Quick Hits: Canadian JNT Catchers

As Canada prepares for its first game at the Pan Am Qualifier in Panama, we take a look at the somewhat unique position they’re in when it comes to the options they have when selecting their man behind the plate.

With 4 different players who are all versatile defenders where they can play an assortment of positions on the diamond, it allows for different looks, late game substitutions and the ability to be flexible and present different options game in and game out.

The two veterans who return from the professional ranks in Noah Naylor, 1st rd. pick of the Cleveland Indians and Laron Smith, a 25th rd. selection of the Minnesota Twins, both can play anywhere on the infield and not lose a step while Smith has transitioned to being a catcher after he saw a fair amount of his time at second base and third. Rest assure that both will be in the lineup one way or another as their offensive talents will be in the heart of the order for Team C.

The other two prospects are not too shabby either as Alabama commit Owen Diodati and TCU commit Raphael Pelletier round out the options for the Canadian squad. Diodati, another impactful left-handed bat to the lineup also has been seen at first base and left field during his time with the JNT and Pelletier, who made his first JNT appearance in October, arguably was one of the top defenders this year at the Future Games in Indianapolis and has shown the ability to receive at a high caliber and control the game and his staff.

This group of catchers are sure to be a major plus over the course of these qualifiers and we are sure that this will allow Canada to be strategic, keeps their offensive bats in the lineup without losing a step on the defensive end. Below we highlight Canada’s catching crop with some quick notes and a few highlights of this talented group.