Prep Baseball Report

Top Prospect Games - St. Louis: Infield Analysis


By Drew Locascio and Shon Plack
Missouri/Illinois Scouting Directors

On Tuesday, June 5, Prep Baseball Report Missouri/Illinois held the Top Prospect Games - St. Louis at Southern Illinois Edwardsville in Edwardsville, Illinois.  Sixty-six players from around the region participated. 

Players can now updated their profiles with a ProspectPlus subscription, while scouts and recruiters can add players on the ScoutPlus dashboard. Player profiles have been updated with profile picture, running times, velocities, and videos.  Today we take a closer look at the infielders from the event. 

Below we ranked the Top three infielders as well as the best of the rest from the day. 

Here is a closer look at the infielders from the Top Prospect Games - St. Louis on June 5:

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. Nico Hagen, SS, Vianney (MO), 2019
Hagan is an athletic 5-foot-8 150-pound right-handed hitting shortstop in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.51 home to first and has a 76 mph exit velocity. At the plate, balanced set up with pre-pitch rhythm in hands, controlled leg lift, minimal hand movement, short in line stride, smooth acceleration with hands, quick bat speed, sprayed balls gap to gap during hitting evals.  On the infield, 80 mph positional velocity, short high three quarters arm slot, quick and athletic footwork, attacks ball, soft hands, clean exchange on time time with momentum created in footwork, accurate throws.

2. Mark Shallenberger, OF/1B, Priory, 2019
Shallenberger is a strong and well-built 6-foot-2 195-pound left-handed hitting outfielder/first baseman in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.61 home to first and has an 84 mph exit velocity. At the plate, consistent hard contact with gap to gap approach, more power to pull gap, starts with weight in back leg, attacks ball, loose hands generate quick bat with level plane. At first base, aggressive to the ball, high three quarters arm slot, quick transfer and throw, accurate, 79 mph positional velocity.

3. Ethan Burgh, INF, Prospect, 2019
6-foot-1, 195-pound, right-handed hitting infielder with a strong, durable frame. At the plate, balanced setup, pre-pitch load, long stride and maintains balance. Present bat speed, aggressive swing, short path and gap-to-gap approach. Had an RBI single in his final at-bat of game play. 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, profiles as a third baseman at the next level. Athletic actions, soft hands, athletic fielding position and quick, clean transfer. Short, quick arm action, throws carry across the diamond and topped at 86 mph. 4.62 runner, home-to-first.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Tyler Blum, Valle Catholic (MO), 2019
Blum is a  long and lean 6-foot-3 185-pound right-handed hitting shortstop in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.65 home to first and has a 90 mph exit velocity. At the plate, consistent middle to pull side line drives during hitting evals, balanced stance, minimal load, slight toe touch for timing, quiet hands, level path through the hitting zone, simple and repeatable.  On the infield, 72 mph positional velocity, arm work with loose high three quarters arm slot, stays under control with footwork, fields ball in athletic position, clean transfer, mostly accurate throws.

Jack Boland, SS, Christian Brothers (MO), 2019
Boland is a strong 5-foot-10 173-pound switch hitting shortstop in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 5.33 home to first and has an 88 mph exit velocity. At the plate, aggressive swing with leg kick, does not get cheated with swing, in line stride with middle to pull contact, slight lift to the bat path at the end of swing.  On the infield, 76 mph positional velocity, fields ball in athletic position, made all plays cleanly during defensive evals, gains ground to first after catch, three quarters arm slot, mostly accurate throws.  

Cameron Bufford, INF, Marian Catholic, 2019
6-foot-2, 165-pound, long and lean, projectable, right-handed hitting infielder. 4.40 runner, home-to-first. Offensively, balanced setup, long stride and balanced through contact. Simple swing, path works short and uphill, flashed quick twitch, pull approach and consistent hard contact. 85 mph exit velocity from a tee. RBI single to left in his first at-bat of game play. Defensively, active feet, works through the baseball, steady hands and plays tall through exchange. Short, easy arm action, throws topped at 77 mph across the diamond.  

Joseph Daneff, OF, Park HIll (MO), 2019
Daneff is a 5-foot-10 170-pound right-handed hitting outfielder and third baseman in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 5.07 home to first and has a 77 mph exit velocity. At the plate, balanced set up, starts slightly loaded in back side, in line stride, no wasted movement in hands, level path, gap to gap line drives, stays under control. On the infield, 81 mph positional velocity, clean over the top arm action, fluid glove to hand transfer with momentum from fluid footwork after the exchange.  

David Eklund, 3B, Lafayette (MO), 2019
Eklund is a lean 5-foot-8 150-pound left-handed hitting third baseman in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.50 home to first and has an 82 mph exit velocity. At the plate, simple and repeatable stroke, balanced set up, short stride, slight pre pitch rhythm in hands, level path, consistent middle to pull side line drives during hitting evals.  On the infield, 70 mph positional velocity, three quarters arm slot, quick transfer and throw, clean exchange.  

