Prep Baseball Report

Unsigned Senior Showcase: Pitcher Analysis


By: Illinois Scouting Staff

On Oct. 2, PBR Illinois hosted the fall’s Unsigned Senior Showcase, as it does each and every fall, at The MAX complex in McCook, Ill., where nearly 70 prospects participated. These Class of 2023 athletes remain uncommitted headed into the final offseason of their prep careers, and this group that performed at The MAX last weekend underscored the unsigned talent still remaining in Illinois.

Today, we are finishing up our event rollout with the pitchers from the event. You can read up on every single pitcher that was in attendance, below. 

A couple of physical RHPs who just missed out on the Top-10 but deserve a mention are Vincent Costantino (Huntley) and James Traficanti (East Leyden). Constantino has a deceptive arm action that works quick out front and from a ¾ slot, helping create hard run and sink on a fastball that topped at 83.9 mph. Traficanti also throws from a low slot creating hard run and sink on his 80-83 mph fastball, mixing in a splitter and curveball to round out his three-pitch mix. 

Another arm to note was Brody Stonecipher (Champaign Centennial). The 5-foot-11, 180-pound, right-hander works with a stretch-only delivery, quick arm and sits in the low-80s with his fastball. The separator for Stonecipher is above-average spin and action on his curveball and slider. 

Read on below for a look at the Top-10 arms, as well as every other arm in attendance.

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. William Ho, Hinsdale Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 200-pounds.
Delivery: Uptempo delivery, high-front side, lands square and has present effort throughout.
Arm Action: RH. Clean, compact arm action, over-the-top slot.
FB: T91.3, 90-91 mph. Lively out of the hand, plays straight with jump and finishes through the zone. T2255, 2178 average rpm.
CB: 76-77 mph. Thrown with intent, tight spin, late bite, 11/5 shape. T1853, 1661 average rpm.
SL: 79-81 mph. Thrown aggressively, more lateral action than curveball, tight and late action. T2077, 2033 average rpm.
CH: 81-83 mph. Plays straight, works down at the bottom of the zone. T1450, 1374 average rpm.

2. Connor Jendraszak, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2023; Wisconsin-Parkside commit
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic mover, high/controlled leg-lift into balance point, drop/drive lower-half that remains in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T86.1, 84-86 mph. Feel for the zone, plays with life through the zone. T2323, 2236 average rpm.
CB: 70-72 mph. Sharp action, 11/5 shape with late depth to the arm-side. T2194, 2106 average rpm.
SL: 72-73 mph. Short, 10/4 shape with late bite. T2210, 2153 average rpm.
CH: 75-76 mph. Thrown with intent, plays mostly straight. T1859, 1802 average rpm.

3. Drew Koenig, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2023; Webster commit.
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-3, 185-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, simple, upright starting position, high leg-lift into a drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T86.4, 84-86 mph. Life out of the hand with sinking action, above-average spin. T2427, 2378 average rpm.
CB: 71-73 mph. Sharp 11/5 shape with depth. T2151, 2128 average rpm.
CH: 75-78 mph. Clean out of hand with fade to the arm-side. T1519, 1440 average rpm.

4. Jeremy Yanow, Deerfield (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled tempo, high leg-lift into balance point, drop/drive lower-half, works in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T87.4, 85-87 mph. Life out of the hand with horizontal running action. T2399, 2275 average rpm.
CB: 75-76 mph. Sweeping 10/4 action. T2209, 2175 average rpm.
CH: 79-80 mph. Thrown with intent, plays with a late wrinkle through the zone to his arm-side. T2009, 1846 average rpm. 

5. Spencer Geake, Glenbrook North (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 195-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic, high leg-kick into balance point, tall/fall lower-half, remains in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T86.7, 84-86 mph. Plays with running action to the arm-side, has some jump through the zone. T2119, 2064 average rpm.
CB: 68-71 mph. Slurvy 11/5 action. T2466, 2252 average rpm.
CH: 78-80 mph. Thrown with intent, fades slightly to the arm-side at times. T1894, 1846 average rpm.

