2017 State Draft Report: Illinois

CROP RATING
	Not up to par
Rating compares this year’s group to what a state typically produces, not to other states

Editor’s Note: Nick Maton was added after this was first published.

Scouts trekking through Illinois this year were focused on the pitching. There’s no position player from the state who is likely to go on the first or second day of the draft (with the exception of potentially a bargain senior signing), but the state does have a large number of interesting arms. It gives some hope to what overall is a pretty down year draft wise for the state.

NATIONAL TOP 500 PROSPECTS

BA 500 Scouting Reports

1. Brendan Murphy, LHP, Mundelein (Ill.) HS (119)
2. Zach Haake, RHP, John A. Logan (Ill.) JC (150)
3. Bobby Miller, RHP, McHenry (Ill.) HS (372)
4. Reid Detmers, LHP, Chatham Glenwood HS, Chatham, Ill. (422)
5. Austin Marozas, RHP, Plainfield (Ill.) South HS (486)
6. Liam Jenkins, RHP, Wabash Valley (Ill.) JC (496)

OTHER PROSPECTS OF NOTE

2017 Draft Map

7. Glenn Albanese, RHP, Batavia (Ill.) HS
8. Nick Maton, ss, Lincoln Land (Ill.) JC
9. Donivan Williams, 3B, Morgan Park HS, Chicago
10. Marius Blandis, RHP, St. Laurence HS, Burbank, Ill.
11. Antonio Saldana, LHP, Joliet (Ill.) Catholic HS
12. Ryan Kutt, RHP, Brother Rice HS, Chicago
13. Joe Donovan, C, Westmont (Ill.) HS
14. Ryan Altenberger, SS/2B, Morton (Ill.) HS
15. Jack Guzek, RHP, Brother Rice HS, Chicago
16. Brady Corrigan, RHP, Plainfield (Ill.) North HS
17. Michael Baird, RHP, Southern Illinois
18. Adam McGinnis, C, Western Illinois
19. Brandon Nowak, LHP, Oakton JC (Ill.)
20. Thomas Smart, 3B, Oakton JC (Ill.)
21. Patrick Smith, LHP, Heartland (Ill.) JC
22. Jake Walters, 2B, Quincy (Ill.)
23. Dominic Miles, OF, Quincy (Ill.)

Glenn Albanese, RHP, Batavia (Ill.) HS
A high school tight end who has pitched more and more over the past two years, Albanese is an athletic if bulky 6-foot-5 righthander with a chance to develop into a future low-90s physical starter. For a big guy he has pretty good body control but scouts describe his delivery as less-than-ideal. He sits 88-90 mph (and has touched 92-93 in short stints) right now with an advanced changeup for his age. His breaking ball has shown some depth. He’s a Louisville signee who may opt to go to school with the idea of developing into a more prominent prospect in three years.

Marius Blandis, RHP, St. Laurence HS, Burbank, Ill.
Dovydas Neverauskas became the first person born and raised in Lithuania to make it the big leagues. Blandis will attempt to become the second. He had been coming to the States to play baseball in the summers for years, but he moved to the U.S. before his senior year to get more experience. He’s signed to play at Iowa Western CC next season if he doesn’t go pro. Blandis touches 93 mph at the Super 60 event in February, but this spring he’s generally sat more in the high 80s with effort to his delivery. As one might expect, he’s somewhat raw and may benefit from going to college.

Antonio Saldana, LHP, Joliet (Ill.) Catholic HS
Saldana is a massive, 6-foot-7 southpaw. He throws an upper 80s fastball but can touch 90-91. Scouts would like to see his breaking ball add more power and depth. While he has size and physicality, scouts are hoping he will improve his conditioning and athleticism at the next level.

Brandon Nowak, LHP, Oakton JC (Ill.)
The Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference pitcher of the year in 2016, Nowak posted a 2.11 ERA while striking out 66 batters in 55.1 innings of work (10.73 K/9). He’s signed to play with Miami, which gives him good leverage with signability.

Thomas Smart, 3B, Oakton JC (Ill.)
Smart made an immediate impact in the Oakton lineup during his freshman season, leading the team with a .424/.507/.667 triple slash. Smart played wide receiver and offers a strong arm and above-average speed.

Patrick Smith, LHP, Heartland (Ill.) JC
A 6-3 lefty with an 88-92 mph fastball and a tight, 12-to-6 curve. Smith is a Purdue commit.

Jake Walters, 2B, Quincy (Ill.)
Named NCBWA Midwest First Team All-Region for the second season, Walters is one of the best pure hitters in the midwest region and tacked on 18 home runs while walking 40 times during his senior season.