Positional Focus: Catcher

[Greg Pappas]

In a multi-thread series I'll focus on the different positions on the field, in the following order...

Part One: Catcher
Part Two: 1B
Part Three: 2B
Part Four: SS
Part Five: 3B
Part Six: Corner Outfielder
Part Seven: CF
Part Eight: Starting Pitcher
Part Nine: Closer/Reliever

Positional Focus: Catcher

This thread must begin with perhaps the most discussed and debated prospect in the draft: Buster Posey. Posey is the talented catcher from Florida State that is rumored to be under consideration for the overall #1 pick by the Tampa Bay Rays. Posey instills that rare confidence among coaches, teammates and fans, that he'll do something to help win the ballgame. His remarkable right-handed hitting talent has just blossomed this year into 'memorable' status. In other words, a season hard to forget. He brings special elements to every game he plays in, passion, superior talent and the sheer will to win.

At 6' 2-200 lbs, Buster is an accomplished defender already, with just two years under his belt at the position. The former SS has found a new home, and one he's going to be staying at for many years to come. His athleticism behind the plate, proper positioning, rocket arm, quick release and the leadership he provides, coupled with his high batting average, good eye and solid pop in his bat makes Posey a darn good talent at a position of scarcity.

With all of Posey's deserved accolades, he is not the consensus 'best catcher in the draft'. For some, that award goes to Patriot HS (CA) backstop Kyle Skipworth. The rangy lefty may not be as talented a defender as Posey, but he has solid potential in his own regard. The 6' 3-190 lbs Skipworth has a good arm and is a solid athlete, but like most HS catchers is still refining his craft. Some scouts are concerned that he'll eventually move out from behind the plate to either 1B, or a corner OF position. Hard to say, but regardless, Skipworth is an outstanding hitter and his bat should play anywhere. With his ridiculous streak of 18 straight hits earlier this year setting the tone, Kyle has simply just raked. He has good power and a good eye, sound swing mechanics and always seems to center the ball on his bat. He projects as a .300 hitter with 20-25 HR's and a good BB/K ratio. What's not to like?

There are a few other catchers worth mentioning... Stanford backstop Jason Castro has made significant progress this year and could sneak into R2 or R3. HS'er Taylor Hightower has the bat, but is less refined defensively and could shift away from the plate down the road.

Posey & Skipworth are light years ahead of everyone else, and both should make an impact as pros.

[markpolis]

In a multi-thread series I'll focus on the different positions on the field, in the following order...

Part One: Catcher
Part Two: 1B
Part Three: 2B
Part Four: SS
Part Five: 3B
Part Six: Corner Outfielder
Part Seven: CF
Part Eight: Starting Pitcher
Part Nine: Closer/Reliever

Positional Focus: Catcher

This thread must begin with perhaps the most discussed and debated prospect in the draft: Buster Posey. Posey is the talented catcher from Florida State that is rumored to be under consideration for the overall #1 pick by the Tampa Bay Rays. Posey instills that rare confidence among coaches, teammates and fans, that he'll do something to help win the ballgame. His remarkable right-handed hitting talent has just blossomed this year into 'memorable' status. In other words, a season hard to forget. He brings special elements to every game he plays in, passion, superior talent and the sheer will to win.

At 6' 2-200 lbs, Buster is an accomplished defender already, with just two years under his belt at the position. The former SS has found a new home, and one he's going to be staying at for many years to come. His athleticism behind the plate, the ability to call a game, the rocket arm and quick release and the leadership he provides, coupled with his high batting average, good eye and solid pop in his bat makes Posey a darn good talent at a position of scarcity.

With all of Posey's deserved accolades, he is not the consensus 'best catcher in the draft'. For some, that award goes to Patriot HS (CA) backstop Kyle Skipworth. The rangy lefty may not be as talented a defender as Posey, but he has solid potential in his own regard. The 6' 3-190 lbs Skipworth has a good arm and is a solid athlete, but like most HS catchers is still refining his craft. Some scouts are concerned that he'll eventually move out from behind the plate to either 1B, or a corner OF position. Hard to say, but regardless, Skipworth is an outstanding hitter and his bat should play anywhere. With his ridiculous streak of 18 straight hits earlier this year setting the tone, Kyle has simply just raked. He has good power and a good eye, sound swing mechanics and always seems to center the ball on his bat. He projects as a .300 hitter with 20-25 HR's and a good BB/K ratio. What's not to like?

