On Saturday, Feb. 22, the PBR Illinois team hosted the inaugural Aurora Preseason I.D. at the Aurora Sports Zone. The event featured close to 150 prospects from all high school classes. 

Shortly after the event we released early analysis with our Quick Hits and Statistical Analysis. Today we continue the event coverage with the first installment of our positional-by-position breakdown; the catchers. 

There was a strong crop of backstops in Aurora and freshman Andy Roman (Wheaton Academy, 2023) led the list. Roman has an athletic frame, pull-side power potential in his right-handed swing and is a sound defender behind the plate.

Right behind Roman was sophomore Aidan O’Connell (St. Charles North, 2022). O’Connell packs strength in his compact frame, has a quick aggressive right-handed swing and natural catcher actions. 

Read on below for reports on all of the catchers from the event.

TOP CATCHING PROSPECTS

1. Andy Roman, Wheaton Academy (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot-2, 185-pounds. Long-limbed, projectable, athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Tall and narrow setup, hands load, short stride.  Long path to the ball, fluid rhythm, looks to lift the baseball, consistent hard contact.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Power potential.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Short and quick, over the top release; accurate with carry.
Defense: 2.11-2.20 pop times. Quick, directional transfer, quiet feet.
Run: 7.84 runner in the 60. 

2. Aidan O’Connell, St. Charles North (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-foot-8, 145-pounds. Compact build with strength in frame.
Hit: RHH. Open stance, smooth and controlled load, hands quiet and on time.  Aggressive controlled swing, present bat speed and quick-twitch,, short bat path, works slightly uphill. Consistent hard contact, working gap-to-gap.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. INF - 76 mph. From behind the plate, short arm action, over-the-top slot. Plays from multiple angles on the infield.
Defense: 2.10-2.26 pop times. Behind the plate, natural catcher actions; quick, clean and directional out of the chute.
Run: 7.68 runner in the 60. 

3. Matthew Tarr, West Aurora (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/3B
Body: 6-foot, 185-pounds. Strong, athletic frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, minimal load, short stride and stays balanced through contact. Simple quiet repeatable swing. Direct to the ball, natural lift at times, occasional hard contact to the pull-side.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Present strength in the barrel.
Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot; Throws carry and played with accuracy at times.
Defense: 2.05-2.14 pop times. Squared setup, advanced footwork; quick, directional and light on his feet. Willing sound blocker.
Run: 7.37 runner in the 60. 

4. Ethan Rossi, Prospect (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-foot-10, 190-pounds. Compact build with strength in lower half.
Hit: RHH. Open setup; slightly crouched and balanced. long leg-kick timing trigger. Strong hands, fast bat, flat bat path, ability to backspin the baseball. Consistent hard line-drive contact, works mostly to the pull-side.
Power: 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. Present bat strength.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot; accurate arm flashed carry.
Defense: 2.12-2.26 pop times. Flexible hips, natural catcher actions, clean and directional out of the crouch. Quiet block.
Run: 7.52 runner in the 60. 

5. Leo Miller, New Trier (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C 
Body: 5-foot-11, 210-pounds. Thick, strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced and slightly closed off stance. Smooth load, hands stay back and long stride. Aggressive swing, fast bat, short path and made a lot of hard gap-to-gap contact.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 73 mph. Long and loose arm path, over the top release, throws played accurate.
Defense: 2.25-2.40 pop times. Low set, wide frame. Directional out of the chute, willing blocker; uses frame well to deaden ball in front.
Run: 7.61 runner in the 60. 

5. Jacob Castleman, El Paso Gridley (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot-1, 205-pounds. Strong, wide-shouldered, physical frame.
Hit: LHH. Balanced setup, smooth deep load, leg-kick timing trigger. Swings with intent, strong hands, fast bat. Long bat path, fluid rhythm and gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 96 mph exit velocity from the tee. Advanced bat strength for age.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. INF - 82 mph. Short arm action, plays from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.18-2.22 pop times. Worked out behind the plate and on the infield. Profiles as a C/CIF. Behind the plate, wide base, clean release, tall through transfer at times.Agile blocker, high motor behind the plate.
Run: 7.65 runner in the 60. 

