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By: Chris Kemlo
Ontario Scouting Director

During this past week one thing was clear; Ontario has a large amount of quality ballplayers behind the dish. Aside from the outfielders, this was easily one of the most stacked positions. With ten catchers representing Ontario, all showed why they were picked for one reason or another. Here is a breakdown of five of the many prospects from the catching position ... 

 

uncommitted 2015 CATCHER

Jacob Sims, C, Ontario Terriers, 2015

The left-handed bat of 6-foot-1, 185-pounds Jacob Sims is going to take him to the next level. Raw power right now, Sims showed his strength by reaching the second deck at Rogers Centre during game action. Obvious strength and bat speed, Sims had a good idea at the plate and was a tough out for opposing pitchers. Sims showed raw actions behind the plate, lacking the number of reps compared to others. His arm plays at the position, and a few minor adjustments to his transfer and feet, Sims could be the left-handed power hitting catcher that college programs dream of. 2.12 pop time on scout day. 

 

the future

Andy Yerzy, C, Toronto Mets, 2016

Yerzy is a large, physical frame behind the plate that moves well and shows he is agile enough to play the demanding position. At 6-foot-3, 205-pounds, Yerzy projects as a middle of the order bat from the left side. A potential power hitter, is able to create backspin on the ball for carry. Hits from a balanced position, short load which at times can get big. Able to create whip through the zone when everything is on time. Defensively, has one of the best arms in 2016 class. Feet and transfer work well with carry through the bag. Hands work and shows mechanically sound blocking skills behind the plate. 2.00 pop time on scout day. 

Luke Van Rycheghem, C, Ontario Blue Jays, 2016

At 6-foot-3, 215-pounds, the left-handed hitting catcher moves well for a player of his stature. Van Rycheghem was a 2.05 pop time on scout while driving balls to right field with loud contact, he instantly became a guy to dial in on over the week. A 2016 grad, Van Rycheghem showed he has the hands and arm strength to stay behind the plate. What intrigued most was his approach at the plate, with putting together maybe the best at-bat of the week against BC in the bottom of the seventh. Van Rycheghem eventually grounded out, but with the game on the line and two outs, Van Rycheghem continued to foul off quality pitch after pitch. A dirt bag who competes and never takes a pitch off, Van Rycheghem certainly made himself into a top prospect behind the plate for 2016.

Max Wright, C, Great Lake Canadians, 2016

Wright showed the most advance approached at the plate out of all the catchers. A feel for the game one can’t teach, his ability to work at-bats, go the other way, and produce solid contact with his fluid stroke makes Wright a can’t miss prospect for 2016. Defensively Wright received and blocked well, and used his quick feet and transfer to produce a 1.95 pop time on scout day. Wright currently occupies an average arm behind the plate, but with more time will be able to add velocity, which should make him an all around defender. There is no doubt that Wright will hit, and has showed at times his potential for power. A lot to like.

Zach Fascia, C, Brampton Royals, 2016

The left-handed hitting catcher who stands 6-foot-1, 190-pounds, showed why is considered one of the top defensive catchers in his class of 2016. Fascia used a live arm behind the plate along with clean transfers to consistently pop a 2.00 – 2.05. Fascia ball carried through the bag and blocked well throughout the week.  At the plate Fascia had some big hits for his Ontario squad. Fascia will continue to improve and make adjustments with the bat as at times his swing can get long and not get through the zone. Fascia ran a 7.3 and shows athleticism that not all catchers have.