POP Time, 1.88 good?

JABMK:  "Velocity is a MUST or you don't get the opportunity to C at any level higher than HS." That's a fairly Nebulous statement.  So just to be clear, exactly what velocity gets a player past HS.  I was addressing 2FORU's assertion that you need to be near 90 to get there.  Based on PG's showcase reports, that simply isn't true.  Even low 70 velocities found D1 spots.  When you look at D2,D3, NAIA, and JUCO; the numbers are sure to go lower.  So... exactly what velocity are we talking about.

GOV:   My son and I started watching Cooper this year, and he is a beast.  We noticed him in a game against Texas A&M on the SEC network early in the season.  Now my son watches him every chance he gets.  I assume that Cooper's velocity picked up after the PG showcase, but I think that he got his commitments based on the high 70's, low 80's velocities.  Is that a good or bad assumption?

jdb posted:

JABMK:  "Velocity is a MUST or you don't get the opportunity to C at any level higher than HS." That's a fairly Nebulous statement.  So just to be clear, exactly what velocity gets a player past HS.  I was addressing 2FORU's assertion that you need to be near 90 to get there.  Based on PG's showcase reports, that simply isn't true.  Even low 70 velocities found D1 spots.  When you look at D2,D3, NAIA, and JUCO; the numbers are sure to go lower.  So... exactly what velocity are we talking about.

GOV:   My son and I started watching Cooper this year, and he is a beast.  We noticed him in a game against Texas A&M on the SEC network early in the season.  Now my son watches him every chance he gets.  I assume that Cooper's velocity picked up after the PG showcase, but I think that he got his commitments based on the high 70's, low 80's velocities.  Is that a good or bad assumption?

 

 

 

Cooper was low 80's to start... very strong kid with great training early on from an exMLB Catcher..

jdb posted:

JABMK:  "Velocity is a MUST or you don't get the opportunity to C at any level higher than HS." That's a fairly Nebulous statement.  So just to be clear, exactly what velocity gets a player past HS.  I was addressing 2FORU's assertion that you need to be near 90 to get there.  Based on PG's showcase reports, that simply isn't true.  Even low 70 velocities found D1 spots.  When you look at D2,D3, NAIA, and JUCO; the numbers are sure to go lower.  So... exactly what velocity are we talking about. 

Um...where did 2FORU assert that a catcher needs to be near 90mph? He indicated velocity is the main driver to opportunity. I mostly agree with that, as I pointed out, as did others.

Back to the OP: I happen to like a little bit of in-game footage, especially for receiving but, obviously, getting good shots of THAT can be tough if not impossible. For throw-downs the video should highlight form and mechanics and also the results of the throw, probably separately since getting it all in one shot might do a disservice to both.

JDB - I am not suggesting that there is an exact number that gets a C  past high school and it we all agree it does not have to be 90.  What I am suggesting is that if a C does not have velo, a competitive pop time will be hard to achieve compared to a C with velo .  By the PG table on the previous post, one can see that the best pop times have the higher velo. As you also suggested that the player you referenced was notices because of his velo.  

A RC is not going to recruit a C without decent velo.  If they do I would hope they are 6'3 and bat L! lol

JABMK posted:

JDB - I am not suggesting that there is an exact number that gets a C  past high school and it we all agree it does not have to be 90.  What I am suggesting is that if a C does not have velo, a competitive pop time will be hard to achieve compared to a C with velo .  By the PG table on the previous post, one can see that the best pop times have the higher velo. As you also suggested that the player you referenced was notices because of his velo.  

A RC is not going to recruit a C without decent velo.  If they do I would hope they are 6'3 and bat L! lol

Thanks Batty67, my bad, 2FORU.  It was IRONHORSE that indicated catchers need a 90 MPH throw to pop at 1.88 seconds.  2FORU, please accept my apologies for making that mistake.

JABMK:  It goes without saying that a catcher with a higher velocity will have a better chance at lower pop times; no one would argue that point.  Nor would I argue that there isn't a general decrease in pop times as the velocity increases.  However, it is not a perfect corollary, by any means. 

