NYS Games Player Preview: 2019 C Jake Manderson (Ballston Spa HS)

Preseason All-State (February 20, 2017)

Manderson, a 2019 right-handed hitting catcher currently ranked as the 13th best catching prospect for the 2019 class, stands at 6-foot-0 and weighs 150 pounds, ran a 7.76 60. Offensively- Works from a narrow square lower half, some slight bend with both knees, hands held above the back shoulder while the barrel of the bat is parallel to the ground. Initiates the swing with a subtle lift of the front foot, striding a good amount to the pitcher, while the hands are loaded straight back, slightly dipping below the height of the shoulder, staying even with the back shoulder and barrel of the bat gets perpendicular to the ground with some wrap towards the pitcher. During batting practice, drove the well from line to line, showing good authority and backspin to the opposite field gap. Hands take a compact path to the zone, staying behind the rotation of the hips well. Barrel of the bat stays in the hitting zone for an extended period of time. Recorded an impressive exit velocity of 83 MPH on the day.  Defensively-  Athletic square lower setup with the weight evenly balanced. Received the ball well, keeping the body quiet and working outside the ball to the corners, however lets the ball on the inner third get a bit too deep. Throws to second base, receives the top half of the ball which cause the glove to drop and create a circular motion while transferring the ball. Throws showed good accuracy and carry, with much more room to grow. Recorded a best pop time of an impressive 2.01 to go along with an arm velocity of 74 MPH. Projectable athletic body with good catch and throw tools, that showed continue to move up the ranks.