Prep Baseball Report

IL/WI All-State Games: Infielder Analysis


By Illinois & Wisconsin Staffs

On July 2, the PBR Illinois and Wisconsin teams converged in River Grove, Ill., at Triton College, to host the second annual All-State Games showcase. This event is dedicated the top uncommitted incoming juniors in both states and also served as a late identifier for August’s PBR Future Games event. Over 80 prospects made their way to this showcase and a number of high-follow prospects emerged.

Throughout this week, we’ll be breaking down each and every player in attendance, position by position, continuing today with the event’s infielders. For a look at previously posted material from the day, check out our Quick Hits post or our Statistical Analysis.

We’ve ranked the top-five infielders from both state’s in attendance – and Illinois’ list as a pair of No. 5s. A couple of noteworthy left-handed hitting Illinois infielders who fell just outside of the Top 5 were Kevin McCormick (St. Laurence) and Christopher Schellhorn (Minooka). McCormick has a knack for finding the barrel and consistently works the opposite field gap. Schellhorn is a 6.84 runner with a loose swing and smooth middle infield actions. 

For now, scouting reports on all 25 infielders can be found below.

TOP IL PROSPECTS

1. Ethan Bowers, Vernon Hills, 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/2B 
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. 
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short leg lift stride. Quick bat speed, level path to the baseball, fluid rhythm throughout swing, line drive and gap-to-gap approach at the plate. Loose, strong hands.
Power: 94 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short and loose arm action out of an over the top slot. Throws showed accuracy and carry.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, quick and clean exchanges, plays through the baseball. Natural actions, quick releases, and a clean backhand.
Run: 6.61 runner in the 60. Plus runner.

2. Sam Antonacci, Sacred Heart-Griffin, 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/2B 
Body: 5-foot-11, 170-pounds. 
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, smooth loading actions, short stride. Maintains balance through contact, swing has fluid rhythm. Bat gets extension through the zone, line drive hitter with some pull side tendencies.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Quick hands generate bat speed. Showed feel for the barrel.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long arm action, releases from a high 3/4 slot. Arm played accurate across the diamond. 
Defense: Reliable and steady hands, quick and clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.05 runner in the 60. 

3. Shane Baumgarten, Wheaton Academy, 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/3B 
Body: 6-foot, 185-pounds. Strong build.
Hit: RHH. Open set up with a short stride to bring himself even, minimal load. Long, uphill path to the baseball, pull approach at the plate.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short, loose action out of an over the top arm slot, with carry.
Defense: Advanced actions work with soft hands, fluid footwork, quick and clean exchanges, plays through the baseball, natural actions.
Run: 6.98 runner in the 60. 

4. Karson Bonaparte, University, 2021 
Positional Profile: 3B/SS 
Body: 6-foot, 200-pounds. Athletic frame, strong and muscular build, defined lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced stance, short stride, average balance through contact.  Long and uphill bat path, gap-to-gap hitter.
Power: 95 mph exit velocity from the tee. Present bat strength paired with quick bat speed translates to power potential.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Long, loose arm action. Releases from an over the top slot. 
Defense: Flashed soft hands and fluid footwork in the infield. Showcased a clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 6.91 runner in the 60. 

5. Ben Stoner, Joliet Catholic, 2021 (Wright State commit)
Positional Profile: INF 
Body: 6-foot-2, 175-pounds. Lanky frame, projects.
Hit: RHH. Open and tall setup, smooth load, hands back, short stride. Short path to the baseball, line drive approach at the plate, balanced throughout swing, loose hands, easy swing.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Short and loose arm action out of a 3/4 slot.
Defense: Natural actions plays tall and easy, hands are soft. 
Run: 7.32 runner in the 60. 

5. Javier Beal, Harrisburg, 2021 
Positional Profile: 3B/2B 
Body: 6-foot, 175-pounds. 
Hit: LHH. Balanced stance, smooth loading actions, maintains balance well through contact. Swing has fluid rhythm. Short and level swing path, line drive hitter.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Quick hands, fast bat.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long arm action, releases from a high 3/4 slot. Arm played accurate across the diamond. 
Defense: Reliable hands, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.30 runner in the 60. 

