Move from catcher to MIF?

Any reason why he couldn't do both. During practices get have him to take some infield.  Do what you think is in the best interest of your son first.  Regardless of what anyone else thinks. High school baseball can be political.  

Baseball Chauffeur: I can definitely relate with the recruitment journey of my 2015. Son really disliked playing 3B, but played many innings on his HS and summer team as it was the "black hole" (no one could play it) position. Son's flexibility and versatility helped due to other players who could play one position. As your son's case, mine too always started and could hit (for contact). It sounds like your son's bat will keep him recruitable. My 2015 played 6 positions at varsity. Scouts would watch him play, and wonder why he wasn't playing 2nd base (or CF).  (I wanted to tell him that the coach just wanted to say he had the fastest 3B in state )

If colleges like your son for a specific position(s), then you will have to "showcase" at that position. C/MI is not a common dual position, though some an athletic kid (strong arm and especially quick footwork) could do both. My Son would showcase (and pay extra) to take skills set at IF and OF.

Finally, if SSs are better your son, how does he match up with the second baseman?  Colleges talk to HS coaches about when a pitcher will play (start). If a coach has good rapport with your HS coach, perhaps your HS coach can slot you over to MI for a game. Your HS coach should be able to schedule it (not all games are against rivals). Just a thought.

Good Luck!

If a catcher has the athletic ability they make great second basemen. They have a very quick release turning two.

RJM posted:

If a catcher has the athletic ability they make great second basemen. They have a very quick release turning two.

Ala Craig Biggio

Sounds a lot like my son's situation. I was hoping he was going to shoot past me height-wise but he's 5'10". Of course, I grew 2" between 18-19 and hope he will too (or more). He's ripped but can't seem to get north of 170. "For a catcher" he's fast (7.25 60 and that's without ever taking any training on running 60s). Sometimes I wish he tried to play COF or 2B, but he loves playing behind the plate and has been a year-round, primary catcher for 6-7 years. I doubt he will try to play another position beside some rare 1B and LF/RF time.

I figure D3 is his best chance to play college baseball. He's even mentioned playing club ball and going to a big in-state school for the experience and fit. We'll see.

Good luck to you and your son.

2ndmardiv--nothing political with his high school team, thank goodness.  Apparently coach and AD took a lot of grief over son being pulled up freshman season, but I was oblivious to it all.  He's at a small class A school, and while we're not a power house and don't have the talent the big schools have, I believe the coach does what he thinks is best for the team.  Last year they had a team chemistry that movies are made of...despite only having one pitcher that could barely hit 80, they went 14-1 in conference.  

Thanks RJM!  He has picked up a few innings at 2nd as well as showcased there.  I think the coaches are starting to mention short due to the fact that he has finally increased his arm strength to the point of it being noticeable, plus they say he has "excellent range".  However, he's not to the point where they are going gaga over him so there are still improvements to be made! 

Ripken, did things work out for your son?  Did he finally find a dream school?  Son has mentioned that 3rd is probably his least favorite position, lol.  I laughed at your comment about the fastest 3rd baseman...son runs a 6.9 60.  Probably one of the quicker catchers in the area.  He's working on getting that down to a 6.6.  I didn't think that was possible, but his numbers are increasing like crazy lately.  He might just do it .   

In regards to other players, I believe the summer SS is better than him, but that he would probably be a better SS than high school SS (at least on paper and overall athleticism).  But for team performance, they need him behind the plate.  Coach is playing people in correct positions:  he's got an all conference catcher that wants to change positions, um no way, jose!  While he can easily play anywhere they stick him, there is no one to back him up at catcher, unless they really get to work on a sophomore so I'm hoping he's been working hard this winter too!

Batty, I've enjoyed reading about your son, they sound very similar.  My son is 5'10" if he stands really, really straight.  He only weighs in at 150, despite 6 straight months of eating and training for weight gain.  Looks bigger because he's ripped. We probably share the same frustrations too.   I start thinking, "if he can pop a 1.85-1.92 at 140 lbs, just think what he can do at 180 lbs! What is wrong with these coaches?"  Then I get back to reality.  He's supposed to end up around 6'-6'2", but who knows?  I've started mentioning JUCO to him.   Like you stated, he loves being behind the plate but is starting to realize that if the baseball dream is to continue he might just have to change positions.  He grew up idolizing Pudge so it's hard to let go of the small, tough as nails catcher image in his mind.

