Cal
Raleigh

4/11/18 - 6’3/225, Junior. Strong, durable framed catcher who has started 157 consecutive games overall for the Seminoles with 154 of those games behind the dish. Showed an average arm on most throws, with one throw above average after he blocked a ball in the dirt, gathered it up and threw a perfect strike to second base, nailing the base runner who was attempting to advance. Longer transfer with a POP time of 2.06 between innings. Has thrown out six runners in 32 stolen base attempts (19%) this season and was 15 of 50 (30%) in 2017. Average receiver with strong hands. He impressed with his ability to frame on his gloveside as he extended and presented the pitch out front, giving the umpire a great look. Not sure exactly how many strikes he “stole” for his pitchers over the course of the three game series, but it looked to be several. Solid blocking overall as he smothered or redirected the ball out in front of the plate. More of a signal relayer than pitcher caller as the Seminole coaching staff called all of the pitches. Offensively, he’s a switch-hitter with power and patience, showing good strike zone discipline. On the season, he has walked (28) more than he has struck out (18). Free and easy in the box, with a smooth stride and load. Looks to pull from both sides of the plate. His power is generated with bat strength and good extension through the ball, as the ball jumps off his bat to all fields. Increased barrel tilt from the right side may help his whip and power at the plate.  Batting left handed he got beat by a fastball, but had his bat in the zone and was strong enough to hit it off the left field wall for a double. Runs surprisingly well for his size. It’s below average, but once underway it’s not the slow, lumbering stride you’d expect from a man with his type of extra large frame. Overall, Raleigh doesn’t have any big tools, but is well-rounded and instinctive. He profiles as a ML backup catcher, although most backups are defense-first, making Raleigh somewhat of an outlier. However, due to the demand and scarcity of college catching prospects, Raleigh should be selected within the top three to four rounds.