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Owen Anderson, Geneva (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-8, 155-pounds. Wiry frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced stance, smooth load, short stride. Quiet swing, long path works uphill, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 68 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Over the top slot, short arm action.
Defense: 2.20-2.57 pop times. Quick out of the crouch, clean glove-to-hand release, direction varies.
Run: 7.95 runner in the 60. 

Derek Angelo, Kaneland  (IL), 2020
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-10, 215-pounds. Strong, compact, durable build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced stance, smooth load, pre-pitch rhythm, hands stay back and finishes on balance. Aggressive swing, short, slightly uphill path, a lot of hard contact and flashed pull-side power.
Power: 94 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. INF - 81 mph. Short and over the top arm path. Throws flashed carry.
Defense: 2.09-2.26 pop times. Steady hands, directional, clean transfer.
Run: 8.08 runner in the 60. 

Matt Barriball, Plainfield North  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-9, 168-pounds. Average, well-proportioned build.
Hit: RHH. Tall balanced quiet setup, minimal load and short stride. Level bat path, line-drive, pull-side approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 72 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.26-2.48 pop times. Steady hands, replaces feet, clean release.
Run: 7.66 runner in the 60. 

Byron Blaise, Sycamore (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C 
Body: 6-foot-2, 195-pounds. Strong, durable frame.
Hit: RHH. Open setup, hands load and long stride. Easy effort, long path, occasionally works uphill, pull-side approach.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot; played accurate.
Defense: 2.18-2.36 pop times. Cushioned block. Flexible and square setup behind the plate, stays quiet.
Run: 7.61 runner in the 60. 

Charlie Bodach, York (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot-3, 190-pounds. Athletic frame with well-proportioned strength.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride, minimal wasted movement. Simple swing, hands work loose at times, short level path and line-drive approach.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. INF - 78 mph. Clean arm, plays from a high 3/4 slot behind the plate.
Defense: 2.30-2.41 pop times. Gains ground through release, willing blocker, steady hands.
Run: 7.61 runner in the 60. 

Damon Brena, Niles West (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-9, 165-pounds. Strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced stance, smooth load and leg-lift timing trigger. Loose hands, flashed bat speed, looks to lift the baseball and fluid rhythm throughout.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.28-2.36 pop times. Clean release, steady hands, repeatable out of the crouch. Squared setup, flexible hips, quiet receiver.
Run: 8.24 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Caccia, St. Charles North (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot, 170-pounds. Athletic build with plenty of room for continued physical development.
Hit: RHH. Balanced stance, minimal load and short stride. Uphill bat path, consistently on the barrel and uses the middle of the field.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. Short loose arm action, over-the-top slot; throws carry.
Defense: 2.10-2.25 pop times. Natural catcher actions, clean and quick out of the crouch. Soft hands, presents pitches well, quiet glove.
Run: 7.07 runner in the 60.

AJ DeBello, Huntley (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C 
Body: 5-foot-11, 210-pounds. Thick build.
Hit: RHH. Tall and narrow setup. Knee-knock load, long stride.  Long uphill path to the baseball, sprayed balls to all fields.
Power: 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.18-2.33 pop times. Squared, low setup receiving. Quiet, steady hands, presents pitches in the zone.
Run: 8.18 runner in the 60. 

Anthony Edge, Jacobs (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-foot-8, 150-pounds. Well-proportioned build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load and short stride. Repeatable swing, hands work on top of the baseball, level through the zone, line-drive approach.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 69 mph. INF - 77 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.30-2.51 pop times. Worked out behind the plate and on the infield. Behind the plate, sound soft blocker, quiet receiver. On the infield, reliable defender, maintains body control on the move, clean transfer.
Run: 7.75 runner in the 60. 