Batty67 posted:

Sounds a lot like my son's situation. I was hoping he was going to shoot past me height-wise but he's 5'10". Of course, I grew 2" between 18-19 and hope he will too (or more). He's ripped but can't seem to get north of 170. "For a catcher" he's fast (7.25 60 and that's without ever taking any training on running 60s). Sometimes I wish he tried to play COF or 2B, but he loves playing behind the plate and has been a year-round, primary catcher for 6-7 years. I doubt he will try to play another position beside some rare 1B and LF/RF time.

I figure D3 is his best chance to play college baseball. He's even mentioned playing club ball and going to a big in-state school for the experience and fit. We'll see.

Good luck to you and your son.

My son is also of similar size and a catcher (5-9" 175) but is a converted SS. His 60 times is similar. All I can offer is that you keep working on the field and just as importantly in the class room. My son is a 2016 and has been offered by a very high academic D3, all he is waiting on now is for admissions. The HC did ask my son of he also played MIF.      

Ivan Rodriguez is 5"9. Why is size important at catcher? I read durability but. I would assume a smaller guy has less wear on his back and knees squatting all day, doesn't he? Especially in these days when you can't run the catcher over anymore.

I'll add this.  First, what are his measureables?  Pop time, velocity, exit speed, etc.  Second, what you play in a game is dictated by the coach, especially in HS where the goal is to win.  In summer showcase ball, the coach should be more lenient and mix it up a bit if a school wants to see a kid somewhere.  So, I wouldn't worry about where I play in the games.  Get reps at SS in practice situations, somehow some way.  Do the video at SS.  And when/if you go to a showcase, camp, etc. go as a SS.  Good luck.   

Pudge is a fireplug - he's short but he's also 200+ pounds. If you think yours will end up with a similar body-type, go for it. 

BaseballChauffeur posted:

  Ripken, did things work out for your son?  Did he finally find a dream school?  Son has mentioned that 3rd is probably his least favorite position, lol.  I laughed at your comment about the fastest 3rd baseman...son runs a 6.9 60.  Probably one of the quicker catchers in the area.   

 

Chauffeur: Fortunately,things did work out for son and is at his dream school. Son is a 6.4 runner and 3.90 HTF from right side. Sooooo, what position did scouts/RC/coaches think he should play??? Son is playing 2nd base in college. Can't wait until first game!

"Son has mentioned that 3rd is probably his least favorite position"

when I started a 13u travel team I accumulated some of the best talent from our LL district's all star teams. I had the kids introduce themselves and state what position they would like to play. Selecting thirteen former top shelf LL all stars you can imagine how many said shortstop.  Some said pitcher, catcher and center.

i told them none of those positions were available. I saw parents eyes rolling. They were thinking my son is going to play short. And the assistants kids will pitch, catch and play center. Then I added, "We have nine positions available out there (pointing to the field). Everyone one of them is better than the four in there (pointing to the dugout)."

A valuable lesson was learned. Who played all over the field? My son. He played wherever the pitcher came from for three years. It allowed others to play a limited number of positions. But all but one was moved from short. It was the best training he could get for college where he has played seven positions to stay on the field. In middle and high school he played short until moving to center junior year.

As players move up the ladder and down the talent funnel any position can be a favorite position if it's on the field.

For those worried about height. 1) Don't worry about what you can't control. 2) Look in the mirror and at the family tree. My son hit 5'11" freshman year of high school. He's slowly grown three inches over the past eight years. The ortho said his growth plates aren't fully closed yet. His grandfather didn't stop growing until twenty-four.

Thanks Golf, great advice as always.  I sent you a PM .

Don't worry RJM, I'm not trying to get another size thread going.  Just trying to deal with the reality of the situation and be proactive.  If he looks like a MIF or OF and moves like one, he can play where ever coaches need him, but might just need to step up the training and showcasing at the other positions.  As always, I need as much help from this board as possible.  Thanks everyone!

How many home runs has he hit (you mentioned - go to hitter)?  This question came from two different big D1 college coaches. Catchers in our program are expected to hit home runs - end of story.  You hit for average / on base percentage, play MI.  And, don't worry about framing, managing the game, or blocking - they'll teach you that.  Pop is king.  Not that they are important, but every catcher of interest can already do those things (or at least well enough) and the disqualifier is Pop time.  The bigger the program, the greater the position expectations.  Like the school first, anything can happen in baseball and if that is taken away, you still have school.

