June 6, 2013

BP Unfiltered

Dissecting the Draft: Reese McGuire (Player Report)

by Nick J. Faleris

Reese McGuire | C | Kentwood HS (Covington, WA)
Ht/Wt: 6-1/190 | B/T: L/R | Age at Draft: 18y 3m

Grading Out:

	Current	Future
Hit:	25/30	50
Power:	25	50
Arm:	55/60	60
Defense:	40/45	60/65
Speed:	45	45
Feel:	45	60/65
Overall Future Potential:		53/55
Adjusted OFP:		53/59

McGuire in 140 characters or less:

Advanced lateral actions, catch-and-throw game; rapidly improving receiver;.hit utility questions; sure fire backstop at highest level.

Physical Description:

Solid build; durable. Very good quickness in feet. Flexible and nimble; fits physical profile for catcher. Fringy foot speed but aggressive.

Defense:

McGuire shows good lateral movement and excels at blocking and deadening balls in the dirt, allowing for quick recovery, which aids in preventing runners from claiming an extra base. He is a capable receiver who is rapidly improving that aspect of his game, showing soft hands and, more importantly, flexibility paired with dexterity. As McGuire gains reps and is exposed to pro pitching and instruction, he should quickly grow this part of his game with a shot at making pitch framing a future strength. The catch-and-throw game is above-average, regulalry popping 1.90 to 1.98 in-game.

Bat:

McGuire shows core strength and good hips, helping to produce pull-side power and potentially average or better over-the-fence pop as he matures. Over the summer, his 5 o'clock power outdistanced his in-game thump, in part due to a conscious effort to trade leverage for bat control. There is potential for an average offensive profile that, combined with an above-average defensive game, could make him an All-Star.

Discussion:

There is a whole lot to like about McGuire, from his actions behind the dish to his improving offensive game. He shows a lot of confidence on the field and is aggressive in trying to cut down the running game, including routinely throwing behind runners that stray to far off the bag. The biggest risk with popping a high school catcher early in the draft is the inherent difficulty in developing both a demanding set of defensive responsibilities and trying to keep your bat up to speed against rapidly improving competition at each minor league level. Additionally, the grind of a long pro season adds another potential pitfall.

Projected position: Above-average to average catcher on first division team

Suggested draft slot: Early- to mid-1st Round

Videos:

Catcher Preview Video (includes McGuire)

Nick J. Faleris is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @NickJFaleris
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