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11.8 Unsigned Senior Showcase: Catchers Analysis

December 4, 2014

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

On November 8, Prep Baseball Report-Missouri held the Unsigned Senior Showcase at Center STL in Saint Louis, MO.  We will break down each position in the next several days. Twenty-two uncommitted players from the class 2015 class participated. 

Today we will take a look at the catchers.  Five players participated in the evaluations, with many taking part in defensive fielding evaluations as well.  This is just look at the catching performances.  In the days to come, we will analyze infielders and outfielders. We have already broken down the pitchers.

Click on the players name to view their profile. Players are listed in alphabetical order.

CLICK HERE to see the entire list of running times, pop times and velocities.

Catching Prospects

Hunter Draffen, C, Northwest, 2015
Draffen is a slender 5-foot-8 138-pound right-handed hitting catcher.  Behind the plate, has advanced actions, quick feet, quick/clean exchange, mostly accurate throws, 73 mph positional velo, pop times between 1.97 and 2.12, blocked and received the ball well during bullpens. At the plate, athletic set up, slight hand load, lands square, middle-to-oppo approach, level bat path to extension, overall simple and repeatable swing mechanics, 80 mph exit velo, runs a 7.37 60 and 4.65 home-to-first, carries a score of 28 on ACT.

Andrew Konya, C, Belleville West (IL), 2015
Konya is a 5-foot-10 178-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Balanced set up, short stride, loads hands, loads hands, pull approach, exit velo 76 mph, 7.86 60, 4.63 home-to-first.  Behind the plate, clean exchange, somewhat accurate throws, fluid footwork, pop times between 2.06 and 2.25, 77 mph positional velo. 

Nic Mertes, C, Blue Springs South, 2015
Mertes a 5-foot-10 180-pound left-handed hitting catcher, a member of the Missouri Class 5 third place team.  At the plate, athletic set up, no wasted movement in load, smooth, fast bat speed with level path, strong lower half, works inside the ball with middle-oppo approach, pull power, posted one of the top exit velos of the event at 85 mph, runs a 4.66 home-to-first and 7.91 60.  As a catcher, fluid footwork, clean exchange, accurate throws at 75 mph, pop times between 1.97 and 2.10,

Jacob Muehlenbrock, C, Francis Howell Central, 2015
Muehlenbrock a strong 5-foot-11 185-pound left-handed hitting catcher.  At the plate, starts slightly open, lands square, fluid rhythm, slightly uphill path, power to pull gap, strong lower half, balanced throughout swing, runs 4.43-second home-to-first, 7.22 60, 79 mph exit velo.  Behind the plate, clean exchange, fluid footwork, low arm slot, pop times in 2.10 to 2.28 range, 72 mph positional velo. 

Ben Nobs, C, CBC, 2015
Nobs is strong 5-foot-10 180-pound switch-hitting catcher.  On the right side, crouched set up, toe-touch for timing, loads lower half, fast bat speed, pull power, fluid rhythm, level to contact, high finish, 88 mph exit velo (one of the top for the event), 4.53 home-to-first. On left side, athletic set up, fluid and controlled rhythm, balanced throughout swing, level bat path, gap-to-gap approach in batting practice, 75 mph exit velo, 4.40 home-to-first. Behind the plate, soft hands, fluid/quick exchange, somewhat accurate throws, mobile and athletic, pop times between 2.03 and 2.16, 72 mph positional velo, runs a 7.10 60, sports a 31 ACT score.

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