Uncommitted Spotlight: Mitch Stroh, C, Elk River
October 18, 2017
By Josh Threlkeld
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota
As we at Prep Baseball Report continue to scour the state for baseball talent, today we highlight Mitch Stroh. The #6 ranked catcher (#38 overall) in the class of 2018 is one of many standout talents behind the dish for Minnesota in the 2018 class. Stroh displays quick feet, an aggressive approach to blocking, and has an average pop time hovering right around 2.00 with 79 mph arm strength behind the plate. A slight increase in transfer time could see him in the 1.9 range. A short to contact swing produces 89 mph of exit velocity that trends toward a high rate of consistent, hard contact. Speedy for a catcher at 7.11 60 time. Mitch will lead an Elk River team that continues to battle in the northern suburbs.
PBR: What schools have expressed interest in you?
Augustana, University of Nebraska Omaha, Minnesota State Mankato, Johns Hopkins, Clark, Wells, Hartford, Quinnipiac, Army, Southwest Minnesota State, University of Minnesota Crookston, St. Cloud State, College of St. Scholastica, St. Thomas, St. Mary, Jamestown, St. Olaf.
PBR: Have you taken any visits, or have any visits scheduled in the near future?
I have taken unofficial visits to Augustana and St. Cloud State.
PBR: Are you looking for anything in particular in a school? (Example: high academics, certain academic program, local, etc.)
I am looking for a school with high academics and a great success/placement rate after graduation. I am also seeking a school that has a nursing program, and is one that provides a competitive and collaborative environment. Location and size are not huge on my personal preferences, I just really focus on things such as the academics, room for future success, and of course a baseball program in which I can grow as a baseball player and teammate.
PBR: What were some of your highlights during your junior year, personally and as a team?
During my junior year, my team had its ups and downs. We ended up losing in the section playoffs; being the 7th seed, we played the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd seeds. We upset the 3rd seed in one section game. Personally, I won our team award for Offensive MVP. I hit third all year, and I had the chance to play a variety of positions during our season. Overall, my junior season was positive for my team and me in growth, and created new goals and motivation for next season.
PBR: What goals do you have this year for your team and yourself?
This year, as a team, we will fight to obtain a .700 record, make a run at the section title, and make it to state. Personally, I want to continue to get bigger, faster, and stronger. I want to have a better year offensively, and work more specifically on my game behind the plate. I want to work on utilizing the entire field more when I am hitting, and allowing my hands to go with the ball's location and speed/movement. Behind the plate, I want to continue to work on my footwork and transition while throwing to all bases, as well as blocking and receiving low pitches.
PBR: Are you playing with anyone this fall/winter? If so, where?
I do not play fall ball or winter ball due to playing 3 sports.
PBR: Do you play any other sports?
I play both varsity football and hockey in addition to baseball.
PBR: What is your ACT and GPA?
My ACT is 26 SuperScore and my GPA is 4.07 on a 4 point scale.
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Scouting Report
3/20/17- 5-foot-11, 170-pound right-handed hitting catcher. #15 ranked player in MN 2018 class. 7.4 runner. Tall stance, slight hand and body load, clean path through contact, consistent hard contact, repeats swing well, mid/pull approach, 89 mph exit velocity. Athletic behind plate with quick feet, solid carry and accuracy on throws, aggressive blocker, good mobility, receives breaking ball well, strong hands and sticks fastball in zone, 79 mph arm strength with 2.01-2.07 pop times.
7/6/16- 5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting catcher. 7.11 runner. Easy rhythm in load, stays short to contact, with above avg. extension and separation through baseball. Consistent hard contact with mid/pull approach with occasional pop in bat. 86 mph exit velocity. Clean crisp exchanges with quick release, moves with ease with rhythm and timing. Above avg. receiver, works under ball well, calm demeanor and quiet actions. 74 mph arm strength with 2.00-2.09 pop times. Strong follow in MN 2018 class.
5/3/16- 5-foot-10, 160-pound right-handed hitting catcher. 7.37 runner. Solid build and should continue to add quality size and strength. Rhythm in load. Clean path to contact with solid bat speed. Pulls off occasionally. Pull approach with present strength and pop in bat. 84 mph exit velocity. Athletic actions behind plate. Receives well on balls around plate. Quick feet, good direction, clean exchange, above avg. arm with carry and accuracy to bag. 2.05 pop time with 77 mph arm strength. Strong follow for 2018 class.