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Underclass Invitational: Catching Analysis

February 9, 2015

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

The Prep Baseball Report’s Underclass Invitational for 2017 and 2018 prospects took place on Sunday January 18th at the Max in McCook, IL. 98 underclass prospects completed a pro-style workout for the PBR Illinois Scouting Staff, several of whom were new to the PBR.

Click Here to view complete statistics from the event in PDF format.

Click Here to view Top Performers from the event based on standard scouting terminology in our “Top Tools Breakdown”.­­­

Over the next few days we will rank the prospects by position, culminating in the Top Overall prospects from the event. Today we’ll take a look at a deep crop of catching prospects, so deep in fact that eleven prospects recorded pop-times under 2.10 to second base.

This crop also boasts several premium, left-handed hitting catching prospects led by New Trier’s Max Rosenthal and Libertyville’s Jackson Peterson. Rosenthal has all the tools to be a highly sought after recruit in the 2017 class, including power from the left side and sub 2.0 pop times.

Petersen flashed above average exit velocity and shows power potential from the left side. Cary Grove’s Tyler Pennington will star this spring on the diamond just as he did in leading the Trojans to a Class 7A runner-up finish this fall in football at running back.

The depth of talent at the catching position forced us to go ten deep in the 2017 class, and also provide the top three 2018 catching prospects as well. Janesville Craig’s (WI) Jacob Campbell posted a 1.98 pop time, and showed plenty of power and strength at the plate. Mount Carmel Niko Pozzi and Marmion’s Chase Stanke will be high follow prospects during the next four years as well.

Let’s take a look at Top Catching Prospects broken down by graduating year at this January’s Underclass Invitational Showcase:

Top 2017 Catching Prospects

1.Max Rosenthal, C, New Trier, 2017
6-foot-3, 215-pound physical advanced, strong and athletic left-handed hitting catcher hits from an athletic wide base, hands load back smoothly, very little stride, incorporates legs into swing, short, level bat path, gets extension, feel for barrel, drove the baseball from gap-to-gap, power to his pull side, 77 mph exit velocity. Defensively, showed the best pure arm strength of any catcher at the Underclass Invitation, throwing 81 mph from the crouch from a short, over-the-top arm slot, with carry. Struggled some with accuracy, but tools are there. Quick footwork and quick, clean exchanges, pop times to second ranged from 1.94-2.04 down to second.

2. Jackson Petersen, C, Libertyville, 2017
6-foot, 185-pound muscular, wide shouldered, left-handed hitting catcher starts from a narrow, open setup, long stride, hits from a wide base, draws power from legs, hands start low, load up and back smoothly, long, uphill swing, premium bat speed, barrel whips through the zone, high finish, drove the baseball from gap-to-gap during batting practice, future power potential, 83 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged from 2.05-2.12 down to second, 74 mph from the crouch from short, over-the-top arm slot, carry present on throws. Ran an 8.03 60. A Libertyville backstop with left-handed power projection will inevitably draw comparisons to current TCU freshman, and 34th round MLB draft pick Evan Skoug. Peterson will be a high follow prospect in the 2017 class over the next three years.

3. Connor McCormick, C/3B, Manteno, 2017
5-foot-11, 140-pound lanky right-handed hitting C/3B hits from a tall setup, slightly open stance, short stride, hands load back, long, level path, line drives in batting practice, pull tendencies, 86 mph exit velocity off the tee, well above average for age. Defensively, impressed with arm strength at 3B and behind the plate. Threw 81 mph across the diamond, and 76 mph from the crouch. Pop times ranged from 2.04-2.18 to second. Short, over-the-top slot, accurate arm both at 3rd and behind the plate, quick footwork behind the plate, plus release, overthrew at times from third base. Ran a 7.48 60. McCormick is a prospect to follow over the next three seasons in the 2017 class.

4. Tyler Pennington, C, Cary Grove, 2017
5-foot-11, 210-pound athletically and physically put together left-handed hitting catcher hits from a balanced setup, hands start back, stay back to load, short stride, short level bat path, powerful at impact, drove the baseball from gap-to-gap, power potential 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged from 2.04-2.19 down to second, 72 mph out of the crouch, impressed with blocking ability during bullpens. Ran a 7.45 60 yard dash. Pennington is a standout football player for Cary Grove, starting at running back as a freshman, breaking numerous school records as a sophomore. He’s a two-sport start to keep an eye on over the next three years.

5. Eastin May, C, Joliet West, 2017
6-foot-1, 175-pound lanky right-handed hitting catcher, hits from a slightly open stance, leg kick, hands load smoothly, foot gets down late at times making rhythm choppy, when on time hit line drives with a right-centerfield approach, 79 mph exit velocity. Defensively, pop times ranged from 2.05-2.12 down to second, 73 mph from the crouch, impressing with accuracy and quick release from short, over-the-top arm slot. Above average hands receiving during bullpens, feet work well side-to-side when blocking. Ran a 7.92 60. May is a potentially plus defender and impressed this past spring seeing extensive time on varsity for Joliet West.

