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Unsigned Senior Showcase 1.12.14: Catching Analysis

January 20, 2014

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Illinois/Wisconsin

This entire week we will bring you positional analysis from the Unsigned Senior Showcase on Jan 12 at The Max. The event featured an impressive mix of prospects from Illinois and Wisconsin.

Today we take an in-depth look at the catchers:

Taylor Grimm (Cedarburg HS, WI) and Shawn Chiaramonte (Richards HS, IL) both stood out as two of the top receivers at the event. Both prospects also possessed the ability to play a corner infield spot as well, showing their versatility at the next level. Grimm’s physical nature and strong bat stood out while Chiaramonte showed athleticism and the ability to catch and release at a high level.

Top Catching Prospects

1. Taylor Grimm, C/3B, Cedarburg (WI), 2014
Strong sturdy build, wide shoulders, solid lower half, 6-foot, 205-pounds. Defensively showed solid receiving skills, strong arm, showed accuracy to the bag with carry, 73 mph out of the crouch. 2.09-2.18 pop times. From third base, arm played at 85 mph across the infield, showed soft hands. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, uses lower half well, solid balance throughout. Above average bat speed, 89 mph exit velocity, line drive gap to gap hitter with power. Strong hitter with a physical make up, sturdy receiver.

2. Shawn Chiaramonte, C/3B, Richards, 2014
5-foot-11, 175-pound multi-positional player. Behind the dish he does a good job of gaining ground on his throws to second base. Pop times were 1.98-2.05 at 72 mph. Has athletic feet and quick release. At third base he fields athletically. Arm works short, from over-the-top with some carry at 79 mph. Ran a 7.57 60. Offensively hits from a balanced stance with smooth loading action, short stride, and balance through contact. Bat path is short and level with quality extension and above average bat speed. Exit velocity was 73 mph off a tee.

Best of the Rest

Jonathan Ernest, OF/C, Oak Park – River Forest, 2014
6-foot-1, 190 pound multi-positional player. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, slightly closed stance, short stride. Showed bat speed and barrel awareness, 89 mph exit velocity. Made consistent hard contact, line drive hitter. Defensively plays with a long arm action from the outfield at 81 mph, 68 mph from the crouch. 2.09-2.18 pop times. 7.01 runner in the 60.

Glenn Kubek, C, De La Salle, 2014
Athletic build with length, 6-foot-4, 210-pound left handed hitting catcher. Defensively works out of the crouch with a clean exchange, 67 mph arm out of the crouch, posted 2.07-2.15 pop times. Offensively hits from a tall setup, slightly open stance, longer path, occasional pull side pop. On the mound fastball is ranged between 73-77 mph. Curveball lacked definition, 60-62 mph, Changeup featured sink, 63-68 mph.

Joey Morris, C, Stevenson, 2014
Solid build with strength, 6-foot, 180-pound left handed hitting catcher. Offensively, has short stride, late trigger. Shorter bat path, shows some bat speed, 82 mph exit velocity. Defensively throws 76 mph from the crouch, 2.10-2.15 pop times. Runs a 7.87 60.

Weston Nelson, C/RHP, Sheyboygan North (WI), 2014
6-foot, 180-pound two-way player. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup with a high elbow and short stride. Swing is athletic, with a level bat path and solid extension. Made consistently hard contact. Exit velocity was 80 mph off a tee. Behind the plate he showed advanced blocking skills and was an athletic receiver. Arm action is long, from a ¾ slot at 70 mph. Pop times were 2.18-2.26. Ran a 7.07 60. On the mound he showed feel for all his off-speed pitches. Delivery has some rhythm with regular effort. Fastball was 76-78 mph and straight. Throws a knuckle curve with 11/5 shape and advanced action, at 68-69 mph for consistent strikes. Throws a knuckle ball for strikes at 69-72 mph.

Darren Raby, C, Prairie Ridge HS, 2014
6-foot, 220-pound catcher. Showed athletic feet and soft hands during bullpens. Moves well laterally, handles pitches comfortably. Exceptionally quick transfer, registered pop times between 2.07-2.25. Offensively, doesn’t get cheated in box. Hits from tall, open setup, leg-kick trigger, pull side approach, uphill path, creates lift in swing. Ball jumps off bat, 89 mph exit velocity.

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