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Metro East Open: Infield Analysis

August 8, 2016

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The annual Metro East Open took place on June 28th at Blazier Field in O'Fallon, IL. About 100 uncommitted prospects from the St. Louis area convened for the open showcase. We continue out analysis with the top infield prospects.

Top Prospects

1. Mason Hull, INF, Effingham, 2018
6-foot, 165-pound right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced set up, smooth load, short stride, flashed explosion in lower half with balance in follow through. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, gap-to-gap approach flashing pull-side power. Recorded an exit velocity of 88 mph. Defensively, soft hands, fluid foot work, clean exchange flashing athleticism. Loose arm action, high ¾ arm slot, showed carry with accuracy.  Clocked at 83 mph across the diamond. 7.30 runner in the 60. 

2. Jared Dalonzo, INF, O’Fallon, 2018
6-foot, 170-pound right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, balance in finish. Fluid rhythm, bat speed, flashed gap-to-gap and pull side approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 85 mph. Defensively, flashed soft hands, quick foot work, clean exchanged, athleticism at position. Long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, accuracy in throws. Was clocked at 81 mph across the infield flashing carry. Ran a 7.10 in the 60. 

3. Sammy Schultz, INF, Mount Zion, 2017
6-foot, 150-pound athletic right handed hitting infielder. Tied for the best 60 time of the day recording a 6.68. Offensively, open narrow set up, long stride, balance. Fluid rhythm, level bat path, gap-to-gap approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, flashed soft hands, fluid foot work, quick exchange, athleticism at position. Clocked at 83 mph across the diamond. 

4. Andrew Auton, INF, Mount Zion, 2017
6-foot, 195-pound right handed hitting infielder with a strong build. Offensively, event high exit velocity of 95 mph. Balanced, open set up, explodes lower half, good balance follow through. Showed bat speed, longer bat speed, line drive type approach. Defensively, soft hands, fluid footwork, clean exchange, showed athleticism. Long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy and carry. Clocked at 75 mph across the diamond. Also, 7.16 runner in the 60.

5. Lane Belleville, INF/RHP, Teutopolis, 2017
6-foot-4, 210-pound right handed hitting two-way player. Offensively, balanced set up, leg kick stride, fluid rhythm, bat speed, pull-side approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 89 mph. Defensively, long loose arm action, low ¾ arm slot, flashed accuracy, clocked at 78 mph across the diamond. 7.51 runner in the 60. On the mound, ¾ arm slot, quick arm speed, long action, regular effort. Some rhythm, in-line, square landing, athletic finish. Fastball sat 83-84 mph, topping 85 with run and late action. Slider, 11/5 action with sweeping shape, sat 68-72. Changeup, 73-78. 

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Matthew Albritton, 3B/RHP, O’Fallon, 2019
6-foot-3, 190 pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, with bat speed; 85 mph exit velocity. Open setup, leg kick, with a pull side approach. Defensively, accurate arm from a high ¾ arm slot;  71 mph across the infield. On the mound, right-handed pitcher. Stays in line and lands square. Long arm action, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball works mainly straight, clocked at 73-75 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape, clocked at 62-64 mph. Changeup clocked at 67-68 mph.

Cam Been, INF, Rockwood Summit (MO), 2018
5-foot-11, 165-pound right handed hitting infielder. Ran a 7.19 in the 60. Offensively, Balance set up, smooth load, long bat path, pull side approach type hitter. Recorded an exit velocity of 78 mph. Defensively, showed athleticism at position. Short arm action, flashed accuracy with throws. Clocked at 67 mph.

Ryan Best, 2B/RHP, Staunton, 2019
5-foot-7, 145 pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, closed setup. Fluid rhythm with a line drive approach; exit velocity clocked at 73 mph. Defensively, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Over the top to a high ¾ arm slot; clocked at 69 mph across the diamond. 7.21 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher with rhythm. Tall and fall delivery, stays in line, lands square, finishes athletically. Short arm action, over the top to a high ¾ arm slot. Fastball flashed cut; clocked at 72-74 mph. Curveball, 11/5 shape; sat 64-66 mph. Changeup, good feel, 68-70 mph.

Luke Biehn, INF, O’Fallon, 2019
5-foot-5, 115-pound right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced set up, smooth load, short stride, long bat path, line drive type approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 69 mph. Defensively, soft hands, quick footwork, clean exchange, athletic. Long arm action, high ¾ slot, clocked at 67 across the infield. 7.93 runner in the 60.

