Prep Baseball Report

First Thoughts: Preseason East Catchers


Dan Cevette
President, New York

Over two weeks ago (February 22, 2018) more than 60 players worked out in front of our New York boots-on-the-ground scouting staff. Overall, the talent was exciting to say the very least. Several new names to the system impressed while some veterans to PBR continue to improve and raise their stock. Today we take a look at a few catching prospects that impressed February, 22. Let's get started.

2019

Ben Lavery C / 1B / Shenendehowa, NY / 2019

Lavery stands an impressive 6-foot-3, 210 pounds from a frame that can handle more physical strength gains. He ran a 4.39 home-to-first time showing off some signs of athleticism from the large framed backstop. At the plate, slightly crouched wide stance, on the pitch he uses a smooth load, powers to the ball with a slightly uphill barrel path, easy power projection especially to his pull side, 89 mph exit velocity. Defensively there is just a tons of tools to project on. Wide open large target, slightly offset as the pitch approaches, very quick transfer, back and fluid arm-action, releases from a high 3/4 slot with an impressive 80 mph arm-strength producing consistent 1.97 pop times. Currently enters the 2019 rankings in the top 65, but expect to see that ranking jump come summer.

Carter Bach C / 3B / Colonie , NY / 2019

Bach has tremendous size and strength to his game, standing 6-foot-4, 205-pounds with even more physicality to come. Ran a 4.51 home-to-first time on lasers Feb. 22. At the plate, loose hands from a slightly open stance. Strides back to even on the pitch,  barrel path is direct on a slight incline, fluid throughout entire swing with a full finish. Signs of power projection showing off an 87 mph exit velocity and expect to see that increase come this summer. Defensively, wide large target, receives with confidence. Extremely fast glove to hand transfer, releases from a high 3/4 slot, impressive 77 mph arm-strength with an event best 1.91 pop time. Exciting catching prospect that has just started to make a name for himself.

Adam Mieczkowski C / OF / Vestal, NY / 2019

Standing 5-foot-11, 165-pounds showing athleticism evidenced by his 4.28 home-to-first time on lasers. At the plate open stance with hands relaxed by his back shoulder. Back to even on the pitch with a mostly level barrel path with a high finish. 85-mph exit velocity off a tee showing signs of some bat-speed. Defensively, wide back with soft hands, appears relaxed and confident behind the plate. Advanced footwork and release during his throw downs, accurate around the bag with pop-times ranging 2.03-2.06 with 75-mph arm-strength. Nice looking prospect form the Southern-Tier.

NYS GAMES Information

 

#BESEEN

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