NorCal Underclass Trials: Top Catchers

June 26, 2018
Blaine Clemmens
Northern California Director of Scouting

The inaugural Northern California Underclass Trials took place at Vacaville Christian HS (CA) on June 12th. There were over 80 players in attendance. As part of our coverage we will be rolling out top position players & pitchers before releasing our Top Overall Prospects from the event.

*Click on player profile for complete individual stats at the event.

TOP CATCHERS AT N. CALIFORNIA UNDERCLASS TRIALS

Thatcher Hurd C / RHP / Acalanes, CA / 2021

Hurd is a long lean and strong 6-foot-2 185-pound rising sophomore who stole the show in regard to catcher tools at the showcase. Throwing a low pop time of 1.94 while showing 80 mph velocity was impressive and speaks to his opportunity to develop into an elite catch/throw prospect. Offensively he recorded an exit speed of 81 mph and certainly projects to have power to the pull side.

Ricky Damico C / 2B / Serra, CA / 2020

Damico is an athletic catcher who also has a chance to contribute as a utility position player down the road. He is a lean and wiry 5-foot-10 150-pounds with good baseball energy. His low pop time was 2.15 and a couple of mechanical adjustments will take him lower. The ball came out of his hand at 78 mph and he displayed athletic and quick feet. Offensively he impressed with an 82 mph exit speed and as he gets more physically mature some gap pop should emerge, as he does have noticeable bat speed.

Joey Adge C / 3B / Del Campo, CA / 2021

Adge is a strong young man with a sturdy 5-foot-11 190-pound body that is well-portioned and should hold up to the rigors of the position. His lowest pop time was a very respectable 2.04, with a high velocity of 72 mph. The low time is obviously indicative of good feet and a quick release. Given his age and opportunity to increase his arm strength, the pop times could start to trend below 2.0. Offensively he recorded one of the highest exit speeds of all the participants, registering 85 mph off the tee. That strength also showed up during the BP round.

Charles Wetzel C / Will C.Wood, CA / 2021

Wetzel is a lean and wiry 5-foot-10 160-pounds with a look about him and a frame that hints at much more size to come down the road. Running and foot speed/quickness are still parts of his game that will positively develop in the coming years. Wetzel had a low pop time of 2.19, with 71 mph velocity. As a hitter he put up 80 mph exit speed. A more linear swing path would allow him to access the potential pop he has on a more consistent basis.

Mitchell Nabeta C / 3B / Junipero Serra, CA / 2020

Serra HS has no fewer than five quality catching prospects and you can add Nabeta to the list. He was a player who stood out with his energy and the tools are starting to emerge as well. He is a compact 5-foot-9 140-pounds with athletic proportions throughout. Nabeta's low pop time was 2.09, with a high of 70 mph velocity. Off the tee he registered a top exit speed of 80 mph. During his BP round he displayed good bat speed which combined with the exit speed hints at some future gap pop.