West Milwaukee Preseason I.D.: Infielder Anaylsis

The PBR Wisconsin staff traveled to Waukesha on Feb. 17 for the West Milwaukee Preseason ID. The event hosted 90+ prospects from The Badger State and provided a surplus of talent to recap and track throughout the WIAA season.

Yesterday, we unveiled the catcher analysis as part of our week-long positional release. Today, we’ll take a look at the infielders. If you missed our knee-jerk reaction of the West Milwaukee Preseason ID, check out Quick Hits and the Statistical Analysis.

On the diamond, Bobby Ball (2021; uncommitted) headlines the ranked infielders. In his first PBR event, Ball used his quick hands and feet to leave a lasting impression. Adding to the young flavor was Aiden Haney (2022; uncommitted). He possesses natural actions from the infield and a compact swing at the dish; he’ll be a prospect to track for years to come. Sean Walsh (2020; uncommitted), a Catholic Memorial teammate of Haney, finds himself among the ranks, too, coming in at No. 9.

Brayden Gorecki (2020; uncommitted) ran the fastest 60-yard dash among infielders. Gorecki played smoothly on the infield and doubled as an outfielder, too.

Check out the rest of the prospects who attended the West Milwaukee Preseason ID:

Top Infield Prospects

1. Bobby Ball, SS/2B, Brookfield Central, 2021
5-foot-9, 145-pound infielder, smaller athletic frame, some present strength. Plays fast defensively, light feet, stays on the balls of feet, athletic actions, soft hands, natural defender, well above average body control, plays well on the move. Above average arm, short loose arm action, high ¾ slot, accurate across the diamond, 83 mph, played with carry. 7.05 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, good balance through contact. Path is short, line drive contact, worked gap to gap in  BP, hits in rhythm. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.

2. Brayden Gorecki, INF/OF, Sussex Hamilton, 2020
6-foot, 170-pound versatile, left-handed-hitting prospect with lean, athletic frame. Ran a 6.84 in the 60. In the batter’s box, wide base, open setup, weight shift back, strides closed. Flashed above-average bat speed off a short path with pull-side tendencies; 92 mph exit velocity. Defensively, in the infield, gets to the ball under control, quick and clean exchanges, short and athletic arm action. Throws topped 78 mph across the infield. In the outfield, natural actions, plays through the ball, clean/quick exchange, similar short, high ¾ arm action; 81 mph throws home.

3. Payton Foltz, 2B/SS, Watertown, 2020
6-foot-0, 165-pound infielder, lean projectable frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, smooth loading action, leg kick trigger, good balance. Short path, gets to front side, line drive contact. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed above average actions for his age, plays through the baseball, quick clean exchange, funnels to throwing hand. Arm is loose, high ¾ slot, athletic releases, 78 mph. 7.44 runner in the 60.

4. Aiden Haney, SS/2B, Catholic Memorial, 2022
5-foot-6, 130-pound infielder, compact frame, fast twitch. Defensively showed above average actions, feet play light and showed above average range, quick actions and release. Arm is short and loose, high ¾ slot, carries at times, 72 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, smooth loading action, leg lift stride. Lands hard and attacks the baseball, front foot hitter, compact swing with intent. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.55 runner in the 60.

5. Nolan Olszewski, 2B/SS, Germantown, 2020
5-foot-11, 170-pound left-handed hitting infielder, athletic shape, strong lower half. Defensive actions played smooth and confident, works on balls of feet and plays with bounce, athletic actions to and through the baseball. Quick funnel to midsection into short loose arm action, can play from multiple slots, 79 mph across, occasional carry. Left-handed hitter, slight open stance, reverse toe tap timing, crouched into load. Works slightly uphill through the baseball, top spin contact, bat speed present. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.53 runner in the 60.

6. Cade Neuber, SS/2B, Slinger, 2021
5-foot-8, 155-pound middle infielder, lean wiry frame, loose levers. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, smooth loading action, stays balanced. Path is long, slight uphill, above average bat speed, 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays short and high ¾ slot, some accuracy and carry, 85 mph across the diamond. Above average defensive actions, plays through the baseball, soft hands, long exchange. 7.79 runner in the 60.

