Southern Wisconsin Open: Catching Analysis

November 9, 2015

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

The Southern Wisconsin Open took place on October 24^th at STiKS Academy in Oconomowoc, WI. We will begin our analysis of the event with the Catchers.

2017 C Jack Thelen of West Bend West has continued to improve his stock producing the top pop times from the event popping 2.02-2.08 and throwing 77 mph from the crouch. He also impressed with his receiving abilities in bullpens.

The Southern Wisconsin Open also produced a new name for the 2017 Class. Rusty Murphy of Cudahy burst on to the scene tying for an event best 88 mph exit velocity from a tee, throwing an event best 78 mph from the crouch, and popping 2.04-2.10.

Michael Lepow, C/OF, Racine Case, 2018
Average build at 5-foot-10, 160-pounds. Right-handed hitting C/OF. Solid runner in the 60 running at 6.90. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a high hand set away from the body. Short, leg kick stride with good balance. Good approach at the plate with a short swing path and extension thru contact. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Defensively took drills at catcher and outfield. Behind the plate has a short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Comes out of crouch early in drills, gaining ground towards second. Popped 2.15-2.32 and threw 73 mph from the crouch. Threw 75 mph form the outfield. Will improve defensively with better footwork.

Rusty Murphy, C, Cudahy, 2017
Solid, strong frame at 6-foot-2, 210-pounds, Right-handed hitting catcher. At the plate hits from a tall, narrow setup. Coils upper half on load with a short stride and average balance. Pull power hitter with a short, uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 88 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.42. Defensively has a short arm action form an over the top arm slot. Gets feet moving early on throws with a clean exchange. Raw arm strength showed carry. Popped 2.04-2.10 and threw 78 mph from the crouch. Good blocking ability.

Jack Pawlak, C, Grafton, 2018
6-foot-1, 210-pound, right-handed hitting catcher. At the plate hits from a balanced, slightly open setup with a short load to back side and heel lift stride. Gap to gap hitter with a short swing path. 81 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 8.02. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. High receiver in drills. Popped 2.18-2.29 and threw 71 mph from the crouch.

Sam Platow, C, Muskego, 2017
5-foot-8, 155-pound, right-handed hitting catcher. At the plate hits from a balanced setup with hand drop load and short stride. Repeatable mechanics with a short, uphill swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.66. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Two-handed receiver in drills with fluid footwork gaining ground towards second base. Popped 2.33-2.36 and threw 65 mph from the crouch.

Jack Thelen, C, West Bend West, 2017
Currently ranked No. 28 in the Wisconsin Class of 2017. Lean, lanky frame at 6-foot-3, 190-pound, Right-handed hitting catcher. Defensively has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with carry. Soft hands receiving with a quick, clean transfer and fluid footwork. Popped 2.02-2.08 and threw 77 mph from the crouch. Flexibility in the lower half creating a low target for pitchers, showed ability to stick pitches in bullpens. Offensively hits from a balanced setup with a short stride and good balance. Fluid rhythm with looseness in the hands. Level swing path with extension thru contact. Showed strength thru contact with 84 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.59.

Ryan Zizzo, C, Muskego, 2017
6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed hitting catcher. At the plate hits from a tall, slightly open stance.. Smooth load with a short stride and good balance. Fluid rhythm with a short path and extension thru contact. Flashed as fast bat. 79 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.23. Defensively short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with carry. Quick, fluid footwork. Popped 2.07-2.22 and threw 76 mph from the couch. Low target for pitchers showing flexibility in the lower half receiving in pens.

Southern Wisconsin Open: Catching Analysis

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