Prep Baseball Report

NJ: Top Three Uncommitted 2017 Catchers



By TJ Hunt
New Jersey Scouting Director

As the signing period has come and gone, it is time to look at some of the top uncommitted  prospects on the board in New Jersey. There is a plethora of talent still out there, and there is still plenty of time for these players to decide on the perfect fit for them. 

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be highlighting some of the top uncommitted seniors by position. Last week we highlighted the top pitchers still on the board. Since last week's article was posted, RHP John Barone (Wayne Hills HS, NJ) committed to Seton Hall. This week we continue our overview of the top unsigned seniors still on the board with the Top Three Catchers:

TOP unsigned senior CATCHERS
Albert Munoz, C, Memorial West New York HS, NJ
Unsigned Senior Showcase (October 16, 2016)
Munoz has a lean, athletic body at 5-foot-11 175-pounds. Ran a 7.24 60, one of the top times of the event. Threw 77 mph to 2B during the skills workout, which was the fastest of the catchers, and one of the fastest positional velocities of the event. 85 mph exit velocity. Offensively- possesses some gap to gap pop from the right side. Sets up in a wide stance and relaxed hands with bat just above shoulder. Uses weight transfer and short stride/toe tap. Quick hands, rises up on finish on front leg. Defensively- showcased one of the strongest arms of the event from a position. Advanced receiving skills, good hip mobility and flexibility in squat. Blocking technique is sound, funnels ball back to home plate well. Slight pause when he rises out of squat to throw to 2B. Footwork is there, just needs to eliminate pause and make it one fluid motion, finishing out toward 2B. 

Jack DeSalvo, C, Tenafly HS, NJ
New Jersey Games (July 23, 2016)
DeSalvo is a physically built 5-foot-11 180-pound catcher. Ran a 7.25 60. Swing is short and compact. Lower body is quiet in the box. Stands in a wide stance. Weight transfer produces a small foot lift. Bat starts almost vertical, but as load is started, it flattens out and wraps slightly behind his head. Line drive type hitter. Exit Velo 83.
Defensively - 
Showed plus receiving skills for his age. Transfer was clean, needs some cleaning up with footwork. Pop times between 2.09-2.22, can be brought down with improved feet. Needs to finish toward second base on throws rather than recoiling. Throws to second registered at 75 mph. 

Collin Musto, C, St. Joseph's Montvale HS, NJ
Last Chance Open I.D. Showcase (November 5th 2016)
Musto is big bodied at 5-foot-10 195-pounds. Offensively- took one of the better batting practice rounds from the event. Recorded an exit velocity of 74 mph. Starts in a tall, narrow stance with hands high above shoulder and bat parallel with the ground. Uses a leg kick to start swing. Minimal hand load. Heavy on front leg on landing, causing him to drift most of his weight forward which could take away power. Defensively- recorded best pop time at 2.12. Topped at 74 mph down to second base. Shows a low target when receiving, smothers dirt balls well. Slight hitch in arm action, but lower half continues toward second base in one fluid movement on throws. 



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