GPA Games: Catcher Analysis
October 1, 2018
The third annual GPA Games was held at Lee Pfund Stadium at Wheaton College on Sunday, Aug. 12. Over 50 prospects from five different states made it out to Carol Stream to partake in this one-of-a-kind showcase, targeted for 2019 and 2020 prospects looking to leverage their skills on the diamond and in the classroom into opportunities to play ball at the next level. Since, three of the attending prospects have already committed to play at the next level.
Today, we’ll begin our showcase analysis with a deeper look into the catchers who attended GPA Games.
Atop the top-three rankings at this position from the event is Missouri’s Caden Matlon (Grain Valley, 2020). The 6-foot-2 junior had a great round of batting practice where he worked both gaps. Behind the plate, Matlon is a natural and produced the top catcher velocity in Carol Stream.
From Illinois, New Trier’s Donald Stricklin (2019) and Metea Valley’s Clay Billadeau (2020) both earned spots on the board. Stricklin came out of this event ranked because of his sound defense – as evidenced by the top pop time at the showcase. Billadeau, on the other hand, has a more offense-first skillset, he has some bat speed and can fill the gaps.
We previously published our Statistical Analysis from the showcase, and keep an eye out tomorrow for a look at the day’s outfielders. For now, keep on reading for full reports on all eight catchers from the GPA Games below.
TOP PROSPECTS
1. Caden Matlon, C, Grain Valley (MO), 2020
6-foot-2, 190-pound catcher, athletic strong build. Right-handed hitter, open stance, loads hands back into short stride that gets to even, maintains balance. Showed hard contact and feel for barrel in BP, path works uphill, strong gap to gap contact. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Hands played soft, natural defender, athletic actions, clean exchange. 2.18-2.26 pop times. Arm action is short and over the top, occasional carry, 78 mph out of the crouch. 7.76 runner in the 60.
2. Donald Stricklin, C, New Trier (IL), 2019
5-foot-9, 170-pound catcher, solid durable build. Well above average defender, natural actions, soft hands and blocker, quick feet and exchange. 2.04-2.12 pop times. Arm played short and over the top, 74 mph out of the crouch. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, short stride, solid balance. Occasional hard contact, worked on a line to both gaps, in rhythm, 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.61 runner in the 60.
3. Clay Billadeau, C, Metea Valley (IL), 2020
6-foot, 190-pound catcher, solid build with strength. Right-handed hitter, balanced setup, low reverse leg lift stride. Path is long and slightly uphill, slight pull side approach, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action is long and over the top, 75 mph arm strength out of the crouch. Sets tall through exchange, 2.19-2.26 pop times. 8.17 runner in the 60.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Cody Babcock, C, Peck (MI), 2020
5-foot-11, 199-pound catcher. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, average balance. Path is long and level, pull side approach, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Pop times ranged 2.30-2.44, firm over the top arm action, played 65 mph out of the crouch. 8.09 runner in the 60.
Jack Heller, C/OF, Lincoln-Way East (IL), 2020
5-foot-11, 155-pound catcher/outfielder, lean frame. Arm played 74 mph out of the crouch, 80 mph from the outfield, short loose high ¾ slot. Actions shuffle through the baseball in the outfield, hands transfer quick behind the plate. 2.11-2.26 pop times. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, average balance. Path is level, line drive type, hits in rhythm. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.38 runner in the 60.
Steven Kronenberger, C/OF, Chicago Christian (IL), 2019
5-foot-7, 140-pound catcher/outfielder. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, long stride. Path is level, line drive singles type hitter, works off front foot. 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long, 69 mph out of the crouch, 78 mph from the outfield, showed best actions in the outfield. Pop times ranged 2.29-2.37. 7.51 runner in the 60.
Christopher MacDougall, C, Fremd (IL), 2020
5-foot-9, 170-pound catcher. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Level long path, occasional line drive contact, mostly opposite field. 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm plays long and over the top, 72 mph out of the crouch. 2.20-2.42 pop times. 8.44 runner in the 60.
Conner Woods, C, Perry Meridian (IN), 2020
5-foot-10, 165-pound catcher. Right-handed hitter, athletic setup, loads hands back, short leg kick stride. Path is level, line drive type hitter, in rhythm. 81 mph exit velocity form the tee. Defensively arm action is loose and over the top, 71 mph out of the crouch, exchange has some length. Above average receive, pop times ranged 2.20-2.42. 8.44 runner in the 60.