By Sean Duncan and Dan Duran

The Class of 2015 Showcase on July 17 at Oakton CC in Des Plaines unveiled several impressive catcher prospects, many of whom were previously unknown to us. While there were several highly projectable catchers at the event, a few stood above the rest.

Patrick Rumoro, a highly athletic backstop from Oak Park-River Forest HS, was the top overall catching prospect, showing well-rounded package of skills. Luke Beesley, a 6-foot-4, 180-pounder from Champaign Central, stood out with his offensive prowess.

Here’s a look at the catchers at the Class of 2015 Showcase:

1. Patrick Rumoro, C, Oak Park-River Forest HS, 2015
Shows potential to be high-level 2015 catching prospect. Slight 5-foot-10, 150-pound frame. Shows highly athletic feet, quick transfer, advanced overall defensive mechanics. Short arm action, ball stays on line. Registered consistent pop times ranging between 1.94-2.04, all on the bag. Ran a 7.28 60. Offensively, hits from an athletic setup, bat speed present, quiet and quick to the baseball. Repeats mechanics well, line drive approach, works middle of the field, excellent barrel awareness.  With added strength, should develop into highly coveted prospect.

2. Luke Beesley, C, Champaign Central HS, 2015
Athletic 6-foot-4, 180-pound catcher. Projects power at the plate. Hits from balanced setup, slight crouch, fast hands, advanced bat path, barrel whips through the zone, ball jumps with backspin carry. One of the top overall hitters at Class of 2015 Showcase. May develop more power in future as he fills into frame. For size, shows athletic feet, works well directionally. Clocked at 76 mph from crouch, throws have carry, top pop time of 2.04. Ran a 7.25 60.

3. Dustin Thelander, C, Prairie Ridge, 2015
Left-handed hitting catcher at 5-foot-9, 160 pounds. Thelander recorded consistent 2.11, 2.12 pop-times. He displayed quick footwork and loose arm action on throws down to second, throwing 73 mph from the crouch. He was extremely active behind the plate during bullpens showing quick, athletic blocking ability and an athletic receiving glove – inside and outside his framework. Offensively his swing works well.  Uses a short stride and extends through the ball well – recorded a 72 mph exit speed off the tee. Thelander ran a 7.71 60 at the event.

4. Matt Gould, C, Neuqua Valley HS, 2015
Durable 5-foot-10, 180-pound frame with strong lower half. Shows solid carry on throws, 75 mph from crouch, with top pop time of 2.08, consistently in the 2.13-2.16 range. Natural catcher actions present; solid footwork, short arm action. Offensively, hits from open setup with efficient stride/load. Rotational hitter, maintains balance through swing. Ran a 7.8 60.

5. Griffin Boehm, C/RHP, Loyola Academy HS, 2015
Athletically built two-way prospect, 6-foot-4, 195-pound frame. Solid footwork behind plate, registered top pop time of 2.18, consistently in 2.25-2.30 range, accurate throws, solid carry, 75 mph from the crouch. Shows power potential at plate. Tall setup, bat stays flat through hitting zone, bat speed present, extension after contact. 7.68 60. On mound, fastball tops at 79 mph, sitting 76-79. Forkball shows sink in lower-half of zone, 62-65 mph.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically

Jack Glosson, OF/C, McHenry, 2015
5-foot-10, 155-pound outfielder and catcher ran an even best 6.8 60. He was 81 mph from the outfield and 73 mph from the crouch with short, over-the-top arm action – recording pop-times between 2.1-2.15 with accuracy. He also showed some receiving abilities within the framework of his body. At the plate, Glosson showed some bat speed recording a 78 mph exit velocity off the tee.

Patrick Kuczwara, MIF/C, Johnsburg, 2015
5-foot-10, 170-pound middle-infielder and catcher. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance with a short stride – the ball left his bat at 74 mph off the tee. Behind the plate, Kuczwara recorded 2.36-2.51 pop-times at 62 mph from the crouch. His throws across the infield were 66 mph and ran a 7.88 60.

William Moore, C/3B, Thornton HS, 2015
5-foot-5, 185-pound catcher. Was clocked at 67 mph from crouch, registering consistent 2.4 pop times. Ran an 8.25 60. Offensively, hits from open setup.

Andrew Scanlon, C/RHP, St. Ignatius HS, 2015
Lanky 6-foot-2, 165-pound two-way player. Shows projection on mound. Long, loose arm action, high-3/4 slot, commands fastball with natural arm-side run, sitting 82-83 mph. Changeup has arm-side run, gets excellent extension, 70-71 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, short break, throws for strikes in 69-72 range. Defensively, pop times ranged between 2.10-2.27, long on backside, clocked at 76 mph from crouch. Hits from open setup, makes solid contact when stays back. Ran a 7.33 60.

Complete Pitcher Analsyis

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