Max Elmer, 2B, Glendale (MO), 2019
Elmer is a sturdy 5-foot-8 160-pound right-handed hitting second baseman in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.66 home to first and has a 90 mph exit velocity. At the plate, starts  in a wide base, short stride with controlled leg lift, quick ana level swing path, loose hand with bat whip, solid consistent contact, line drives gap to gap, feel for the barrell.  On the infield, 73 mph positional velocity, athletic actions, quick to the ball with clean exchange, transfer and footwork in sync to create momentum and quick release, mostly accurate throws.

Bennett Eltoft, 1B, St. Francis, 2019
6-foot-1, 190-pound, left-handed hitting first baseman with an athletic, projectable build. At the plate, balanced setup, smooth load, deep leg-lift and fluid rhythm throughout. Loose hands, uphill path, gap-to-gap approach and 91 mph exit velocity. Defensively, fluid footwork, comfortable around the bag, and clean exchange. Long arm action, throws clocked at 77 mph across the infield. 4.79 runner in the 60, laser-timed.

Ryan Frazier, 3B, Fort Zumwalt North (MO), 2019
Frazier is a 6-foot-1 183-pound right-handed hitting third baseman in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.62 home to first and had a 92 mph exit velocity. At the plate, thin stance, controlled leg lift, in line stride, short path to ball, stays on ball after contact, showed power to oppo gap, quick bat speed, body stay under control, consistent hard contact. On the infield, 79 mph positional velocity, high three quarters arm slot, clean exchange, strong build, mostly accurate throws.

Austin Frye, 3B, Sullivan (MO), 2019
Frye is a 5-foot-7 155-pound right-handed hitting third baseman in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.69 home to first and has a 79 mph exit velocity. At the plate, pre-pitch rhythm in hands with loading action, slightly closed, mostly middle to pull side contact during hitting evals, balanced swing with level path.  On the infield, 77 mph positional velcoity, over the top arm slot, collects feet and gains ground after the catch, fluid footwork to the ball with clean exchange, mostly accurate throws.  

Nick Gilhaus, RHP/1B, Normal Community, 2019
6-foot-2, 210-pound, two-way prospect, large frame. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, compact delivery, works with rhythm, stays on-line and finishes athletically. Long, loose arm action from an over-the-top slot. Fastball works straight, sat 82-85 mph. Curveball 12/6 action, depth at times, 70-71 mph. Changeup down in the zone, occasional fade action, 76 mph. At the plate, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, smooth load, inward turn and short stride. Aggressive swing, path works uphill, present bat strength, gap-to-gap approach and 95 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, at first base, steady hands, plays under control. Long arm action, throws clocked at 78 mph across the diamond. 4.86 runner home-to-first.

Chuck Koenig, 3B, Vianney (MO), 2019
Koenig is a long and lean 5-foot-10 150-pound right-handed hitting third baseman in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.75 home to first and has an 80 mph exit velocity. At the plate, balanced set up, rocks weight to back side to load, minimal hand movement, feel for the barrel, gap to gap line drives, feel for the barrel.  On the infield, 70 mph infield velo, fields ball in athletic position, short takeaway from glove, high three quarters arm slot, will work from lower slot on the run, fluid actions with clean exchanges, made all plays cleanly with mostly accurate throws, room for added strength on frame.

Kooper Loehr, INF, Mt. Zion, 2019
5-foot-8, 130-pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Defensively, natural infield actions, athletic fielding position, out in front of body, soft hands, works through the baseball and clean release. Short arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate throws topped at 76 mph. At the plate, balanced, quiet setup, smooth load and short stride. Level bat path, controls barrel and line-drive approach; 74 mph exit velocity from a tee. Finished game play 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base. 4.43 runner, home-to-first.

Brody Macak, INF, Monticello, 2019
5-foot-10, 175-pound, right-handed hitting infielder with well-proportioned strength. At the plate, narrow slightly open setup, smooth load and short stride. Uphill bat path and flashed bat strength; 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Finished game play 1-for-3 with an RBI. Defensively, sits back, soft hands, clean release, long arm action from a ¾ slot and throws topped at 77 mph across the infield. 4.80 runner, home-to-first.

Brandon Mason, OF/INF, Cleveland State JC, 2016
5-foot-10, 170-pound, switch-hitting, outfielder/infielder. Unsigned sophomore from Cleveland State JC in Tennessee. Ran a 4.26 home-to-first from the left side. At the plate, balanced, quiet setup, smooth load and maintains balance throughout. Short, quick swing, occasional quick-twitch. 88 mph exit velocity from the right side and 89 mph from the left. Defensively, natural outfielder. Quick feet, plays through the baseball, clean transfer. Short, quick arm action, throws were accurate, carry and clocked at 90 mph. Also, worked out on the infield. Quick, active feet, works through the ball and throws clocked at 86 mph.  

Parker Mathieson, OF/INF, Normal U-High, 2019
5-foot-11, 175-pound, left-handed hitting multi-positional prospect, athletic build, wiry strength. At the plate, open, athletic setup, short stride, fluid rhythm and maintains balance throughout. Simple swing, quick-twitch, fast bat, natural lift, gap-to-gap, spray approach. 91 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, worked out in the outfield and on the infield. In the outfield, fluid footwork, works through the baseball, long arm action, high ¾ slot. Throws flash carry, accurate and clocked at 82 mph. On the infield, steady hands, clean release and can play on the move. Throws topped at 78 mph. 4.43 home-to-first and was slow getting out of the box.