Tyler Jacobsen, Jacobs (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-foot-9, 155-pounds. Frame carries strength.
Hit: RHH. Wide stance, short leg-lift trigger. Path is long and level, line drive approach.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Over the top release, short action.
Defense: 2.29-2.58 pop times. Quiet glove receiving. Squared up and deadened the baseball while blocking.
Run: 7.69 runner in the 60. 

Christian Jensik, Oswego East (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot-2, 215-pounds. Physical, mature, strong frame.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open setup, leg-kick timing trigger. Long level bat path, works mostly gap-to-gap.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 77 mph. Long arm action plays from a 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.33-2.44 pop times. Steady hands, soft blocks.
Run: 7.54 runner in the 60. 

Nathan Kennedy, Oswego (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C/INF
Body: 6-foot, 180-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced set up, smooth load, toe-tap stride.  Short path directly to ball. Easy swing, line drive approach, occasionally backpins the baseball.
Power: 87 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. INF - 79 mph. High 3/4 release. Throws finish with some accuracy.
Defense: 2.15-2.33 pop times. Offset setup, soft hands, clean glove-to-hand transfer.
Run: 7.50 runner in the 60. 

Carson Lee, Naperville Central (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot-1, 180-pounds. Athletic frame, strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Tall, narrow and open stance; long stride.  Flat path to the ball, stays inside the baseball, creates leverage and flashed bat speed.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Short arm path, over the top release. Some accuracy.
Defense: 2.25-2.68 pop times. Low crouch, clean release with length.
Run: 7.61 runner in the 60. 

Nick Mardis, Bloomington Central Catholic (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot, 202-pounds. Physical, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Wide setup, quiet hand load and short stride. Repeatable swing, direct path, level through the zone, consistent hard contact with ability to backspin the baseball.
Power: 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ball jumps off the barrel at times.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Short firm arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.29-2.43 pop times. Clean out of the chute, replaces feet, agile block.
Run: 7.47 runner in the 60. 

Brenden Naylor, Lake Zurich (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-11, 170-pounds. Athletic build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, short stride. Simple swing, short uphill path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 82 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Over the top release, arm plays long and loose. Accurate arm.
Defense: 2.40-2.50 pop times. Offset in the crouch, strong wrists, directional through release.
Run: 7.88 runner in the 60. 

Jacob Obman, Plainfield Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-7, 130-pounds. Small lean build.
Hit: RHH. Open stance, hands load, short stride. Long level bat path, pull-side approach, repeatable and finishes on balance.
Power: 77 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 65 mph. INF - 66 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.43-2.58 pop times. Wide set up, chest centered with pitcher, quiet glove.
Run: 8.02 runner in the 60. 

Cody Paul, Glenbard West (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot-1, 210-pounds. Physical, strong build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced stance, short stride, stays balanced through contact. Long, uphill path to the baseball with gap-to-gap tendencies.
Power: 86 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.17-2.33 pop times. Soft hands, clean directional release. Flexible receiving, low target, quiet receiver, presents pitches in the zone.
Run: 8.18 runner in the 60. 

Tyler Pflomm, John Hersey  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-11, 207-pounds. Strong, thick frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, smooth load, pre-pitch rhythm and short stride. Swings with intent, flashed bat speed, natural lift in swing, hard contact to the pull-side.
Power: 93 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.36 pop times. Receives on a knee, quiet hands, strong wrists.
Run: 8.00 runner in the 60. 

Logan Samaniego, Plainfield South  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot, 130-pounds. Long-limbed, lean build.
Hit: RHH. Tall and balanced setup, minimal load and short stride. Long and level swing path with pull tendencies.
Power: 85 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 76 mph. Low 3/4 arm path, long and loose arm action.
Defense: 2.27-2.37 pop times. Flexible low setup in the crouch, reliable hands, length in release.
Run: 7.76 runner in the 60. 

