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    Josh Phegley (Photo: Indiana University Athletics)


    Biographical Data
    Player Name:Josh Phegley
    Position:Catcher
    School:Indiana University
    School Type:College
    Academic Class:Junior
    Birthdate:2/12/88
    Height:5'11"
    Weight:215 lbs.
    Bats:Right
    Throws:Right
    Report Date(s):4/24-4/26/09
    Game(s):Michigan


    Focus Area
    Comments
    Hitting ability:Phegley has some serious hitting talent. He makes great adjustments at the plate, will take walks, drive the ball the other way, even with a slightly unorthodox setup with a deep crouch and the bat over his head.
    Power:Has loft power to all fields, but it's more strength-generated than from bat speed, making some wonder how it will translate to wood.
    Running speed:He is a well below-average runner.
    Base running:It's not a part of his game.
    Arm strength:Does have some arm strength, though he is sometimes too quick, which affects his accuracy.
    Fielding:His biggest question mark. While he calls his own game, he's not great at handling pitchers with a ton of movement. His hands are not soft.
    Range:Doesn't move well laterally, though blocking balls is not his biggest issue defensively.
    Physical Description:Phegley doesn't look like your prototypical Major League catcher. He's got a small, square body with some strength to it, kind of like a Paul LoDuca.
    Medical Update:Healthy.
    Strengths:Good hitting skills, loft power, very good makeup.
    Weaknesses:His overall defensive game is a liability at this point.
    Summary:Few question whether Phegley can hit. He's got great skills at the plate. The questions are about his abilities behind it. He does some things well as a catcher, like calling his own game, but he has real trouble with pitchers who have a lot of movement. The more you believe in the bat, the higher you may take him. If a team thinks he can catch every day, he'll go plenty early because of the offense. If not, he's still a solid MLB backup, though that's not the type you take as quickly.

    Full report >