When you say an RC is not going to recruit a C without a decent velo; what, in your mind, is a decent velocity.  Several folks in this thread have contemplated velocity as a qualifier or disqualifier, but never quantified what velocity they think is required.

Based on what I have seen on PG, I would argue that sub 2.0 pop times with velocities in the low to middle 70's can begin to generate looks from quality programs, especially when the player brings other tools to the table.  Everything else being equal, velocity and projectability will win out, but first everything else has to be equal.

The OP asked if a 1.88 pop time is good.  It is excellent, if the time is accurate and the player isn't cheating.  Several folks answered the question by telling her to find out what velocity her son throws the ball.  I'm telling her don't despair if his velocity isn't in the 80's when throwing for a pop time.  We are talking about a catcher, not a pitcher.  Those who say velocity is king, tell me where that advice is wrong.

Gov posted:

jdb posted:

JABMK:  "Velocity is a MUST or you don't get the opportunity to C at any level higher than HS." That's a fairly Nebulous statement.  So just to be clear, exactly what velocity gets a player past HS.  I was addressing 2FORU's assertion that you need to be near 90 to get there.  Based on PG's showcase reports, that simply isn't true.  Even low 70 velocities found D1 spots.  When you look at D2,D3, NAIA, and JUCO; the numbers are sure to go lower.  So... exactly what velocity are we talking about.

GOV:   My son and I started watching Cooper this year, and he is a beast.  We noticed him in a game against Texas A&M on the SEC network early in the season.  Now my son watches him every chance he gets.  I assume that Cooper's velocity picked up after the PG showcase, but I think that he got his commitments based on the high 70's, low 80's velocities.  Is that a good or bad assumption?

 

 

 

Cooper was low 80's to start... very strong kid with great training early on from an exMLB Catcher..

He's fun to watch.  He's also one of those catchers that really gets a lot of strikes called on marginal pitches.  I'm sure that his pitchers love it when he is behind the plate.  He definitely has all those other tools that make a great defensive catcher.  His velocity is gravy.

jdb posted:

JABMK posted:

JDB - I am not suggesting that there is an exact number that gets a C  past high school and it we all agree it does not have to be 90.  What I am suggesting is that if a C does not have velo, a competitive pop time will be hard to achieve compared to a C with velo .  By the PG table on the previous post, one can see that the best pop times have the higher velo. As you also suggested that the player you referenced was notices because of his velo.  

A RC is not going to recruit a C without decent velo.  If they do I would hope they are 6'3 and bat L! lol

Thanks Batty67, my bad, 2FORU.  It was IRONHORSE that indicated catchers need a 90 MPH throw to pop at 1.88 seconds.  2FORU, please accept my apologies for making that mistake.

JABMK:  It goes without saying that a catcher with a higher velocity will have a better chance at lower pop times; no one would argue that point.  Nor would I argue that there isn't a general decrease in pop times as the velocity increases.  However, it is not a perfect corollary, by any means. 

When you say an RC is not going to recruit a C without a decent velo; what, in your mind, is a decent velocity.  Several folks in this thread have contemplated velocity as a qualifier or disqualifier, but never quantified what velocity they think is required.

Based on what I have seen on PG, I would argue that sub 2.0 pop times with velocities in the low to middle 70's can begin to generate looks from quality programs, especially when the player brings other tools to the table.  Everything else being equal, velocity and projectability will win out, but first everything else has to be equal.

The OP asked if a 1.88 pop time is good.  It is excellent, if the time is accurate and the player isn't cheating.  Several folks answered the question by telling her to find out what velocity her son throws the ball.  I'm telling her don't despair if his velocity isn't in the 80's when throwing for a pop time.  We are talking about a catcher, not a pitcher.  Those who say velocity is king, tell me where that advice is wrong.

I actually said, referencing that specific kid and his footwork/transfer/stride, that if he is close to 90 I might buy him getting to 1.88. I then said mid 80s to 90s guys are the ones that typically have consistent 1.8 something pop times. I stand by both of those statements completely. 

I hate to be Negative Ned here, but CONSISTENT sub-2.0 pop times with an arm in the low 70s aren't realistic. In my world a pop time is in game, runner going, batter may swing, non-pitchout pop times. 

