With the Southern Nevada Preseason ID in the books for a week, PBR Nevada takes a look at three of the areas backstops.  These three youngsters have bright futures behind the dish and bring a wealth of optimism for programs looking to add some depth to the catching position. Their performances on Sunday, February 10th will gain them each consideration for Team Nevada in the upcoming Future Games for this summer.

Dylan Dirig, C, 2021 (Desert Oasis)

Lean, 5-foot-10, 155, Dirig has a developing frame that has already seen weight and strength improvements since Fall Scout Day. This improvement can be seen almost across the board in all his metrics, 60-time, positional velocity, pop times and exit velocity.  Dirig catches an accomplished staff and has seen increased time behind the dish this winter. His receiving skills and transition to throw have improved as well as blocking instincts. At the plate, he utilizes a no stride approach with a heel up, heel down trigger. He maintains a down to level swing with strength in his barrel, making solid contact. Dirig has made big strides in a short period of time and is quickly becoming a force behind the plate.

Gavin Mez, C, 2021 (Bishop Gorman)

Sturdy, 6-foot, 190, Gavin Mez has a developed lower half with core strength and durability for the position.  With limited physical projection, Mez will likely realize weight and strength improvements in his upper body and frame may hold another 10-15 pounds efficiently. He received well with a solid exchange and relied on arm strength to post pop times ranging 1.93-2.03.   In the box, Mez maintains a balanced setup with rhythm to his swing in a mostly pull side approach.  He made consistent quality contact and it is easy to see some power down the road for this backstop. As a sophomore with a chance to stay in his present self, Mez looks to be a pretty polished product in the near future.

Ethan Yatson, C, 2021 (Foothill)

Lanky, 5-foot-10, 155, Yatson has an evenly proportioned frame and shows some wiry strength. He ran well, posting a 6.71 60-time.  He showed athleticism throwing from the outfield in spite of being a primary catcher.  He is a capable receiver with developing blocking instincts. He maintains a quick exchange rolling through his release much like a middle infielder turning a double play, posting 1.94-2.03 pop times. He throws from a lower slot, lending to strained carry and occasional sink. As a hitter, Yatson has whip in his barrel and looks to pull.  There is a manageable length to his swing as he loads to a lower hand position, striding open and spinning on his front heel.  He has feel for the barrel with a slightly uphill plane. His speed and arm strength accompanied by the length to his arm swing may lend better to an outfield position, but keep on eye on this athlete for with time and work he could become a solid backstop.

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