In spite of the sub-40 degree temperatures, high school baseball and softball seasons have started across the state of Illinois. Early returns indicate that major league scouts will have the suburban Chicago area on their itinerary more so than usual.
It appears that New Trier OF Charlie Tilson is generating enough buzz to elevate at or near first-round status. Tilson is a speedy, toolsy OF who was featured in a recent feature in Baseball America and has really shined in some recent prospect showcases.
Another prospect who will attract radar guns to Downers Grove HS is RHP Nick Burdi. Oak Forest HS OF Tim Barry appears to be the areas top power hitter and should also attract a ton of attention this season.
Some of the other top area prospects are featured on my list below (and posted / updated periodically).
Note to parents and other friends of players whose names do not appear on my list:
Omission of anyone from my list doesn't mean a thing. It may mean I simply haven't seen / heard/ read about the player in question. I don't carry a checkbook / laptop / briefcase with a major league teams logo on it, nor do I carry athletic scholarships around with me. It's simply my list. So chill.
Here are some of the top Illinois HS baseball teams to watch this season (same caveats):
St. Rita - last years state runner-up. Returns five starters from last years team including LHP/1B Joey Filomeno and RHP Eddie Delariva.
Providence - a well-balanced squad led by Sam Travis, Matt Trowbridge and Joey Houlihan
New Trier - led by top prospect, Illinois recruit OF Charlie Tilson.
St. Laurence - led by two-way prospect and Purdue signee LHP/OF Kyle Wood.
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2011 TOP MLB HS DRAFT PROSPECTS (NW SUBURBAN CHICAGO AREA)
1. Nick Burdi 6-4,210 RHP Downers Grove South HS FB 92-94 with life, sharp + 83-85 Slider and 79-82 Change, attacks hitters, fearless demeanor. Low 3/4 arm-slot, mechanics need work, rushes. Louisville commit.
2. Tim Barry 6-0, 195 OF Oak Forest HS Top power hitter. Runs 6.9 60 yd. Solid frame, huge power bat.
3. Joe Ceja 6-5,230 RHP/3B Ottawa Marquette HS Big Strong, Power Arm, 92 MPH FB. Louisville commit.
4. Jake Junis 6-3, 200 RHP/SS Rock Falls HS 89 MPH FB. 6.8 60 yd. + runner. Strong arm, power bat. Iowa commit.
5. Charlie Tilson 6-0,175 OF/LHP New Trier HS L/L Football WR, 4.4 40 yd. 80 MPH FB. Illinois commit.
6. Joey Filomeno 5-11, 220 1B/ LHP St Rita HS 88-91 MPH FB, low 2/7 arm angle, good CH, strong athlete. Hits well, possible two-way player. Louisville recruit.
7. Ryan Hinchley 6-2, 170 LHP/OF York HS 88-90 FB, 74-77 CB workable change. Kentucky commit.
8. Jeff Boehm 6-1, 180 OF/LHP Mount Carmel HS 91 MPH FB with serious run Kentucky commit.
9. Jeremey Scheck 6-0,180 LHP/1B Stevenson HS L/L 86-89 FB, good stuff, throws three pitches for strikes, Clemson commit.
10. John Kravetz 6-3,190 RHP Mount Carmel HS Features 85 FB with movement, lefty bat, 72-74 CB 75-77 CH. Illinois commit.
Others to watch:
Kyle Wood 6-0, 200 OF/LHP St. Laurence HS L/L Strong hitter, two-way prospect . Purdue commit.
Dylan Craig 6-3,190 LHP Murphysboro HS Illinois State signee, upper 80's FB with workable off-speed stuff. Solid, thee-sport athlete.
Nick Hibbing 6-5, 185 RHP Lakes HS FB tops at 90 cruises high 80's
Wes Benjamin 6-1, 170 LHP/1B St. Charles East 85-88 FB with run, workable CH, long arms, athletic, competes well, Kansas signee.
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From Prepbaseballreport.com
http://prepbaseballreport.com/PlayerProfilesRankings/tabid/316/agentType/ViewType/PropertyTypeID/4/Default.aspx
1 Charlie Tilson
School: New Trier 2011
Positions
Primary: CF
Secondary: LHP
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170
60 Time: 6.6
Velocity
INF/OF: OF: 88
Pitching
Fastball: 82-85
Curve: 60-64
Changeup: 72
Throw/Bat: L/L
Comments: Committed to Illinois. ...
A top-level prospect, Tilson has the tools to play at a high level. The 6-foot, 165-pound left-handed hitting outfielder does it all well – and does it very easily. He can really run, as he showed with his 6.6 60. His athleticism, coupled with his tremendous outfield instincts and a solid arm, makes him the best outfield prospect we’ve seen in the 2011 class. At the plate, he had the best round of BP of all players, regardless of class at an indoor event, showcasing extremely quick hands, a quiet setup, a compact stroke and the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Tilson, who batted third for New Trier in its Class 4A state-title run as a sophomore, was also impressive on the mound. He has the ability to three pitches, including a fastball that topped out at 83 and a decent curveball. As solid as he was on the mound, make no mistake, his future is as a position player.
2 Nick Burdi
School: Downers Grove South HS 2011
Positions
Primary: RHP
Secondary:
Height: 6-5
Weight: 205
Velocity
INF/OF: 89-95
Pitching
Fastball: 89-95
Curve:
Changeup:
Throw/Bat: R/R
Comments: Committed to Louisville ...
A first-team all-state selection as a junior, Burdi went 9-0 for the Mustangs with a 1.03 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 53.1 innings this spring. He walked only 12, four of them in his final game of the year. This strong-bodied right-hander is a high-level talent who should receive significant pro interest as a senior. He possesses an impact power arm that climbed as high as 95 mph over the summer and fall with, it seems, more in the tank.
3 Tim Barry
School: Oak Forest 2011
Positions
Primary: OF
Secondary: C
Height: 6-0
Weight: 205
60 Time: 7.01
Pop Time: 2.02, 2.04, 2.10
Velocity
INF/OF: OF: 85
Throw/Bat: R/R
Comments: Committed to Kansas State University ...
The best hitter in the class, bar none ... A three-time all-state selection already. As a junior, he hit .578 with 17 homers and 43 RBI. He struck out just eight times, drew 28 walks and registered a .672 on-base percentage and a ridiculous 1.256 slugging percentage. Barry, who has 41 homers and a 170 RBI in three seasons, is on pace to shatter the state’s slugging records.
Earned first team All-State as a freshman after finishing with 73 RBI, second-highest total in IHSA state history. Best hitter in the class. Also has 13 homers and 13 doubles as a freshman
The powerful 6-foot Barry once again proved that he is without question the best hitter in the state. The right-handed hitting Barry demonstrated remarkable power and explosiveness; the ball came off the bat differently than any other hitter at the event. A three-time All-State selection, Barry blasted several home runs. He also ran a 7.09 60.
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