6. Daniel Reed, C, Edwardsville, 2017
5-foot-10, 175-pound catcher, solid build, sturdy catchers frame. Defensively arm played at 71 mph, short over the top arm action, some accuracy, good glove to hand transfer. Pop times posted at 2.11-2.25. Well above average receiver for his age. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, short stride, excellent balance. Short path, line drive, gap to gap approach, worked the middle of the field, advanced bat speed for age, strong swing, 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.28 runner in the 60. Strong catch and throw prospect with well above average hit tool.

7. Tommy Washington, C, Harlan, 2017
5-foot-9, 155-pound catcher, athletic build. Offensively hits from an open stance, short stride, good path, athletic. Gap to gap guy, took a solid round, hard contact, consistent hitter. Defensively showed soft hands, ability to catch and play the infield. Arm action is short, over the top slot, posted pop times at 2.12-2.18, arm played at 72 mph out of the crouch. 74 mph across the infield, hands are soft, transfers efficiently, athletic arm action, good body control, quick actions. Strong follow in the 2017 class.

8. Nickolas Strysik, C, Lockport, 2017
6-foot, 170-pound athletically built right-handed hitting catcher hits from a tall, open setup, short stride, smooth hand load, hands start high, short, level bat path produced line drives from gap-to-gap, shows power to left-center, 83 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged from 2.07-2.15 down to second base from short, high ¾ arm slot, 72 mph out of the crouch with accuracy. Strysik’s throwing has improved since the July Class of 2017 Top Prospect games, both in carry and quickening his release. Ran a 7.46 60.

9. Jackson Surin, C, Joliet Catholic, 2017
6-foot, 170-pound right-handed hitting catcher hits from an open setup, short, toe tap/turn stride, hands load smoothly, loose wrists, short, level bat path produced line drives with up the middle tendencies during batting practice, 72 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, posted pop times from 2.08-2.16 down to second, 74 mph from the crouch from short, over-the-top arm slot impressing with accuracy, throws right on the bag. Ran an 8.06 60. Surin is another solid catch-and-throw prospect to follow over the next three years.

10. Yaki Lee, C/INF, Harlan, 2017
Solid build, 5-foot-7, 157-pound switch-hitting catcher. Defensively showed above average catch and throw actions, posted a 2.12-2.18 pop times. Arm action is short, over the top slot, accurate to target, showed carry, worked online well, 74 mph arm strength. Hands showed softness receiving, clean transfers. Offensively hits from both sides, open stance, leg lift trigger from the left side, short minimal stride from the right. Showed similar abilities from both sides, 72 mph exit velocity from the right side, 75 mph exit velocity from the left. 7.42 runner in the 60.

Top 2018 Catching Prospects

1. Jacob Campbell, C, Janesville Craig (WI), 2018
5-foot-10, 180-pound freshman catcher, strong lower half, advanced strength for age. Defensively showed plus arm strength for his age, 77 mph arm from the crouch, showed carry, short over the top slot, accurate arm, stayed on line. Posted some of the best pop times at the event, ranged from 1.98-2.12. Showed some softness receiving the baseball, footwork had quickness, good transfer. Offensively hits from the right side, balanced stance, smooth loading action, stride slightly dives, strong balance through contact. Flashed power potential, excellent bat speed, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee, gap to gap approach. Well above average runner for a catcher at his age, 7.32 runner in the 60. High follow in Wisconsin’s 2018 class.

2. Chase Stanke, C, Marmion, 2018
6-foot-1, 165-pound lanky and athletic left-handed hitting catcher hits from a wide base, utilizes legs in swing, short stride, turns front toe inwards to load, fluid bat path, feel for the barrel, solid contact up the middle, barrels the baseball consistently, 83 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged from 2.07-2.11 to second from short, loose, athletic arm action, 73 mph from the crouch (has been up to 77 mph this winter). Potentially a plus catch-and-throw recruit down the road. Stanke is loose and projectable in every facet of the game and should be a high end recruit in the 2018 class.

3. Niko Pozzi, C, Mount Carmel, 2018
5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting catcher with a strong lower half, hits from an open setup, wide base, hands load back smoothly, efficient weight transfer, short, slightly uphill fluid swing, drove the baseball from gap-to-gap during batting practice, 80 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged from 2.03-2.08 short, athletic, over-the-top arm action, 73 mph from the crouch, average carry and accuracy on throws, sat up high in crouch pre-pitch, impressed with hands receiving during bullpens. Ran an 8.31 60. Pozzi’s power potential and catch-and-throw skills are advanced for a 2018 prospect. He is a high follow prospect over the next four years.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Anthony Coticchio, C/3B, Belvidere, 2017
5-foot-10, 165-pound catcher/third baseman, sturdy build. Defensively posted pop times at 2.29-2.36, arm played at 69 mph out of the crouch, arm plays from a ¾ slot, showed some arm side run. Average hands behind the plate and at third base, arm played at 68 mph from the crouch. Offensively hits from the right side, open stance, slight dives over the plate. Path has some length, uphill path, 77 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran the 60 at 8.18.

