Jacob
Schamel

10/11/15 - Schamel is a 6-foot 160-pound right-handed hitting catcher in the 2016 class.  Schamel ran a 7.44 60 and ran a 4.57 home-to-first. At the plate, Schamel has no wasted movement in his load, starts slightly open, smooth rhythm in lower half, middle-to-oppo approach, consistent line drives during batting practice.  76 mph exit velo.  Defensively, has pop times between 2.00 and 2.16, accurate throws, quick exchange and release, aggressive towards target, fluid footwork, 74 mph positional velo.

6/2011 - Jacob is a projectable 5-foot-3, 130-pounds catcher who will attend Northwest and has the potential to be a impact player for his high school program.  Jacob is physically advanced for a player his age, and it appears as though he will continue to grow and progress as a player.

 
Behind the plate, Jacob showed catching abilities on par with where he is in his development. He showed a stiff wrist and the ability to sick pitches thrown to different parts of the strike zone. At times he had the tendency to “over frame” pitches, with too much movement of the glove. He needs to focus on sticking the ball where caught rather than trying to make the pitches that are way out of the strike zone look like strikes. I recommend he practice his sticking of the ball when ever playing catch, it is a good time to practice sticking the ball and should carry over as he gets behind the plate. It is a very good habit for catchers to get into

 
His blocking is above average for a player of his age. Jacob showed good instincts in both the drill portion of the event, as well as while catching live bullpens.  During the pitcher bullpens, he showed good instinct in tracking the ball down, and was able to recognize quickly the balls down in the zone. He moved well laterally, though sometimes the momentum of his body carried him to far, causing the ball to roll further away than a catcher would like. Blocking is one of the most difficult parts of catching, and with continued repetition his blocking will be consistent and set him apart. 

Jacob recorded pop times of 2.50, 2.52, and 2.53. His footwork was very good and fundamental. Where he can shave some time off his throws by having a quicker glove to hand transfer.  His throws were accurate with velocities of 59-61 mph, and as he continues to grow and strengthen his legs, his throws will be stronger and faster. Once again repetition of working the glove to hand transfer will make the movement more natural and consistent.

At the plate, Jacob starts with a balanced stance, and has a smooth load and times the ball with a tap and stride.  He showed the ability to keep his hands inside the ball, though had a tendency to cast every now and then at the ball. When he kept his front foot closed, he was able to use his strong lower half and quick hands to create some barrel whip, and the ability to drive the ball with some authority. The key to Jacob’s continued progression as a hitter is being consistent with his lower half; keeping the front foot closed, hip drive, bringing his hands to the ball, and extending through contact.