3and2 referenced Perez at 1.91. I'm guessing he's closer to 90 than 80. How hard do you think Yadi throws on a gun? 76?  Come on now.

I'm honestly not sure how this is even debated. The data is out there on the guys with "actual" sub 2.0 pop times. Gov even said the kid referenced above was in the 90s. I know there are a few outliers, but this doesn't seem to complicated.

The main debate here may be how the Pop time is measured. If it's a showcase BP fastball with no batter that's a different world than in game throwing guys out. Just like there is a whole world of difference between a 2.0 and a 1.88. Huge.

Obviously the faster the pop time the more immediate the attention.  Granted my 2020 is only in 9th and plays travel.  His best throws currently come in around 2.2 or so. His co-catcher has a gun. But T predominately gets the starts.  Past two tournaments he caught 19 innings out of 27 (Other two catchers split 8) and this past weekend caught 17 out of 21.  Main reason is his ability to block and receive behind the plate.  14/u guys can tend to struggle and it is not unheard of for T to have to block over ten  balls during an inning. I have counted his co-catcher have 10 balls get by him in an inning.  NOT a game but an inning. Plus T's catcher IQ is there.  We actually had his back up give up the eventual game winning run on a play he should have never attempted (throw down to second with a guy on third). This weekend.  Assistant coach reached out and was lamenting on how he thinks that T should have been in.  HC was trying to give T some time off his knees.  As soon as that debacle occurred, he put T back in to finish the game.

We have been dealing with arm strength, throw down speed his entire catching career.  Kids who had stronger arms always got nods.  Yet every damn time you see a photo taking after a tournament win, who had the gear on?  T did.    This kids coming up through 10-11-12/u had great arms but they would give up 2-3 or more runs on passed balls.  No kid in his right mind wanted to get in front of a 12/u throwing mid 60's.  T did.  And even did it when no one was on base.  But the daddy coaches never respected him for it.

Last year we moved to a different travel club and the love was immediate.  Hell one game he pulled himself from one start cause he had some elbow soreness.  The co-catcher (Coach was awesome.  Flipped flopped catchers every other game with out fail) had some issues handling the pitcher and then failed to get out to the side and block.  HC looked at T and said get your gear on.  As soon as the team came in, he sat the other catcher and looked at T and told him he didnt care if he had to roll the ball back to the pitcher.  Just do what you do.

Now every team he plays for (HS, Legion, Travel) all appreciate him for what he does BEHIND the plate.  Now that pitchers are learning to slide step pitch, he gets his throw outs.  But 90% of the love comes from his ability to get balls called strikes and to keep it in front. He doesn't need a coach to call his games.  If the JV coach who calls it for the junior lets T call his own games.

Arm velocity is important.  But if its a work in progress and your waiting to hit your growth spurt like T is ( 5'9 135lbs), then perfect all the other aspects of the position.  Work on the mental side of it.  The top MLB catchers today still spend hours perfecting their blocking technique.  Watch how the better catchers call the games.  Phillies catchers just had their butts handed to them by the pitching coach in the media for bad pitch selection at crucial points.  Work on the feet so that a throw down at 75 gets there just as fast as a 80 or 85.

If your throwing 90 and cant do a damn thing behind the plate, cant learn to block or call a game or stay down on a curveball, either they are gonna try and pitch you or put you in the outfield.  Your not gonna be catching for long.

CurryNC posted:

My son is a junior, class of 2018.  He has been the starting varsity catcher for the last two years, starting catcher for our local American Legion Team and Fall High School team. His POP time is 1.88 and fielding percentage is .997.  He caught all 29 games this past 2017 spring varsity season.  He is wanting to go to the next level and play in college.  I have included a video.  My question is, what is considered a good POP time for catchers and could I get some feedback on this video?  Thank you in advance.  

https://youtu.be/7R_uYfKWmfo

-His mother

Love the kid - definitely looks athletic and looks like a gamer.  As you see by others' comments, POP time can be a bit controversial.  Yes, 1.88 is really good but who measured and was it live, showcase or informal?  If you are going to post that time on his recruiting video, you should probably state the verifiable neutral source where it was measured.  Watching the video, I, like others, am left questioning the time... too much arc on the throw for that time.  I think the optimal video is a combination of live game clips and drill work.  There are definitely some clips you can pull out (like the one where he backs up 1st base and some of the repeats on framing basic pitches).  

