By Mike Penn
Michigan Scouting Director


Overall the catchers at the Unsigned Senior were solid.  Michael Sielinski (Swan Valley HS) and Drew Miller (Walled Lake Central HS) earned top catcher honors. Sielinksi and Miller both registered the best pop times of the event at 2.03 and 2.01 respectively.  

Players listed in alphabetical order:

Catchers

Devin Clifford, C, Bay City Central HS, 2013- Clifford had one of the better all around days at the showcase.  The wiry 6-foot, 165-pound Clifford showed some fast twitch movements and that he was a good athlete. He registered a 85mph exit velocity and a pop time between 2.06-2.15.  From the outfield he worked through the ball and had an accurate arm with a position velocity of 81mph.  At the plate, we liked his swing. It has some explosiveness and good rhythm.  

Alexander Crocker, C, Suttons Bay HS, 2013- Crocker is another example of a player who has improved himself. His pop time used to hover around 2.4-2.5 but now has improved to 2.25-2.35.  His 60 time was a 7.6. His exit velocity was one of the highest at the showcase registering at 84mph.  At the plate he has a tendency to dive a big but makes up for it with his strong lower half. 

Dustin Debeau, C, Merrill HS, 2013- Debeau had previously come to a showcase and performed well but he has certainly improved.  His pop time improved to a 2.13-2.17. He does have a tendency to get long and stand up a bit out of the crouch. From the plate he hits from an upright stance and he showed solid bat speed with lift.  

Billy Malak, C/3B, Bishop Foley HS, 2013- Malak is not the flashiest player in the 2013 class but he is one that should not be overlooked.  With two state championships under his belt, Malak has proven he is part of winning programs.  Behnind the plate he receives well and has good blocking technique. His arm is average but he is accurate and throws from a good slot. Typically his pop time ranges between 2.1-2.2. At third base Malak, showed soft hands and made all of the throws. What we like most about Malak is that he can swing the bat well.  He generates good bat speed and gets the bat through the zone well. He has a shorter path to the ball. Lastly he does have an upward tilt to his swing. 

Drew Miller, C, Walled Lake Central HS, 2013- Miller was good all around at the Albion Showcase. He ran a respectable 60 for a catcher at 7.5.  His pop times ranged between 2.01-2.15.  He has a quick release and gains ground through his throws. His overall receiving is good and he controls the ball well. 

Michael Sielinksi, C, Swan Valley HS, 2013- Sielinski has popped onto the scene out of nowhere. The 6-foot-4 Sielinski carries himself well and has a good baseball body.  He is sure to add pounds and strength.  He didn’t throw his best on this day registering only 2.03-2.07 but he has been down in the 1.95 range in the past.  He has an upright stance with smooth load. His bat is still a bit raw but overall he demonstrates good potential. For a catcher he is a solid runner at 7.3. Sielinski is a late bloomer and one to take a look at for sure.