RJM posted:

"Son has mentioned that 3rd is probably his least favorite position"

when I started a 13u travel team I accumulated some of the best talent from our LL district's all star teams. I had the kids introduce themselves and state what position they would like to play. Selecting thirteen former top shelf LL all stars you can imagine how many said shortstop.  Some said pitcher, catcher and center.

i told them none of those positions were available. I saw parents eyes rolling. They were thinking my son is going to play short. And the assistants kids will pitch, catch and play center. Then I added, "We have nine positions available out there (pointing to the field). Everyone one of them is better than the four in there (pointing to the dugout)."

A valuable lesson was learned. Who played all over the field? My son. He played wherever the pitcher came from for three years. It allowed others to play a limited number of positions. But all but one was moved from short. It was the best training he could get for college where he has played seven positions to stay on the field. In middle and high school he played short until moving to center junior year.

As players move up the ladder and down the talent funnel any position can be a favorite position if it's on the field.

With respect to the highlighted text, I heard a funny story about Daniel Murphy and his first year in college. On the first day the coach had the freshmen introduce themselves and state what position they play. They're going through the freshmen one by one and it gets to Murphy and he says "My name's Daniel Murphy and I bat third."

Based on what you've described, and assuming that his goals are "big schools and good programs", I think he would face extremely long odds finding a spot at MIF at this point. He's going to need tons of reps to work on his range, glovework, footwork around the back, etc., and there just isn't enough time. Many big schools / good programs already have their MIF commits for 2017.

Does he love catching? Sounds like he does. I have two thoughts:

1) Play catcher at the highest level of JuCo where he is confident that he can earn playing time. You expect him to grow, and maybe he will be big enough and will improve enough to transfer to a solid DI after two years.

2) If academics are a priority, stick with catching and start reciprocating some of that DIII love. Look for a high level program that competes for conference titles. Don't plan to transfer to DI, just enjoy the experience, and get yourself a degree that can help lead to a good job.

2forU posted:

How many home runs has he hit (you mentioned - go to hitter)?  This question came from two different big D1 college coaches. Catchers in our program are expected to hit home runs - end of story.  You hit for average / on base percentage, play MI.  And, don't worry about framing, managing the game, or blocking - they'll teach you that.  Pop is king.  Not that they are important, but every catcher of interest can already do those things (or at least well enough) and the disqualifier is Pop time.  The bigger the program, the greater the position expectations.  Like the school first, anything can happen in baseball and if that is taken away, you still have school.

Is that really so? In MLB there are few catchers who hit home runs, catchers in MLB have a lower ops than short stops and second basemen.

2forU posted:

How many home runs has he hit (you mentioned - go to hitter)?  This question came from two different big D1 college coaches. Catchers in our program are expected to hit home runs - end of story.  You hit for average / on base percentage, play MI.  And, don't worry about framing, managing the game, or blocking - they'll teach you that.  Pop is king.  Not that they are important, but every catcher of interest can already do those things (or at least well enough) and the disqualifier is Pop time.  The bigger the program, the greater the position expectations.  Like the school first, anything can happen in baseball and if that is taken away, you still have school.

He only had 2 last year, bounced a handful off the fence, and one hopped several. Hoping the couple of inches and pounds he's added will help a few more of those out this year, but only time will tell . He batted 3rd during hs, summer and lead off during fall ball.  Exit velo in mid80s, which I'm guessing needs improvement. Only struck out three times in hs season, though I don't think coaches care about that stat much?  Pops are consistently under 2.0, was in mid 1.8s during summer season.  Again, I know he's not top program material, but it seems like some of the instate lower d1, or mid d2s would be a bit interested.

Midatlantic, thanks for the feedback.  He has good grades, 3.7, but not really interested in a high academic school.  Has responded and visited small schools reaching out.  Just hasn't found "the one". Coaches have been great and he understands that it's nice to be loved and there are other players that would like the opportunities he has had. I guess we'll have to see how the spring goes. Jc is looking better and better. He played against several of them during the fall and knows he's already at that level. Then I get confused because if he held his own with juco players as a rising junior, how do you try to plan two years down the road?

BaseballChauffeur posted:

2forU posted:

How many home runs has he hit (you mentioned - go to hitter)?  This question came from two different big D1 college coaches. Catchers in our program are expected to hit home runs - end of story.  You hit for average / on base percentage, play MI.  And, don't worry about framing, managing the game, or blocking - they'll teach you that.  Pop is king.  Not that they are important, but every catcher of interest can already do those things (or at least well enough) and the disqualifier is Pop time.  The bigger the program, the greater the position expectations.  Like the school first, anything can happen in baseball and if that is taken away, you still have school.