7. Jason Brulport, 1B, Tremper, 2020
6-foot, 210-pound left/left first baseman, thick sturdy build with strength. Hits from a tall slightly open stance, leg kick trigger, lower half gets into it. Aggressive swing, attacks the baseball with intent, long uphill path, pull side lift approach. 95 mph exit velocity from the tee. 8.06 runner in the 60. Savvy defender around the bag, showed feel and actions, fluid footwork, soft hands. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 77 mph across the diamond.

8. Emiliano Ramos, SS/RHP, Arrowhead, 2022
5-foot-10, 178-pound two-way player, solid build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, loads hands back, short leg kick stride. Present bat strength, hits in rhythm, on time, gap to gap approach. 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles at third base, shuffle through the baseball, longer exchange, reliable hands. Arm action has length, high ¾ slot, 74 mph across the diamond. 7.72 runner in the 60. On the mound, delivery works tall and fall, stays online, land square, balance finish. arm action is long and loose, 3/4 slot. Fastball plays with sink action, 77-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 68-71 mph. Changeup fades, 74-76 mph.

9. Sean Walsh, INF, Catholic Memorial, 2020
5-foot-11, 170-pound infielder, lean frame. Right-handed hitter, open stance, smooth loading action, short lift and hang stride, solid balance through contact. Path is level, repeats swing, gap to gap contact. 90 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed soft hands and plays through the baseball. Arm plays short, ¾ slot, accurate to target, 82 mph across the diamond. 7.43 runner in the 60.

10. Nick Pica, 2B/SS, Onalaska, 2020
5-foot-11, 185-pound infielder, compact frame with strength, athletic build. Right-handed hitter, slight open stance, hands stretch back into load, separated by stride, solid balance throughout. Present bat strength, loose level path, line drive type contact. 95 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays with some length, over the top slot, 75 mph across. Hands work, occasionally gets deep, funnel to release, second base profile. 7.18 runner in the 60.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Cole Armstrong, INF, Waukesha North, 2021
6-foot-1, 175- pound infielder. Left-handed hitter, open stance, short stride to even, hits off back side, rotational some. Long path at times, slightly uphill, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. 8.17 runner in the 60. Defensively arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 65 mph across the diamond. Exchange gets long, plays one-handed on the move.

Adam Balcerak, RHP/OF, Muskego, 2022
5-foot-11, 160-pound two way player, trim build. Presently projects best on the mound, delivery is in rhythm, on line with open toed landing, balanced finish, occasional recoil. Arm action is long and drawn out, loose high ¾ slot. Fastball played to glove side, slight natural cut, 76-77 mph. Curveball has 10/4 shape, 64-67 mph. Changeup played with fastball arm speed, runs to arm side, showed fell 76 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, short stride, slight lower half collapse. Loose hands and swing, short and level tendencies, occasional opposite field approach. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively hands play flat to the ground, tall at the waist, occasionally deep. Arm action is long, high ¾, 71 mph across the diamond. 8.40 runner in the 60.

Joey Berezowitz, 2B/SS, Burlington, 2021
5-foot-7, 125-pound left-handed hitting infielder, thin wiry build. Hits out of a balanced stance, short stride, average balance through contact. Loose hands, level path, line drive contact, gap to gap approach. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Hands played smooth defensively, funnels to release, average actions, showed body control. Arm plays out of high ¾ slot, 72 mph across the diamond.

Ryan Blanchard, 2B/SS, Kettle Moraine, 2021
5-foot-6, 135-pound infielder, smaller athletic frame, proportional build. Right-handed hitter, open stance, big leg lift stride, loads to back side. Path has length, slight uphill, aggressive swing, slight pull side approach. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short, high ¾ slot, loose arm, 73 mph across. Hands play underneath, feet work through the baseball, showed ability to play on the move. 7.89 runner in the 60.

Chris Byhre, RHP/INF, Catholic Memorial, 2020
6-foot, 215-pound two-way player, strong lower half, thick build. Plus arm strength on the mound, drop and drive delivery, some effort, high balance point, lands square. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, loose strong arm. Fastball played mostly straight, lively through hitting zone, sat 88-91 mph, touched 92 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, sharp action, some feel, near fastball arm speed, 70-71 mph. Straight changeup, has feel, deceptive arm speed, 78-82 mph. Defensively arm played long high ¾ across the diamond, 84 mph. Third base profile. 7.29 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, reverse toe tap stride. Present bat strength, pull side power approach, hard contact. 95 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Nolan Carrington, 1B, Arrowhead, 2022
5-foot-10, 187-pound L/L first-baseman. Hit from an open setup, short stride, solid balance. Easy swing, path has some natural lift, hands dominate swing. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed natural actions around the bag, feel for first base, average hands, methodical footwork. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, 71 mph across the diamond. 8.40 runner in the 60.

