In a series of articles, we will be breaking down the uncommitted seniors with the best tools in various categories. In this segment, we will dive into the 2016 catchers to see who has the best tools.

Best Hitting Prospect/Best Defensive Prospect: Ciaran Devenney (St. John Vianney)

Devenney possesses an athletic build at 5-foot-11, 185 pounds. He is a fine runner for the catching position (ran a 7.18 at the Top Prospect Games). He hits from the right side with a balanced, open stance. He has a smooth rock in his load onto his back side before getting into his stride. He consistently gets his foot down on time and gives himself a chance to hit all pitches. He has a compact swing with good bat speed (85 MPH exit velocity off the tee). His swing plane is smooth into good extension.

Defensively, the St. John Vianney product has loose hips that allow him to move well laterally. He has a soft glove and receives extremely well. He gets good carry on his throws that are consistently on the bag (76 mile-per-hour arm strength). He has a quick transfer and release which allows him to show very strong pop times (1.88-1.96).

Best Power Prospect/Best Arm Stength: Nick DeNicola (Seton Hall Prep)

DeNicola has a physical 6-foot, 195 pound build. He ran a very solid 7.15 in the 60-yard dash; his best posted time to date. He hits with confidence and poise. He has an open, athletic base and smooth rhythm into his load. He has a small leg kick which occasionally takes him off balance. He has very solid raw power, showing the ability to put the ball out to his pull side (91 MPH off the tee). He showed a strong arm from RF but was wildly inaccurate with his throws; seeming to not be able to get his fingers on top of the baseball. His throw tool behind the plate is very solid; 1.92 down to second on an 81 MPH throw. He has a good set-up and great presence but is a bit raw behind the dish in terms of receiving and blocking. These are qualities that can get better quickly with development.

It should also be mentioned that DeNicola would be a great asset on the mound as well. He pitched with a compact delivery and a quick, elbow climb arm action. He lived in the bottom half of the zone with a fastball that ranged 85-89 miles-per-hour. His breaking ball has plus out pitch potential at 73-76 MPH.