He looks good and certainly shows potential to play at the next level.  Although, with his size and current skill set along with his current age/year, he is realistically looking at a level other than D1.  He has limited flexibility in his upper body that, I think, restricts his throwing extension and swing extension.  He has some other mechanics that can be cleaned up a bit.  With some work in these areas (and the resulting improvements in arm strength and hitting), he can be not just a college player but a contributor.  Since he is a wrestler, you may have a challenge with the idea of maybe toning things down a bit on lifting to work toward that flexibility.

ironhorse posted:

 

jdb posted:

JABMK posted:

JDB - I am not suggesting that there is an exact number that gets a C  past high school and it we all agree it does not have to be 90.  What I am suggesting is that if a C does not have velo, a competitive pop time will be hard to achieve compared to a C with velo .  By the PG table on the previous post, one can see that the best pop times have the higher velo. As you also suggested that the player you referenced was notices because of his velo.  

A RC is not going to recruit a C without decent velo.  If they do I would hope they are 6'3 and bat L! lol

Thanks Batty67, my bad, 2FORU.  It was IRONHORSE that indicated catchers need a 90 MPH throw to pop at 1.88 seconds.  2FORU, please accept my apologies for making that mistake.

JABMK:  It goes without saying that a catcher with a higher velocity will have a better chance at lower pop times; no one would argue that point.  Nor would I argue that there isn't a general decrease in pop times as the velocity increases.  However, it is not a perfect corollary, by any means. 

When you say an RC is not going to recruit a C without a decent velo; what, in your mind, is a decent velocity.  Several folks in this thread have contemplated velocity as a qualifier or disqualifier, but never quantified what velocity they think is required.

Based on what I have seen on PG, I would argue that sub 2.0 pop times with velocities in the low to middle 70's can begin to generate looks from quality programs, especially when the player brings other tools to the table.  Everything else being equal, velocity and projectability will win out, but first everything else has to be equal.

The OP asked if a 1.88 pop time is good.  It is excellent, if the time is accurate and the player isn't cheating.  Several folks answered the question by telling her to find out what velocity her son throws the ball.  I'm telling her don't despair if his velocity isn't in the 80's when throwing for a pop time.  We are talking about a catcher, not a pitcher.  Those who say velocity is king, tell me where that advice is wrong.

I actually said, referencing that specific kid and his footwork/transfer/stride, that if he is close to 90 I might buy him getting to 1.88. I then said mid 80s to 90s guys are the ones that typically have consistent 1.8 something pop times. I stand by both of those statements completely. 

I hate to be Negative Ned here, but CONSISTENT sub-2.0 pop times with an arm in the low 70s aren't realistic. In my world a pop time is in game, runner going, batter may swing, non-pitchout pop times. 

3and2 referenced Perez at 1.91. I'm guessing he's closer to 90 than 80. How hard do you think Yadi throws on a gun? 76?  Come on now.

I'm honestly not sure how this is even debated. The data is out there on the guys with "actual" sub 2.0 pop times. Gov even said the kid referenced above was in the 90s. I know there are a few outliers, but this doesn't seem to complicated.

The main debate here may be how the Pop time is measured. If it's a showcase BP fastball with no batter that's a different world than in game throwing guys out. Just like there is a whole world of difference between a 2.0 and a 1.88. Huge.

 

Hey Ironhorse, I think that we may be talking past each other.

You wrote, "The main debate here may be how the Pop time is measured."  Based on the OP's question, I see the debate as, "What does her son have to do to get looks from colleges, so he can continue playing after high school." 

With that in mind, I would argue that a catcher does not have to throw in the 80's to get looks from quality colleges.  If you look at the PG page that I referenced, there are several players who committed to great colleges, but were not throwing in the 80's, some even in the low 70's. 

