Matt
Bottcher

4.14.16 - Illinois-Chicago commit, ranked No. 62 in the Illinois’ 2016 class. 5-foot-8, 160-pound left-handed hitting shortstop. Defensively showed a plus arm across the diamond, short over the top arm action with easy carry, plays well, efficient release, probably the best pure arm strength shortstop in the state. Hands work softly, showed actions, five assists on the day. Went 1-for-3 at the plate, short compact swing, middle of the field approach, line drive type hitter. Top or bottom of the lineup type bat. 4.51 runner down the line.

4.9.14 - 5-foot-7, stocky frame, middle infield prospect showed impressive actions and arm strength in pregame warm ups.  Comes and gets ball aggressively, quick hands on the double play turn.  Arm has good carry and was accurate in warm ups, ability to carry throw on backhand from deep in the hole.  Showed good range backwards into the outfield on an in-game medium fly ball.  Also, pitched one inning but struggled with command.  Generally clean mechanics, with slow high leg kick.  Arm lengthens out more than in the field, and works from over the top instead of ¾ arm action at short.  Fired mostly 80-83 mph fastballs, with dramatic head movement pulling offing towards first, causing him to lose his hat on most pitches.  Misses were mostly up.  Not a pitcher down the road, but showed his arm strength.  Left-handed hitter has a tall, slightly open stance, with short stride.  Hits off his back side, showed relaxed approach, walking once, getting hit by a pitch, and grounding out to the pitcher.  Ran 4.36 to first on fielder’s choice back to the mound.  Bottcher and Massaro will be a solid double player combination up the middle over the next three years for the Spartans.

10.27.13 - Athletic, 5-foot-7, 130-pound left handed hitting middle infielder. Bottcher proved to be one of the top prospects in attendance. Defensively showed advanced actions, soft hands, plays through the ball well. Displayed true shortstop potential, 7.35 runner. Arm played loosely, high ¾ slot, with carry, 81 mph across the diamond, lacked accuracy. Offensively hits from the left side, slightly open stance, athletic loading action, short stride. Back side hitter, uphill bat path. Excellent barrel awareness, high rate of solid contact, 76 mph exit velocity.  High follow prospect in Illinois’ 2016 class.

9.9.12 Bottcher is a 5-foot-5, 115-pound left-handed hitting middle infielder.  Bottcher has an easy left-handed swing with a balanced setup and smooth load.  Defensively, Bottcher was clocked at 72 mph from across the diamond and showed good hands up the middle.

7/24/19: The most talented hit tool I’ve seen in the NWL this summer belongs to Bottcher. At 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Bottcher is leading the league with a .401 average and continues to barrel balls to all fields. His strike zone discipline is impressive as well as his ability to handle left- handed pitching. He possesses a simple stroke, with quiet movements and rhythm from the left side. He’s a plus runner, as well, swiping 15 bags and legging out five triples so far this summer. He projects as a second baseman, where he has twitchy actions and good feet to aid his advanced hit tool. Bottcher is a gamer and plays the game at full speed and is a player to watch. He is going to be an interesting follow moving into his senior year, and has definitely proven his worth this summer. (DeGagne)