Nathan Chesterman, SS, Lakeside Lutheran, 2021
5-foot-11, 165-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, slight leg kick stride, quiet hand load, solid balance. Rotational hitter, some length to swing, flashed line drive contact. 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short and high ¾, 74 mph across the diamond. Feet played fluid, can play on the move, occasionally sits on it, above average body control, second base profile. 7.84 runner in the 60.  

Tyler Clark, OF/INF/RHP, West Allis Hale, 2022
5-foot-11, 155-pound multi-positional prospect with above-average, proportional frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced/wide setup, short leg lift stride. Bat path is short, level, produced some line-drive contact; 81 mph exit velo from the tee. From the outfield, long, high ¾ arm action, accurate throws home, topped 81 mph, plays through the ball and under control. In the infield, similar arm action can lead to some long exchanges, 83 mph across the diamond. On the mound, works in some rhythm, tall-and-fall type, same long, high ¾ arm action. High knee at balance point, works on line, lands square, gets down the mound. Fastball, some sink, 75-78 mph, touched 79 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, some depth, 59-64 mph. Slider, similar to curve, less depth, closer to 10/4 shape, 60-65 mph. Ran a 7.49 in the 60.

Noah Dixon, 3B/RHP, Waunakee, 2020
5-foot-11, 180-pound two-way player, proportional build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short toe tap stride out of wide setup. Swing works rotational, some length, 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played up with accuracy, short high ¾ slot, 76 mph across the diamond. 7.49 runner in the 60. Arm works long and loose on the mound, ¾ slot, uses lide step out of stretch. Fastball showed feel for the zone, 76-77 mph. Slider worked 67-70 mph. Changeup is 58-62 mph, occasional sink.

Nathan Faust, 2B, Muskego, 2020
5-foot-8, 150-pound infielder, small compact frame with strength. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, crouched setup, loads hands back. Path is level, loose hands, 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. Arm plays long, high ¾ slot, 76 mph across the diamond. Showed body control through the baseball, funnels to midsection, ability to play through the baseball. 7.59 runner in the 60.

Carson Fluno, SS/RHP, Sun Prairie, 2020
6-foot-0, 165-pound two-way player, athletic build, lean strength. Projects best on the mound, easy tall and fall delivery, lands square, level shoulders, balanced finish. Arm action is long and loose, quick arm speed, high ¾ slot. Fastball is straight with late four seam finish through the zone, showed control, sat 86-87 mph. Slider played hard, downer action, 76-78 mph. Above average feel for changeup, sinks to arm side, 75-79 mph. 7.29 runner in the 60. Arm played plus for age across the diamond, 87 mph across, carried and accurate. Plays tall at times, third base profile. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, short stride. Uphill path, topspin contact, 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Evan Gamoke, 2B/RHP, Onalaska, 2021
5-foot-8, 140-pound two-way player, wiry frame, slender build. Right-handed hitter, tall setup, balanced stance, short lift and hang stride. Path is level, opposite field contact in BP. 7.74 runner in the 60. Defensively plays with two-hands out front to funnel the baseball. Arm action is short and high ¾, smooth quick exchange, 66 mph across the diamond. On the mound arm played similar. Fastball is straight, 71-72 mph, touched 73 mph. Curveball plays 12/6, 58-60 mph. Change up played straight, 60-63 mph.

Alex Gavrilos, C/3B, La Crosse Logan, 2020
5-foot-10, 185-pound catcher/infielder, solid build. Right-handed hitter, open stance, leg kick stride. Path works uphill, with length, front foot hitter, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long and over the top, 71 mph out of the crouch, 76 mph across the diamond. 2.15-2.22 pop times. 8.24 runner in the 60.

Conner Haggerty, RHP/3B, Onalaska, 2020
6-foot-3, 245-pound two-way player, XL build, strong and physical. Right-handed hitter, slight open stance, short stride, loads hands back. Path has length, ball jumps off the bat, advanced bat strength. Power potential, 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles at third base, reliable hands, showed ability to play through it. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, 79 mph across the diamond. 7.56 runner in the 60. On the mound works directional with squared landing, stays balanced throughout. Fastball is straight, sinks on occasion, 82-83 mph, topped at 84 mph. Curveball plays 11/5, 70-73 mph. Slider drops slot at times, 72-76 mph.

