On Sunday, October 3, the PBR Illinois staff traveled back to The MAX Sports Complex in McCook, Illinois, to host the annual Unsigned Senior Showcase. This event was open to all uncommitted prospects in the state’s 2022 class that are still looking for a place to call home at the collegiate level.

Shortly after the event’s conclusion our staff rolled out several post-event content pieces, all of which can be found HERE.

We’ll begin rolling out the scouting reports from the day earlier this week, starting with the catching group and outfielders, while finishing the position group with the infielders. 

Today our post-event analysis will conclude on the mound with the pitchers. Before we dive deeper, here are a few names that stood out: 

+ LHP Jack Taczy (Cary-Grove) impressed at his first-ever PBR Event. The talented, 6-foot-3, 165-pound, long-limbed, left-hander has a fluid, directional delivery and long, loose arm action from an over-the-top slot with seemingly much more in the tank. The fastball comes out of the hand clean and easy with occasional tilt and late arm-side-run, topping at 87 mph, sitting 84-86 mph. Taczy paired it with a true 12/6 curveball that flashed depth and tight spin. High-upside left-handed arm to follow moving forward.

+ RHP Evan Eberle (Oak Park-River Forest) had a strong showing and looks to be one of the better uncommitted arms left in the 2022 class. Strong 6-foot-1 170-pound frame, Eberle moves athletically down the mound with a drop-and-drive lower-half leading to an easy/effortless delivery. With a clean/easy arm, Eberle’s fastball sat 84-87 mph T88 with life through the zone. His best secondary pitch during his bullpen was an 11/5 breaking ball in the 67-70 mph range with feel for the bottom of the zone. Eberle also showcased a fading changeup at 72-74 mph that he was able to keep down and to his arm-side consistently.

+ The biggest upside of the event, arguably belongs to RHP Elijah Rompala-Matthews (Mount Carmel), who was making his PBR debut. For starters, Rompala-Matthews has a highly-advanced, impressive, 6-foot-6, 195-pound frame that is impossible to miss. The delivery and stuff is not a finished product but he has present arm speed, sat 84-85 mph with his fastball and threw his breaking balls with aggression and intent. The curveball topped at 77 mph and showed 11/5 shape with potential to be an out-pitch down the road. High-ceiling prospect. 

+ LHP Michael Pustelnik (Andrew) emerged as an intriguing arm to follow. Long-limbed, strong 6-foot-3 210-pound frame, Pustelnik moved well down the mound for his size. Long/loose arm action from a ¾ slot with a flexible drop-and-drive lower-half, Pustelnik produced an easy fastball in the 81-82 mph range with arm-side life. His breaking ball worked in the 69-70 mph range with a biting 2/8 shape, which he paired with a fading changeup at 75-78 mph. 

+ LHP Jack Kennedy (St. Charles North) is a strong 6-foot-3 190-pound southpaw with feel for a three pitch mix. With a short ¾ slot and rotational lower-half, Kennedy produced a fastball that sat comfortably in the 81-83 mph range. His breaking ball worked in the 67-69 mph range with tight 1/7 shape, kept down in the zone. Kennedy also boasted a fading changeup at 74-75 mph which he was able to throw for strikes. With his projectable frame, it would be no surprise to see Kennedy add a few ticks to his fastball this coming year. 

+ Jack’s twin brother Josh Kennedy (St. Charles North) also showed upside on the mound with a quick arm and fastball that climbed to 81 mph. Josh is listed at a high-waisted, 6-foot-4, 180-pounds.

+ Another LHP worth noting was Michael Gray (Lake Forest). Gray has a 6-foot, 175-pound, well-proportioned frame, compact arm action and fastball that sat 82-83 mph; up from 78-80 mph, T81 back in February. 

+ RHP Sean McGee (St. Charles North) boasted the best spin rates in the entire event. McGee’s fastball worked 78-81 mph (T2649 rpm), which was the best spin rate on a fastball by over 350 rpm. McGee also showcased a sharp 11/5 curveball at 67-70 (T2421 rpm) and a biting 10/4 slider at 72-74 mph (T2555 rpm). 

+ RHP/C Frank Freeman (St. Ignatius), listed at a lean, 6-foot-1, 165-pounds, showed an uptick in stuff and velocity from an event in early June. In the matter of four months, Freeman saw his fastball go from 80-82 mph, up to 82-85 mph. Freeman also saw his curveball sharpen up from 63-66 to 69-70 mph at the Unsigned Senior. The average rpm on his curveball also went up 260 rpms as well. Freeman works with a compact, short arm action and gets late hop through the zone at times.