Logan Boente, INF/RHP, O’Fallon, 2018
6-foot, 165-pound right handed hitting two-way player. Offensively, balanced set up, short stride, balance on follow through. Recorded an exit velocity of 81 mph. Fluid rhythm, short level bat path, and flashed bat speed. Defensively, flashed soft hands, clean exchange. Loose arm action, ¾ arm slot. Was clocked at 79 across the infield. 7.51 runner in the 60. On the mound, showed feel for all three pitches. High ¾ arm slot, long arm action, regular effort. Also, smooth rhythm, closed landing. Fastball sat 78-80. Curveball had 11/5 shape with tight movement sitting 68-72. Also featured a changeup with sink sitting 73-76.

Alexander Bowker, INF, Carrollton, 2018
5-foot-9, 170-pound right handed hitting infielder with a strong build. Offensively, crouched open set up, uphill path. Pull-side approach, recorded an exit velocity of 78 mph. Defensively, short arm action, ¾ arm slot, flashed some accuracy. Clocked at 68 mph across the infield. 7.26 runner in the 60.

Ryan Brink, OF/INF, Nashville, 2017
6-foot-3, 180-pound athletic, multi positional prospect. Offensively, right handed hitter, balanced setup, leg lift timing trigger, maintains balance throughout swing. Has bat speed, quick twitched, finds barrel, level bat path, line drive approach; 83 mph exit velocity off of a tee. Also, ran a 7.45 laser timed 60. Defensively, took reps in the infield and outfield. In the infield, has active feet, plays through the baseball, quick exchange. Throws from a high ¾ arm slot, short arm action, showed some feel; throws registered at 77 mph across the diamond. In the outfield, clocked throws at 81 mph.

Brandon Caldwell, INF, Murphysboro, 2018
5-foot-11, 165-pound right handed hitting infielder. Top runner, 6.87 60 time. Offensively, crouch set up, leg kick stride. Recorded an exit velocity of 83 mph. Defensively, flashed soft hands, short arm action, high ¾ slot. Clocked at 70 mph across the infield.

Brandon Carpenter, INF, Civic Memorial, 2017
6-foot, 190-pound right handed hitting infielder with a solid build. Offensively, balanced set up, smooth load, short stride. Flashed bat speed, uphill bat path, power/pull type approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 91 mph. Defensively, long arm action, high ¾ slot, fluid foot work. Clocked 61 mph across the infield. 7.72 runner in the 60.

Caleb Carswell, C/INF, Parkway West, (MO), 2017
6-foot-1, 225-pound strong bodied catcher. Offensively, right handed hitter, wide, crouched over stance, leg lift timing trigger, maintains balance throughout swing. Bat speed, uphill bat path, line drive approach, fluid rhythm, finds barrel; exit velocity clocked at 89 mph. In the infield, flashed clean footwork, short, high ¾ release; clocked at 72 mph across the diamond. Behind the plate, ¾ slot, higher stance, pop times recorded between 2.29-2.40. Clocked at 67 mph from the crouch. Also, ran a 8.15 laser timed 60.

Anthony Clark, INF, Springfield-Southeast, 2018
5-foot-9, 150-pound right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced, open set up. Hands back load, longer uphill bat path. Exit velocity clocked at 82 mph. Defensively, flashed soft hands with a clean exchange. Short arm action, high ¾ slot with accuracy. Clocked at 70 mph across the diamond. 7.64 runner in the 60.

Caden Clark, INF, Civic Memorial, 2018
5-foot-9, 140-pound right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced set up and toe-tap stride. Longer bat-path and pull-side approach. Exit velocity clocked at 72 mph. Defensively, showed quick foot work and flashed athleticism. Short arm action, ¾ arm slot, accurate throws across the diamond clocked at 68 mph. 7.58 runner in the 60.

Austin Collinson, INF/RHP, Normal West, 2019
5-foot-10, 170-pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, strength through contact; 85 mph exit velocity. Hard contact, ability to backspin and flashed a level path. Balanced setup, short stride, and a gap-to-gap approach. Defensively, steady hands and clean exchange on the field. Loose arm, high ¾ to ¾ slot, accurate throws across the diamond; clocked at 78mph. 7.66 runner in the 60. On the mound, right-handed pitcher with three pitch feel. Tall and fall delivery, stays in line, lands square, finishes athletically, and regular effort throughout. Long arm action out of a high ¾ slot. Fastball works mainly straight, clocked at 77-78 mph. Curveball, flashed feel, 11/5 shape, and sat 60-61 mph. Changeup, good feel, sinking action, 70-72 mph.

