Blake
Barton

60: 7.00 C Velo: 74 Pop Time: 1.94-2.02 Exit Velo: 92

The 6-foot, 185-pound backstop continues to be a staple of consistency. During the showcase portion, Barton set a new personal best exit velo and continued to run and throw well compared to previous events this summer.  In BP, the ball jumped off the bat w/ easy gap to gap power.  In game action, Barton went 2 for 6 (1 1B/ 1 2B) w/ 3 quality at bats in 6 plate appearances.  He had 3 RBIs and scored 1 run.  Behind the dish, managed the game well, sound blocker w/ quick short release. Profile projects as a true two-way catcher with great intangibles and well-rounded skills. 

10/14/18 - Pop Time: 2.00-2.03, Position Velocity:  C-72, IF-76, Exit Velocity: 80
6-foot-0, 180-pound, RHH picked up 2 hits, a walk and a sacrifice fly in game while showing zero swing and miss on 5 swings.  Medium, athletic frame w/ some well-proportioned lean strength, super projectable.  Has just scratched the surface of his frame potential.  Offensively, hits w/ an open, slightly crouched stance w/ short hand rhythm into leg kick to square and short hand load.  Generates bat speed through the zone, flashes whip.  All fields hitter w/ lot of line drives.  Projects to hit for average w/ repeatable swing, consistent barrel feel.  Present gap power w/ projectable pull power.  Learning to get lower half consistently involved and through the baseball, flashes it right now.  Once he learns that, will unlock some pull power.  Defensively, presents a solid target under the hitters knees w/ an open glove.  Nature of his glove rest causes him to bring the target up a bit, can make it difficult to steal the low pitch consistently.  Athletic defender.  Shows ability to stick the baseball, beat it to the spot even with pitchers not super familiar with.  Mobile w/ ability to box the baseball.  As a thrower, shows solid footwork w/ quick release, projectable carry to target arm strength.  Also worked out on the IF, where he showed solid hands w/ some length in his release and projectable carry to target arm strength.  Projects best as a catcher, where his leadership qualities will help stand out.  Vocal leader in the dugout and worked with his pitchers consistently in game.

7/3/18 - Home-1^st: 4.46, Pop Time: 1.81-1.87, Position Velocity:  C-75, Exit Velocity: 79
6-foot-0, 180-pound, RHH stands out with his overall athleticism behind the plate and better bat speed than exit velocity indicates, closer to the 85 he showed at the preseason event.  Medium, athletic frame w/ high-waist, well-proportioned present strength.  Projectable.  Offensively, hits w/ an open, slightly crouched stance w/ short hand rhythm into leg kick to slightly closed and proper load.  Generates bat speed through the zone.  Quiet, repeatable swing w/ balance.  All fields approach w/ line drives when right.  Barrel feel w/ knack for contact.  Projectable pull power as frame matures.  Projectable above average runner.  Defensively, presents a solid low target w/ short glove rest.  Moves well behind the plate, shows ability to box the baseball.  Shows ability to stick the baseball.  As a thrower, features a quick release w/ good footwork and projectable carry through target arm strength.

1/15/18 - 60 Time: 7.22, Pop Time: 1.94-1.97, Position Velocity:  C-74, IF-74, Exit Velocity: 85
6-foot-0, 180-pound, RHH shows intriguing all-around skill-set.  Medium, athletic frame w/ present strength, projection.  Offensively, hits from a slightly open, slightly crouched stance w/ back shoulder hand location.  Belt high leg kick w/ proper load.  Uses lower half well to get through the baseball w/ bat speed.  Whippy w/ barrel feel.  Still head allows him to consistently repeat his swing.  Projects to hit for average and power as he adds muscle to his frame.  Defensively, can set a target earlier and maintain it to give his pitchers a good visual cue.  Tools to be an above average receiver w/ soft hands and ability to track the breaking ball.  As a thrower, features good feet and quick release w/ projectable arm strength.  Just needs reps to reach his defensive ceiling behind the plate.  In the infield, looks the part w/ good hands and an idea of how to play through the ball w/ usable arm strength.  Athletic incoming freshman catcher w/ barrel feel.