Ben
Nobs

11/8/14 - Nobs is strong 5-foot-10 180-pound switch-hitting catcher.  On the right side, crouched set up, toe-touch for timing, loads lower half, fast bat speed, pull power, fluid rhythm, level to contact, high finish, 88 mph exit velo, 4.53 home-to-first. On left side, athletic set up, fluid and controlled rhythm, balanced throughout swing, level bat path, gap-to-gap approach in batting practice, 75 mph exit velo, 4.40 home-to-first. Behind the plate, soft hands, fluid/quick exchange, somewhat accurate throws, mobile and athletic, pop times between 2.03 and 2.16, 72 mph positional velo, runs a 7.10 60, On the infield, quick feet, short over-the-top release, plays through the ball, accurate throws, 80 mph positional velo, one of the best of the event. sports a 31 ACT score.

Top Prospect Games: The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Nobs has an athletic frame and strong lower half. Behind the plate Nobs has a solid base and displayed above average blocking skills, especially in game play. He showed ability to handle pitches in all parts of the zone, with soft hands and a firm wrist.  Offensively, Nobs has a slightly crouched stance and a short stride. His bat takes a slight uphill path to the ball and shows consistent ability to hit line drives. In game play, Nobs was one of only a few hitters with multiple hits, showing some pull power and driving the ball over the left fielders’ head on a few occasions, and impressed with aggressive base running. Nobs is a max effort player in everything he does on the field.

Fall Top Prospect:
Nobs is a athletically built 5-foot-10, 175-pound catcher.  Nobs showed the ability to catch with a firm wrist and stick the ball in all parts of the zone with soft hands. He also showed good body control when blocking. Nobs has quick footwork and a smooth transfer while throwing to second base, with pop times in the 2.04-2.12 range. Offensively, Nobs has a balanced set up, keeping his hands inside the balls and driving the ball gap to gap with backspin carry. As he continues to mature physically, he has potential to hit for more power. Additionally, Nobs ran a 7.22 60.

Future Prospect Showcase: Nobs is a 5-foot-10, 150-pound catcher who showed fundamental ability behind the plate during drill work and while catching bullpens. Nobs showed a firm wrist and the ability to stick pitches. He also showed quick instincts blocking the ball during bullpens. Nobs posted a top pop time of 2.22 (67 mph) from the crouch. At the plate, Nobs has a wide but balanced stance and showed the ability to hit the ball on a line, using all fields. Nobs has a good frame for a catcher, combined with his ability at this point in time, should lead to continued progression.