Read below for all the scouting reports from this event. 

TOP PITCHING PROSPECTS

1. Jack Taczy, Cary-Grove (IL), 2022; Evansville commit
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-3, 165-pounds. Projectable frame. Tall, lanky build. Proportioned frame.
Delivery: Deliberate, controlled delivery. Tall at balance point. Stabbing action on the back-swing. Lands on line with front toe open at times.
Arm Action: L. Long arm action. High 3/4 arm slot
FB: T87, 84-86 mph. Two-seam action. T2251, 2150 average rpm.
CB: 72-73 mph. 12/6 shape. Able to land for strikes. Depth. Tight, late break at times. Potential out pitch. T2253, 2165 average rpm.
CH: 78-80 mph. Running action. 

2. Evan Eberle, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2022; Concordia University-St. Paul commit
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 170-pounds. Athletic Build.
Delivery: Athletic, drop and drive delivery. Closed front side. Lands on line. 
Arm Action: R. Quick, long, loose arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T88, 83-88 mph. Plays downhill. Arm-side run. Feel for the inner half of the plate.  T2260, 2090 average rpm.
CB: 68-70 mph. 11/5 shape. Tight spin. Depth. T2350, 2319 average rpm.
CH: 71-72 mph. Feel for the inner half of the plate. Arm-side fade. Telecasts at times. 

3. Jacob Filip, Lakes Community (IL), 2022; John A. Logan JC commit
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-0, 180-pounds. Well-proportioned strength throughout frame.
Delivery: Stretch-only, rotational delivery, starts closed, lands on line.
Arm Action: R. Compact arm stroke, 3/4 slot.
FB: T89, 87-89 mph. Plays straight.  T2280, 2151 average rpm.
SL: 73-74 mph. 10/4 shape. T2039, 1987 average rpm.
CH: 73-75 mph. Plays well off the fastball. Arm-side fade, sinking action. Depth. 

4. Jack Kennedy, St Charles North (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP; Showed above-average feel for a three pitch mix.
Body: 6-4, 180-pounds. Projectable frame. Tall, lean build.
Delivery: Low-effort, drop and drive delivery. Rotational lower-half. Lands with toe open at times.
Arm Action: L. Short, loose, easy arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T83, 81-83 mph. Plays straight. Feel for both corners of the plate. T1902, 1812 average rpm.
CB: 67-69 mph. 1/7 shape, occasional depth. T1914, 1753 average rpm.
CH: 74-75 mph. Plays well off the fastball. Maintains arm speed. Feel for both the bottom of the zone and the outside corner of the plate. Consistent arm-side fade and sinking action.

5. Elijah Rompala-Matthews, Mount Carmel (IL), 2022; Webster commit.
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-6, 195-pounds. Highly projectable frame. Tall, lanky build.
Delivery: High effort, tall and fall type delivery. Lands off to the first base side of the rubber.
Arm Action: R. Long, quick arm action, over-the-top arm slot.
FB: T85, 84-85 mph. Plays downhill with running action through the zone. T1819, 1741 average rpm.
CB: 76-77 mph. 11/5 shape. Hard, with late break. T1906, 1821 average rpm.
SL: 76-77 mph. 10/4 shape. Hard. Tight spin. T1949, 1888 average rpm. 

BEST OF THE REST (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Leighton Costello, Antioch (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-2, 155-pounds. Projectable frame. Tall, lean build.
Delivery: L. Closed front side, short stride, lands on-line.
Arm Action: L. Long arm action. Over-the-top arm slot.
FB: T81, 79-81 mph. Plays straight. Occasional arm-side run. T2032, 1938 average rpm.
CB: 64-67 mph. 1/7 shape. T2018, 1956 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Arm-side fade.
CUT: 74-76 mph. 2/8 shape.

Zane Danielson, Glenwood (IL), 2022; Lincoln Land JC commit
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-7, 185-pounds. Tall, lanky build. Projectable frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall. Smooth, rhythmic tempo. Closed front side. Lands on line.
Arm Action: L. Short arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T81, 78-80 mph. Plays straight. T1987, 1886 average rpm.
CB: 67-68 mph. 12/6 shape. T1819, 1791 average rpm.
SL: 69-72 mph. 2/8 shape. T1931, 1885 average rpm.
CH: 70-71 mph. Plays well off the fastball. Straight. Maintains arm speed.