He only had 2 last year, bounced a handful off the fence, and one hopped several. Hoping the couple of inches and pounds he's added will help a few more of those out this year, but only time will tell . He batted 3rd during hs, summer and lead off during fall ball.  Exit velo in mid80s, which I'm guessing needs improvement. Only struck out three times in hs season, though I don't think coaches care about that stat much?  Pops are consistently under 2.0, was in mid 1.8s during summer season.  Again, I know he's not top program material, but it seems like some of the instate lower d1, or mid d2s would be a bit interested.

Midatlantic, thanks for the feedback.  He has good grades, 3.7, but not really interested in a high academic school.  Has responded and visited small schools reaching out.  Just hasn't found "the one". Coaches have been great and he understands that it's nice to be loved and there are other players that would like the opportunities he has had. I guess we'll have to see how the spring goes. Jc is looking better and better. He played against several of them during the fall and knows he's already at that level. Then I get confused because if he held his own with juco players as a rising junior, how do you try to plan two years down the road?

I don't know the catching world, but aren't pop times in the mid 1.8s top D1 material?

Golfman25 posted:

I'll add this.  First, what are his measureables?  Pop time, velocity, exit speed, etc.  Second, what you play in a game is dictated by the coach, especially in HS where the goal is to win.  In summer showcase ball, the coach should be more lenient and mix it up a bit if a school wants to see a kid somewhere.  So, I wouldn't worry about where I play in the games.  Get reps at SS in practice situations, somehow some way.  Do the video at SS.  And when/if you go to a showcase, camp, etc. go as a SS.  Good luck.   

I have similar thoughts, for the most part.  HS coach should not make position decisions based on recruiting concerns.  And, I always love Ripken's feedback but do disagree with one point...  Yes, college coaches will get a P's schedule from HS coach but that is quite different than changing his position.  The club/showcase coach, on the other hand, should be factoring position in because one of his primary objectives is to give the player the best chance to be recruited.

Also, a HS practice is very difficult to run without the C's in their correct position for almost all defensive drills.  Now, what many HS coaches CAN do (and are often more than willing) is to give the player extra reps at the other position outside of normal practice time.

A good catcher that pops in the 1.8s and can hit.  That is exactly what DI recruiters are looking for.  It will only take the right recruiter to see him.

I have to agree with those who think switching to shortstop isn't likely to help.  Anything is possible, but DI recruiters see lots of very talented shortstops and many of them profile at a different position in college.  Most shortstops have played that position for many years.

On the surface, unless you have a standout tool like like RipkenFan's son, your probably best off doing what you do well and it sounds like that is catching. I guarantee you that anyone that legitimately pops 1.8s will create some interest with a DI program somewhere.

Also, not sure which Juco players you have seen, but if your son is as good as the Juco players he sees... You are not seeing a very good Juco team or once again your son should be a DI prospect.

FWIW, I have ittn seen high school shortstops turn into college and pro catchers.  I honestly can't think of even one player that went from being unrecruited as a catcher that turned into a recruited shortstop.

Again anything is possible, but on the surface I would say stay behind the plate.  I have never seen a high school catcher and thought he would be a better prospect as a shortstop.   Maybe a different position, but not shortstop.

BTW what are the average Pop times in MLB? never read any stats about that.

BaseballChauffeur posted:

 My son is 5'10" if he stands really, really straight.  He only weighs in at 150, despite 6 straight months of eating and training for weight gain.  Looks bigger because he's ripped. We probably share the same frustrations too.   I start thinking, "if he can pop a 1.85-1.92 at 140 lbs, just think what he can do at 180 lbs! What is wrong with these coaches?"  Then I get back to reality.  He's supposed to end up around 6'-6'2", but who knows?  I've started mentioning JUCO to him.   Like you stated, he loves being behind the plate but is starting to realize that if the baseball dream is to continue he might just have to change positions.  He grew up idolizing Pudge so it's hard to let go of the small, tough as nails catcher image in his mind.

I don't know how accurate this article is but I found this interesting:

A parent / player general guide to evaluation standards for professional baseball draft candidates, and college baseball standards.

