Top Performers at Hitters Top Prospect Camp

The 2016 Hitters Top Prospect Camp is officially in the books. Over 150 players arrived in Caledonia last weekend to showcase what they can do for coaches and scouts from across the country. Players in every position gave good performances and helped put their stock on the rise. Today we’ll look at some of the top individual performers at the camp.

Westosha Central's Garrett Gilbert prepares to throw to second base

Catchers

Three catchers stood out above the rest this weekend. Western Illinois commit Austin Emanuel (Mukwonago, 2016) tied for the fastest pop time at 1.81 seconds and had the fastest velocity throwing to second base at 81 MPH. Jack Thelen (West Bend West, 2017) impressed with a 1.84 pop time and 78 MPH throwing velocity, in addition to having some good swings during batting practice. Garrett Gilbert (Westosha Central, 2017) may have had the most well-rounded camp of all the catchers. His 1.91 pop time was among the best at the camp, and his 80 MPH throwing velocity was the second best posted by a catcher. He also ran the fourth fastest 60 yard dash among catchers, clocking in at 7.19 seconds.

Cudahy's Alex Rodriguez awaits a throw at second base

Middle infielders

Several middle infielders had good showings during their workouts, but Alex Rodriguez (Cudahy, 2017) arguably was the best of the best. He swung the bat well during batting practice and posted an 85 MPH throwing velocity across the infield. He also showcased his speed with a 7.07 second 60 yard dash. Iowa commit Zion Pettigrew (Mount Carmel [IL], 2017) had the best infield velocity at 87 MPH and the second best 60 yard dash time (6.84 seconds) among middle infielders. Mitchell Buban (Kenosha Tremper, 2017) and Jon-Anthony Caban (St. Thomas More, 2016) both posted 84 MPH infield velocities, while Dawson Demant (Union Grove, 2018) and Christian McKelvey (Germantown, 2017) both clocked in at 82 MPH.

Oak Creek's Alex Binelas takes a swing during batting practice

Corner infielders

Alex Binelas (Oak Creek, 2018) had the best overall performance among corner infielders. He threw 83 MPH across the infield and ran a 7 second 60 yard dash, which was the best at his position. Brandon Komar (Elkhorn, 2017) matched Binelas with an 83 MPH throwing velocity. Sam Zarling (Kettle Moraine Lutheran, 2017) and Evan Spry (Janesville Craig, 2017) both threw 81 MPH.

Waukesha West's Jarred Kelenic prepares to swing in the batting cage

Outfielders

Louisville commit Jarred Kelenic (Waukesha West, 2018) undoubtedly was the best outfielder at the camp. He hit the ball better than anyone in the cages on Saturday, and on Sunday he ran a 6.6 second 60 year dash and threw 93 MPH from the outfield, both of which were the best overall stats in the entire camp. Zachary Nogalski (Marquette, 2017) had the next best outfield velocity at 91 MPH. Jordan Bailey (Janesville Parker, 2018) also impressed with an 86 MPH velocity.

Catholic Memorial's Ben Dragani winds up for a pitch

Pitchers

Several pitchers looked good during their throwing sessions. Joe Gahm (Germantown, 2016) and Michigan commit Ben Dragani (Catholic Memorial, 2017) both had the best fastball velocities at the camp, clocking in at 89 MPH. Jon-Anthony Caban (St. Thomas More, 2016) and Wichita State commit Jacob Lindemann (Burlington, 2017) both touched 88 MPH with their fastballs. Oregon State commit Nathan Burns (West Bend West, 2017) showed well with an 87 MPH fastball and 73 MPH breaking ball. Some of the younger pitchers also looked promising. Andrew Biertzer (Kewaskum, 2019) hit 83 MPH with his fastball, while Whitnall 8th grader Sabastian Kloss touched 78 MPH with his.