You also wrote, "3and2 referenced Perez at 1.91. I'm guessing he's closer to 90 than 80. How hard do you think Yadi throws on a gun? 76?  Come on now."  Yes, those are in-game throws, with an elite MLB catcher trying to preserve a strike.  In game throw downs are not the same thing as showcase throws or catcher throws between innings.  So, in my opinion, you can't compare the two, especially in the context of this thread.

I am viewing the OP's pop-time like it was a showcase sample.  We all know that catchers in showcases are being taught how to "cheat" on these tests.  Most of the catchers take advantage of the showcase rules, so these pop times are not a true reflection of in-game times.  That said, they are apples-to-apples comparisons of the players competing at the showcase.  Again, the goal is to get looks from colleges.  Velocities in the 70's will get those looks, especially if the player displays the other skills that colleges desire in their catchers.  The OP has received great advice about improving his blocking skills, getting a lower set up, and enhancing his video.

By the way, there have been discussions about Yadi on this site in the past.

http://community.hsbaseballweb...inas-throw-to-second

That thread discusses one of Yadi's most iconic throw downs, shooting Dee Gordon down at 2nd.  To me, this video shows how all the upstream mechanics are just as important as the velocity of the throw.  The throw was calculated to have had a velocity of 83.5 MPH, and it caught one of the fastest players in baseball.  The thread also discusses that a more important "time" is measuring from the pitcher's first move to pop of the glove at second base. 

jdb

ironhorse posted:

c2019 posted:

ironhorse posted:

Honest feedback is that he's is nowhere near a 1.88. The best MLB catchers barely avg that. Legit awesome throws in the show are 1.8-ish. Definitely some below. Sanchez the other night was 1.83 from his knees.

If I see arc in the Cs throw like your son's, it's not very likely its sub-2.0. The throws on the video I got at 2.10 and 2.19 on my stopwatch, and those aren't live game reps trying to get a strike. While I'm not saying he couldn't possibly throw 1.88 in a very controlled environment, it's nowhere close to a realistic representation to a college coach for recruiting purposes and probably hurts more than it helps to list it that way. A HS catcher consistently around 2.0 will shut down a lot of running games. Sub-2.0 and only the elite guys will even try to run.

Do you have a velo on him you could post? That would help. If he's close to or over 90mph than 1.88 is more likely, it just doesn't appear that way in the video.

I hope this doesn't come off as harsh, as I don't mean it that way, just unbiased feedback from my perspective.

 

 

I think you meant 80 mph If he's close to or over  than 1.88 

Not really. With his mechanics an 80 mph arm aint getting to 1.88. Most guys who are consistently in the 1.88 range are 90mph guys, more or less. I think a mid-80s arm could get you a "best" POP time in that range, but 1.88 wouldn't be the norm with that arm strength. Again, there are obviously exceptions, but this is my experience around here.

Footwork and "mechanics" are 1/2 of the POP time, the other half is velo.

 

 

i agree arm angle is huge  , my 2019 did a showcase last nov and was clocked at 78 mph and popped at 1.87 by pro scouts and colleges,  then he did a pbr in feb 2017 and was clocked at 80 mph and popped a 1.94, and i have the video on both and the numbers are up on those showcases, arm strength and mechs are huge , i was told he has a plus arm ,to even a future plus plus arm 

Catch and release is .8 seconds of pop time (good footwork and mechanics), means that the ball needs to travel the 127 ft going 86.6 mph to get to 2b in one second, making pop time of 1.8 seconds

s = d/t

Pitcher to home of 1.4 added means you should throw out a runner that is timed 3.2 seconds from 1st to 2b or slower.

I'm not a mathematician, there are variables in this (HS, College, Pros - all differ), but you get the gist of it.

Also, if you can block 92 (I do not believe this is something you can quickly learn, regardless of what people say, it takes years of muscle and brain memory to just react combined with early pitch recognition burned into your brain through many years of practice and annual increase in ball speed), you still have to field the ball and then throw, lacking velo in that instance means the runner is safe

MLb most guys arent throwing down on a blocked pitch if the runner was already going.  They are already half way there.  At the lower levels they are running on the play on the dirt so the typical equation is changed up.  Runner is getting a late jump and hopefully the catcher is quick with his recovery and kept the ball close.  In the big leagues you see balls squirt away 5-6 feet with no runner advancing.  In HS thats enough to move up in most cases...

