Rising Stars Preseason All-State: Catcher Reports

On Saturday, March 4th the PBR Georgia staff hosted the first Rising Stars event of the year, the Rising Stars Preseason All-State. This event provided us an ample opportunity to check-in on some of the area’s young talent, and get a jump start of what is to come. 

In the week that followed this event, we produced post-event analysis that includes performance highlights inside of our Quick Hits story, a look at the traditional stats measured within our Statistical Analysis. We also took a pitching dive, so be sure to check it out. 

Top 3 Catchers

Ander Elorriaga C / 3B / Mount Pisgah Christian, GA / 2028 Positional Profile: C/3B Advanced defensive backstop who can shut down run games. Potential equally as high on the mound. Body: 5-8, 160-pounds. Stocky frame with present athleticism. Hit: RHH. Wide base, simple forward move he repeats well. Head stays still consistently.  Steep, longer path but shortens up well on inner half. Power: 88 max exit velocity, averaged 80.2 mph. 289’ max distance. Line drives to all fields. Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Classic short arm action for the position H3/4 slot. Very strong arm for age with optimal accuracy. Defense: 2.14-2.26 pop times. Very advanced receiver for age, patient and sticks all pitches with ease regardless of velocity. Impressive footwork, lightning quick transfer. Going to be plus catch & throw. Run: 7.81 runner in the 60.

Jax Lathem C / RHP / The Heritage School, GA / 2027 Positional Profile: C/RHP Priority bat in the class with elite swing mechanics for age. Body: 5-9, 150-pounds. Medium frame. Strong, proportional build with present strength. Hit: SH. Very athletic setup. Medium base with perfect posture and pre set weight on legs. Hands set below shoulder and he works them up into hitting slot, angling into launch position with ease. Chest loads hands for him, smooth hip pace out of negative move due to weight on inside of back foot.  Exceptional torque at foot strike for age. Knob led path that creates an absolute blur during lag. Short and compact stroke. Power: 82 max exit velocity, averaged 77.9 mph. 283’ max distance. Ball jumps off barrel with backspin to both gaps. Arm: LH. C - 70 mph. OF - 79 mph. Throws are much better when he keeps release point even with shoulder, when he goes above head it slows him down. Defense: 2.20-2.44 pop times. Solid receiver for age, moves well laterally and a willing blocker. Run: 7.62 runner in the 60.

Benjamin Cagle C / RHP / Cartersville, GA / 2028 Positional Profile: C/RHP Body: 6-0, 185-pounds.  Large frame. Hit: LHH. Balanced base, hands move actively in one compact spot. Very timed up separation with optimal launch position. Smooth, mostly direct path with some sweep. Power: 84 max exit velocity, averaged 79.8 mph. 282’ max distance. Consistent backspin to RC gap. Arm: RH. C - 65 mph. Short, effortless OH arm action. Defense: 2.33-2.29 pop times. Good direction through bag on throws with quick transfer for age. Solid footwork for age. Run: 8.08 runner in the 60.

Grant Kruger, Green Hill (TN), 2027
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 5-10, 140-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Even, strong base Gets the back elbow in the slow, and keeps it level throughout the entire swing with consistency and power.
Power: 83 max exit velocity, averaged 73.6 mph. 241’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. INF - 73 mph. Behind the plate. quick transfer with a strong consistent arm action.
Defense: 2.27-2.35 pop times. In the field, strong, wide base and keeps his chest over toes while fielding the ball.
Run: 7.78 runner in the 60.