There are a few other catchers worth mentioning... Stanford backstop Jason Castro has made significant progress this year and could sneak into R2 or R3. HS'er Taylor Hightower has the bat, but is less refined defensively and could shift away from the plate down the road.

Posey & Skipworth are light years ahead of everyone else, and both should make an impact as pros.

Great post Greg. You make a very interesting and valid point about Kyle Skipworth. Buster Posey is clearly the flavor of the month. (Perhaps it's because the founder of Baskin Robbins passed away recently and the mantle had to be passed on) But you could make a very strong case that Skipworth projects to be the better pro prospect.

[Stotle]

Petey Paramore (Arizona St. Sun Devils, Jr.), Dock Doyle (Coastal Carolina Chanticlers, Jr.) and Chris Taylor (Charlotte 49ers, Sr.) all warrant a look as potential top five round guys. There's a kid at Yale who can swing the stick a bit, too -- Ryan Lavarnway (Yale Bulldogs, Jr.).

[Greg Pappas]

Great post Greg. You make a very interesting and valid point about Kyle Skipworth. Buster Posey is clearly the flavor of the month. (Perhaps it's because the founder of Baskin Robbins passed away recently and the mantle had to be passed on) But you could make a very strong case that Skipworth projects to be the better pro prospect.

Thanks Mark.

Skipworth has been rumored as well to go #1 overall, but who knows? He is a major talent and is just slightly behind Hosmer as the best HS hitter in this draft class. Most scouts wouldn't be surprised were he to become the best player from this draft class.

[Greg Pappas]

Petey Paramore (Arizona St. Sun Devils, Jr.), Dock Doyle (Coastal Carolina Chanticlers, Jr.) and Chris Taylor (Charlotte 49ers, Sr.) all warrant a look as potential top five round guys. There's a kid at Yale who can swing the stick a bit, too -- Ryan Lavarnway (Yale Bulldogs, Jr.).

Agreed, as well as Hosmer's HS team mate Adrian Nieto. The switch-hitter struggled quite a bit this season before coming on strong. A significant drop off after Posey and Skipworth, but these other catchers could eventually make it as well.

Good addition to the thread, Thanks.

[rhall]

Petey Paramore (Arizona St. Sun Devils, Jr.), Dock Doyle (Coastal Carolina Chanticlers, Jr.) and Chris Taylor (Charlotte 49ers, Sr.) all warrant a look as potential top five round guys. There's a kid at Yale who can swing the stick a bit, too -- Ryan Lavarnway (Yale Bulldogs, Jr.).

Yes, thank you for mentioning Paramore. He doesn't get much attention because he's not flashy. He's not a power hitter and doesn't have plus arm strength. BUT, technically he might be the best defensive catcher in college. His bat is playable, with a line drive stroke and a good batting eye (walks more than K's). His bat could end up limiting him to backup status in the bigs, it could go either way. Even his upside doesn't place him in All-Star consideration, but he could be a solid catcher who plays great defense.

Anyone know what's happened to Adrian Nieto, teammate of Eric Hosmer at American Heritage HS (FL)? He's shown potential in the past, but also had some injury problems. Any word on how his senior year is going?

EDIT: thanks Greg for the update on Nieto above.

[Greg Pappas]

Yes, thank you for mentioning Paramore. He doesn't get much attention because he's not flashy. He's not a power hitter and doesn't have plus arm strength. BUT, technically he might be the best defensive catcher in college. His bat is playable, with a line drive stroke and a good batting eye (walks more than K's). His bat could end up limiting him to backup status in the bigs, it could go either way. Even his upside doesn't place him in All-Star consideration, but he could be a solid catcher who plays great defense.

Anyone know what's happened to Adrian Nieto, teammate of Eric Hosmer at American Heritage HS (FL)? He's shown potential in the past, but also had some injury problems. Any word on how his senior year is going?

EDIT: thanks Greg for the update on Nieto above.

You're welcome. :)

I am unsure about Nieto personally, and while he'll probably be taken no later than R3, I'd hope to grab him around R4 or R5. Switch hitters with his skills are a solid commodity, but he must develop better pitch recognition and improve behind the plate.

Your thoughts on Paramore are pretty dead on. A 4th-6th rounder perhaps. Personally I'd pass unless he was still around in R7-R8. Good post.