TOP WI PROSPECTS

1. Bobby Ball, Brookfield Central (WI), 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/2B 
Body: 5-foot-10, 155-pounds. 
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, long stride, brings hands back when loading. Short and level path to the baseball, line drive approach at the plate.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short, loose arm action out of a high 3/4 slot, plays athletically when on the move.
Defense: Advanced actions, premium defender in the middle, hands play soft and cushion to release, athletic feet with above average range and body control.
Run: 7.04 runner in the 60. 

2. Grant Ross, Pewaukee (WI), 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/RHP 
Body: 5-foot-9, 175-pounds. Athletic frame with a strong build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced and wide setup, brings hands back into load, leg kick stride. Fluid rhythm throughout the swing. Bat path is short and level, projects to be a gap-to-gap hitter. 
Power: 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. Fast bat speed generated by strong and quick hands.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short arm action, throws from a 3/4 slot. Flashed carry on throws.
Defense: Flashed soft hands. Showcased clean and fluid footwork, a clean exchange, plays through the baseball well.
Run: 7.03 runner in the 60. 

3. Gianni Passarelli, Indian Trail (WI), 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/3B 
Body: 6-foot, 165-pounds. 
Hit: LHH. Wide stance, minimal load, short stride. Maintains balance through contact. Swing has fluid rhythm throughout.  Level swing path to the baseball, line drive hitter with gap-to-gap potential.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Showcased advanced barrel control.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short and loose arm action, athletic arm that can release from multiple arm slots.
Defense: Soft hands, fluid footwork, quick and clean exchange. Plays through the baseball, athleticism shows in the field.
Run: 7.24 runner in the 60. 

4. Braydon Skenandore, West De Pere (WI), 2021 
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP 
Body: 6-foot, 200-pounds. 
Hit: RHH. Open setup, smooth load, leg lift stride. Long path to the baseball, gap-to-gap approach at the plate, fluid rhythm.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Fast bat speed creates power.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Long arm action from an over the top slot.
Defense: Reliable hands, clean exchanges, glove plays in the center of his body.
Run: 7.20 runner in the 60. 

5. Nicklas Williams, Union Grove (WI), 2021 
Positional Profile: 2B/SS 
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds. Athletic frame, proportioned strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced and wide setup, short stride, average balance through contact. Solid approach, short swing path, line drive hitter with gap-to-gap abilities.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Flashed fast bat speed.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Short arm action, quick arm speed. Throws from an over the top slot, arm played accurate across the diamond. Throws showed carry.
Defense: Flashed soft hands, quick and fluid footwork, advanced backhand. Plays through the baseball well.
Run: 7.24 runner in the 60. 

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Austin Bestul, Elkhorn (WI), 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/OF 
Body: 5-foot-9, 153-pounds. 
Hit: RHH. Tall and balanced setup, minimal load, long toe tap stride. Flashed quick bat speed, short and uphill path to the baseball, fluid rhythm.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 88 mph. Long arm action out of a high 3/4 slot. Throws to first were accurate and showed carry.
Defense: Quick feet, clean exchanges, plays through the baseball.
Run: 6.92 runner in the 60. 

Carl Cano, Bay Port (WI), 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/RHP 
Body: 6-foot-1, 170-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced and closed stance, toe tap stride, maintains balance through contact.  Level swing path, line drive hitter.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Fast bat speed generated by quick hands.
Arm: RH. INF - 88 mph. Short arm action, releases from a high 3/4 window. Throws showed carry. 
Defense: Reliable hands in the field, clean footwork, fields the ball deep. 
Run: 7.21 runner in the 60. 

Kyle Hussey, Providence Catholic, 2021 
Positional Profile: RHP/INF 
Body: 6-foot, 167-pounds. 
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride, simple load, stays balanced. Path works with length, slight uphill path, occasional pull side approach.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot. 
Defense: Hands play under center, tall to exchange, long transfer at times.
Run: 7.23 runner in the 60. 

Trace Kirchberg, Columbus (WI), 2021 
Positional Profile: RHP/SS 
Body: 6-foot, 185-pounds. 
Hit: RHH. Balanced and open stance, long stride, maintains balance through contact. Short and level swing path, line drive and gap-to-gap hitter. 
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Present bat strength.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Long arm action, throws from a high 3/4 slot. 
Defense: Reliable hands, long exchange. Flashed fluid footwork.
Run: 7.14 runner in the 60. 