Jared Hansen, RHP/3B, Waukesha West, 2021
6-foot-0, 160-pound two-way player, lean lanky frame. Projects best on the mound, methodical delivery, lands square and on line. Long arm action, over the top slot, loose. Fastball played 80-83 mph, easy out of the hand. Curveball has 11/5 shape, flashed late action, 69-71 mph. Splitter sinks, 69-71 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, loads hands back and up, longer stride. Path has length, 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm flashed carry, 83 mph across the diamond, long release and exchange. 7.24 runner in the 60.

Dylan Hunt, INF, Marquette University, 2020
6-foot-3, 215-pound infielder, strong sturdy build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, bat wrap load, short stride. Bat strength hitter, firm uphill path, 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays short and over the top, 70 mph across the diamond. 8.03 runner in the 60.

Will Johannes, C/3B, Mukwonago, 2022
5-foot-10, 165-pound catcher/infielder, carries strength for age. RIght-handed hitter, balanced setup, slightly crouched, short stride, lift and replace, solid balance through contact. Slight pull side approach, present bat strength, occasional pop. 80 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action plays long, high ¾ to ¾ slot, 70 mph out of the crouch, 73 mph across the infield. On the infield showed body control and an athletic arm action. Soft hands behind the plate, 2.32-2.40 pop times. 8.45 runner in the 60.

Bryce Kerkman, INF/RHP, Westosha Central, 2020
6-foot-0, 145-pound infielder, thin slender build. Showed upside on the mound, tall and fall type delivery with regular effort, loose arm action, over the top slot. Fastball is mostly straight, 75-77 mph, touched 78 mph. Curveball has depth, 11/5 shape, 63-65 mph. Slider played 64-66 mph, less depth. Defensively showed ability to play with body control and on the move, works through the baseball, softer hands. Quick easy release, loose high ¾ slot, athletic arm action, 75 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, reverse toe tap stride. 75 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.30 runner in the 60.

Matthew Klement, INF, Catholic Memorial, 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound infielder, solid build. Right-handed hitter, open stance, lifted stride to even, hands drop into load. Path plays slightly uphill, flashed bat strength, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short and firm, ¾ slot, 71 mph across the diamond. Corner infield profile, showed reliable hands while on the move. 7.79 runner in the 60.

Jack Leahy, INF, Oak Creek, 2020
5-foot-10, 145-pound outfielder, lean frame. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, loads hands back, with short stride. Path is level, some length, rotational around partial lower half. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long and over the top, 71 mph across the infield. Showed abilities to play through the baseball, fluid footwork at times. 7.42 runner in the 60.

Josh Lewitzke, 2B/SS, Muskego, 2021
5-foot-10, 165-pound infielder, strong build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, good balance through contact. Short path, slight pull tendency, 82 mph exit velocity form the tee. Defensively arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 74 mph across the diamond. Glove hand plays open and out front, two-hand funnel. 7.30 runner in the 60.

Tanner Schmidt, RHP/SS, Bay Port, 2021
6-foot-0, 160-pound two-way player, lean lanky frame. Slight drop and drive type delivery, level shoulders, strong front side. Arm action is long and loose, quick arm, high ¾ slot. Fastball runs to arm side, flashed hard late action, topped at 79 mph, 76-78 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, 64-67 mph. Changeup sinks, showed feel, 68-72 mph. Right-handed hitter, tall open setup, short toe tap stride, hands load back and down. Uphill plane, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.56 runner in the 60. Defensively arm is long, over the top slot, 72 mph across the diamond. 7.56 runner in the 60.

Joey Schneider, RHP/1B, West Bend West, 2022
6-foot-1, 205-pound two-way player. Projects best on the mound, works on line and balanced, closed landing, quiet front side. Arm plays with a long draw into a short over the top window, showed quick and loose. Fastball is above average for age, showed feel and arm side action, sat 78-79 mph, touched 81 mph. Curveball plays 11/5, 68-69 mph. Changeup showed feel, kept down, 71-73 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short toe tap stride. Long level path, some bat strength and occasional pull side pop. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played 73 mph across the infield, showed ability to play multi-slotted. 8.63 runner in the 60.

