Western Wisconsin Open: Catcher Analysis
August 26, 2019
On July 9, the PBR Wisconsin team made the trip from the Badger State Battle in Mauston, Wis., westward to Eau Claire, the site of the annual Western Wisconsin Open showcase. Immediately following the event, we published our Quick Hits and Statistical Analysis posts, but this week is reserved for our position-by-position analysis.
Today, we’re starting with the catchers who made it out to Eau Claire – a group of six listed below. Keep an eye out for tomorrow when we break down the day’s outfielders, too.
ALL PROSPECTS (LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)
Will Boeckman, C/3B, Big Lake, 2021
5-foot-11, 180-pound catcher/infielder with some strength in high-waisted frame. At the plate, right-handed, balanced set-up, long toe-tap stride, minimal load in upper half. Bat path is short, direct to the ball, level plane, middle-of-the-field/line-drive approach; 88 mph exit velocity from the tee. At catcher, long exchange, short arm action from an over-the-top slot, throws topped 72 mph to second; pop times ranged between 2.35-2.45. In the infield, tall gather, average hands, arm action is short and over-the-top, 74 mph high to first. A 7.47 runner in the 60.
Blaine Guthrie, C/RHP, Baldwin-Woodville, 2021
6-foot, 190-pound two-way prospect with strong, thick build. At the plate, right-handed hitter, wide/open base, hands set high, short stride to square. Hands drop into long and uphill path, quick bat speed with premium bat strength, loud on contact, extension through the baseball with power potential; 83 mph exit velo off the tee. Defensively, stays tall, long arm action, high ¾ slot, pop times ranged from 2.10 to 2.16. Throws feature some carry, 75 mph. On the mound, tall/fall type, long draw, long arm action and high ¾ release, short stride to target, square landing. Fastball, some downhill tilt, carry through zone, 79-82 mph, touched 84 mph. Curveball, some feel to spin, 11/5 action, 65-68 mph. Changeup, decelerates arm speed, some fade, 64-67 mph. A 7.82 runner in the 60.
Hunter Petska, C, Green Bay Preble, 2020
5-foot-11, 195-pound right/right catcher with durable build, some strength in lower half. A reliable all-around defender. Consistent quick and clean exchanges, soft hands/receiving. Draw from glove can get long, but throws are true and accurate with carry through the infield, topping 77 mph. Pop times ranged from a consistent 2.12 to 2.28. At the plate, balanced/athletic set-up, smooth load back into stride, some bat wrap in upper load. Hands are short and quick to the ball, fast bat speed on a slight inclined plane with bat strength and some extension through contact, line-drive approach; 89 mph exit velocity from the tee. A 7.87 runner in the 60-yard dash.
Anthony Pogodzinski, 1B/C, Eau Claire North, 2020
5-foot-11, 225-pound first baseman and catcher with thick, strong frame. Left-handed hitter, athletic/balanced set-up, slightly open, leg kick stride to even. Fluid, fast bat path with bat speed on a compact and uphill path through the ball. Premium bat strength on contact, pull-side pop, an event-best 93 mph exit velocity from the tee. At first base, moves well for size with some feel for the bag, throws are short and over-the-top, topped 77 mph across the infield. At catcher, short arm action from a high ¾ slot with some accuracy; topped 69 mph to second base. Pop times ranged between 2.14 and 2.33, A 7.63 runner in the 60.
Colten Schillinger, C, Stratford, 2021
5-foot-11, 170-pound right/right catcher with lean frame, wiry strength in upper half. Offensively, upright/tall set-up, hands set low, drops and dives into long stride, long and level bat path, some natural strength in hands/wrists; 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, sets up low in crouch, clean exchanges, long arm action from high ¾ slot, 74 mph throws to second; pop times ranged between 2.25 and 2.38. A 7.21 runner in the 60.
Drew Wonderling, C, La Crosse Central, 2023
5-foot-11, 195 pounds, right/right catcher with some strength in lower half. At the plate, wide base, hands set high, weight-shift load back into small stride. Long bat path on level plane; 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively, quick transfers, short arm action from an over-the-top slot, topped at 67 mph to second with accuracy. Pop times ranged between 2.50-2.52. A 7.83 runner in the 60.