Jackson Lee, Effingham, 2021 
Positional Profile: RHP/3B 
Body: 6-foot, 210-pounds. 
Hit: RHH. Balanced and tall setup, smooth load, short stride. Flashed fast bat speed, short and level path to the baseball, fluid rhythm.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 87 mph. Long and loose arm action, high 3/4 slot. Throws to first were accurate and carried. Above average arm.
Defense: Reliable hands, fluid footwork, clean exchanges, plays through the baseball, easy actions, corner infield profile.
Run: 7.57 runner in the 60. 

Frank Magnelli, Ridgewood, 2021 
Positional Profile: 3B 
Body: 6-foot-2, 200-pounds. Strong lower half, wide shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Fast bat speed, short and level path to the baseball, line drive approach at the plate. Hit the ball back up the middle of the field.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Long arm action from an over the top slot.
Defense: Clean backhand, glove plays out in front and in the center of his body.
Run: 7.28 runner in the 60. 

Kevin McCormick, St. Laurence, 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/3B 
Body: 6-foot-1, 175-pounds. 
Hit: LHH. Wide and balanced stance, smooth loading action, short stride. Swing had fluid rhythm throughout. Short and level swing path, gap-to-gap hitter. 
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Flashed fast bat speed.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Long arm action, releases from a high 3/4 slot. 
Defense: Steady and reliable hands, clean exchange.
Run: 7.34 runner in the 60. 

Cade Neuber, Slinger (WI), 2021 
Positional Profile: 3B/SS 
Body: 5-foot-8, 155-pounds. 
Hit: RHH. Balanced and wide setup, minimal load, short stride. Level and long path to the baseball, line drive approach at the plate, fluid rhythm throughout swing, maintains good balance.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Short arm action out of an over the top slot.
Defense: Clean hands, feet stay active, natural actions.
Run: 7.66 runner in the 60. 

Tristan Samuelian, Burlington Central, 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/2B 
Body: 5-foot-9, 150-pounds. 
Hit: RHH. Balanced and wide setup, minimal load, no stride. Simple swing, short and slightly uphill path to the baseball.
Power: 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Long arm action out of an over the top slot. Throws showed accuracy.
Defense: Quick exchanges, clean actions, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.20 runner in the 60. 

Christopher Schellhorn, Minooka, 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/2B 
Body: 5-foot-10, 150-pounds. Lean athlete.
Hit: LHH. Tall and slightly open setup, smooth load, long stride. Level and long path to the baseball, fluid rhythm. 
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Short arm action out of a high 3/4 arm slot.
Defense: Middle infield defender, played athletically through the baseball, showed soft hands.
Run: 6.84 runner in the 60. 

Maxwell Thompson, Warren, 2021 
Positional Profile: 1B/OF 
Body: 6-foot-1, 195-pounds. 
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, short stride. Quick bat speed, level path to the baseball, opposite field approach at the plate.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Long, loose action out of a high 3/4 arm slot, flashed carry.
Defense: Reliable hands, fluid footwork, clean exchanges.
Run: 7.22 runner in the 60. 

Kyle Washington, Jacobs, 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/2B 
Body: 5-foot-9, 145-pounds. 
Hit: SH. Tall and balanced stance, smooth loading actions, leg kick stride. Level swing path through the zone. Looks to pull the baseball.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Short arm action, showcased an athletic arm that works from multiple slots. Arm played accurate across the diamond, throws showed some carry.
Defense: Flashed soft hands, showcased excellent footwork. Quick and clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.00 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Weaver, Cary Grove, 2021 
Positional Profile: LHP/OF 
Body: 6-foot-1, 175-pounds. 
Hit: LHH. Wide and balanced setup, short stride, brings hands back when loading. Simple swing, hands stay loose, short and slightly uphill path to the baseball.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: LH. INF - 75 mph. Loose arm action out of a 3/4 arm slot. Throws showed accuracy.
Defense: Fluid footwork, clean exchanges, plays through the baseball.
Run: 7.30 runner in the 60. 

Christopher Worcester, Lake Park, 2021 
Positional Profile: SS/2B 
Body: 5-foot-10, 170-pounds. Strong build with wide shoulders.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, minimal load, short stride. Flashed fast bat speed, long and uphill path to the baseball, gap to gap approach at the plate, overall fluid swing.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. 
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Short arm action from an over the top slot. 
Defense: Feet stay active, glove plays in the center of his body, clean exchanges.
Run: 7.01 runner in the 60. 

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