Frank Freeman, St Ignatius (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-1, 165-pounds. Wide shoulders, high-waisted. Projectable frame.
Delivery: Rotational delivery, short stride. Lands front toe closed.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action. High 3/4 slot.
FB: T85, 82-85 mph. Plays straight. Consistently in and around the zone. T2171, 2035 average rpm.
CB: 69-70 mph. 11/5 shape. Feel for outer half of the plate. Depth at times. T2084, 2038 average rpm.
CH: 77-79 mph. Arm speed deception. Arm-side fade at times. Consistently in and around the zone.
SPLT: 70-73 mph. Tumble at times.

Ryan Gerdes, Plainfield North (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-0, 170-pounds. Athletic Build.
Delivery: Deliberate, controlled delivery. Closed front side. Lands on line.
Arm Action: L. Long, loose arm action. Over-the-top arm slot.
FB: T79, 77-79 mph. Two-seam action. T1734, 1656 average rpm.
CB: 66-68 mph. 12/6 shape. Able to land for strikes. Depth at times. T1882, 1804 average rpm.
CH: 70-72 mph. Arm-side fade and sinking action. 

William Gimbel, Joliet Catholic (IL), 2022 Trine University commit
Positional Profile: RHP/C
Body: 5-10, 170-pounds. Small, lean frame. Room to add strength throughout.
Delivery: Stretch-only, tall and fall type delivery. Glove tap during leg lift. Works in line with target.
Arm Action: R. Long arm action. High 3/4 slot.
FB: T82, 78-81 mph. Plays straight. T2244, 1918 average rpm.
CB: 63-65 mph. 12/6 shape. Feel for the zone. T1825, 1746 average rpm.
SL: 71-72 mph. 10/4 shape. T2068, 2029 average rpm.
CH: 73-74 mph. Consistent arm-side fade. 

Pearse Gorman, Fenwick (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 6-0, 165-pounds. Small, thin frame. Plenty of room to add strength throughout.
Delivery: Deceptive. Short stride. Lands front toe closed. Crossfire.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action. Side arm slot.
FB: T72, 70-72 mph. Running, sinking action. T1968, 1881 average rpm.
SL: 59-60 mph. 11/5 shape. Slow, gradual break. T1877, 1749 average rpm.
CH: 65-69 mph. Tumble. Arm-side fade at times. 

Michael Gray, Lake Forest (IL), 2022 Denison commit
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. High-waisted, athletic frame.
Delivery: Easy, repeatable delivery. Lands on line. Toe open at times.
Arm Action: L. Short arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T83, 82-83 mph. Two-seam action. T2180, 2084 average rpm.
CB: 68-70 mph. 1/7 shape. Showed feel, able to land for strikes. Depth at times. T2131, 2030 average rpm.
SL: 70-72 mph. 2/8 shape. Depth at times. T2077, 1794 average rpm.
CH: 77-79 mph. Firm at times. Maintains arm speed. Arm-side fade at times.

Marshall Ingold, Rochester (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-4, 170-pounds. Tall, lanky build.
Delivery: Highly repeatable delivery. Long back-swing. Pitching hand visible early. Lands toe closed.
Arm Action: L. Long arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T72, 71-73 mph. Plays straight. T1540, 1467 average rpm.
CB: 57-58 mph. 12/6 shape. T1414, 1329 average rpm.
CH: 59-60 mph. Arm-side fade and sinking action. 

Eric Kaplan, Deerfield (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 6-1, 190-pounds. Strong, durable frame.
Delivery: Tall and fall. Rushes through balance point. Lands toe closed off to the third base side of rubber.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action. Over-the-top arm slot.
FB: T78, 77-78 mph. Straight. Intent to play at the top of the zone. T2011, 1919 average rpm.
SL: 68-70 mph. 11/5 shape. Showed control of the zone. T2064, 1908 average rpm.
CH: 73-75 mph. Plays straight.  

Josh Kennedy, St. Charles North (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP
Body: 6-4, 180-pounds. High-waisted, projectable frame.
Delivery: Stretch-only, tall and fall delivery, works on-line and lands front-toe closed.
Arm Action: L. Long, loose arm action, high 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T81, 79-80 mph. Plays mostly straight, occasional arm-side action. T2041, 1914 average rpm.
CB: 67-68 mph.. T1950, 1883 average rpm.
CH: 73-75 mph. Plays well off the fastball. Straight. Maintains arm speed.