CATCHERS                                                                                                                                                                                 1. Ranked skill order: ƒ Arm strength (glove to glove times to second base 1.7 – 1.9) ƒ Defensive skills (quick hands, soft hands, quick feet, blocking) ƒ Hitting ability ƒ Leadership / Instincts ƒ Speed 7.0 -7.2 yd 60; 4.3 - 4.4 home to first

2. MLB (draft) is always in need of catchers with solid athleticism, particularly left handed hitting catchers. Behind shortstops and centerfielders, catching is considered to demand the most athletic skills combination. In fact it is not unusual to recommend the conversion of lesser 2 shortstops and third basemen to catching. Size, physical strength and flexibility are definite considerations. The average MLB catcher is 6’1” 180lbs.                                                                                                                                                                                         • Catchers glove to second base times 2.0 or under on bag “foot speed” quickness D-1       • Catchers glove to second base times 2.2 Division 2 & 3 JC                                                             • Blocking balls in dirt                                                                                                                                 • Pop-ups, fielding bunts, throws to all bases                                                                                     • Target                                                                                                                                                           • Framing pitches

Thanks everyone.  Looks like he'll have to hit up another showcase after high school season is over to make sure numbers are documented, and maybe a couple more school camps.  Just need to find that "one recruiter."    

BaseballChauffeur posted:

Thanks everyone.  Looks like he'll have to hit up another showcase after high school season is over to make sure numbers are documented, and maybe a couple more school camps.  Just need to find that "one recruiter."    

Yes, do that, and also continue to educate yourselves about the DII/DIII and JuCo options.

JuCo has DI-DIII, too. Most JuCo coaches pride themselves on moving kids along to the next level. Many have track records with specific 4 year colleges.

Most of the public DIIIs are not high academic. Most DIIs are not high academic.

Most DII/DIII and JuCo recruiting happens during the summer after junior year and throughout senior year.

What a great thread. Thanks to BaseballChauffeur and everyone for their input.

At my son's very run-of-the-mill HS in NoVA, he's the catcher. In fact, the now senior player who was the starting catcher his sophomore year and half of his junior year just quit (or is going to) baseball. The strong rumor is that he was pissed about losing so much playing time to my 2017 son last year. To make matters worse, when my son won the job his batting went into the tank, like 2-20 with 10 SOs his last 6-7 games as DH. If trues, it really hurts the team because now we might have to move up our 2018 catcher from JV and who will likely be the bullpen catcher.

1.8 pop-times, to me, would be impressive. I've been to LOTS of camps and combines with my son and I've seen several D1, including one to Vanderbilt, and I've never once seen a sub-1.9 poptime, let alone average in the 1.8s. My son's was throwing about a 2.1 poptime last fall, his major deficiency, and he's been doing velocity training with weighted balls for the past 7-8 weeks and a month of foundational work on his mechanics and synchronization before that. Hope he throws an average 2.0 or better next summer. 

Yes, can't control height. I think it is entirely possible he's got another 2-3" to go but who knows? I think it helps that his grades are very solid, 3.8, he bats left-handed with some power, and has great speed and base running instincts. I hope he decides to try the D3 route but he seems enamored of late with the big state school route.

Batty, I think this is a good thread with good feed back for the few of us on this board who don't have the lights out, easy to project players .   Also, I should clarify for the mid 1.8s, those came from coach during the summer season.  He recorded all POP times between innings of every game.  I don't want anyone to think I'm inflating numbers for son, who was in 1.9s at June showcase.  I really need to get him to another showcase just to make sure that's accurate because I know I can't objectively measure...he'd either be 1.2 or 3.9, haha.  He's only done invite only showcases (instate, not PG), and we've seen a handful of 1.8 kids, and several under 2.0.  I think they're heading in the direction of pitchers in the 90s.  A lot more now than we used to see but still on the rare side.    

Sounds like your son is working hard, good for him!  Mine started out with a baseball specific workout this fall but then joined Golden Gloves...it took him three years to talk me into it.  It turns out it was the best training he's done to date.  His average arm is now noticeably strong (wouldn't put it in the power tool column yet but you notice when he lets loose) and his god given hand speed is even faster.   He is really looking forward to the high school season starting .  Two and a half months to go. 

Although pop time is important, the pop is an overrated measurable as most stealing is done on the pitcher.  PGStaff can verify this, but I would venture to say that a recruiter would rather a 2.0 pop on the bag then a 1.85-1.9 that is erratic. 

If you are a position player, it is my experience after seeing many players recruited by colleges that you better be able to hit!  Don’t worry about a position. In fact playing multiple positions is better than playing one.  My 2015 was and has been a catcher for most of his travel/high school teams. Certain situation however had him playing 2^nd, 3^rd and 1^st because that is where the TEAM had a hole to fill or had someone better.