Jordan Dowling, INF/LHP, O’Fallon, 2019
5-foot-6, 134 pound two-way prospect. Offensively, right handed hitter, pull approach, fluid rhythm. Balanced setup, smooth load, leg kick; exit velocity clocked at 75 mph. Defensively, clean exchange, athletic, plays through the baseball. Long, loose arm action from an over the top to high ¾ arm slot; 73 mph across the diamond. On the mound, left-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, easy effort, smooth rhythm, stays in line, lands square, finishes athletically. Long arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ arm slot. Fastball, mainly straight, 67-69 mph. Curveball, sweeping action, 55-58 mph. Changeup, 60-62 mph.

Jacob Dreyer, INF, O’Fallon, 2018
6-foot, 170-pound right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced set up, smooth load, short stride. Fluid rhythm, flashed bat speed, level bat path, line drive type approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 76 mph. Defensively, loose arm action, high ¾ arm slot, showed accuracy, flashed carry as well. Clocked at 75 mph across the diamond. 7.57 runner in the 60.

Luke Gasser, RHP/1B, O’Fallon, 2019
6-foot-1, 160-pound, lanky, two-way prospect.  Offensively, right-handed hitter, with a level path. Balanced setup, short stride and a line drive approach; exit velocity clocked at 63 mph. Defensively, steady hands, fields deep at times. High ¾ arm slot and throws clocked at 72 mph. On the mound, right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, stays in line, lands square, and finishes athletically. Easy effort, short arm action out of a ¾ to low ¾ arm slot. Fastball features run; clocked at 73-75mph. Curveball clocked at 62-64 mph. Changeup, arm speed near fastball, sat 67-68 mph.

Jakob Gentry, INF, Fort Zumwalt North (MO), 2018
5-foot-8, 150-pound right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced set up and toe-tap stride. Fluid rhythm, uphill path and pull-side approach. Exit velocity clocked at 74 mph. Defensively, flashed soft hands, quick footwork and a clean exchange. Loose arm action, 3/4 arm slot, recorded at 76 mph across the diamond. 7.32 runner in the 60. 

Ethan Gratton, INF, Triad, 2019
6-foot-1, 170 pound, right-handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced setup, toe tap stride. Line drive approach; exit velocity clocked at 79 mph. Defensively, accurate arm from a high ¾ to ¾ arm slot. Long arm action; clocked at 68 mph across the diamond. 7.74 runner in the 60.

Clayton Groom, INF, O’Fallon, 2018
5-foot-11, 175-pound right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced set up, smooth load, short stride. Flashed bat speed, uphill path, gap-to-gap type approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, fluid foot work, clean exchange, showed athleticism. Long arm action, high ¾ arm slot, flashed accuracy, showed feel. Clocked at 74 mph across the diamond. 7.61 runner in the 60.

Jake Holan, INF, O’Fallon, 2018
6-foot, 145-pound right handed hitting infielder. Showcased well defensively, soft hands, fluid footwork, quick exchange, athleticism at position. Short arm action, high ¾ arm slot, flashed accuracy. Clocked at 71 mph across the infield. Offensively, balanced set up, smooth load, early rhythm, longer bat path, pull-side approach. Clocked an exit velocity of 83 mph. 7.1 runner in the 60.

Cole Juelfs, INF/RHP, Valmeyer, 2018
6-foot, 160-pound right handed hitting two-way player. Offensively, tall, balanced set up, smooth load, toe-tap stride, balance on follow through. Level bat path, line drive type approach, fluid rhythm. Recorded an exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, athleticism at position. Long arm action, high ¾ arm slot. Clocked at 78 mph across the infield. 7.67 runner in the 60. On the mound, over the top arm angle, short action, smooth rhythm, square landing. Fastball had run, thrown for strikes, sat 75-78. Curveball, 11/5 action, thrown for strikes, sat 63-66. Also featured a change up with sink sitting 63-66.

