Prep Baseball Report

Future Prospects Showcase: Catcher Analysis


Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

The Future Prospects Showcase took place on October 19th at Keystone State Baseball Academy giving our staff an initial look at some of the top prospects in Pennsylvania's Class of 2023. Today we continue a series of articles analyzing the prospects in attendance with a look at those players that participated as primary catchers.

+ For complete results for all prospects in attendance CLICK HERE. All prospects will be analyzed and appear in a corresponding article based on their primary positions.

Class of 2023 Catchers

Kayden Faulcon, Pennsbury HS, C/RHP
5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and initiates his swing with a lift-and-replace stride. Displayed the ability to create some backspin with the potential for future power. Barrel control is affected at times with some lower half glide. Registered a bat exit velocity of 81 mph and ran a 7.87 60-yard dash. Showcased advanced defensive abilities behind the plate with pop times of 2.15-2.28 on throws of 73 mph out of the crouch. The two-way prospect also showed advanced abilities on the mound sitting 81-84 from an over-the-top arm slot with a long, whippy arm action. Curveball showed tight 11/5 rotation and two-plane break at 64-69. Changeup displayed small arm-side run at 75-76.

Sam Laux, Christopher Dock Mennonite HS, C
5-foot-10, 145-pound right-handed hitter starts from a slightly open stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to begin. Displayed a direct swing path with loose hands and a line drive approach. Registered a bat exit velocity of 74 mph and ran a 7.50 60-yard dash. Advanced receiver showcased pop times of 2.14-2.20 on throws of 71 mph with quick feet and a clean transition.

Jonathan Leedham, Hickory HS, C
5-foot-8, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a wide, square stance and initiates his swing with a controlled lift-and-replace stride. Strength in the lower half and a short swing path leads to present gap power. Showcased balance throughout with an ability to create backspin. Registered a bat exit velocity of 84 mph and ran a 7.84 60-yard dash. Sound defender showcased pop times of 2.24-2.32 with accurate 71 mph arm strength out of the crouch. 

Devin Niemiec, Cedar Cliff HS, C/RHP
5-foot-7, 170-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a toe-tap stride. The switch hitter showcased similar swings from both sides of the plate with strength in his lower half and the ability to create backspin. Registered a bat exit velocity of 72 mph and ran an 8.44 60-yard dash.  Showcased pop times of 2.52-2.65 on throws of 60 mph from the crouch. The two-way prospect sat 69-72 off the mound from a 3/4 arm slot with an overhead rocker to begin. Curveball displayed 11/5 rotation at 58-61 and slider at 61-62 showed shorter, later break.

Aidan Nye, Tri-Valley HS, C
5-foot-7, 140-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and utilizes a lift-and-replace stride to begin. Showcased a solid lower with loose hands through contact and the ability to create some backspin. Registered a bat exit velocity of 66 mph and ran a 7.88 60-yard dash. Displayed a developing defensive skill set with pop times of 2.40-2.52 on accurate throws of 63 mph from the crouch.

Cody Orsulak, Panther Valley HS, C
5-foot-11, 165-pound right-handed hitter starts from a square stance and initiates his swing with a toe tap stride. Displayed a direct swing path with a line drive approach. Registered a bat exit velocity of 75 mph and ran a 7.94 60-yard dash. Above average receiver showcased pop times of 2.27-2.240 with 63 mph arm strength out of the crouch.

UPCOMING ANALYSIS SCHEDULE 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
2019 Elite Prospect Showcase PA 10/26 Keystone State Baseball Academy
2019 Fall Measurables & Evaluation Showcase PA 11/02 Keystone State Baseball Academy
2019 Holiday Showcase PA 12/28 Keystone State Baseball Academy