2020 Games: Catching Analysis
July 11, 2018
The Invite-Only 2020 Games took place on Tuesday, June 5th at Phoenix Municipal Stadium, home of the Arizona State Sun Devils. The event featured many of the state's top sophomores and gave players an opportunity to earn an invitation to play for Team Arizona in our premier national event, the PBR Future Games in August. Today, we continue the event coverage with our Catching Analysis. The top four catchers separated themselves with Shane Erickson clearly the top offensive player at the position. Landon Wallace and Christian Rodriguez both show significant upside wth projectable frames, while Tanner Spalling is a ready-made defender. The fifth spot was a near dead heat between Ty Corcoran, Sebastian Laguna (the best defender of the three) and Kyle Lewis, with Corcoran winning out due to his present offensive ability.
Complete video, data, pictures and scouting reports have been posted to players' individual profiles. As always contact [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona on Twitter with any questions and/or information.
TOP Catching PROSPECTS:
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SHANE ERICKSON C / 3B / IRONWOOD RIDGE, AZ / 20205-foot-10 195-pound frame. Broad shoulders, sturdy frame. Erickson continues to impress at the plate showcasing raw power and the ability to make consistent hard contact. Posted a 90 mph exit velocity. Toe tap and barrel tip timing mechanism. Creates considerable separation by keeping his hands back and loaded as hips begin to fire. Advanced synchronization, timing, and rhythm throughout the swing. Listed as a C/3B, Erickson only worked out behind the plate in this look, where he profiles best. Pop times ranged from 2.00 - 2.07 with 75 mph arm strength. Erickson’s bat and continued progress behind the plate make him a very intriguing prospect. 7.77 60 yard dash.
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LANDON WALLACE C / SS / ROSEVILLE, CA / 2020Wallace showed an interesting combination of tools and physical projection that make him an interesting follow moving forward. While the body doesn't instantly indicate catcher, he turned in a very solid 1.97 pop time with 75 mph velo from the crouch and posted an 88 mph exit velocity at 6-foot-2 155-pounds. Also posted a solid 60 yard dash time for his position at 7.24 seconds. Offensively shows long levers and some present bat speed, hitting from tall setup. Projects to turn doubles power into over the fence power as he matures physically, adding strength/mass.
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CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ C / 1B / CATALINA FOOTHILLS, AZ / 20205-foot-11, 150-pound frame. Rodriguez showed impressive arm strength from behind the plate (77 mph) in our first extended look at him. Pop times ranged from 2.00 - 2.08. Gains substantial ground towards second on his throws. Quick, clean arm action. Intriguing skill set behind the plate. His left handed swing also has a chance as he shows a solid rhythm and just needs to add significant strength to his frame. Front leg could stabilize better. Linear bath path through the zone with a somewhat narrow base; 74 mph exit velocity not indicative of offensive ability. Also posted a 7.57 60 yard dash.
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TANNER SPALLINA C / OF / VERRADO, AZ / 20205-foot-11 174-pound frame. Spallina is a no-doubt DI prospect as a defender behind the plate, posting a best pop time of 1.95 with 75 mph velocity from the crouch. In addition to his throwing ability, Spallina also excels as a receiver and blocks well. The offense is a little further away, but he shows enough strength (89 mph exit velocity) to be a contributor on both sides of the ball. Offensive development will dictate what level prospect he becomes. Also posted a 7.58 60 yard dash.
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TY CORCORAN C / 3B / HAMILTON, AZ / 2020Rankings StateRank: 50 / POS: 4
6-foot-1, 210-pound frame. Big, strong body. Corcoran impressed with his swing and power potential. Posted an 88 mph exit velocity. Minimal wasted movement. Used a heel turn with his front foot before firing his backside. Efficient path to the baseball. Present bat speed. Profiles well behind the plate. Low crouch and solid mobility. Pop times ranged from 2.01 - 2.12. Arm is a tad late getting up at times due to a slight hitch. 72 mph arm strength. Good carry on his throws. Also posted an 8.20 60 yard dash.
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