Prep Baseball Report

Class of 2013 prospects to watch



It’s still too early to tell, but the Class of 2013 looks to have some high-level prospects. Of course, we’ve yet to see many of the top players who will emerge in the coming years. Here’s a list of the top 10 prospects we’ve seen so far. Most of these rising sophomores enjoyed success on the varsity level. From what we’ve seen so far, Harrisburg SS/RHP Ryne Roper looks to be the top prospect in the class. Then again, it’s still early.

Top 2013 Prospects

Ryne Roper, SS/RHP, Harrisburg HS: The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Roper played a critical role in the Bulldogs’ 40-1 season. On the mound, he used a mid-80s fastball to go 10-1. At the plate, Roper tallied 17 doubles, 6 homers and 35 RBI. Ryne is the little brother of PBR All-State SS/RHP Reid Roper, who will attend the University of Illinois in the fall.

Chuckie Robinson, C, Danville HS: Blessed with impressive raw ability, the 6-foot-1, 220-pound Robinson possesses top-level arm strength. At a PBR Top Prospect Showcase in June, Robinson registered 1.89 pop times. At the plate, he showcased big-time power potential.

Bryce Only, INF/OF/RHP, Huntley HS:  The physically gifted 6-foot, 182-pound Only has all the tools to be a top-level prospect. Only showed his abilities as the starting third baseman for Huntley, helping lead the Red Raiders to a surprising fourth-place finish in Class 4A. Only finished his freshman year with 7 homers , 5 doubles and 24 RBI. He is also an exceptionally versatile defensive player.

Jacob Jarvis, RHP, O’Fallon HS: With broad shoulders and a strong, athletic build, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-hander proved his mettle on varsity for the Panthers, who advanced to the supersectionals. Using an 82-84 mph fastball, Jarvis went 4-3 on varsity. With his easy arm action and size, he will only continue to get better.

Matthew James, SS-RHP-C, Normal West HS: An extremely versatile athlete, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound James was a late-season call-up for the No. 15 Wildcats. James plays several positions well, and is fundamentally sound in all aspects.

Nick Kowalczuk, RHP, Oak Park-River Forest HS: The 6-foot-1, 190-pound right-hander is the next big-time pitching prospect for the Huskies’ pitching-rich program. Kowalczuk made an impact at the varsity level as a freshman.

Kevin Smith, RHP/INF, St. Laurence HS: A two-way talent, the physically strong 6-foot-1, 190-pound Smith served as the starting shortstop for the No. 21-ranked Vikings. Smith also has the makings of being one of the premier power arms on the mound.

Dave Dressler, RHP, Hinsdale Central HS: The 6-foot-1, 175-pound right-hander has the arm strength and athleticism to be a dominant pitcher.

Jack Granath, RHP/INF, Rockton Hononegah HS: Long and loose, the 6-foot-3, 155-pound Granath possesses a lot of upside. Granath served as the starting third baseman on varsity, but the way his arm works, he looks like he’ll be the next big arm to come out of the Hononegah program.

Kyle Colletta, SS/RHP, Niles West HS: The left-handed hitting Colletta was one of the top hitters on the varsity for Niles West, hitting over .400. The 5-foot-11, 150-pounder also has shown promise on the mound.