Jake
Kapers

4.19.18 - Valparaiso commit. Currently ranked No. 67 in the Illinois 2018 class. 6-foot, 170-pound, right-handed hitting catcher, high-waisted, strong build. Showed well defensively for the Caravan. Soft hands, solid receiving skills, showed capable blocking skills with fluid footwork and quick recovery. Worked at his craft diligently in between innings as well as during the game. Quick, clean transfer, short arm, over the top slot, present arm speed, gets rid of it, rhythm throughout. Throws carried with accuracy down to second. Pop time clocked at 2.10. Offensively hits from a tall, open stance, drop load, leg lift trigger. Uphill bat path, can get loopy at times, utilizes his lower half well. Finished 1-for-3 on the day with a run scored and one stolen base.

4.24.17 - Valparaiso commit. Currently ranked No. 53 in the Illinois’ 2018 class. Listed at 6-foot, 170-pounds, strong, athletic build, defined lower half,  looks more physical than he did in the winter. Went 1-for-2 with a solo homerun to start the scoring for Mount Carmel, two walks and scored three runs. Starts from a tall, open setup, slight pre-pitch rhythm, stays short to the ball and simple overall approach. Defensively, showed off a strong, accurate, true arm from behind the plate, in between innings; consistently 2.11-2.12 and on the bag. Flexible behind the plate, quiet receiver, presents pitches well and is an agile blocker.

2.19.17 - Valparaiso commit. 6-foot, 170-pound utility player, athletic shape. Projects best behind the plate. Defensively arm action is short and over the top, showed carry and accuracy 78 mph out of the crouch, 89 mph from the outfield, 87 mph across the infield. Soft hands receiving the baseball, quiet setup, exchange is quick and clean, 1.94-2.04 pop times, blocks well, athletic . Right-handed hitter, open stance with taller setup, drops hands in to load, leg lift stride back to square. Path is short, showed bat speed, line drive gap to gap approach. 87 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.22 runner in the 60.

6.8.16 - 6-foot, 165-pound right-handed hitting C/2B. Offensively hits from a balanced, slightly open stance with a short stride and good balance. Gap to gap hitter with a short, level swing path and fluid rhythm. Back spinned balls in batting practice. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. Ran the 60 at 7.42. Defensively took drills behind the plate and in the infield. Short arm action from an over the top slot. Quick exchange behind the plate. Popped 2.09-2.19 and threw 73 mph from the crouch. Soft hands in the infield with fluid footwork and athletic actions. Threw 82 mph across the infield.

1.17.16 - 6-foot, 165-pound two-way player, projects best behind the plate, athletic frame with strength, younger brother to 2015 graduate Scott Kapers (Valparaiso). Defensively showed advanced catch and release skills, quick efficient transfer, clean with soft hands, good actions receiving the baseball. Arm action is short, over the top slot, typical catchers arm action, flashed carry, 73 mph out of the crouch. Pop times ranged 2.01-2.15. Also flashed some abilities on the infield, arm played at 80 mph across the diamond. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, smooth loading action. 79 mph exit velocity from the tee. 7.49 runner in the 60. On the mound, arm played similar, over the top slot, loose arm, regular effort. Fastball is mostly straight with slight action, 77-80 mph. Curveball has 12/6 gradual action, showed feel for the zone, 66-68 mph. Slider has 10/4 action, 72-73 mph. Changeup sinks, 69-70 mph, near fastball arm speed.

10.2.15 - 5-foot-11, 160-pound right handed hitting catcher. Defensively, showed well behind the plate. Solid receiving abilities with soft hands. Blocked well and plays with energy. Popped a 2.05 in between innings. Interesting catcher in the 2018 that should continue to develop as he gains strength.