FanPost

2009 Draft Preview: College Catchers

It’s been a while since we’ve had a draft preview, so today I’m offering a look at college catchers. While the high school crop is deep and talented, the college backstop cupboard is nearly bare after the first couple of players. Here’s a look, with the reminder that a lot can change between now and June:

Tony Sanchez – Boston College

The most complete college catcher in the draft, Sanchez is rocketing up draft boards. The 6-foot-1, 220-pound junior has a line of 12-37-.366 .459 .686 this season. A right-handed hitter, he has a 29:20 K:BB ratio and a .987 fielding percentage. Sanchez has thrown out 36 percent of attempted base stealers.

Ryan Ortiz – Oregon State

The 6-3, 185-pound junior bats from the right side and does it well, putting up 5-55-.351 .442 .527 last season, then hitting a respectable .274 in the Cape Cod League last summer. This season, Ortiz has a 1-25-.374 .450 .476 line and is a doubles machine. Ortiz features a sterling .996 fielding percentage and has just one error in 32 games, while nailing 12 of 24 attempted base stealers.

Josh Phegley – Indiana

Scouts aren’t sure what to make of the 5-11, 215-pound right-handed hitting junior. Phegley features a crouched stance somewhat similar to Pete Rose. While he hits well from it and it helps him lay off bad pitches, the approach saps his bat speed, leading scouts to wonder how he’ll hit with wood bats. Phegley had no problems last season, as his .438 batting average was second nationally only to Buster Posey. This season, Phegley has not been as strong at the plate, going 9-46-.374 .478 .647. He has walked 27 times and struck out 23. Phegley’s defense is a concern, as he tends to lose focus, not an endearing trait for a catcher. He has a .981 fielding percentage. After allowing 11 passed balls last year, he has just three in 2009. Phegley has caught 22 percent of attempted base stealers.

Landon Hernandez – Hawaii

A 50th-round pick by Detroit last year, the 6-1, 215-pound senior hits from the right side. His 6-16-.277 .393 .482 line doesn’t excite many, but his defense does. Hernandez has a .991 fielding percentage and just two errors all season, during which he has caught 37 percent of attempted base stealers.

Trevor Coleman – Missouri

The Reds selected Coleman in the 38th round of the 2006 draft, but he opted for college. A 6-1, 215-pound junior right-handed hitter, Coleman has put up a line of 4-35-.295 .417 .416. He has walked 29 times and struck out 22. Coleman’s dad is a former pro tennis player and that athleticism has been passed down. Still, Coleman has allowed eight passed balls and committed seven errors for a .978 fielding percentage this season. He has thrown out 22 percent of attempted base thieves.

Tommy Medica – Santa Clara

Medica would have strengthened the class, but shoulder surgery ended his season after nine games. The 6-1, 190-pound junior likely will still be drafted because he has one of the stronger arms available. He threw out 37 percent of attempted base swipers in the Cape Cod League last summer and batted .352. Medica also can play the outfield.

Diego Seastrunk – Rice

The 5-10, 180-pound junior is small and might eventually return to third base, his natural position. An unselfish right-handed hitter, Seastrunk has terrific hand-eye coordination, is intelligent and is a team player. His offense has suffered as he has adjusted to catching, as he has a line of 3-24-.296 .427 .452. Seastrunk has 37 walks and 20 whiffs to go with a .973 fielding percentage and seven passed balls. Seastrunk, though, has nabbed 35 percent of would be base stealers. If he can remain behind the plate, his value greatly increases.

Preston Clark – Texas

A 5-11, 215-pound senior who hits from the right side, Clark was highly regarded coming out of high school but has struggled with the Longhorns. A 33rd-round pick of the Cubs in 2007, Clark was a 39th-rounder of the Indians coming out of high school. Clark is known for his character. He has a miserable line of 0-9-.225 .326 .228 this season, but a 1.000 fielding percentage. Clark has thrown out 30 percent of attempted sack stealers.

Brett Basham – Mississippi

A 16th-round pick of the White Sox last year, the 6-2, 203-pound senior right-handed hitter is known for his intelligence and excellent defense. Basham’s dad played baseball at Tennessee, while his mom was a volleyball player at Carson-Newman. Basham has struggled at and behind the plate this year, posting a line of 1-9-.236 .236 .347. He has a .977 fielding percentage and has nabbed a mere 17 percent of attempted base larcenists.

Richard Jones – The Citadel

A 6-foot, 210-pound junior left-handed hitter, Jones has been impressive at the plate this season, posting a line of 11-45-.359 .429 .629. He strikes out about twice as often as he walks and has a .985 fielding percentage. Jones has caught just 14 percent of attempted base stealers this season.

Others to watch: Mychie Lugbaer – Maine, Jack Murphy – Princeton, Cody Stanley – North Carolina-Wilmington, Michael Thomas – Southern, Seth Furmanek – Oral Roberts, Austin Goolsby – Embry Riddle, Yan Gomes – Barry, Travis Tartamella – California State-Los Angeles.

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