Northern Indiana Winter Preview: Catchers Analysis
January 8, 2015
By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director
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On Saturday, January 3rd, PBR Indiana hosted the Northern Indiana Winter Preview Showcase at Hobart High School in Hobart, Indiana. A total of 28 players participated in the event, with the majority coming from the northern part of the state. Below we take a look at the catchers that participated in the event.
Top Ranked Catcher
Hunter Thorn, C, Portage HS, 2016: 5-foot-10, 165 pound catcher possesses good athleticism behind the plate. Shows soft hands with a clean exchange and average footwork. Was 77 mph from the crouch. At the event was 2.08-2.18 with his pop times. At an event in December was much more accurate with his throws with quicker pop times in the 2.00-2.10 range. Offensively, consistently made hard contact. Starts from a balanced setup and uses a short stride. Overall good approach to the ball. Short path with fluid rhythm. Line drive hitter with above average bat speed. Registered an exit velo of 87 mph.
Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)
Nick Anderson, C, Highland HS, 2018: 6-foot-1, 168 pound freshman catcher has a projectable frame. Easy setup behind the plate. Appears relaxed behind the plate and shows average hands. Throws were accurate on the bag at 68 mph. Pop times registered between a 2.31-2.45. Projects to improve behind the dish as he gets stronger and gains experience. At the plate, starts tall with a closed setup. Loads back with a slight wrap. Dives during the stride. Average bat speed, gets to extension. Registered an exit velo of 77 mph.
Jarrett Lopez, C, Lake Central HS, 2017: 5-foot-10, 145 pound sophomore catcher was 2.18-2.32 with his pop times and 74 mph from the crouch. Defensively he shows some athleticism with average hands. Receives and blocks the ball well for his age. Shows good agility. Needs to continue to add strength. At the plate starts with a slightly open front foot. Open to closed stride. Long path to the ball with average bat speed. Line drive hitter.
Lucas Watts, C, Hobart HS, 2016: 5-foot-8, 200 pound receiver was 2.25-2.36 with his pop times and 66 mph from the crouch. Works hard behind the plate. Needs to improve his mobility. Tendency to stand straight up to throw. Offensively the LHH hits out of a slight crouch position. Starts with a high back elbow. Hands drop during the load. Short stride with good use of the lower half. Possesses average bat speed with a short path to the ball. Registered an exit velo of 79 mph. Aggressive approach.