Classes of 2017 and 2018 Top Pop Times

By John Cackowski
State Director

Over the next couple of weeks we are going to recap some of the best statistics we have on record at our events since our launch in April of 2014. We have covered the top 60 times in the 2017 and 2018 classes, and the 2016 Class. We have covered top OF Velos for the 2017 and 2018 classes and the 2016 Class, top INF Velos for the 2017 and 2018 classes and top INF Velos for the 2016 class. Top catchers pop-times for the 2016 class, and now here are the top pop-times in the 2017-2018 classes.

Mason Speirs, C, Broomfield, 2017
Pop-Time: 1.94
Commitment: Uncommitted
Scouting Report: 5-foot-11, 195 pounds. Speirs is strong player. Has a slight open stance and creates rhythm with a leg kick, and got rid of his toe-tap since last time we saw him. Has good extension through the ball with a slight uphill swing that generates some pull power. Behind the dish showcases soft hands while framing. Pop time off the pitcher was 2.06, but in event in June off coach was 1.94. Very vocal and shows leadership on the field.  Also pitches and threw well at the event. Primarily from the stretch, Speirs showcased a fastball that topped out at 84, but lived consistently at 82-83. Falls off to first, and sometimes is off balance after finish. Projects as an upper 80's kids by the time he's a senior. Has a long loose high 3/4 arm slot. A 67-68 mph curve and 68-70 mph change round out his pitches. Solid player on the mound and behind the plate.

Tyson Hays, C, Grandview, 2017
Pop-Time: 1.97
Commitment: Uncommitted
Scouting Report: Hays continues to show he is one of the top 2017 catching prospects in the state. The 5-foot-10, 185-pound prospect ran a 7.62 60-yard dash and showcased an 91 mph bat exit velocity which was up from 88 mph at the Denver Metro Prospect ID. Hays stands tall at the plate and has a level line-drive swing that generates pull power that comes predominantly from his upper half. He creates good barrel whip leading to the ball jumping off his bat when he squares the baseball. He displayed a top pop time of 2.04 from the pitcher not a coach throwing, and was 73 mph out of the crouch. With a coach throwing throws were 1.97 to 2nd. Gains good ground on throws. Hays has soft hands and frames well with little movement. Was 80 mph from 3B.

Bret Newman, C, Highlands Ranch, 2017
Pop-Time: 2.02
Commitment: Uncommitted
Scouting Report: 6-foot-1, 160 pounds. Bats and throws right. Lean frame with a lot of potential to get stronger. Has a balanced athletic stance. Short stride starts a minimal load. Level swing through zone with one-handed finish. Stroke is simple and smooth. Sometimes off balance after swing. Generated an 82 mph exit velo off the tee. Contact hitter. Behind the dish had the fastest pop-time at the event at 2.02 off a pitcher coming in at 75 mph and accurate. As a pitcher is a strike thrower. Arm angle is 3/4. Could work on finishing through his front side. Like how he throws off two-feet and is very square to the plate in his delivery. There is some untapped velocity. Fastball was 74 to 75 mph down in the zone. Curve ball had 10/4 tilt at 60 mph. Ran a 7.7 60.

Noah Kuzma, C, Valor Christian, 2017
Pop-Time: 2.03
Commitment: Uncommitted
Scouting Report: Kuzma is a 5-foot-10, 185-pound sophomore catcher who showcased 2.03-2.05 pop times on throws of 75 mph out of the crouch. Pop-times were measured off the pitcher and not a coach. The 75 mph was improved from 73 at the Denver Metro Prospect ID. He ran a 7.50 60-yard dash which was also improved from the Denver Metro Prospect ID and displayed a 84 mph bat exit velocity up from 74 mph a month ago. Kuzma's stance is balanced pigeon-toed stance. Hips come through good on contact with a longer swing through the zone that creates solid contact. Has strong wrists and fast hands. Gap to gap hitter. Catcher that is improving and a prospect to watch.

Jordan Medina, C, Highlands Ranch, 2018
Pop-Time: 2.06
Commitment: Uncommitted
Scouting Report: 6-foot-0, 180 pounds. Bats and throws right. Jordan has grown a lot since we have seen him last. Strong base, and body could be fighting himself a little in his growth spurt. At the plate has an open stance. Hands start low and generates impressive bat speed through the zone. Timing hitter with aggressive stride towards the pitcher that gets the most out his slightly uphill swing that at times can get long. Has a ton of power potential. Exit velo off tee was 87 mph. Behind the dish sticks the fastball good, and has minimal movement. Pop-time off the pitcher was 2.06. Has a lot of potential on the mound. Has good leg drive towards plate. Might have more upside on mound. Fastball sits at 82-83 mph topping out at 84, but easily can be a 90 kid as he grows. Curve is a huge change of pace pitch at 59-60 mph. Change was 68. Ran a 7.75 60. 2018 prospect to follow.

Related Material

CO 10.26.15
Classes of 2017 and 2018 Top 60 Times
A look at the top 60 times in the 2017 & 2018 classes we have on record...>>