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PBR Limited Series Review: Top Catching Prospects

July 3, 2019
Greg Williams
Pennsylvania Director of Scouting

The inaugural PBR Limited Series tournament took place June 28-30 with eight teams participating in a round robin format over the course of three days at McGill Field on the campus of Lebanon Valley College. The field was comprised of four 15U teams and four 16U teams hailing from three states. 

Today we continue a review of the teams in attendance with a look at some of the top catching prospects over the course of the three days.

RJ Rickabaugh C / OF / Coatesville Area, PA / 2022

5-foot-10, 175-pound left-handed hitter has an advanced approach at the plate with the ability to utilize all fields. Hits off of a solid lower half with a leg-hang stride and has above average intent. Showed patience at the plate and a solid knowledge of the strike zone going 1-for-5 with three walks over the course of three games. Showed leadership qualities behind the dish and in the dugout. Sound receiver has above average 79 mph arm strength out of the crouch and flashed 2.13 and 2.15 in game pop times on a pair of runners caught stealing.

Ryan Flury C / 1B / Manheim Township, PA / 2022

5-foot-11, 180-pound right-handed hitter has a knack for finding the barrel in key situations and appears to be an RBI machine. Showed present pop to the pull side with the ability to go deep in counts. Went 3-for-10 with a double and a pair of RBI on the weekend while barreling a number of balls for outs. Above average defender has advanced receiving and blocking skills. His footwork is very good and his arm strength will likely catch up to his mechanics moving forward to make him one of the top defenders at his position in this class.

Brayden Horton C / SS / Sayre Area, PA / 2022

Fresh off of an impressive performance at the PBR New York State Games, Horton showcased balance in his left-handed swing while routinely staying inside the baseball. At 6-foot, 175-pound, Horton has the frame that suggests future power is likely. A solid receiver with pop times in the 2.10 - 2.20 range currently, Horton also has shownthe capability to handle defensive chores at first base. Went 2-for-7 while finding his way to first base three times via a hit by pitch or walk on the weekend.

JD Love

JD LoveC / Bridgeport , wv / 2021

Rankings  StateRank: 24 / POS: 6

This was our first look at the 5-foot-8, 175-pound right-handed hitter and he did not disappoint. Went 3-for-7 with three RBI over the span of three games while showing balance and athleticism to his swing. Quiet receiver showcased a quick release and arm strength all weekend with an in game 2.10 throw in catching a runner attempting to steal.

Jayden Taitano C / 3B / Conestoga Valley, PA / 2020

Rankings  StateRank: 74 / POS: 15

5-foot-10, 185-pound right-handed hitter only participated on the final day of the event, but made an immediate impression. Showcased some pop in his bat going 3-for-6 with a double and a triple while driving in three runs over two games. Solid defender commands the field and is capable of leading a pitching staff. Has routinely shown pop times in the 2.00 range with above average 79 mph arm strength from the crouch.

Nick Plank C / 3B / Bellwood-Antis, PA / 2021

5-foot-11, 192-pound right-handed hitter continues to showcase the ability to consistently square the baseball with some present gap power. Stays behind the baseball well and drove a ball to the wall in right-center field in his first game for a stand up triple. Solid defender behind the dish has shown consistent pop times in the 2.10-2.20 range. 7.00 runner has the athleticism and arm strength to also play the outfield at the next level.


What's Next?

The PBR Limited Series moves to the University of Scranton for three days in July. Look for previews of all participating teams in the coming weeks.

Friday, July 19

9:00am   Team All*American 2021s vs. Bucks County Generals 2021s
11:30am Team All*American 2021s vs. Northeast Pride 2021s
2:00pm   Bucks County Generals 2021s vs. Baseball Performance Center
4:30pm   Northeast Pride 2021s vs. Baseball Performance Center 

Saturday, July 20

9:00am   Bucks County Generals 2021s vs. Northeast Pride 2021s 
11:30am Team All*American 2021s vs. Baseball Performance Center
2:00pm   Bucks County Generals 2020s vs. Northeast Pride 2020s
4:30pm   Gutsie Sports Academy Gatorz vs. Keystone State Bombers 17U

Sunday, July 21

9:00am   Northeast Pride 2020s vs. Keystone State Bombers 17U  
11:30am Northeast Pride 2020s vs. Gutsie Sports Academy Gatorz
2:00pm   Bucks County Generals 2020s vs. Keystone State Bombers 17U
4:30pm   Bucks County Generals 2020s vs. Gutsie Sports Academy Gatorz

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
2019 Eastern PA College Prospect Showcase PA 07/09 Millersville University
2019 Western PA College Prospect Showcase PA 07/23 Historic Pullman Park (Butler, PA)
Junior Future Games NATIONAL 07/30 LakePoint
2019 PBR Future Games (Pennsylvania Invite Only) PA 07/31 LakePoint
2019 Fall Kickoff Showcase PA 08/15 Millersville University
Play for Team PBR 17U (Fall Kickoff Showcase Tournament) PA 08/17 Millersville University
2019 Fall Scout Day (Various Travel Organizations) PA 09/07 Keystone State Baseball Academy
2019 Future Prospects Showcase PA 10/19 Keystone State Baseball Academy
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


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