Jesse
Gerdes

Unsigned Senior Showcase (October 16, 2016)
Gerdes has a big bodied frame at 5-foot-10 205-pounds. Offensively- starts in a narrow stance with a slight crouch. Bat and hands high above shoulder. Uses weight transfer and leg kick to start swing. Aggressive hips and shows some elasticity in finish. Swing can cast out at times. Defensively-  showcased very well in skills workout. Quick feet coupled with a quick and clean exchange helped him record the top pop time of the event at 1.96. Throws came in at 71 mph - were on the bag, perfect location for a tag at 2B. Fundamentally sound in blocking, smothered baseball so they did not bounce away. Able to get deep into a crouch and pop out with some explosiveness.


New Jersey Games (July 23, 2016)
Gerdes is a 5-foot-10 205-pound catcher. Ran a 8.00 60, Throws from behind the plate were 73 mph, ranged between 2.00-2.09 pop time. Offensively, Gerdes sets up in a wide stance, using weight transfer and a foot stride as a load. Hands stay mostly stagnant. Exit velo was 82.
Defensively - Replaces feet well on throws to 2B, but needs to be quicker in doing so to get pop times down. Throws had some carry and back spin, and were mostly on target to 2B.


10/18/15 -- Gerdes was excellent the entire day for the New Jersey squad. He was 72 miles-per-hour down to second with pop times between 1.90-1.97. He showed soft hands and deceptive looseness in his hips. He blocked well the entire day and did a nice job of funneling baseballs into the middle. Offensively he went 2-for-4 with two singles and two HBPs. He had a couple tough at-bats and did a good job of fighting off good pitches with two strikes. He does occassionally get jumpy to his front side which takes his smooth swing plane and creates an uphill hitch. Other than that, he shows good balance and a feel for the barrel.

9/20/15 -- Gerdes is 5-foot-10, 200 pounds. The right-handed hitting catcher hits from an athletic stance with high hands and his weight stacked on his back side. He has a normal stride length and his hands reach a good launch position. He takes aggressive swings keeping his hands inside the ball well. He exhibits potential for raw power. He is a solid defender and had the event's top pop time (1.90). He was on the bag with arm strength and good direction. He has soft hands and will eventually be an above average receiver. He must improve upon his speed tool in order to take the next step as a prospect.