Matt
Pelcher

Long Island Top Prospect (January 16, 2017)

Pelcher, currently ranked as the top catcher for the class of 2020, a right-handed hitting catcher, stands at  5-foot-7 and weighs 135 pounds, ran a 4.70 from home to first. Offensively- Starts from a slightly open base, weight centered, with the hands held above the back shoulder and barrel of the bat parallel, outside the back shoulder, parallel to the ground. Gets to the launch phase of the swing with a lift of the front foot, striding forward, with the hands loaded subtly back, staying inside the back shoulder and barrel of the bat elevating to 45 degrees. Hands stay back fairly well behind the rotation of the hips, but cuts the extension off due to a locking of the back knee causing the body to elevate at the point of contact. During batting practice showed an aggressive approach to the ball, not getting cheated on any swing, driving the ball middle in well from centerfield to the pull side gap. Recorded an exit velocity of 68 MPH, which will improve once mechanical adjustments are made to keep the lower half more engaged throughout the whole swing.  Defensively-  Athletic primary setup, working from a square lower half, with the glove out in front of the left shin guard. Received the ball with quiet, soft hands giving good presentation with little to no glove movement. Lightning quick release, starting with a plus transfer from the center of the body getting the throwing arm in a strong position, displaying a power “V” with the arm. Throws showed carry but accuracy could improve as the shoulders get horizontal movement at times causing a slight drop with the elbow. Recorded a pop time of 1.91 as well as an arm of 72 MPH both very impressive numbers for a 2020 catcher.