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Preseason All-State Showcase: Catching Analysis

February 25, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director - Illinois

This week we will break down the Preseason All-State Showcase, highlighting a different position each day. Today we will start with the catchers. We saw a number of athletic backstops who showed good footwork and strong arms. There were also a number of guys who displayed strength and pop at the plate. Here is how we broke down the catching group.

Top Catchers

1. Mark Skonieczny, Huntley HS, C/OF, Class of 2014
Physically strong prospect, strong lower half, wide shoulder, 5-foot-11, 190-pound catcher/outfielder. Behind the plate shows a well above average arm, 81 mph from the crouch, pop times range from 1.97-2.15, footwork is quick out of the crouch but lacks direction, can improve pop times, could be consistent sub 2.0. In the outfield displays arm strength, 88 mph, some inconsistencies, athletic feet. Excellent runner for catcher, 7.06 60. Offensively shows strength, bat speed is present, 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. Bat path has flat tendencies, shows pop, creates extension, good balance throughout.  Illinois recruit.

2. Braden Mayer, Harrisburg HS, C, Class of 2014
5-foot-10, 187-pound catcher. Pop times ranged from 2.1-2.19, 77 mph from the crouch, displays a quick arm action, shows athleticism behind the plate, has the ability to snap throw. Offensively hits from a closed stance, uses minimal load and no stride. Bat speed is present, quick hands, short path. Lower half is active, athletic swing, advanced approach, 88 mph exit velocity.

3. Evan Sandmann, Lincoln Way East HS, Class of 2014
Average build, 6-foot, 155-pound two way player. Defensively shows excellent accuracy from the crouch, pop times range from 1.99-2.12, 79 mph from the crouch. Also shows arm strength from the outfield (86 mph) and infield (81 mph). Offensively hits from open stance, short stride, dives some. Hits off back side, average pop, lacks timing, 80 mph exit velocity from the tee.

4. Andrew Nickell, Warren HS, C, Class of 2014
6-foot-1, 185-pound catcher, solid build. Defensively shows athletic hands, excellent receiver, soft hands behind the plate, blocks the baseball well. Arm action lacks quickness; pop times range from 2.07-2.19, arm strength is 75 mph from the crouch. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Bat path is short, has flat tendencies, some length, lower half lacks involvement.

5. Glen Kubek, De La Salle HS, C, Class of 2014
Large frame, 6-foot-4, 210-pounds, average build, left handed hitting catcher. Offensively shows pop to his pull side. Hits from the left side, open stance, tall stance, stride dives back to plate. Pull side approach, hits off back side, pull power hitter, 85 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively recorded pop times from 2.18-2.25, long arm action, long release, receives cleanly, shows soft hands.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Luke Azzarelli, Herscher HS, C, Class of 2014
5-foot-8, 148-pound catcher. Pop times range between 2.19-2.26, 72 mph from the crouch. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, short stride. Recorded 73 mph exit velocities from the tee. Ran 7.84 60.

Christian Bland, Harlan HS, C/OF, Class of 2014
Undersized athlete, 5-foot-8, 145-pounds, sneaky strong frame, quick twitch actions, ability to play multiple positions. Defensively, quick footwork behind the plate, 2.10-2.18 pop time. Shows actions from the outfield, 86 mph arm strength, arm shows carry, stays on line, true hop off turf, aggressive crow hop. Higher projection as an outfielder. Offensively hits from slightly open stance, uses short stride. Bat path is short, compact tendencies, line drive hitter. Could improve offensively by staying closed on front side.

Belgee Falkner, Mt. Carmel HS, C, Class of 2014
Big bodied, 6-foot-2, 220-pound switch hitting catcher. Behind the plate recorded pop times of 2.20-2.26, long actions, 77 mph from the crouch. Runs well for size, 7.06 runner in the 60. Hits from both sides, natural side is right side. Shows loose athletic swing from the right side. Left side shows some stiffness, feels for the baseball, makes solid contact, not as much pop as the right side.

Adam Harvey, Antioch HS, C, Class of 2014
5-foot-11, 180-pound catcher. Defensively showed above average arm strength, 77 mph, pop times ranged 2.18-2.22, footwork average. Offensively, hits from a balanced setup, short stride. Lower half works, rotational hitter, timing is late, 83 mph exit velocity, good approach, looks to work the middle of the field.

Samuel Heilenbach, Lyons Township HS, C, Class of 2014
Sturdy frame, 6-foot-1, 188-pound catcher. Defensively uses long arm action, arm showed carry, 78 mph from the crouch, lacked accuracy, pop times ranged from 2.22-2.33. Offensively shows solid presence. Hits from balanced stance, smooth load, short stride, solid balance throughout. Bat path stays long through the baseball, some pull tendencies, 84 mph exit velocity from the tee.

Joey Morris, Stevenson HS, C, Class of 2014
Stocky build, 6-foot, 175-pound catcher. Defensively recorded pop times of 2.11-2.25, arm shows some strength, 74 mph from the crouch. Offensively hits from the left side, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride, low hands. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee, shows clean bat path, solid left handed hitting catcher.

Thomas Weber, Mt. Vernon HS, C/RHP, Class of 2014
Lanky frame, long legs. 6-foot-4, 185-pound catcher. Displayed pop times ranging 2.10-2.19, strong arm behind the plate, 77 mph from the crouch, arm shows carry, short over the top arm action. Offensively, hits from a balanced stance, slightly crouched, slight leg lift trigger. Bat path shows extension, some uphill path, 81 mph exit velocity.

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