Bay Area World Series (CA): Uncmtd 2021 Catchers

Lathrop, CA - Bay Area World Series (est. 2004) has seen its fair share of outstanding players over the years (38 MLB players and over 800 D1 players, including MLB catchers Max Stassi and Andrew Susac). Its no secret that Northern California is and has long been one of the nation's most fertile regions for talent and the group of catchers at the event in 2020 was about as strong and deep as in any of the previous 16 years.

As is the case all over, kids are always getting better, some later bloomers, some are a bit underexposed, even in California. Sometimes it just takes the right eyes on a player to give them that nudge toward colleges looking for one more potentially impact-type talent for their next incoming class. Maybe not necessarily even an impact talent, rather, adding quality depth to an incoming class, which ultimately, can be more important as injuries and attrition take place over a college career.

These uncommitted catchers participated (except for two) in the games portion of BAWS 2020 (September 5-7). Videos from the games are in the editing process, though some of them have video from the BAWS workouts or from a previous PBR event. Stats are in their PBR profiles. The reports are a brief look at the standout qualities for these players.

Listed Alphabetically, click on player profile for bio information and stats, video, etc:

Joey Adge C / RHP / Del Campo, CA / 2021 Among the top uncommitted players in N CA, especially among catchers; All-around baseball player at the catcher position, possesses no less than average defensive abilities projecting to college level, clean catch/throw mechanics, accurate arm, strong bat w/plus barrel feel, went 3-4 (2 1B, 2B) in 4 AB, each ball scalded. Ready to hit early in the count, compact swing with ability to drive the baseball.

Nolan Barry C / OF / Rio Americano, CA / 2021 Big/strong w/athleticism that plays well at catcher. Physicality stands out both at the plate & behind the plate. Arm strength will play no less than avg beyond HS and possibly develop into a plus tool, there is real juice in the bat & a hard-nosed style of play that exudes confidence and toughness. Communicates well with pitchers too.

Drake Bicknell C / 3B / Jesuit, CA / 2021 Has ability to play well abv avg defense at both C/3B, plays calm, has tools, very comfortable w/pace of the game. Displays same traits at the plate, middle of line-up hitting potential, definitely an RBI man, chance to develop into an impact player at collegiate level and get on the field early in his career. Plays the game with a cool demeanor, never in a hurry, professional approach to the game.

Nico Button C / Serra , CA / 2021 Have long showed tools that project for him to hit in college and they still show up, strong hands, pullside power, good barrel awareness. Obviously LHH catchers w/pop are valued. Hadn't previously seen the 78 mph arm (on more than one between inning throw) and laser tracking throws to the bag (2.05 pops) he made.

Joey Lee C / OF / Serra, CA / 2021 Consistently showed a hit tool that looks very capable of playing at the next level. Short, compact, quick stroke with outstanding barrel feel. Projects to be able to hit quality pitching. Athletic catcher w/strong receiving/block skills. Plays the game with focus and intensity, no nonsense grinder with a highly competitive streak.

Tyler Meehleis C / RHP / Lodi, CA / 2021 Enthusiastic player, flashes projectable tools all-around for the catcher position, a bit more development over the next two years or so and he's got a chance to emerge as an average defensive catcher w/contributing offensive skills. Long and athletic build with frame to add size and strength in coming years. Gut says we haven't seen the best of him yet.

Jaden Mazzaferro C / 2B / Los Gatos, CA / 2021 LHH catchers draw attention and he's got some tools to warrant attn from the college game. Has present extra base pop, uses whole field, & athleticism to play a secondary position. Arm strength/POPs can improve to raise his profile. The POP time were from warm-ups between innings (2.15 x2). Registered a 70 mph throw.

Logan Mock C / 3B / Granada, CA / 2021 Rankings  StateRank: 172 / POS: 24 Good tools, legitimate chance to hit for power (heavy barrel), big time make-up and intangibles that make every team he is on better. Strong defensive tools (rcv, block, agility), grinding mentality, 2.01 pop was low we had between innings. Player and winner.

Tyler Van Dyk C / OF / Central Catholic, CA / 2021 The physical tools are all on the cusp of solidifying him as a 4-year college catcher. Intense competitor, loves to play, competitive thrower w/blocking skills (frequently around 2.10), displays some power potential to middle of field, seems to have other players gravitate to him in dugout, strong verbal leadership skills on the field.

Nathan Wood C / OF / Pacific Grove , CA / 2021 Among most athletic catchers in CA in the 2021 class, that athleticism plays too. Quick release, plus agility for blocking and bouncing out of crouch. Can POP consistently around 2.0, abv avg arm. Projects to hit as well, w/XBH pop. His overall athleticism is going to contribute to elevating him to the caliber of many catchers in this class who were signed in the early signing period.

Austin Young C / Buchanan, CA / 2021 Rankings  StateRank: 109 / POS: 14 Wasn't able to attend BAWS games but showed well-rounded defensive and offensive tools on the workout day that has him among the top uncommitted catchers in CA and ranked #109 (14th among C). The bat has been a standout tool since his soph year when he was a contributing varsity player on one of the top HS teams in CA that season. UPDATE: COMMITTED TO FRESNO STATE 9/30/20

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