Colby Snell, OF/INF, Oshkosh North, 2020
5-foot-11, 170-pound multi-positional player with some athleticism. Right-handed hitter, balanced, slightly open setup. Short bat path, level plane, occasional hard contact; 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. In the outfield, feet work, average hands, 78 mph throws home. In the infield, agile feet, funnels the ball in, 71 mph throws across the diamond. 7.15 runner in the 60.

Ben Spiers, RHP/3B, Waukesha North, 2020
6-foot-2, 165-pound two-way player, thin build, long levers, projects. Showed best on the mound, tall and fall delivery, lands open toe and finishes to first base side. Arm is long and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball flashed cut action, showed control, 80-82 mph, topped at 83 mph. Slider is 67-72 mph, 10/4 shape, near fastball arm speed. Sinking changeup, 72-76 mph. Right-handed hitter, open stance, smooth loading action, short stride to even. Flashed occasional pull side pop, path is loose and on top of the baseball. 82 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively played tall at times, 7.52 runner in the 60. Arm action is long, high ¾ slot, 82 mph across the diamond.

Skyler Stark, SS/2B, Stevens Point, 2021
5-foot-8, 155-pound infielder. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, two-piece load. Path is level, 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is short and firm, high ¾ slot. 69 mph across the diamond. Hands play average some effort. 7.72 runner in the 60.

Alex Star, RHP/INF, Brookfield Academy, 2022
5-foot-5, 151-pound right-handed hitting two-way player. Hits from a balanced setup, loads hands back, short stride. Gap to gap contact, path has length, average bat speed. 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long and high 3/4, 69 mph across the diamond. Hands play deep, two hands, push through to field. 8.31 runner in the 60. On the mound delivery plays on line, long arm action, stabs on back side, over the top slot. Fastball is straight, showed control, 70-72 mph, touched 73 mph. Curveball has 12/6 shape, gradual action, thrown for strikes. Changeup is sinks, 60-62 mph.

Justin Swanson, 3B/SS, Johnson Creek, 2020
5-foot-10, 180-pound infielder, solid build with some strength. 7.13 runner in the 60. Right-handed hitter, open setup, reverse tap trigger, creates pre pitch rhythm. Bat strength swing, uphill path gets occasional lift to pull side. 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played at 79 mph across the diamond, short loose action, high ¾ slot, can play athletically on the move. Clean exchange, feet showed quickness, sets up to play through the baseball.

Brennen Tofson, SS/2B, Wisconsin Dells, 2020
5-foot-10, 155-pound infielder, smaller frame with strong build. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, crouched setup, short stride, reverse C hand load. Short path, slight dive, opposite field tendency. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long, ¾ slot, 71 mph across the diamond. 7.58 runner in the 60.

Harrison Toone, SS/RHP, Brookfield East, 2021
5-foot-5, 130-pound two-way player, slender build. Defensively showed softer hands that play out front and funnel the baseball. Shuffles through exchange and release, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, 68 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short toe tap stride. Line drive contact, singles type, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. On the mound Arm played short and over the top. Fastball is straight at 69-71 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, tumble action, 56-58 mph. Knuckle ball played 56-61 mph.  

Carter Tower, RHP/INF, Oconomowoc, 2022
6-foot-4, 150-pound two-way player, extra long and thin frame, projects. Best profile is on the mound, tall and fall delivery, closed toe landing. Arm action is loose, short draw, long with loose finish out front, high ¾ to ¾ slot, projects. Fastball flashed sink and run to arm side, 78-79 mph. Curveball played laterally, slurve type, tend to pull, 68-71 mph, may project for a slider down the road. Changeup fades, 71-75 mph. Runs an 8.06 in the 60. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, leg kick trigger. Path has length, occasional line drive contact. 73 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively profiles at a corner infield spot, showed some actions, rangy at times. Long arm, 74 mph across.  

Cole Vahovick, SS/RHP, Nathan Hale, 2022
5-foot-10, 138-pound two-way player, wiry projectable frame. Projects on the mound, delivery is clean and repeatable, slight high front side, live levers. Arm works quick, slight plunge, works quick through loose release, high ¾ slot. Fastball plays up, finishes well through the zone, showed control, presently sits 74-75 mph, touched 77 mph, projects well. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 63-67 mph. Slider is similar, 65-68 mph. Changeup is straight, 68-73 mph. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, loads hands back, short stride. Path is level, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm played long, high ¾ slot,70 mph across the infield. Actions showed to play through the baseball. 7.91 runner in the 60.