Joe
Donovan

6.14.17 - Drafted in the 33rd round by the Chicago Cubs. 

5.3.16 - Michigan recruit. Ranked No. 10 in Illinois and No. 82 overall. 5-foot-11, 170-pound catcher with a solid lower half. Right-handed hitter, simple, balanced setup with a low hand set. Flashed bat speed, loose hands, barrel control and bat has length through the zone; gap-to-gap hitter. Drove a double down the right-field line; 4.45 on the turn. Earlier in the game ran a 4.25 down-the-line on a groundout to shortstop. Defensively, behind the plate, vocal, plays with a bounce in his step and has flexibility. Quiet, soft hands, sticks and presents the away and the low pitch extremely well. Comes out of the crouch, quick, smooth and athletic; minimal effort on throws, true ball, on the bag and downhill tilt with carry. Pop times ranged between 1.95-2.01 in between innings.

3rd Team All State: Donovan, who’s older brother Charlie made PBR 1^st Team All-State, set a school record for home runs this spring with 10. The Michigan commit hit .454 with an incredible 26 extra-base hits, also adding 13 doubles, and three triples to his power output. He posted an .866 slugging percentage, and showed off his athleticism with 24 stolen bases as well. A plus athlete behind the plate, Donovan has improved his catch-and-throw skills within the last year, and impressed this spring reeling off sub 2.0 pop times, as low as 1.93, shutting down opponents’ running games in the process.

5.25.15 - 5-foot-10, 160-pound highly athletic right-handed hitting catcher, ranked No. 8 in Illinois’ 2017 class, No. 52 overall. Same fast-twitch athleticism as his older brother, except behind the plate. Pop times ranged from 1.93, 2.00, and 2.07 in between innings, continues to get better behind the plate with catch-and-throw skills, arm is short and quick, plus carry on throws. Made long throw on block-and-recover to his left on a dropped-third strike to end the game. Hits from an open, crouched stance, low hands, doubled on a 2- fastball to deep left field in third at bat. Short, compact stroke, little wasted movement, same quiet approach as his brother, ten home runs on the season. Intentionally walked in second at bat, stole second base. Committed to Michigan, should draw significant attention from the professional scouting community by his senior year.

3.30.15 - 5-foot-10, 160-pound, right-handed hitting catcher. Ranked No. 7 in the Illinois class of 2017. In BP showed a line drive pull approach hitting multiple HRs to LF. Went 2-3 in game with single and a double. High-level athlete who catches but can also play SS. Behind the plate has a short arm action from an over the top arm slot. Accurate throws with carry. Popped 1.95-2.05 consistently between innings. Despite only being a sophomore he shows advanced receiving skills.

9.19.14 - High level 2017 prospect and Charlie’s younger brother, currently ranked No. 2 in Illinois’ 2017 class, No. 16 overall. Physical looking freshman, 5-foot-10, 160-pound frame. Behind the plate, shows quick transfer and pop times ranging from 2.05-2.16 down to second. Plenty of arm strength and good carry from ¾ athletic arm action. Above average to plus arm strength for age. Also impressed from shortstop in a showcase setting, throwing 83 mph across the infield, showcasing soft hands and middle infield actions. Ran a hand timed 7.03 60 yard dash. Mature approach at the plate during batting practice, balanced swing, looks to hit the ball to right-center field during BP.

5.24.14 - High level 2017 prospect and Charlie’s younger brother. Physical looking freshman, that may already be outgrowing 5-foot-9, 160-pound listed height and weight. Showed quick transfer and pop times ranging from 2.05-2.21 between innings. Plenty of arm strength and good carry from ¾ athletic arm action. Above average to plus arm strength for age. Right handed version of his brother hitting, showing same patient approach, walking twice and flying out to left field twice.  Impressively went down and got a 2-strike curveball to drive in a run with a sac fly to left in second at bat. Runs extremely well.

5/3/14 - Top-level 2017 prospect; should be a heavily recruited prospect in the Midwest. Solid 5-foot-9, 160-pound frame. Comports himself like a senior. Defensively, has athletic feet behind the plate, advanced receiver and natural leader. Pop times ranged between 2.08-2.15 between innings, highly accurate thrower with solid carry. Offensively, hits from balanced setup, fundamental approach, maintains excellent balance throughout with above-average bat speed. Level bat path and gets good extension. Clearly knows how to handle the bat. Went 1-for-3 in game with a single to left field. Also scored a run. Came into pitch in the fifth inning after catching. Fastball topped at 80 mph, sitting in 77-78 range with short, clean arm action from high-3/4 slot.