Scouting Report (via MLB Bonus Baby and Baseball America):
- bat is his strength
- needs a lot of work on defense
- enough tools to become MLB starter
- extremely raw, late riser
Tall and projectable at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, catcher Sawyer has committed to UC Riverside, where he could take over the catching duties after Rob Brantly departs for pro ball. Sawyer has a smooth and whippy righthanded swing and profiles as an average to plus hitter with similar power. His bat is hindered by two factors: He swings down at pitches, preventing his cut from being on the same plane as the ball, and he wraps the bat barrel behind his head, adding length to his swing. As a catcher, Sawyer has handled quality pitches well, showing fine hands along with a comfortable, quiet receiving style. Teams aren’t sure they want to buy Sawyer out of his Riverside commitment, in part because he needs to strengthen his throwing arm and quicken his release. His pop times hover around 2.12 seconds and will improve with the proper adjustments. If he continues to develop, Sawyer could follow Brantly’s draft path in 2013.
Vitals & School
- Scripps Ranch HS
- DOB: 11/14/1991
- C
- 6′ 3″
- 185 lbs.
- Throws: Right
- Bats: Right
More info:
Andy Seiler on Sawyer:
Not as high on him as some, but intriguing bat. Really don’t think he’ll stick at catcher, but has big offensive ceiling for the position. Above-average hitter, plus raw power. Saw him as 6th-10th round pick, but UC Riverside commitment might not come at slot or below.
Video:
Overall Thoughts:
Sawyer reminds me of Michael Ohlman, the catcher the Orioles signed for $990,000 in last years draft. I like Sawyer’s bat, but his lack of a true defensive home worries me. It appears the Orioles were tempted by his bat, and he and Ohlman should form a nice young catching prospect duo, assuming he’s signed.