I WILL readily agree that blocking isn't something you just do one day.  And once you get good at it you tend to range a little further out and go for even harder pitches to block.  In the end it results in a lot of bruised arms and painful blocks.  Even a clean block into the chest from someone throwing  80's plus sucks.   Seen a lot of "big" kids with snazzy fast arms look like chumps cause they can't block.  Why steal on him?  Wait for the pitcher to get wild and let it be a passed ball.  I have told any kid who I worked with either starting to catch or wanting to learn.....  You have to be a little off your rocker to want to be a catcher.  If you cant stand being hit by a baseball intentionally than catching isn't the spot for you.

As an aside, depending upon the situation, if a runner is going and the pitch is in the dirt the catcher may attempt to pick it rather then block it. i.e. the base is stolen  whether its blocked or goes to the backstop so attempting a pick and throw is a viable option.

Personally I feel 80 is a very workable speed for catchers at the D1 college level.  

I read a lot of discussion on arm speed, blocking, framing etc..,, in many ways its all meaningless if the player can't hit college pitching.  A catcher throwing 90 who can't hit can be made into a pitcher, so he is a low risk from a recruiting point of view, a catcher throwing 75 is a high risk recruit if the bat is in question because there is nowhere else to play him.

2forU posted:

Catch and release is .8 seconds of pop time (good footwork and mechanics), means that the ball needs to travel the 127 ft going 86.6 mph to get to 2b in one second, making pop time of 1.8 seconds

MPH to Feet per second is 86.6 Miles per Hour = 127.013333 Feet per Second

s = d/t

Pitcher to home of 1.4 added means you should throw out a runner that is timed 3.2 seconds from 1st to 2b or slower.

I'm not a mathematician, there are variables in this (HS, College, Pros - all differ), but you get the gist of it.

Also, if you can block 92 (I do not believe this is something you can quickly learn, regardless of what people say, it takes years of muscle and brain memory to just react combined with early pitch recognition burned into your brain through many years of practice and annual increase in ball speed), you still have to field the ball and then throw, lacking velo in that instance means the runner is safe

2forU, you did make me chuckle with this post.  I won't argue with your math.  But...

For arguments sake, you are using 3.2 seconds as your benchmark for running from 1st to 2nd.  So the gist of your argument is that with the parameters you chose, a successful catcher has to have a velocity of 86.6 MPH...in your scenario.

So how many baseball players can steal a base in 3.2 seconds?  Billy Hamilton, arguably the fastest player in baseball, swipes the bag in a little over 3.1 seconds.  So in your scenario, with a relatively slow pitcher (the better pitchers with runners on are 1.0-1.2  first move to home), a decent catch to release (.6 seconds with a good pitch is fast, but not unrealistic), and a world class runner stealing the bag; a catcher needs a velocity of almost 87 MPH to successfully spoil that stolen base attempt.  That is really not a reasonable comparison.

Let's say that you have pitcher who can get the ball to home in 1.3 seconds, a catcher at .7 seconds to release, and a runner at 3.3 (still faster than 95% of high schoolers) seconds, that means if our catcher gets the ball to second 1.1 seconds, he beats the runner by .2 of a second.  What velocity does the catcher now have to throw?  I feel like I'm back in physics class doing vector questions.  That 1.1 second throw requires a velocity of 79.4 MPH; If the catcher takes 1.2 seconds to get the ball to second, he needs a velocity of only 72.5 MPH.  That elite runner will be out by a step on a low 70's throw.

The take away for CURRYNC and her son, is to keep working on his mechanics, in all phases, including receiving, blocking, transfers and throws.  However, don't obsess over your velocity if it doesn't match the elite level guys in the mid 80's.  If he wants to increase his caught stealing percentage, work with his pitchers, get the coaches or other players to time all three phases of the play, and get the pitchers to buy into the premise that they are as important in this process as the catcher.  Tell your son to praise his pitchers every time they (pitcher/catcher as a unit) gun down a runner at the bag.  Once the pitchers buy into the concept and take it personally when a runner steals, it becomes a whole lot easier on the catcher. 