I agree with some prior posts that switching positions is not going to get him the looks he needs.  At his size catching maybe more suited for him and I would suggest concentrating on getting bigger and stronger. 

This article claims mlb average pop Time is 1.95

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs...bizzaro-mike-piazza/

Are they Measuring it differently in MLB? Or are players cheating in a tryout without a batter ( jumping up early...)?

Dominik85 posted:

This article claims mlb average pop Time is 1.95

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs...bizzaro-mike-piazza/

 Are they Measuring it differently in MLB? Or are players cheating in a tryout without a batter ( jumping up early...)?

Those MLB numbers are averages, and taken during game action. Showcase numbers are "best" POP, and with perfect conditions and not during games. I don't call it cheating, just different circumstances. I'd like to see the MLB numbers when they have a pitch-out called and a RH batter.

Does your travel team play in the typical showcase tournaments or exposure tournaments.  There are many programs that claim showcase, just because they are playing at colleges on college fields.  And, then there are tournaments that are geared for exposure, like the Diamond Nation Super 17 tournament in NJ for example.  You will still need to do all the leg work of writing to the college coaches to let them know who, what, where, and when.  But you will be seen by hundreds of coaches with speed guns and timed by hundreds of stop watches.  The coaches I spoke to said  they are there mostly looking for arms, but with your sons throwing times, he should get noticed.  The rising Senior year summer would be the time to be seen at tournaments like this.

Good posts above, holding runners on does not seem to taught that much.

Good points on pop.   Over the last few years at showcases we saw kids turning sideways before receiving the ball and firing balls 4 feet over the 2nd baseman's head yet that pop time was counted.  Their in game times were another story.  We have seen highly ranked kids with fast pop times do well at showcases and falter in games.

Additionally we noticed some high school  C with recorded low pop times have been changed to 3b/IF by their college coach as freshman this year. 

If you have not already, get a good catching coach who can work on a quick transfer and hitting the tag zone.  (we were lucky to get this advice a few years ago).  Sons coach does not count a throw/time unless it is in the tag zone. Few things are sweeter to see than a runner sliding right into your sons throw down. 

Receiving and blocking are valuable, sticking pitches is highly valued.  ESPN magazine did a story on it a few months ago.  I think Lucroy of the Brewers was rated highest. Many young catchers 'windshield wipe' received balls and lose strikes.

A consistent 1.9 or so pop time would be a good goal.  Also remember the pitcher has to throw the pitch your son calls to have a shot at throwing out a runner.  A bouncer in the LHH box makes it hard to throw anyone out.

Catcherdad posted:

 

If you have not already, get a good catching coach who can work on a quick transfer and hitting the tag zone.  (we were lucky to get this advice a few years ago).  Sons coach does not count a throw/time unless it is in the tag zone. Few things are sweeter to see than a runner sliding right into your sons throw down. 

 

 

My favorite might be the strike out, throw out; or the kid that just walks into the tag (or gets stuck in a pickle) because he got a bad jump.  Son does have a good catching coach that he's worked with over the past couple of winters, as well as a hitting coach.  He's working on actually slowing  down the hands a bit; taking that extra tenth of a second to ensure that the ball is on the bag, every single time.  He's on one of the best teams within an hour drive...being on a team any farther away would not be possible for us, unless they paid travel and he's not of that caliber.  Don't have the schedule yet, but last year did several Game Days, Black Swamp, etc.  Rain ruined a lot of weekends so hopefully the weather cooperates this summer.  

I think he's doing the right things, just need for him to keep improving and keep trying to bulk up a bit.  I just get worried that by the time they notice him, there won't be any spots.  But, I guess that's how it is.  And luckily there are lots and lots of colleges out there.

MidAtlanticDad posted:

Dominik85 posted:

This article claims mlb average pop Time is 1.95

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs...bizzaro-mike-piazza/

 Are they Measuring it differently in MLB? Or are players cheating in a tryout without a batter ( jumping up early...)?

Those MLB numbers are averages, and taken during game action. Showcase numbers are "best" POP, and with perfect conditions and not during games. I don't call it cheating, just different circumstances. I'd like to see the MLB numbers when they have a pitch-out called and a RH batter.

There are ways to increase your POP times at showcases which is fairly easy with no batter in the box.  The showcase my son attended in Dec. 2015 the best I heard was a 1.90.  My son hadn't caught in 2 years had a POP time of 2.09 and definitely had room for improvement.