Zane
Denton

Bay Area World Series 2022  - Uncommitted; Strong and physical with body type that 'looks the part' of a sturdy and athletic catcher, has emerged as one of the very top uncommitted 2023 C in California, catch/throw skills are outstanding, has shown C mph of 78-81 mph with on the bag accuracy and quick pop times in the upper 1.9s to low 2.0s, with 'worst' throws 2.07-2.08 at BAWS, has bat talent that plays as well, with extra base pop, 95 mph max EV, hard to imagine him being uncommitted beyond the early signing period this coming fall.

Body: 5-10, 172-pounds. High waist, square frame with projectable strength currently
Hit: RHH. Balanced, even stance, controlled with a slow early load allowing hands to have slight movement back. Very quiet lower half allowing upper half to get through the zone. Quick rotation/hand connection allows the barrel to be on plane early. Easy bat speed produced pullside pop; adjusted during the round for better barrel control. 17.1 gs Max Rotational Acceleration, 22.3 Max Handspeed, 71.4 Max Batspeed, 71% On Plane Efficiency.
Power: 91.00 mph exit velocity.
Arm: RH. C - 80.00 mph. Quick and compact, regularly on the bag with throws. Trusts the arm and no reason not to.
Defense: 2.00-2.04 pop times. Block and recover were strong and handled the velocity easily. Worked below the ball well with body staying in a good position; strong hand/wrist.
Run: 7.48 runner in the 60.

Body: 5-foot-9, 155-pounds. Compact build w/athletic proportions & some present muscularity
Hit: RHH. Balanced set-up, wide feet, has swagger in the box, quick knee lift before stride, hands work with life through the ball though pretty consistently early top hand leaving the swing plane. There is power now and more to come as he grows. Aggressive attack angle and and high swing finish shows his intent to do damage. Both competitive ABs resulted in extra base hits, double to LCF and 3B to CF. Can occasionally be a bit late to contact but retain the ability to drive the ball. Showed patience and readiness to jump pitches to his liking in positive counts.
Arm: Catcher velo 75 mph - Flashed carry on a couple of throws down to 2nd, short arm stroke bringing ball near ear after the exchange, slot should allow for consistent backspin and carry.
Defense: 2.00-2.12 Pop-times - Outstanding blocking effort and mechanically sound technique, quick feet out of crouch, good lower body strength provides strong lead leg for leverage on throws, communication skills with pitchers was on display, soft hands, clean receiver. All-around showed very well defensive tools for catching.
Run: 7.89 60-yard

PBR Far North Preseason ID

Body: 5-foot-9, 155-pounds. Lean, average athletic build
Hit: RHH. Balanced athletic set-up w/slight crouch, slight knee lift prior to short stride, upper body rotational swing w/strong top hand finish, loose swing w/bat speed, pull-side approach
Power: 75 mph EV off tee
Arm: RH. C - 72 - Inconsistent accuracy w/glimpses of carry & arm potential
Defense: 2.12-2.19 Pop-times - Calm footwork w/not much explosion out of crouch, narrow wet-up w/knees slightly outside the feet, sits a bit deep w/hunch & fairly angled thighs, showed good receiving hands
Run: 7.65 60-yard

Fall tournament - Lean athletic body at 5-foot-10 150-pounds, admittedly very limited look (two plate appearances) but it was against a talented senior pitcher with quality stuff and Denton was up to the challenge. Aggressive to fastball strikes, didn't chase close pitches and showed the ability to control his swing vs good high school velocity (86 mph). Drove in a run with a solid single to RF on that 86 mph fastball and the swing was quick and done with balance. Quiet in the box and efficient to the ball. Walked in his second at-bat. Got behind the plate late in the game and arm looked to be quick and his one pop throw between innings was accurate.