CURRYNC, don't believe this meme that you have to throw mid 80's from a crouch to be a college catcher prospect... not necessarily D1, but you can be wanted at the college level with a lower velocity. 

CollegeParentNoMore posted:

As an aside, depending upon the situation, if a runner is going and the pitch is in the dirt the catcher may attempt to pick it rather then block it. i.e. the base is stolen  whether its blocked or goes to the backstop so attempting a pick and throw is a viable option.

Personally I feel 80 is a very workable speed for catchers at the D1 college level.  

I read a lot of discussion on arm speed, blocking, framing etc..,, in many ways its all meaningless if the player can't hit college pitching.  A catcher throwing 90 who can't hit can be made into a pitcher, so he is a low risk from a recruiting point of view, a catcher throwing 75 is a high risk recruit if the bat is in question because there is nowhere else to play him.

Best argument yet for why higher velocity is better, but it still goes back to the "all else being equal" statement. 

If you're a catcher throwing 90, you have usually already been turned into a pitcher, especially if you can't hit.

You'd be surprised at how many coaches want every pitch in the dirt to be blocked and will penalize catchers for picking rather than blocking. 

Well, this is turning into a fun discussion anyway.  

Regarding the OP velo aspect - Forget the numbers for a moment.  Forget the pitcher combo because we are only talking about the OP's son's ability to attract college attention as it relates to his velo and POP time and ability to throw a runner out.  I will offer up this simple observation...  I have not seen a prospect get any attention as a catcher that has the arc on his throw that OP's son currently has.  I have not seen a catcher at the college level, any division, get meaningful playing time with the arc that the OP's son currently has.

I see a lot of good things in this kid but, unless the video is distorted, his arm strength/velo has to improve.  I have no doubt that it will... just sayin'.  They want to see that throw on a line, not an arc.

jdb posted:

CollegeParentNoMore posted:

As an aside, depending upon the situation, if a runner is going and the pitch is in the dirt the catcher may attempt to pick it rather then block it. i.e. the base is stolen  whether its blocked or goes to the backstop so attempting a pick and throw is a viable option.

Personally I feel 80 is a very workable speed for catchers at the D1 college level.  

I read a lot of discussion on arm speed, blocking, framing etc..,, in many ways its all meaningless if the player can't hit college pitching.  A catcher throwing 90 who can't hit can be made into a pitcher, so he is a low risk from a recruiting point of view, a catcher throwing 75 is a high risk recruit if the bat is in question because there is nowhere else to play him.

Best argument yet for why higher velocity is better, but it still goes back to the "all else being equal" statement. 

If you're a catcher throwing 90, you have usually already been turned into a pitcher, especially if you can't hit.

You'd be surprised at how many coaches want every pitch in the dirt to be blocked and will penalize catchers for picking rather than blocking. 

This "pick on a SB" topic is interesting in itself.  I know there are coaches who are OK with the pick and, in certain circumstances, I am as well.  But I think if that ball does go to the backstop, the runner lands on 3b sometimes instead of 2b (if he is given the heads up before the slide and depending on the depth of the backstop) so there is still added risk.  I think it really comes down to instinct and reaction.  If it is a true short-hop pick, the catcher will likely start his cheat and is committed to the throw attempt anyway - and he is also much more likely to at least glove the ball and prevent the extra base.  Anything further out in the dirt, IMO, should be blocked traditionally and the extra base beyond the steal prevented.

I'll say this having watched the video:  the kid is an interesting ballplayer who looks like he has potential.  There is talent & athleticism there

"You'd be surprised at how many coaches want every pitch in the dirt to be blocked and will penalize catchers for picking rather than blocking."

To each his own level of understanding and/or comfort.  There don't seem to be a lot of college or hs catching coaches that truly appreciate the need to develop a young catcher by allowing him to be aggressive with his throwing which in turns builds confidence, which in turns builds a lot of key outs rather then just letting the opposition take a free base. 

In terms of giving up a second base on a pick attempt if the ball goes to the backstop, I am not sure its statistically any different then what happens with "blocked" pitches that bounce high off a shoulder pad or facemask and roll into a dugout etc.