Capital City Games: Catching Analysis

October 12, 2015

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

The Capital City Games took place last month in Springfield and several of the state’s local talent showed up to show off their skills in game play. Below is a look at some of the top catchers in attendance. Pawnee junior Cade Hennemann was one of the top performers on the day, showing some pop in his left-handed bat and the best pop times of the event.

Dylan Baker, C, Fisher, 2019
Strong upper half, strong build, 5-foot-8, 160-pound right-handed hitting catcher. Slightly open stance, upright setup, loads hands back, leg kick stride, partial lower half involvement with average balance. Easy swing that is well balanced and shows the ability to repeat. 74 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively uses a short over the top arm action, 63 mph from the crouch. Stands up out of the chute, works uphill, pop times ranged 2.39-2.55.

Cade Hennemann, C, Pawnee, 2017
5-foot-11, 185-pound left-handed hitting catcher, solid build. Hits from a balanced stance, slightly wider setup, smooth loading action, short stride, solid balance through contact. Made hard contact to pull side on uphill plane. Looks to lift baseballs with authority, mostly pull side contact. 81 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm showed occasional carry, 72 mph out of the crouch, over the top slot. Pop times ranged 2.14-2.25. Vocal receiver in game play, looks to control game play, active receiver behind the dish. 4.94 runner down the line.

Cadel Hortberg, C, Pleasant Plains, 2018
Slight frame and build, 5-foot-8, 130-pound catcher, young projectable receiver. Defensively showed good receiving actions, soft hands, sets up well, above average receiver for his age. Arm played short and over the top, release works but lacked arm strength, 66 mph out of the crouch. Pop times ranged 2.40-2.51. As arm strength improves could develop into an advanced catching prospect. Offensively hits from a balanced setup, short stride, hands load back, good balance through contact. Simple path, repeats, cuts through zone. 67 mph exit velocity from the tee. 4.85 runner down the line.

Clint Wells, C, Canton, 2018
6-foot-2, 185-pound catcher, strong build. Right-handed hitter, balanced wide stance, minimal loading action, short to no stride approach. Swing is upper half dominated, average bat speed, rigid approach, 78 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively pop times ranged 2.14-2.25. Short over the top arm action, replaces feet in place, could gain better ground out of the crouch. Arm played at 74 mph from the crouch. 4.61 runner.