changeup showing cutting action at 60-61 touching 65 mph.

Joshua Mosley, C/OF, Roberto Clemente, 2016
Physically advanced, 6-foot, 210-pound catcher/outfielder, extra strong build. Offensively hits from the right side, balanced stance, short stride. Has bat strength, occasionally late to contact, hits off back side, slight uphill path, flashed power potential. 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively behind the plate used short footwork to get out of the crouch, pop times ranged 2.07-2.16. Arm played short and over the top, 72 mph arm strength from the crouch. In the outfield arm topped at 82 mph, similar arm action. Tends to field slightly deeper. 7.49 runner in the 60.

Ryan Newton, OF, Oak Forest, 2016
Small framed 5-foot-9, 160-pound, left-handed hitting outfielder. Offensively hits from a wide base with a low hand set. Drop load to backside with some rhythm. Short stride with a short uphill swing path. 82 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.08. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Long exchange with some lateral agility. Threw 82 mph from the outfield.

John Plattner, 1B/OF, Sacred-Heart Griffin, 2016
Muscle bound 6-foot-1, 200-pound right-handed hitting first baseman and outfielder. Offensively, flashed strength and lift in swing. Balanced, wide setup, and smooth pre-pitch load. Short stride, average balance and uphill bat path at times. Registered an exit velocity of 85 mph. Defensively, at first base quick exchange. Short arm action from an over-the-top slot with some accuracy clocked at 74 mph across the diamond. In the outfield same over-the-top slot as in the infield. Clocked at 76 mph. Also, ran a 7.45 60.

Brandon Rossiter, 2B/OF/RHP, Minooka, 2016
Average build 5-foot-9, 165-pound right-handed hitting infielder, outfielder and pitcher. Offensively, some looseness in swing and made a lot of solid contact during batting practice. Starts from a balanced, open setup. Fluid rhythm, short stride and a gap-to-gap approach. Exit velocity registered 83 mph. Defensively, in the outfield clean exchange and accurate throws. Short arm action, high ¾ slot and clocked at 81 mph. On the infield his arm showed some carry across the diamond. Arm slightly longer action from a ¾ slot and 77 mph across the infield. Also, ran a 7.35 60. On the mound the right-handed pitcher worked with a slight cross fire delivery. Some effort, long arm action, high ¾ slot and athletic finish. Showed feel for fastball with arm-side-run at 80-82 mph. Curveball plays 11/5 with slurvy action, sat 63-64 mph. Flashed fastball arm speed on his change-up, with sink and fade, ranging between 74-76 mph.

Brandon Sanchez, OF, Whitney Young, 2016
Solid frame at 6-foot-3, 200-pounds, right-handed hitting outfielder. Defensively has a long arm action from an over the top arm slot. Waits back on the ball with a quick exchange. Throws flashed carry, throwing 84 mph from he outfield. Offensively hits form a balanced setup with a minimal load, short stride, and good balance. Flashed a fast bat with a level swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.02.

Craig Schuring, RHP/OF, Burlington Central, 2016
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed hitting RHP/OF. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a short, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with some effort. Square landing with an upright finish and recoil. Fastball showed slight running action at 81-82 mph. Curveball showed 10-4 shape with sharp action at times at 67-70 mph. Maintained armspeed on changeup that showed armside run and sink at 76-77 mph. Defensively has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws with carry, throwing 85 mph from the outfield. Plays thru the ball with a clean exchange and fluid footwork. Offensively hits from a tall open stance with a short leg kick stride. Short inside out swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.17.

Aaron Simon, 1B/OF, St. Charles North, 2016
Solid build 6-foot-1, 180-pound right-handed hitting first baseman and outfielder. Offensively, starts from a balanced setup, pre-pitch load and short stride. Registered an exit velocity of 86 mph. Defensively, at first base showcased a clean exchange. Short arm action, ¾ slot and clocked at 79 mph. in the outfield used a longer arm action from a high ¾ slot and clocked at 81 mph. Also, ran a 7.82 60 yard dash.

Jose Valero, OF, De La Salle, 2016
5-foot-10, 170-pound, right-handed hitting outfield. Offensively hits from a balanced setup. Smooth load to backside with a leg lift stride. Long, level swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.51. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Throws showed cutting action at 68 mph from the outfield.

Sam Wojs, OF/LHP, Cudahy, 2016
5-foot-9, 155-pound, left-handed hitting OF/LHP. Currently ranked No. 78 in the Wisconsin Class of 2016. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Athletic crowhop with a clean exchange. Threw 81 mph from the outfield. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a high back elbow. Good balance with a short, level swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 83 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.44. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with a square landing and athletic finish. Fastball sat 74-75 mph. Curveball showed 1-7 shape at 64-67 mph. Changeup showed sinking action at 70-71 mph.

Juston Woodard, OF, Mount Carmel, 2016
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed hitting outfielder with a large frame and strength in the upper half. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with a deep load to the backside. Short, level swing path with average bat speed. Showed strength thru contact with 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.01. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with a quick exchange. Threw 72 mph from the outfield.

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