Mack Langdon, RHP/INF, Triad, 2018
6-foot-0, 190 pound, two-way prospect. On the mound, right-handed pitcher. Tall and fall delivery, in line, square landing, finishes athletically. Long arm action, over the top to high ¾ arm slot. Fastball, flashed run, slight action, sat 79-80 mph. Curveball, good feel, 12/6 shape, 68-69 mph. Changeup, arm speed similar to fastball,  73-74mph. Offensively, right-handed pull hitter with bat speed. Balance setup, toe tap; exit velocity clocked at 90 mph. Defensively, quick exchange, plays through the baseball. Accurate arm, high ¾ arm slot; clocked at 78 mph across the diamond. 7.22 runner in the 60. 

Will Lanxon, INF, Belleville West, 2019
5-foot-8, 135-pound, infielder. Offensively, left-handed hitter, open setup. Smooth load, short stride; exit velocity clocked at 81 mph. Defensively, soft hands, fluid footwork, finishes thru the baseball. Short arm action from a ¾ slot. 7.3 runner in the 60.

Jake Levin, SS/RHP, O’Fallon, 2019
5-foot-10, 145 pound, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed pull hitter. Open setup, leg kick, good balance; exit velocity clocked at 76 mph. Defensively, quick footwork , clean exchange. Long arm action, high ¾ arm slot; clocked at 71 mph across the diamond. On the mound, right-handed pitcher, tall and fall delivery, works slightly across his body. Short arm action, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball flashes run; sat 69-71 mph. Curveball, throws for strike 11/5 shape, 58-60 mph. Changeup, 67-60 mph.

Cody Louveau, INF, Springfield Southeast, 2018
5-foot-11, 180-pound right handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced set up, short stride, uphill bat path. Recorded an exit velocity of 80 mph. Defensively, short arm action, over the top slot, flashed some carry. Clocked at 70 mph across the diamond. 7.94 runner in the 60.

Logan Lowery, INF, O’Fallon, 2020
5-foot-5, 105 pound, infielder. Offensively, right handed hitter with fluid rhythm and line drive approach. Balance setup, smooth load, short stride; exit velocity clocked at 67 mph.  Defensively, fluid footwork, clean exchange. Long arm action, over the top to high ¾ arm slot; 63 mph across the diamond.

Nathan Martin, INF, O’Fallon, 2018
5-foot-10, 135-pound left handed hitting infielder. Offensively, balanced, open set up. Smooth load, short stride, short bat path, line drive type approach. Exit velocity clocked at 71 mph. Defensively, flashed soft hands, fluid footwork, quick, clean exchange. Short arm action, over the top arm slot with accuracy and flashed carry. Clocked at 70 mph across the diamond. 7.62 runner in the 60.

Luke Meixner, INF/RHP, Duchesne (MO), 2017
6-foot, 195-pound right handed hitting two-way player. Offensively, open set up, bat speed, uphill path, pull-side type hitter. Flashed power. Recorded an exit velocity of 89 mph. Defensively, quick footwork with a clean exchange. Short arm action, ¾ slot, flashed carry. Clocked at 79 mph across the diamond. 7.39 runner in the 60. On the mound, high ¾ arm slot, quick arm speed, short action, in-line direction, closed landing. Fastball sat 81 mph topping at 82 mph. Slider, 10/4 action sitting 72-73. Also featured a changeup with arm side run sitting 74-76.

Trey Puckett, INF, Richland, 2017
5-foot-10, 140-pound left handed hitting infielder. Offensively, open set up, short stride. Flashed balance. Recorded an exit velocity of 73 mph. Defensively, fluid foot work, quick exchange. Long arm action, high ¾ slot. Clocked at 67 mph across the infield. 7.12 runner in the 60.

Clifton Slagel, INF/RHP, Prairie Central, 2017
6-foot-1, 175-pound right handed hitting two-way player. Offensively, balanced wide set up, smooth load, short stride, balance with follow through. Bat speed, level bat path with extension, gap-to-gap approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 85. Defensively, quick exchange, short arm action, high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy. Clocked at 73 mph across the infield. 7.37 runner in the 60. On the mound, fastball, thrown for strikes, sat 81-83 mph topping 84. Curveball, 10/4 action with tight movement sitting 61-65. Also featured a changeup with sink sitting 74-75.

