Prep Baseball Report

The Five: 2020 Catchers


Toby Bicknell
Texas Scouting Director

TEXAS, USA - The Five is a new segment that we will bring to you every week, highlighting five players in a specific class and/or position. The Texas All-State Games was held in November at Baylor University. Over 100 of the top players from around the state were on display. Since then, we have updated the 2021 Class Rankings, and our 2020 Class Rankings will be updated later this week. For now, we bring you five catchers that our scouting staff highlighted at Baylor. 



Scouting Report

11.04.18
Ketzner threw thigh high strikes to second base with uber consistent pop times of 2.1-2.15 and a top velocity from the crouch of 73 mph. Easy gather with directional footwork, he throws with low effort from a high-¾ slot. The right-handed hitter has added a leg kick this fall and it has been working in his favor, allowing his hands to free up with an exit velocity of 92 mph. Easy rhythm with loose hands and explosive lower half transfer allow him to drive the ball and use the whole field, including a triple he legged out during the game. Handled the ball well during the game with soft hands, and relaxed blocking ability, and his throws wer accurate between innings.

7.17.18
Ketzner has a strong, durable frame at 6-foot, 195-pounds. The right-handed hitter showed out during batting practice by lacing balls through the middle of the field. He showed rhythm, pop and barrel awareness, to go with the kind of swing that projects well at the next level. Behind the plate, he threw with a top velocity from the crouch of 72 mph and posted pop times of 2.12-2.26. Simple gather with steady footwork, compact arm stroke and directional front side.

06.05.18
6-foot, 195-pound frame with lower body strength.  Hits from the right side in a crouched stance, in his legs; has a long stride, stays closed upon landing, has a fluid stride/load and creates separation by keeping hands back over back foot, creates torque in his core by loading into his right scap.  Has strong hands at the point of contact, drove balls to CF and LF, has pull-side pop, 92 exit velo, gets off his backside early. Behind the plate, Ketzner has quick and powerful feet, creating good leg drive to second; had some of the best footwork in the showcase. Clean exchange, and throws from an over-the-top arm slot. Threw strikes to second base with a top velocity of 75 mph from the crouch. Pop times were 2.05-2.16. Showed quiet feet in the infield and possesses soft hands. Similar arm stroke on the infield, with a top velocity of 75 mph.  Ran a 7.65 laser-timed 60. 

01.20.18
6-foot, 195-pound, strong, sturdy frame. The right-handed hitter starts from a tall, relaxed stance. Smooth load back into a short stride. Lands balanced, loose hands, slight from arm bar, flat path, good extension through contact with strong hands, gap power with more to come, and an exit velocity of 92 mph. On the infield, Ketzner has soft hands, quickish footwork, and throws from a short arm stroke with accuracy at 74 mph across the diamond. Behind the plate, Ketzner has directional footwork, a quick exchange, throws with a short arm stroke from a high slot, and pop times of 2.11-2.26 with a velocity from the crouch of 76 mph.






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