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On the Recruiting Trail: Class of 2016 Catchers

November 15, 2014

By Greg Williams
PA/WV Director of Scouting

A busy summer and fall has led to a flurry of college commitments among high end talent in the Class of 2016. With the early signing period scheduled for November 12-19 its time to focus on this year's junior class. In the coming days we will take a look at some of the top prospects in the 2016 class that remain uncommitted in both Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Today we focus on outfielders.

Top Uncommitted catchers

+ Ryan Guckin (Avon Grove) built on his strong sophomore season with a very solid performance at the PA Top Prospect Games in June. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound right-handed hitter utilizes a slightly open stance and flashed very quick, loose hands through the zone with a bat exit velocity of 89 mph. Guckin showcased athletic actions behind the dish with pop times of 2.03-2.10 on throws of 75 mph from the crouch. He ran a 7.42 60-yard dash and served notice that he belongs on the short list of the top catchers in the 2016 class in Pennsylvania.

+ Austin Braendel (Cathedral Prep) is a 5-foot-10, 185-pound backstop that has above average receiving skills behind the dish. Braendel has displayed pop times of 1.98-2.05 on throws of 76 mph from the crouch. He moves well for a catcher (7.25 60-yard dash) and comes off a sophomore season in which he hit .303. The junior helped lead the Ramblers to the Class 3A semifinals in 2014.

+ Adam Celidonia (Montour) participated as a member of Team Pennsylvania at the PBR Future Games in July. The left-handed hitter turned in an impressive round of batting practice, showcasing the ability to drive the baseball to both gaps at the recent Elite Prospect Showcase. The junior starts from a slight crouch and uses loose hands to barrel the baseball to all fields while consistently staying inside the ball. Celidonia registered one of the top bat exit velocities of the event at 90 mph. The 6-foot, 185-pounder displayed pop times of 2.06-2.19 on throws of 75 mph from the crouch. Celidonia is working on making himself more versatile and showcased himself defensively at the hot corner. He fits the profile, while his footwork and lateral agility should improve with more reps.

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