Cameron Knapp, Plainfield South (IL), 2022; Kishwaukee JC commit
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 167-pounds. Lean, proportioned frame.
Delivery: Stretch-only delivery. Front leg toward left field at set position. Compact leg kick transitions into short, easy stride. Repeatable. Lands on line.
Arm Action: R. Long arm action. Over-the-top arm slot.
FB: T78, 76-77 mph. Arm-side run. T2087, 2035 average rpm.
CB: 67-70 mph. 12/6 shape. Able to locate for strikes. T2329, 2227 average rpm.
CH: 72-73 mph. Gradual fade and sinking action. 

Will Lechner, Wheaton Academy (IL), 2022; Millikin University commit
Positional Profile: RHP/2B
Body: 6-0, 150-pounds. Tall, thin build. Round shoulders.
Delivery: Side saddle. Tall and fall. Extension in back-swing. Weight transfers through front knee. Lands on line.
Arm Action: R. Long, loose arm action. Low 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T82, 81-82 mph. Plays straight. T2139, 2016 average rpm.
CB: 69-70 mph. 11/5 shape. Ability to land for strikes and expand off the plate as an out pitch. T2134, 1985 average rpm.
CH: 75-77 mph. Maintains arm speed. Arm-side fade. 

Ezekiel Lopez, Morton West  (IL), 2022 Morton JC commit
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-7, 180-pounds. Short, stocky build.
Delivery: Works on a flat plane, in line with target. Short stride. Front side opens early at times.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T78, 74-77 mph. Plays straight. T1730, 1580 average rpm.
CB: 60-61 mph. 12/6 shape. T1550, 1518 average rpm.
CH: 68-70 mph. Arm-side fade and sinking action. 

Caden Mainland, Macomb (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/LHP
Body: 6-1, 210-pounds. Physically mature.
Delivery: Tall and fall type delivery. Short leg lift, rushes through balance point. Front side opens early. Lands off to the third base side of the rubber.
Arm Action: L. Short arm action. Over-the-top arm slot.
FB: T77, 75-76 mph. Plays straight. T1785, 1631 average rpm.
CB: 68-69 mph. 12/6 shape. T1744, 1716 average rpm.
CH: 70-71 mph. Arm-side fade and sinking action. 

Cliff Mayer, Marist (IL), 2022; Dominican University commit
Positional Profile: LHP/LHP
Body: 6-0, 165-pounds. Broad shoulders, high-waisted. Long, athletic build.
Delivery: Stretch-only. Easy, repeatable delivery. Loose and athletic. Works in line with target. Lands squared with closed front toe.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T80, 79-80 mph. Arm-side run. Feel for the corners of the plate.  T2253, 2144 average rpm.
SL: 70-71 mph. 2/8 shape. T2297, 2241 average rpm.
CH: 73-74 mph. Feel for the bottom of the zone. Arm-side fade and sinking action.  

Sean McGee, St Charles North (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP Highest spin rates (FB and SL) of any pitcher at showcase.
Body: 6-0, 165-pounds. Long, lean build. Plenty of room for continued physical development.
Delivery: Stretch-only, tall and fall type delivery. Throws across body. Lands off to the third base side of the rubber.
Arm Action: R. Long arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T81, 78-80 mph. Late life through the zone. T2649, 2464 average rpm.
CB: 67-70 mph. 11/5 shape. Depth at times. T2421, 2310 average rpm.
SL: 72-74 mph. 10/4 shape. Tight spin. Late break. T2555, 2492 average rpm.

Ethan Miller, Crete Monee (IL), 2022; Carthage commit
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-3, 165-pounds. Tall, lanky build. Thin waist. Long-limbed, projectable frame.
Delivery: Segmented, tall and fall type delivery. High, athletic leg kick. Lands on line.
Arm Action: L. Long arm action. Over-the-top arm slot.
FB: T83, 78-83 mph. Plays straight. T1900, 1686 average rpm.
CB: 70-72 mph. 12/6 shape. T1796, 1707 average rpm.
SL: 72-77 mph. 2/8 shape. Hard. T1947, 1879 average rpm.
CH: 71-75 mph. Maintains arm speed. Arm-side fade. 

Ryan Phillips, Schaumburg (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-3, 235-pounds. Big, powerful frame. Strength throughout.
Delivery: Front-side flies open at times. Short stride. Stiff front leg. Lands on line.
Arm Action: R. Long arm action. Over-the-top arm slot.
FB: T80, 77-80 mph. Plays straight. Arm side run at times. T1968, 1847 average rpm.
CB: 67-69 mph. 11/5 shape. T1817, 1753 average rpm.
CH: 72-74 mph. Showed feel. Arm-side fade. Same release point as fastball. Maintains arm speed. 