Dominic Smiley, INF, O’Fallon, 2017
6-foot, 165-pound right handing hitting infielder. Was one of the top runners at the event running a 6.89 laser 60 time. Offensively, balance set up, smooth load, short stride. Flashed bat speed, short uphill bat path. Recorded an exit velocity of 81 mph. Defensively, soft hands, fluid foot work, clean exchange, athleticism at position. Short loose arm action, high ¾ arm slot, flashed accuracy and carry. Clocked at 81 mph across the diamond.

James Shaw, OF/INF, Canton, 2018
5-foot-9, 170-pound two-way prospect. Defensively, worked out in the outfield and infield. From the outfield, played through the baseball with clean exchanges. Arm worked well, long, loose, whippy arm action from a high ¾ slot, throws showed carry; 83 mph from the outfield. From the infield, registered at 75 mph across the diamond. Offensively, right-handed hitter, balanced setup, simple stance. Uphill swing path, pull side approach, strong hands; exit velocity clocked at 81 mph. Also, ran a 7.53 60.

Ty Shylanski, OF/1B, Belleville West, 2017
6-foot-2, 215-pound prospect. Offensively, right handed hitter, slightly open setup, long stride, lands square, maintains balance throughout swing. Uphill bat path, power approach, fluid rhythm, has bat speed; exit velocity clocked at 88 mph. Defensively, took reps in the outfield and at first base. From the outfield, plays through the baseball, showed clean exchanges on throws. Short, loose arm action, over the top slot, flashed accurate throws; 81 mph from the outfield. In the infield, clocked at 73 mph across the diamond. Also, ran a 7.54 laser timed 60. 

Hunter Smith, INF, Triad, 2019
5-foot-6, 145 pound, infielder. Defensively, fluid footwork, clean exchange and works thru the baseball. Accurate arm from a ¾ slot. Offensively, right-handed hitter, level path. Balanced setup, leg kick; exit velocity clocked at 77 mph. 7.95 runner in the 60.

Hayden Sontag, 1B, Civic Memorial, 2018
6-foot-2, 185 pound, first baseman. Offensively, right handed hitter with a loose, quick bat. Sprayed line drives across the field; exit velocity clocked at 83 mph. Defensively, first baseman, short arm action from a high ¾ to ¾ arm slot; 73 mph across the diamond. 7.52 runner in the 60.

Jayce Timmerman, C/INF, Central Community, 2018
5-foot-10, 155-pound, right-handed hitting, multi-positional prospect. Offensively, balanced set up, back load, short stride. Short uphill bat oath, line drive approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 78 mph. Defensively, in the infield quick exchange, long, loose arm action, high ¾ slot, flashed accuracy and carry. Behind the plate, quick exchange, pop time ranged from 2.26-2.37. Clocked at 77 mph from the crouch. 7.4 runner in the 60.

Geoff Withers, INF/RHP, Civic Memorial, 2018
6-foot-5, 211-pound right handed hitting two-way player. Offensively, balanced set up, back load, longer bat path, line drive type approach. Recorded an exit velocity of 88 mph. Defensively, high ¾ arm slot, flashed accuracy and arm strength. Clocked at 70 mph across the infield. On the mound, projectable right handed pitcher. High ¾ arm slot, quick arm speed, loose action, regular effort. Smooth rhythm, in-line direction, square landing. Fastball sat 77-79 mph hitting 81 mph with run. Curveball, 10/4 action, sitting 63-67 with fastball arm speed. Featured a changeup sitting 70-73 with sink, fastball arm speed.

Tommy Woods, INF/RHP, McClure North, 2018
6-foot-3, 185 pounds, lanky, two-way prospect. Offensively, right-handed hitter, loose hands, bat speed; exit velocity clocked at 87 mph.  Level bat path with a gap to gap approach, fluid rhythm. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Defensively, fields athletically, quick footwork and exchange. Long, loose arm action from a high ¾ slot; 78 mph across the infield. On the mound, right handed pitcher. Regular effort, in line, square landing. Long arm action, high ¾ arm slot. Fastball, thrown for strikes, flashes run, 76-79 mph. Curveball, 63-66 mph. Changeup, mostly straight, 68-71.

Jacob Wylie, INF, Mount Vernon, 2017
6-foot-1, 205 pound infielder. Right-handed pull hitter. Balanced setup, short stride; exit velocity clocked at 78 mph. Defensively, fields deep at times. High ¾ arm slot; 72 mph across the diamond.

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