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NorCal ProCase Spotlight: C/RHP Tommy Splaine

September 1, 2020
Steve Doherty
Area Scout


    

New Episode LIVE now! - At The Yard Podcast

LINCOLN, CA. -  What is the long term position for Tommy Splaine? Catcher? Pitcher? According to The National Athletic Trainers’ Association, high school catcher/pitchers are nearly 3-times more likely to sustain an injury. Although pitch limits are well established in baseball, the results of this new study indicate that a 2.9 times greater injury risk may result from cumulative throwing load from both pitching and non-pitching activities. Truth is, catchers throw significantly more than other fielding positions, period.  My point is this...Ultimately performance variables, success, and matters of the heart for the catching or pitching position will determine Splaine’s overall impact potential at the college or professional level. He will have to choose one or the other eventually.  Fact, Splaine is really good at both, and with 50+ representatives from 24 MLB Organizations in attendance, some teams 2-3 deep, and the profound talent on the NorCal ProCase roster , Splaine will certainly attract evaluators on both sides of the fence.

Blast Player Swing Profile below confirms that there is big time power currently, can impact the baseball at an above average rate comparable to MLB averages, and suggests that there is plenty more in the tank. 

Splaine features a 6-pix mix, a rare arsenal, especially from a high school pitcher.

THE REPORT:

Body: Extra-Large, sturdy, flexible frame with long arms and legs. Has present overall strength and projects to put on good weight and muscle.

Hit: Aggressive fastball hitter to pull side with plus bat speed. Displays open stance with normal leg kick and has natural lift in the swing. On-Plane Efficiency and Attack Angle will have to improve resulting in more balls in play, a higher average,  and slugging %. 

Power: Carry tool. Over the fence power potential. Displays proper hand separation on load with excellent leverage and extension.  Exit velocity speeds are in the range of 100 MPH currently.

Field:  Sound defensive actions and receives well with soft hands and ability to get low.  Moves well for a big frame. 

Arm:  Average. Accurate. Catcher velocities in the 78-79 MPH range, and pop times in the 1.93-2.08 range. 

Run:  7.43 60-yard. Typical runner for a catcher, better athlete than pure speed indicates, and better underway

SUMMARY:

The duality of being a pitcher and a catcher at any level certainly puts one through the ringor, especially the physical demands it employs. Ultimately performance variables, success, and matters of the heart for the catching or pitching position will determine his overall impact potential at the college or professional level. Splaine possesses raw power confirmed by Blast Motion data, something that cannot be taught, and something he will have to hang his hat on going forward in my opinion. The offensive bar is low for catchers, so hitting for a high average is not the be-all-end-all of the catching position, but it sure is nice to get production from that spot. With age and added strength to his already large frame, I would let the bat/catching play out first.

UPCOMING EVENTS

There will be additional events in Northern CA scheduled for October 10 & 11, stay tuned!

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
SoCal Uncommitted Senior Games CA 09/13 Amerige Park
Norcal Uncommitted Senior Games CA 09/26 Islanders Field
SoCal Underclass I.D. Camp CA 10/10 Great Park
SoCal Upperclass I.D. Camp CA 10/10 Great Park
SoCal Underclass I.D. Camp II CA 10/11 Great Park
SoCal Upperclass I.D. Camp II CA 10/11 Great Park


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