6. Joseph Greene, Hammond Central (IN), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic mover, high leg-kick into balance point, tall/fall lower-half, remains in-line.
Arm Action: LH. Loose arm circle into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T83.1, 81-82 mph. Life out of the hand with running action at times. T1963, 1912 average rpm.
CB: 72-74 mph. Sharp downer 1/7 shape. T2125, 2043 average rpm.
SL: 72-75 mph. Short 2/8 shape, thrown with intent. T2165, 1995 average rpm.

7. Colin Kornit, Grayslake Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 5-6, 140-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, athletic mover, high leg-lift into a coiled balance point, drop/drive lower-half, aggressive to the plate.
Arm Action: LH. Long out of the glove into a 3/4 slot, quick arm.
FB: T82.3, 82-82 mph. Life out of the hand with sinking action. T2139, 1966 average rpm.
CB: 67-69 mph. Sharp, sweeping 1/7 break. T2441, 2325 average rpm.
CH: 75-76 mph. Thrown with intent, fades to the arm-side. T1617, 1470 average rpm. 

8. Jacob McPherson, Reed-Custer (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-2, 205-pounds.
Delivery: Smooth, fluid, tall and fall delivery, works with ease and tempo.
Arm Action: RH. Long reach out of the glove, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82.2, 79-82 mph. Above-average spin, plays with angle and late run at times. T2328, 2245 average rpm.
CB: 68-70 mph. Tight spin, 12/6 shape and hard downer action at times. T2375, 2280 average rpm.
CH: 71-74 mph. Thrown with arm speed, late fade and hard sink when at its best. T1541, 1494 average rpm.

9. Bobby Seltzer, Stevenson (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 181-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic delivery, high leg-kick into balance point, drop/drive lower-half, keeps momentum moving down the mound, strides in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T82.5, 81-82 mph. Mostly straight, slight run/sink to the arm-side. T1955, 1738 average rpm.
CB: 65-66 mph. Downer 11/5 shape, kept mostly down. T1942, 1910 average rpm.
SL: 71-72 mph. 10/4 shape, shorter break than the curveball, flashed sharp action with depth. T1911, 1843 average rpm.
SPLT: 67-68 mph. Fades to the arm-side at times, mostly straight. 

10. Joey Vandermeir, Schaumburg Christian (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-10, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic mover, controlled leg-lift into a coiled balance point, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm swing into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T83.1, 80-83 mph. Life out of the hand with some slight running action at times. T2415, 2265 average rpm.
SL: 69-72 mph. Sharp 10/4 shape, above-average spin. T2631, 2474 average rpm.
CH: 77-79 mph. Thrown with intent, mostly straight. T1757, 1653 average rpm.

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Braden Alexander, Bloomington (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-3, 170-pounds.
Delivery: High leg-kick into balance point, drop/drive lower-half, stride works in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Medium arm circle into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76.9, 76-77 mph. Plays with run/sink to the arm-side. T1999, 1859 average rpm.
CB: 66-69 mph. Downer 11/5 shape. T2173, 2086 average rpm.
CH: 71-72 mph. Fades heavily to the arm-side. T1958, 1916 average rpm.

Brandon Alzamora, Joliet West (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 5-10, 195-pounds.
Delivery: High, athletic leg-lift, up-tempo pace, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm swing into a 3/4 slot, quick arm.
FB: T77.9, 75-77 mph. Plays with heavy sinking action. T1814, 1757 average rpm.
CB: 65-67 mph. Sharp, sweeping 1/7 action with depth. T1996, 1924 average rpm.
CH: 70-73 mph. Slight fading action to the arm-side. T1354, 1316 average rpm.

Alexander Bagley, Wheaton Academy (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-2, 185-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic delivery, high leg-kick into a coiled balance point, maintains knee bend throughout stride.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm circle into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T76.5, 75-76 mph. Mostly straight with slight cutting action at times. T1787, 1740 average rpm.
CB: 64-65 mph. Downer 11/5 shape, 12/6 at times. T1957, 1841 average rpm.
SPLT: 68-72 mph. Dives to the arm-side with killed spin. 

Calvin Bredlau, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-2, 175-pounds.
Delivery: Simple delivery, medium leg-lift into balance point, tall/fall lower-half, remains in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Medium arm circle into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.5, 78-80 mph. Life out of the hand with tilt through the zone. T2294, 2242 average rpm.
CB: 69-71 mph. Sharp, downer 11/5 shape. T2244, 2201 average rpm.
SL: 66-68 mph. 11/5 shape. T2210, 2177 average rpm.