Andrew Erickson, C/SS, Tuscola, 2018
5-foot-8, 160-pound right-handed hitting C/SS hit from a balanced setup, short stride, hands load smoothly, simple approach, short, level, compact bat path, occasional extension, up the middle approach, feel for barrel, 78 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 75 mph across the infield from short from short, over-the-top arm slot with some accuracy. Impressed more behind the plate with blocking ability during bullpens. Pop times ranged from 2.23-2.28, 75 mph from the crouch. Ran an 8.15 60.

Ryan Hampe, C/3B, St. Laurence, 2018
5-foot-10, 180-pound right-handed hitting freshman catcher. Above average bat for age, balanced stance, reverse stride loading action, bat wrap load, level path , gets extension, gap to gap with more pull tendencies. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. Good path, solid follow with the bat. Defensively arm plays short and over the top, 71 mph out of the crouch. Pop times at 2.19-2.26, deliberate footwork out of the crouch, solid glove work and hands. Similar actions at third base, hands played, heavier footwork. 8.48 runner in the 60.

JP Norman, C, Kaneland, 2017
6-foot-1, 185-pound wide shouldered, thick lower half left-handed hitting catcher hits from a wide base, short stride, front foot starts open, stays open, opening up hips early in swing, hands load back smoothly, short, level bat path, pull tendencies, 83 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged from 2.18-2.23 to second, 72 mph out of the crouch from short, over-the-top arm slot, doesn’t stay low prep pitch, accurate to second on throws. Ran an 8.26 60.

Steven Pattan, C/SS, Alton, 2017
5-foot-8, 150-pound lanky right-handed hitting C/SS hits from a wide base, slightly closed stance, short stride, gets foot down early, hands load back, bars out, long level bat path, 76 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, threw 71 mph across the infield from short, over the top arm slot, average hands fielding, quick and fluid footwork, handled all chances cleanly. Behind the plate, pop times ranged from 2.11-2.22 to second, 72 mph from the crouch, quick release, sits high in crouch. Ran a 7.46 60.

Marcus Protz, C, North Boone, 2017
6-foot, 200-pound athletic and strong right-handed hitting catcher hits from a balanced setup, short stride, closes off shoulders at load, right-center/up the middle approach with line drives during batting practice, struggles to pull, 78 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged from 2.16-2.26 down to second, 74 mph from the crouch from high ¾ arm slot, some run on throws to second, average hands receiving. Ran a 7.69 60. On the mound, fastball sat from 74-78 mph from long, high ¾, sweepy arm slot, with arm side run. Impressed throwing three pitches for strikes, including 62-64 mph curveball with 11/5 shape, gradual break and 69-73 mph changeup with arm side run.

Jake Ridgway, OF/C, Brother Rice, 2017
6-foot-1, 170-pound, lanky, athletic frame, right-handed hitting OF/C hits from a tall, open setup, hands held high, load back smoothly, long, slightly uphill bat path, strength in swing, feel for barrel, 83 mph exit velocity off the tee, shows power from gap-to-gap. Defensively, impresses in the outfield, threw 74 mph from the outfield from long, high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Behind the plate, sat high in stance, pop times ranged from 2.11-2.26 with accuracy. Threw 71 mph out of the crouch, long arm action, takes some time to get rid of it, but puts the ball on the bag. Ran a 7.93 60.

Joe Rizzo, C, Huntley, 2017
5-foot-10, 180-pound strong right-handed hitting catcher hits from a slightly closed setup, no stride/heel lift approach, hands load back minimally, long, level bat path produced line drives from gap-to-gap during batting practice, above average 84 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged from 2.04-2.12 to second, 73 mph from the crouch from short, over-the-top arm slot, quick feet on the exchange from glove-to-hand, jumps out to the side, could gain more ground directionally towards second base, throws exhibited accuracy and carry to second. Ran a 7.77 60.

Trey Torain, C, Loyola, 2018
5-foot-11, 155-pound athletically built right-handed hitting catcher hits from a tall setup, hands held extremely high, short stride, turns front foot it to load hips, some fluidity to downhill swing, high finish, up the middle/right-center field approach during live batting practice, 77 mph exit velocity off the tee. Defensively, pop times ranged from 2.29-2.44 down to second, 70 mph from the crouch from short, over-the-top arm slot, some pause in the top of take-away, small hitch in throwing motion. Ran a 7.5 60.

Jeffrey Zack, C/1B, Romeoville, 2017
6-foot-2, 220-pound strong right-handed hitting catcher hits from a crouched setup, minimal hand load, short stride, choppy rhythm, late getting down, opposite field tendencies, 69 mph exit velocity. Defensively, pop times ranged from 2.20-2.26 down to second from short, loose, over-the-top arm slot, 74 mph from the crouch. Ran an 8.22 60.

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