Fall Underclass: Catcher Analysis

December 4, 2020
Brett Harrison
Nevada Scouting Director

The PBR Nevada Fall Underclass Showcase was an event featuring 2023-2024 players with aspirations of playing at the next level. The event consisted of a Pro-Style Workout that included a Laser Timed 60 Yard Dash, Batting Practice tracked by Blast Motion and Trackman, Catcher Evaluations, Outfield Evaluations, Infield Evaluations and concluded with TrackMan analyzed Pitcher Bullpens. The event was designed highlighted each players abilities using the most advanced technology in the game in Blast Motion and Trackman. Following a Prep Baseball Report event, players received unrivaled access to their advanced ball-tracking and swing metrics through the TrackMan and Blast Connect apps as well as the players metrics snapshot uploaded directly to their PBR Player Profiles.

The Fall Underclass featured two Nevada representatives at the 2020 Junior Future Games, Derek Bain and Connor Apaceche, who should be making an immediate impact at each of their respective high school programs.

Derek Bain C / 3B / The Meadows, NV / 2024

Body: 5-foot-7, 165 pounds. Stocky, compact build on a developing frame. Some present strength with room to add size and physicality.
Defense: C. Advanced feel for the position for his age. Present strength in hands and forearms allows for easy receiving. Can handle the pitch down in the zone. Athletic through the throw down process. Improved strength will help his overall game behind the plate.
Arm: RH. 69 MPH. Showed comfort in the one hop throws.
Hit: LHH. Tall, opened set up. Medium leg kick that gets down on time. Natural lift through the hitting zone. Line drive to fly ball type swing. Lived mostly middle-pull. Middle of the order type bat with the ability to find the barrel.
Power: 90 mph Exit Velocity via TrackMan
Run: 7.79 Laser Timed 60

Connor Apeceche C / 3B / Green Valley , NV / 2024

Body: 5-foot-10, 180 pounds. Thick, stocky build with some present strength. Plenty of room to add strength in his upper half to match the strength in his lower half.
Defense: C. Quality receiving skills behind the plate for his age. Uses athleticism through transfer to get the ball out efficiently. Developing consistent blocking skill. Physical development should help this part of his game. IF. Corner IF type. Moves well for his size with excellent instincts that helps him receive quality hops. Quality footwork. Some softness in the hands.
Arm: RH. C – 69 MPH. Tends to open up to third on throws to second, but when he did close off, his throws showed more carry and accuracy. IF – 71 MPH. Accurate with some carry when working towards the target.
Hit: RHH. Wide, squatted set up. Tends to stand up as his swing engages. Uphill through the zone. Usually lives in the middle of the yard, but stayed mostly mid-other way during his round . Found the barrel throughout. Power potential to both gaps with flashes of present power to pull side.
Power: 85 mph Exit Velocity via TrackMan
Run: 7.94 Laser Timed 60