Seth Cavett, Lockport (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds.
Delivery: Slow-paced, tall and fall delivery, high front side.
Arm Action: RH. Long draw out of the glove, over-the-top slot.
FB: T80.4, 79-80 mph. Lively and clean out of the hand, creates tilt. T2261, 2203 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. Thrown aggressively, true 12/6 shape, tight spin. T2319, 2185 average rpm.
SL: 70-71 mph. More lateral action than curveball, tight spin, 10/4 shape and feel. T2437, 2377 average rpm.

Vincent Costantino, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-3, 220-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled tempo, high leg-kick into balance point, tall/fall down the mound, remains in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove into a 3/4 slot, hides the ball.
FB: T83.9, 81-84 mph. Sinking action to the arm-side. T2118, 2012 average rpm.
CB: 70-72 mph. Sweeping 10/4 shape. T2423, 2307 average rpm.
CH: 73-75 mph. Fades to the arm-side, maintains arm-speed. T1554, 1458 average rpm.

Kendall Crawford, Champaign Central (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-2, 175-pounds.
Delivery: Up-tempo delivery, medium leg-lift into balance point, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Clean arm circle into an over-the-top slot.
FB: T79.7, 78-79 mph. Plays with finish and life through the zone. T2003, 1842 average rpm.
CB: 68-69 mph. Sharp, downer 11/5 shape. T1635, 1604 average rpm.
SL: 70-71 mph. Shorter shape, sharp 10/4 action. T1798, 1725 average rpm.
CH: 74-74 mph. Thrown with intent, dives to the bottom of the zone at times. T896, 810 average rpm.

Josh Dueringer, Lake Forest (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-11, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Fluid, tall and fall delivery, works with tempo. Stays on-line and lands square.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
FB: T74.8, 73-75 mph. Clean out of the hand, thrown for strikes. T2111, 2038 average rpm.
CB: 61-64 mph. Landed for strikes, 1/7 shape, slurve action. T2065, 2030 average rpm.
CH: 68-68 mph. Maintains arm speed, late fade. T1477, 1436 average rpm.

Liam Egan, Marist (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled tempo, medium leg-lift into a drop/drie lower-half, remains in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Short arm circle into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T77.7, 76-77 mph. Plays with some finish through the zone and life to the arm-side. T2116, 2032 average rpm.
CB: 68-71 mph. Sharp 11/5 shape with downer action and depth. T1680, 1503 average rpm.
CH: 72-73 mph. Mostly straight with some late dive to the arm-side at times. T1374, 1335 average rpm.

Payton Evans, Bloomington (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 155-pounds.
Delivery: Athletic, high leg-lift into a slight coiled balance point, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.1, 78-80 mph. Plays with life and finishes through the zone, slight running action to the arm-side. T2249, 2166 average rpm.
CB: 62-63 mph. Downer 11/5 shape, plays with some depth. T1939, 1862 average rpm.
SL: 64-68 mph. Sharp downer action. T2332, 2238 average rpm.
CH: 70-72 mph. Slight fading action to the arm-side at times. T1762, 1656 average rpm.

Kevin Geake, Glenbrook North (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Slightly up-tempo into a high leg-lift, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line to the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Long/loose arm swing into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T81.5, 80-81 mph. Plays with running action to the arm-side. T1922, 1778 average rpm.
CB: 67-69 mph. Tight 11/5 shape, flashed late action. T2093, 2034 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Similar action to the fastball, plays with diving action to the arm-side. T2020, 1943 average rpm.

Henry Hayes, Evanston Township (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 5-11, 170-pounds.
Delivery: Slow, controlled delivery, works on-line, lands front toe closed.
Arm Action: LH. Clean, long draw out of the glove, comes out of a clean high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.3, 76-78 mph. Plays mostly straight, flashed, late arm-side-run. T2159, 2097 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. Big sweeping action off a 1/7 plane. T2234, 2200 average rpm.
SL: 71-73 mph. Short wrinkle, 2/8 shape, flashed late sharp action. T2148, 2094 average rpm.
CH: 74-76 mph. Maintains arm speed, works down in the zone, mostly straight action. T1688, 1637 average rpm.

