On Deck Preview: Pre Season All State-West

What to expect: Noah is the #1 ranked catcher in his class, and has caught the attention of many for his above average performances at previous events. For only being 5’9 180 lbs, he sure packs a big punch in a small package. On the mound he displayed a fastball that ranged from 81-84 and a pop time right around 2.0 in a showcase setting. At the plate he was seen producing a 94 mph exit velocity with a bat speed of over 70 mph. His physical strength plays to his advantage for a kid his age and he shows some promising potential for the future.

What we’d like to see: Being a young player out of the ‘24 class, Noah is physically more developed than most kids his age. The next step we would like to see him take would be to clean up the mechanics in his game. Becoming more efficient offensively and defensively will allow himself to tap into the power throughout his body. He makes up for some lack in fundamentals with raw power and strength, but eventually the other players his age may catch up to him. If he can work on the intricacies of his game, that will allow him to continue to be a dominant player all around.

What to expect: Maxwell has displayed some very promising physical ability that makes him very valuable in the right program. The 6.54 runner caught everyone's attention with his blazing time at last year's Northeast Open. On top of having great foot speed he had some pop in his bat with a 93 mph exit velocity and some arm strength throwing 83 mph from both the outfield and off the mound. Look for those numbers to jump out once again this February.

What we’d like to see: For athletic outfielders the ability to catch anything that goes up into the air is important but an undervalued part of the game is arm strength and accuracy. If Maxwell can display some more velocity from the outfield or off the mound, his stock will rise. With such great speed he can make up for some imperfections on both sides of the ball, so any additional power he can display offensively, will really help his cause.

What to expect: Michael has shown some promise in his game. The 6’2 200 lb junior has an advanced approach and can defend it behind the plate. With such good size he was able to produce an 89 mph exit velocity with a 77 mph bat speed. Catchers naturally have good baseball knowledge so incorporating that into his game has allowed Michael to excel at his position. Look for him to be another solid player coming out of the ‘22 class in New York

What we’d like to see: One thing that is not expected out of catchers is the ability to run well. In Michael's case he has not displayed very good foot speed. If he can show a little bit better in that category he may be able to jump into the conversation as a top end catcher. For a player of his size he will be able to use his strength and power to his ability. Look for his exit velocity and hand speed to increase going into this preseason. A solid defensive catcher who can run well and swing it is rare, so keep an eye out to see if Michael can jump into this category.

What to expect: Lukas is another athletic outfielder in the ‘22 class who can run and is full of raw power. He had a good showing at the 2020 NY Fall Prospect Showcase where he ran a 6.7 60 yard dash. When it comes to his physical tools, they are always on display. He is built like a running back and has raw power packed in his body. With a 91 mph exit velocity from his short and quick swing he was able to put the ball in play hard to his pull side. Look for his exit velocity and throwing velocity to increase this preseason.

What we’d like to see: Raw athletes have the ability to draw attention from coaches at all levels. In Lukas’s case he has some pretty good measurables, but does not display the most fluid motions that you would like to see. If he can incorporate some more power out of his lower half into his swings, there is an infinite amount of explosiveness to be used. Under the right group of coaches Lukas could really make improvements and make an impact in a positive way.