Florida Catching Core (2020s)
January 25, 2018
The Preseason All-State events throughout the Prep Baseball Report give an early indication of players who have made jumps in the off-season as well as presenting others as players to watch closely during the spring. Florida’s Preseason All-State event is jam-packed with talent this year. The Sunshine State is always reloading with the top players in the country. This week, On the Hunt, takes a look at seven catchers from the state who either stood out in the fall or are key players to watch develop this spring.
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Matthew Menendez C / 1B / Pace , FL / 2020Still young-looking and showing signs of more physical maturation in the future, Menendez shows signs of becoming one of the better catchers in the 2020 class. Standing 6-foot-1, 180-pounds, Menendez should continue to develop much more strength in the future as he matures. Behind the plate his loose hips allow him to athletically move from side to side after setting up in a wide base. Menendez utilizes effortless footwork and an unbroken transfer before a quick release and strong throwing arm allows him to post pop times in the 1.9 range. At the plate, the right-handed hitter rocks his weight back with a larger leg hang as his hands load slightly segmented back before taking a shorter path to the ball with a high finish. Menendez should be greatly aided by more strength in the future, and his current ability to work line drives to all fields could become gap to gap power. Overall, given his impressive skills behind the plate and the high ceiling that his frame shows, Menendez is a player that college coaches will want to continue following in the future. |
PLUS 6 MORE STANDOUTS BELOW: