Prep Baseball Report

Southern Wisconsin Open: Catching Analysis



By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

This week we will begin to roll out our analysis of the Southern Wisconsin Open and start today with the catchers. Jack Thelan posted the top pop time of the event at 2.08 and has a projectable frame standing 6-foot-3, 174-pounds. Shamus Segersten stood out with his aggressive approach at the plate and shower occasional quick twitch. Of all the catchers in attendance, Segersten posted the top exit velocity at 91 mph.

Catching Prospects (Listed Alphabetically)

Joshua Leibrandt, C, McDonell Central, 2016
5-foot-8, 155-pound catcher. Offensively hits from the right side, closed stance. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee, showed some bat speed, shorter path, produced ground balls in live round of BP. Defensively posted pop times at 2.44-2.58, longer arm action, 64 mph arm from the crouch.

Joe Pounders, C, Bradford, 2016
5-foot-9, 180-pound catcher, sturdy lower half, solid build for catcher. Defensively posted pop times at 2.18-2.26, arm played at 70 mph out of the crouch, feet played efficiently out of the chute, mechanically sound blocking. Offensively hits from a tall setup, longer stride, slightly collapses lower half. Strong swinger, bat path is level, some length, 76 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran the 60 at 8.05.

Shamus Segersten, C/OF, Marian Central Catholic, 2016
6-foot-1, 185-pound multi-positional player, athletic build. Offensively hits from a slightly open stance, longer stride, lower half works linear, loose hands at setup. Attacks the baseball, line drive approach, well above average bat speed for his age. 91 mph exit velocity from the tee, occasionally lunges. Defensively played from the outfield and caught. As a catcher showed fundamentally sound blocking abilities, arm action is over the top, 74 mph arm strength from the crouch. In the outfield showed good arm strength at 85 mph, shuffles through the baseball and glove pats prior to release. Ran the 60 at 7.47.

Jack Thelen, C, West Bend West, 2017
6-foot-3, 174-pound catcher, long lanky frame, projects. Defensively uses a short, high ¾ arm slot, showed some accuracy at 75 mph. Solid base when blocking the baseball, posted pop times at 2.08-2.19. Offensively hits from a balanced stance, slight leg kick trigger, good balance. Flat path through the zone, line drive approach, long armed swing, 67 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran the 60 at 7.66.

Related Content

WI 2.8.15 Milwaukee Slide final