Owen Pierce, Willowbrook  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 185-pounds. Strength in lower-half. Well-proportioned frame.
Delivery: Tall at balance point. Short stride. Stiff front leg. Lands toe closed.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T76, 74-76 mph. Plays straight. T1720, 1668 average rpm.
SL: 68-70 mph. 11/5 shape. T1537, 1362 average rpm.
CH: 65-66 mph. Same release point as fastball. Plays straight. 

Michael Pustelnik, Andrew (IL), 2022 Lindenwood commit
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-3, 210-pounds. Big, strong frame. Thick torso.
Delivery: Stretch-only, rotational delivery. Wraps arm on backswing. Big Leg swing into an on-line, closed toe landing.
Arm Action: L. Long arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T82, 81-82 mph. Intent to play on the outer half of the plate. Arm-side run. T1999, 1896 average rpm.
CB: 69-70 mph. 1/7 shape. T1915, 1814 average rpm.
CH: 75-78 mph. Maintains arm speed. Arm-side fade. 

Freddy Rangel, Lyons Township  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 6-2, 175-pounds. Tall, strong build.
Delivery: Tilt and Topple. Tall at balance point. Front side flies open. Short stride. Lands off to the first base side of the rubber, with front toe closed.
Arm Action: R. Long, loose arm action. Over-the-top arm slot.
FB: T79, 78-79 mph. Plays straight. T1500, 1372 average rpm.
CB: 68-70 mph. 11/5 shape. T1799, 1700 average rpm.
CH: 71-73 mph. Arm-side fade. Sinking action at times. 

Joshua Rogde, Burlington Central (IL), 2022; Dubuque commit
Positional Profile: SS/RHP
Body: 5-11, 165-pounds. Thin, compact frame.
Delivery: Tilt and topple type delivery. Compact and highly repeatable. Rhythmic tempo. Lands front toe closed, off to the third base side of the rubber at times.
Arm Action: R. Long arm action. High 3/4 arm slot
FB: T83, 77-81 mph. Plays straight. T1830, 1717 average rpm.
SL: 61-65 mph. 10/4 shape. T1882, 1800 average rpm.
CH: 72-73 mph. Arm-side fade at times. Sinking action. 

Owen Rudy, Hersey (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: LHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 195-pounds. Thick, developed lower-half. Solid upper-body.
Delivery: High effort, tall and fall type delivery. Coil through hip load. Lands off to the first base side of the rubber. Throws across body.
Arm Action: L. Long arm action. Over-the-top arm slot.
FB: T80, 78-79 mph. Plays straight. T2263, 2172 average rpm.
CB: 53-57 mph. 12/6 shape. Long, slow, depth.  T2046, 1940 average rpm.
SL: 65-68 mph. 2/8 shape. Slurve action. T1843, 1779 average rpm.
CH: 65-69 mph. Arm-side fade. 

Julian Santoyo, Crete-Monee (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/OF
Body: 6-0, 175-pounds. Well-proportioned frame. Athletic build.
Delivery: Tall and fall, low-effort delivery. Compact back-swing. Level shoulders. Short stride. Lands slightly closed.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T78, 75-77 mph. Plays straight.  T1923, 1734 average rpm.
CB: 66-67 mph. 11/5 shape. T1609, 1537 average rpm.
CH: 66-69 mph. Plays well off the fastball. Straight. Maintains arm speed.

Thomas Szafraniec, Loyola Academy  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP
Body: 5-11, 145-pounds. Plenty of room for continued physical development.
Delivery: Starts on first base side of the rubber. Drop and drive. Lands on line.
Arm Action: R. Long, loose arm action. Over-the-top arm slot.
FB: T77, 76-77 mph. Plays straight. T2021, 1956 average rpm.
CB: 68-69 mph. 11/5 shape. Ability to land for strikes and expand off the plate as an out pitch. T1976, 1933 average rpm.
SPLT: 73-74 mph. Same arm slot as fastball. Tumble.

Mason Tokarz-Deram, Warren Township (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: OF/RHP
Body: 5-8, 165-pounds. Compact, strong frame.
Delivery: Low-effort, easy, repeatable delivery. Strong front side. Level shoulders. Throws across body.
Arm Action: R. Short arm action. High 3/4 arm slot.
FB: T79, 74-78 mph. Plays straight. Consistently in and around zone, with feel for the outer half of the plate. T2211, 2036 average rpm.
CB: 63-64 mph. 11/5 shape. Able to land for strikes.  T2329, 2274 average rpm.
SL: 65-66 mph. 10/4 shape. Depth at times. Decent tilt. T2054, 2034 average rpm.

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