Commitment Q&A: Wes Kath Pledges To ASU
November 13, 2018
With NCAA and NJCAA commits signing this month we will be checking in with a number of committed prospects in all classes to talk about their college selections. We recently sat down with 2021 Arizona State commit and Future Games participant Wes Kath to talk about his decision making process and what sold him on the Sun Devils. Full video from the Future Games is included at the bottom of the article; check out the number of college coaches in the background. As always please email [email protected] or direct message @PBRArizona with any news or commitment info.
PBR: What was your experience like being a part of the first Team Arizona at the PBR Future Games?
Kath: The experience was amazing...I’ve never been to an event so well organized with so many scouts.
PBR: What role did PBR play in your recruiting process?
Kath: PBR and Jordon Banfield played a huge role in my recruiting process. Without the help of PBR I would probably not be in the position I’m in now.
PBR: Why did you choose Arizona State?
Kath: I chose Arizona State because I grew up watching the Sun Devils and the Wildcats, so for me to have the opportunity to go to one of these schools was very special.
PBR: What coach on staff was your primary recruiter and how it that relationship?
Kath: Coach Ben Greenspan was my main recruiter but Coach Tracy Smith also got to watch me play while I was in Indiana for the Futures Games.
PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Kath: I think the coaching staff first saw me at local tournaments or PBR events like the 2021 Games in June. I developed my relationship with the Arizona State coaches mostly through phone calls.
PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
Kath: My dad, Gary Alcombrack, John Webb, Bryan Rice, Erik Kehoe and Jordon Banfield have all made huge impacts in my life, in baseball, and in my recruiting process.
PBR: Who do you play for in the summer/fall and what has that experience been like?
Kath: I play for Wilson Sandlot and the experience has been amazing. We have proved to be one of the better teams in the country and it’s super fun to be a part of.
PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
Kath: My most memorable baseball moment was probably hitting my first homerun.
PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced in Arizona?
Kath: The toughest pitcher I’ve faced in Arizona is Matthew Liberatore.
Scouting Report
8/4/18 - 2021 3B Wes Kath was the lone offensive bright spot for Team AZ on the day, squaring up two balls against upper 80's arms for hard line drives to center and right-center field. Kath didn't look out of place all week as a 2021 grad and is a certain D1 prospect. The projectable-bodied infielder moves effortlessly on the infield and projects for plus arm strength as his body matures. Kath showed off the arm the day prior, making a throw across the diamond from foul territory that showed easy carry and arrived in plenty of time.
6/6/18 - 6-foot-1, 160-pound frame. Kath gets a little better every time we see him and this day was no different. He continues to get bigger, but also drastically improved his run time on this occasion, posting a 7.20 60-yard dash after turning in a 7.60 at a PBR event last fall. Kath shows effortless actions in the field with a loose, whippy arm action (84 mph infield velo) and soft hands. While he's currently playing more 3B, it's not out of the question that he could handle SS if the athleticism continues to tick up. Offensively he's continually showed an ability to be on the barrel with a simple, slight uphill path and should grow into some real power, which he flashed smoking a double off the wall in RF at Hi Corbett in live game action; 86 mph exit velocity. Positioning himself as one of the top 2021 prospects in the state.
3/28/18 - Starting at 3B for the varsity as a freshman. Tremendously projectable body with long limbs and big feet. Has a chance to be physical presence as he continues to mature. Should run better as he grows into his body. Easy mover on defense with soft hands and a loose arm that generates outstanding carry for a 2021 grad. Does not look out of place at all as we've seen him face Liberatore and Woessner in the last week; not overwhelmed by velocity. Shows easy power on offense, launching a homer to the pull side with no effort or violence in swing and natural loft. High-level follow.
10/29/17 – Young 5-foot-11 155-pound frame with high hips, big hands and feet. Plenty of room left for physical growth and development. Hits from narrow base with slight leg lift trigger that doesn’t gain much ground.. Looking to pull in BP. Stays behind the baseball very well. Has a chance offensively with additional strength; 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively shows soft hands and is a fluid mover at shortstop. Closes himself off to throw with clean, whippy arm action; 75 mph infield velo. 7.60 60-yard dash.
9/28/17 - 5-foot-9 140-pounds. Showed off lots of fast twitch ability in the field, including multiple plays from SS on the run. Quick arm with strong carry on throws. Interested to see the LHH more on offense.