Patrick McCabe, INF, Morris, 2019
5-foot-9, 149-pound, well-proportioned, left-handed hitting infielder. Athletic, wide setup, smooth quiet load and short stride. Fluid rhythm, loose hands, line-drive approach and worked the middle of the field. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, athletic infield actions, soft hands, fields out in front of his body and clean transfer. Throws clocked at 73 mph across the infield. 4.65 runner, home-to-first.

Bryce McKinnon, SS, Seckman (MO), 2019
McKinnon is a 5-foot-9 155-pound right-handed hitting shortstop in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.80 home to first and has an 80 mph exit velocity. At the plate, balanced stance, hands separate from stride, level path, line drives to the middle of the field with gap to gap approach during hitting evals, stays balanced and under control.  On the infield, 66 mph positional velocity, fluid footwork to the ball, clean transfer, short high three quarters arm slot, mostly accurate throws.

Ryan Neise, 2B, Lafayette (MO), 2019
Neise is a 5-foot-6 135-pound left-handed hitting second baseman in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.47 home to first and has a 78 mph exit velocity. At the plate, balanced stance, smooth and controlled leg kick, short stride, hands are quiet during load, quick through the zone creating bat whip, gap to gap approach.  On the infield, 73 mph positional velocity, fluid and under control, quick catch and throw, loose high three quarters arm slot, athletic, accurate thrower.    

Jarin Nitsche, C, Smithville (MO), 2019
Nitsche is a well built 6-foot 215-pound right-handed hitting catcher in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.81 home to first and has an 82 mph exit velocity. At the plate, smooth pre-pitch rhythm in hands, load with weight shift to back side, gap to gap approach, level swing path with loose hands. On the infield, 72 mph positional velocity, short over the top release, quick glove to hand transfer, fluid footwork with momentum through the catch, mostly accurate throws.

Josh Ohl, INF, Edwardsville, 2019
5-foot-11, 160-pound, wiry, right-handed hitting infielder. 4.38 runner, home-to-first. At the plate, athletic, quiet setup, short stride and simple approach. Stays short to the ball, level through the zone, controls the barrel and creates bat speed at times. Gap-to-gap approach and 89 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, easy actions, sure hands, remains quiet and controls body on the move. Plays through the baseball, clean exchange and throws topped at 77 mph across the diamond.

Teddy Phelan, 1B, Chaminade (MO), 2019
Phelan is a sturdy 6-foot-1 205-pound right-handed hitting first baseman in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.52 home to first and has an 86 mph exit velocity. At the plate, wide stance, quick tempo to leg kick, short stride, no wasted movement in hands, loose hands control the bat head, showed power to the middle of the field, repeats swing.  At first base, 71 mph positional velocity, short high three quarters arm slot, fluid footwork, stays under control, clean transfer, collects feet after catch, plays through the ball, accurate throws.

Ben Schuler, INF, Pontiac, 2019
5-foot-10, 190-pound, infielder, strong lower half. Right-handed hitter, wide setup, smooth load, short stride and maintains balance through contact. Fluid rhythm, flashed bat speed, consistent hard contact to the pull-side gap. Hit a triple during game play. 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively, natural infield actions, sure hands, gains ground and occasional glove pat on transfer. Clean arm action and throws topped at 80 mph across the infield. 4.69 runner, home-to-first.

Will Suellentrop, 3B, Duchesne (MO), 2019
Sullentrop is a 6-foot-4 215-pound right-handed hitting third baseman in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 5.02 home to first and an 85 mph exit velocity. At the plate, starts in wide stance, quick rhythm with in line stride, gap to gap approach, level swing path with mostly line drives during hitting evals.  On the infield, 71 mph positional velocity, fluid footwork, fields ball in athletic position, fluid exchange and footwork, mostly accurate throws.  

Brock Stewart, SS, Lee’s Summit West (MO), 2019
Stewart is a strong 5-foot-11 170-pound right-handed hitting shortstop in Missouri’s 2019 class.  He ran a 4.61 home to first and has an 87 mph exit velocity. At the plate, balanced stance, toe tap to load with quiet hands, hits with leverage in lower half, loose hands, showed pull pop with middle to pull side contact.  On the infield, 77 mph positional velocity, quick catch and throw, gets rid of the ball after catch, fluid footwork to the ball, clean transfer, soft hands, mostly accurate throws.

Bobby Wisz, INF, Lemont, 2019
5-foot-10, 160-pound, lean, athletic, left-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, projects as a top of the order type of bat. Controls the barrel, level path, line-drive approach and worked the middle of the field in BP. Tall, relaxed setup, hands load, short stride and good balance throughout. 86 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran a 4.44 down the line. Defensively, easy range on the infield, steady hands and clean release; ability to throw from multiple arm angles. Throws clocked at 80 mph across the diamond.

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