Walker
Janek

Janek’s 1-for-3 with a walk box score on Friday night doesn’t read as brilliantly as Johnson’s 15 punchies, but it was a great example of why I’d rather not be a stay-at-home scout who watches videos and reads numbers. The data won’t tell you about Janek’s approach and how he early ID’d each and every pitch. He wasn't fooled and he didn’t tame down his “A” swing. He just simply competed to win every at-bat. The Bearkat star was locked in throughout the night, even if a lone hit was what the box showed. One of the top mid-major prospects in the country this year, Janek initially put himself on the national radar with his performance at Round Rock last February. He’s now knocking on the door of the first round for the 2024 MLB Draft after recently beginning a power-hitting spree on top of his just-ended 27-game hitting streak that included the final four games of last season. In the batter’s box, Janek was fully focused from pitch one. His lineout to second base during his first at-bat on a full count cutter made this obvious. Not too many college hitters can square up a plus cutter, especially with a full count in the first inning and nobody on base. After popping out his second at-bat, Janek worked the lone walk of the evening issued by Johnson, laying off a couple outer edge breakers for balls three and four. With his hitting streak on the line and two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Janek stepped up with an RBI double to right center field. It got the Bearkats on the scoreboard and kept his hit streak alive. After a slow start to this season, Janek has been on fire over the past couple of weeks. Now batting north of .400 he’s also showing premium power with five homers over the past two weeks and a total of six this season. His 110 max EV so far this spring is considered average on the pro scale. Long regarded as a polished defender with plus arm strength and strong pitch-framing skills, Janek is a sure bet to stay behind the plate at the pro level. He boasts strong hands, agile feet and natural receiving skills with arm strength that plays plus with its accuracy and a quick release. His 1.97 POP with an accurate throw that tailed perfectly to the first base side of second base at the waist for a quick tag out and a caught stealing in Friday’s game was just one example of his proficiency behind the dish. He also lifted the low, 50/50 pitch extremely well and received and presented pitches to his backhand side to the umpire for a good look. He did not funnel the glove side pitch back towards the plate and may have lost a borderline strike or two on that side of the plate, but overall his receiving was strong and likely to further improve with normal development. Janek also runs well, evidenced by seven stolen bases in the Cape and ten last spring. Intangible-wise, he is also highly confident and plays with a chip on his shoulder in a way that brings out his best. Scouts believe he has the necessary skills and tools to play third base and he’s also played one game of second base for the Bearkats this spring. College catchers with power, arm strength, receiving skills and a chance to hit fly off the board on draft day. If Janek continues his strong season at the plate, expect him to be considered towards the back end of the first round.