Dominic Savino, Oswego East (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot-1, 180-pounds. Strong, physical build.
Hit: RHH. Tall set up, minimal stride.  Quick hands, short path to ball. Stays inside and uses the entire field.
Power: 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 65 mph. Short arm action, over the top release.
Defense: 2.26-2.43 pop times. Quick release, minimal wasted movement, sure hands.
Run: 7.78 runner in the 60. 

Jordan Scholl, Wheaton Warrenville South (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/RHP
Body: 6-foot-2, 160-pounds. Long-limbed, projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, smooth load and short stride. Long and level bat path. Pull-side approach and line-drive tendencies.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Loose arm action plays from a high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.20-2.26 pop times. Wide squared setup, steady hands, closes off on transfer at times.
Run: 7.69 runner in the 60. 

Matthew Schuring, Dundee Crown (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 6-foot, 175-pounds. Athletic, well-proportioned build.
Hit: RHH. Tall setup, leg-kick timing trigger. Quick hands, aggressive swing, uphill bat path and looks to elevate the baseball to the pull side.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Present bat strength.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.24-2.34 pop times. Length to release, transfer works on-line, smothers blocks.
Run: 7.45 runner in the 60. 

Billy Somers, Naperville North (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-10, 175-pounds. Durable build.
Hit: RHH. Open set up, stride works back to even and finishes on backside. Path is long and level to the ball, works with rhythm, pull-side tendencies.
Power: 78 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 61 mph. INF - 61 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.55-2.73 pop times. Willing blocker, quiet setup, sticks pitches in the zone.
Run: 9.26 runner in the 60. 

Christopher Suchoski, Plainfield Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/2B
Body: 5-foot-9, 153-pounds. Shorter build, strength in lower half.
Hit: RHH. Open crouched setup, smooth load and long stride. Simple swing, level path, sprayed line-drives to all fields.
Power: 81 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 68 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.20-2.44 pop times. Crouched, low setup, slightly offset, reliable hands.
Run: 7.88 runner in the 60. 

Joey Traskaski, Vernon Hills (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C 
Body: 6-foot, 175-pounds. Well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced set up with a short stride and minimal load. Long bat path, looks to lift the baseball. gap-to-gap tendencies.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. Long, firm arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: 2.19-2.29 pop times. Wide setup, replaces feet, sound blocks.
Run: 7.76 runner in the 60. 

Jake Williams, West Aurora  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-10, 190-pounds. Physical frame, strong lower half.
Hit: RHH. Balanced slightly open setup, minimal load and short stride. Simple swing, long level bat path and worked gap-to-gap.
Power: 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 64 mph. Short loose arm action plays over-the-top.
Defense: 2.43-2.60 pop times. Directional out of the crouch, replaces feet. Sure-handed receiver.
Run: 8.17 runner in the 60. 

Kyle Williams, West Aurora (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: C/OF
Body: 5-foot-9, 170-pounds. Strong, muscular build.
Hit: RHH. Balanced stance, long stride. Quick hands, long bat path, creates leverage and uses the middle of the field.
Power: 83 mph exit velocity from the tee.
Arm: RH. C - 74 mph. Short arm parth, over the top to slightly high 3/4 release. Accurate arm.
Defense: 2.09-2.40 pop times. Low and flexible in crouch. Sure handed, fundamentally sound blocks.
Run: 7.36 runner in the 60. 

Ben Wisniewski, West Aurora (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C
Body: 5-foot-9, 200-pounds. Compact thick build.
Hit: LHH. Balanced stance, minimal load, short stride. Strong hands, flashed bat speed and strength, direct to the baseball, creates leverage to the pull-side.
Power: 92 mph exit velocity from the tee. Advanced bat strength for age.
Arm: RH. C - 70 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: 2.18-2.41 pop times. Slightly offset in the crouch, gets out of the chute early at times, gains ground through transfer..
Run: 8.53 runner in the 60. 

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