Prep Baseball Report

Milwaukee Preseason I.D.: Preview


By Andy Sroka & Diego Solares
Wisconsin Staff

This Sunday, March 21, the PBR Wisconsin team is hosting the first-ever Milwaukee Preseason I.D. at the brand new, state-of-the-art MOSH Performance Center in Franklin, Wis. This is an open event for all high school classes (2021-24) – and it’s also the final high school showcase on our winter circuit. In its first year, the Milwaukee I.D. already has over 170 players set to attend, and there’s still room on the roster for more; however, registration will close Friday.

For a closer look at the showcase details and the technologies we'll have on-site to assist our in-person evaluation for all in attendance, click here. For a complete look at those registered to attend this event, view the most up-to-date version of the roster by clicking here.

THIS SUNDAY

We’ll see two former PBR Future Games participants at the MOSH Center on Sunday, both of whom are still uncommitted: C Will Johannes (Mukwonago, 2022) and LHP Taylor Kilps (Whitnall, 2022). 

Johannes is a physical 6-foot-2, 205-pound backstop that’s bulked up, adding significant strength onto an already mature frame since we last saw him. He’s an all-around impressive prospect, boasting advanced raw power harnessed within a smooth right-handed stroke and natural defensive actions behind the plate, including one of the stronger arms in the class from the crouch.

Will Johannes (8/2/20)

Currently one of the top-ranked left-handers in the state’s junior class, Kilps is a projectable 6-foot-2, 185-pound wiry-strengthened southpaw with prominent upside. He’s still fully grasping consistency over his arsenal, and we’ve seen flashes of intrigue from his loose, whippy arm. Kilps primarily throws two pitches, including a fastball that’s been up to 86 mph in our looks, primarily sitting at 82-85 mph, although his stuff appears to have ticked up a bit throughout the winter. He also throws a slider at 76-78 mph that is thrown with fastball intent and effort. 

Another ranked ‘22 prospect headed to the Milwaukee I.D.: Campbellsport’s INF Jalen Gellings, who’s still uncommitted. Built at a strong and sturdy 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, Gellings impressed on multiple occasions in 2020, including an outstanding performance at the PBR at The Rock Fall Championships where ultimately earned a selection to the all-tournament team. Gellings hits the ball as hard as anyone in the class, routinely working gap-to-gap and on the barrel in game action. He’s a capable defender on the left side of the infield as well, showing off athletic all-around actions, even if he likely profiles best at third base long-term. A strong performance this Sunday should earn Gellings some much warranted attention as he preps for an important summer, seeking a home after high school.

Jalen Gellings (6/24/20)

There’s a ton of familiar names set to join us on Sunday, and we’re highlighting some below:

+ RHP Nate Snead (South Milwaukee, 2022) is a lanky, loose-levered 6-foot-2, 185-pound athlete who has reportedly made a significant jump in fastball velocity over the offseason, and we’re excited to see the developmental strides he’s made.

+ INF Max Hennemann (Oak Creek, 2023) has impressed our staff in a handful of live looks over the past couple of years. He’s an athlete and has shown above-average actions defending up the middle of the infield. He swings a loose left-handed bat as well with an all-fields/spray profile.

+ Left-handed-hitting SS Anthony Lausten (Hartford, 2022) has one of the cleanest up-the-middle gloves in the class and a loose, lively arm that’ll aid him in sticking there long-term.

+ OF/RHP Adam Balcerak (Muskego, 2022) is a strong, highly athletic 6-foot, 180-pound prospect who impressed our staff last August at the Eastern Wisconsin Open. There, Balcerak ran a 6.82 on thick grass, recorded a max exit speed of 97.7 mph, and reached an 84 mph high from the mound.

+ RHP/3B Quinn Falish (De Pere, 2023) made a loud first impression at the Madison Preseason I.D. last weekend, taking one of the most physical rounds of batting practice we’ve seen this winter, and showcasing an explosive right-handed swing. Listed at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, Falish ran a 6.89 last weekend and also topped 85 mph across the infield – and he’s registered to pitch-only at this Sunday’s event.

+ Sunday will also provide us with our first look at Evan Gustafson (Altoona, 2023), a 6-foot-2 and 185-pound catcher who has generated some buzz ahead of time with a left-handed swing that’s rumored to be advanced.

+ Finally, we’re eager to meet more additions to our Class of 2024 follow list, but there’s a few freshmen on the roster we’re already familiar with, like INF/RHP Colton Angell (Oshkosh North, 2024). Angell thoroughly impressed our staff in October at the Southern Wisconsin Open, ranking as the No. 2 prospect on the event’s overall rankings. He’s built at a physical 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, and his right-handed stroke boasts true impact potential.

NEW CHECK-IN PROCESS 

Because of the number of prospects set to attend Sunday’s event, it is imperative that you read our adjusted showcase itinerary below, which will allow our staff to swiftly and efficiently educate and evaluate the players set to attend.

Additionally, in an effort to continue and develop contactless check-in strategies, upon arrival, players will scan a QR Code with their smart phone camera that will lead them to a Google Form. On that Form, players will enter their name (matching the spelling on their PBR profile) and hit submit. Upon submission, players will be prompted to click a link that will direct them to their jersey color and number, located next to their registered name.

ITINERARY 

Due to state guidelines, and the facility's requirements, there will be a limit to the number of people inside the facility at one time so, unfortunately, parents will NOT be allowed within the facility. This showcase will operate in segmented groups, by position, under the format as follows (players need to wear turf shoes or molded spikes, as metal cleats are NOT allowed):

POSITION GROUPS 

CHECK-IN TIMES

(Note: Players registered for multiple sessions will need to LEAVE the facility after completing their first session and arrive at the designated check-in time for their next session):

+ All Outfielders Check-in: 9:45 to 10 a.m.

+ All Infielders Check-in: 11:45 a.m.

+ All Catchers Check-in: 2:45 p.m.

+ All Pitchers (registered two-way and pitchers-only): 3:45 p.m.

MORE EVENT DETAILS

Click here to learn more about our tech partners that have enhanced our players showcase experience. Partners like TrackMan and Blast Motion have helped both our in-event evaluation process, as well the compilation of our post-event scouting reports – and they're also a tool for our players to learn more about their measured and collected data, that can be applied to improve upon their game.

Finally, masks are mandatory during non-baseball activity. We will facilitate a contact-less check-in. Staff will wear masks throughout the event. Hand sanitizer stations will be accessible. Wear baseball clothes; assigned and numbered PBR jerseys will be provided.

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