Blake
Penso

CA STATE GAMES:

Positional Profile: C/1B
 

Body: 6-3, 210-pounds. A large and sturdy frame that is strong and athletic
 

Hit: RHH. Sets up tall and relaxed with his hands at stance.  Mild leg kick trigger with rhythmic hands that drop into a lower slot. Swing plane was flat to uphill. Turns tight and is extended through the zone for a long time.
 

Power: 100 mph exit velocity from the tee. Consistent 95+ exit velos. Drives the ball to all fields with good plate coverage. Plus blast metrics of bat speed (70mph) and rotational acceleration (27 g's) are signs of even more power to come.
 

Arm: RH. C - 78 mph. Short arm action out of the ¾ slot. Quick to release. Some armside tail was present. Mostly on target throws.
 

Defense: 2.00-2.08 pop times. Clean footwork and glove exchanges. Athleticism shows on BIDs. Good pitch framing/receiving ability.
 

Run: 7.62 runner in the 60. 

SoCal ProCase:

Body:  6-foot-3, 210-pounds. Sturdy catchers frame with thickness in the lower half and strength throughout. Lean 210-pounds. Has room to continue to add strength. 

Hit: Present gap power from a middle-middle approach. Simple, upright setup using a slight leg lift trigger to initiate swing. Drops hands into slot as foot touches down. Barrel gets to-and-through the zone quickly.

Power: Averaged 93.5 mph exit speed and 26.8 degree launch angle while peaking at a 99 mph exit velocity. Average distance was 310’11” on hits. His consistent exit velo and launch angle readings are good indicators of his power potential. Looks inside and adjusts away looking to drive balls back up the middle. 

Field: Pop times 2.01-2.13. Athletic actions across the board; gets out of crouch and into throwing position quickly. Moves well laterally. Reads ball in dirt well. Sets up low before levelling out. Frames pitches adequately often beating the ball to the spot. 

Arm: Catcher’s arm velocity of 74 mph. Arm is short and quick from catch to release. Stays low through release with solid throwing mechanics. More arm strength left. Throws were all in the area to make a play with most on the bag.

Run: 7.63 laser-timed 60 yard dash on a grass surface.

Summary: Penso is a present above average but not elite high school catcher presently who has tools that project well for future development. Like many players in his class, Penso's development certainly took a hit after losing his promising junior season to COVID-19. Unlike many players in his class Penso is not close to his cieling which is an exciting consideration. When you put it all together Penso is a promising catcher with present and future power that will play up the levels. While next summer's draft may not be in the cards, giving him ample opportunity to prove himself for the 2024 draft.

8/18/18 - SoCal Underclass Games - Six-foot-2, 190-pounds, large frame with broad shoulders and strength from top down. Frame has ability to add more strength/size without affecting current skill set. At the plate Penso shows an upright, balanced setup with strength through the hitting zone. Gets and keeps his barrel on plane consistently and for a long time. Hands are quick and he shows control for the barrel on a slightly uphill path. Uses lower half very well and leverages his present strength well. At catcher his throws show in-game accuracy with some carry. Shows soft hands when receiving, footwork is average. Blocks and recovers well showing some nimbleness behind the plate.