By Chris Fuller
PBR Tennessee

The second of our two Preseason Preview events took place at Turner Baseball Academy in Chattanooga on January 31, and there were several solid performances turned in. Complete stats and top statistical performers were previously posted shortly after the event.

CLICK HERE to view that information.

The following is a look at the group of catchers who attended the event. This is position player analysis only. Those middle infielders who also participated as a pitcher at the event had their pitching performance featured in a previous article.

Catchers

Patrick Vandenbergh, C, Ensworth, 2019
Home-1^st: 4.91, Pop Time: 2.18-2.25, Position Velocity:  C-72, Exit Velocity: 78
5-foot-10, 160-pound left-handed hitter hits from a balanced stance, short toe tap stride, good swing path that produces consistent line drive contact, above average bat speed for age, advanced approach showing the ability to use all fields well, flashes occasional gap to gap power that will continue to develop. Showed some arm strength for age, solid footwork that stays online, release can get long at times and pop times will improve as it gets quicker, mostly accurate throws to the bag. Vandenbergh is definitely a young prospect to keep a close eye on.

Wyatt Humphries, C, Gibbs, 2018
Home-1^st: 4.56, Pop Time: 2.15-2.26, Position Velocity:  C-73, Exit Velocity: 80
5-foot-11, 180-pound right-handed hitter hits from a balanced stance, short stride, shows some looseness in hands that generates above average bat speed, flashes occasional power, has definitely gotten stronger since previous PBR event, runs well for the catcher position. Behind the plate, showed a big jump in arm strength and improved pop times, has some quickness in feet, average transfer and release. Humphris has made noticeable strides in his overall game.

Jackson Odette, C, Wilson Central, 2019
Home-1^st: 5.05, Pop Time: 2.31-2.44, Position Velocity:  IF-66, C-65, Exit Velocity: 64
5-foot-8, 137-pound young left-handed hitter, slightly open stance, squares up with a short stride, maintains good balance, solid line drive swing path, good offensive foundation to build upon with added strength, uses all fields well. Shows developing arm strength behind the plate, more consistent footwork will produce more accurate throws, transfer and release is solid. Should continue to develop into a quality player.