Carson Kaye, Stevenson (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 5-8, 141-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled tempo, high leg-kick into balance point, tall/fall down the mound, remains in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm swing out of the glove into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T78.9, 78-79 mph. Sinking action to the arm-side. T2065, 2042 average rpm.
CB: 61-63 mph. Downer 1/7 shape, gradual break. T2350, 2302 average rpm.
CH: 68-69 mph. Thrown with intent, slight fade to the arm-side. T1824, 1779 average rpm.

Maxwell McNamara, Walter Payton College Prep (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/LHP
Body: 6-0, 190-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch-only, tall and fall delivery; controlled, smooth pace, lands front toe slightly closed.
Arm Action: LH. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
FB: T81.6, 80-81 mph. Clean out of the hand, mostly straight. T1832, 1660 average rpm.
CB: 67-70 mph. 1/7 shape, short, late wrinkle. T1785, 1733 average rpm.
CH: 75-77 mph. Maintains arm speed, straight action, kills spin. T1510, 1394 average rpm.

Joseph Merrick, Hammond Central (IN), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-2, 200-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled tempo, simple/repeats, medium leg-lift into balance point, tall/fall down the mound, remains in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Medium arm-circle into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.4, 77-79 mph. Running action to the arm-side. T1938, 1733 average rpm.
SL: 69-71 mph. Tight, horizontal movement. T1789, 1769 average rpm.
KN: 63-65 mph. Kills spin with knuckle action. 

Brooks Neuhoff, Morton (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/3B
Body: 5-11, 175-pounds.
Delivery: Controlled tempo, medium leg-lift into balance point, drop/drive lower-half, stride works in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing into a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T80.5, 78-80 mph. Finish through the zone with life to the arm-side. T2020, 1939 average rpm.
CB: 68-70 mph. Gradual 11/5 shape. T2193, 2020 average rpm.
SL: 70-72 mph. Tight 10/4 shape. T1801, 1731 average rpm.
CH: 75-77 mph. Thrown with intent, fades to the arm-side. T1775, 1679 average rpm.

Luke Richker, New Trier (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds.
Delivery: Fluid, uptempo, tall and fall delivery. Works on-line and lands slightly open.
Arm Action: RH. Clean arm circle, comes out of a high 3/4 slot.
FB: T79.2, 78-79 mph. Plays straight, around the zone. Creates angle and tilt at times. T1982, 1928 average rpm.
CB: 65-66 mph. Tight spin, 11/5 to 12/6 shape, depth and feel. T2132, 2092 average rpm.
KN: 60-62 mph. Tumble, knuckle action, late diving action, around the zone.

Brody Stonecipher, Champaign Centennial (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-11, 180-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, fluid rhythm, medium leg-lift into balance point, maintains bend in the back knee throughout stride.
Arm Action: RH. Long arm swing out of the glove into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T82.9, 81-82 mph. Life through the zone with arm-side run. T2224, 2118 average rpm.
CB: 70-72 mph. Downer 11/5 shape with depth, kept down. T2304, 2224 average rpm.
SL: 73-74 mph. Short 10/4 shape. T2520, 2449 average rpm.
CH: 72-73 mph. Fades heavily to the arm-side. T1529, 1487 average rpm.

James Traficanti, East Leyden (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-3, 230-pounds.
Delivery: Stretch only, coils into leg-lift, drop/drive lower-half, remains in-line.
Arm Action: RH. Long reach out of the glove into a 3/4 slot.
FB: T83, 80-83 mph. Heavy sinking action to the arm-side. T1612, 1529 average rpm.
SL: 66-70 mph. Sweeping 10/4 shape, sharp with depth. T1760, 1640 average rpm.
SPLT: 69-73 mph. Late dive to the bottom of the zone. 

Tommy Wichgers, Muskego (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-9, 160-pounds.
Delivery: High leg-kick into balance point, drop/drive lower-half, stride works in-line with the plate.
Arm Action: RH. Long out of the glove into an over-the-top slot.
FB: T80, 77-79 mph. Tilt through the zone. T2016, 1934 average rpm.
SL: 68-69 mph. Tight 10/4 shape, some feel for the zone. T2153, 2037 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Plays with running action to the arm-side. T1448, 1341 average rpm.

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