James
Shank

Shank is a 6-foot, 170-pound catcher from Pleasant Valley HS. He will be attending the Pre-Season All-State Showcase on February 23.

7/18/13 Shank showcased throws of 68 mph from the crouch and pop times of 2.13-2.16. The 6-foot, 160-pound backstop displayed a quick transfer, accurate throws and the ability to gain ground on release. Shank hits out of a square stance with very little stride creating a bat exit velocity of 81 mph. He displayed a short swing path and the ability to barrel the baseball often during his round of batting practice.

2/23/13 Shank is a 6-foot, 170-pound prospect that showed promise in all facets of the game. Defensively he turned in pop times of 2.06-2.18 on throws of 70 mph out of the crouch. Shank showed quick hands and a clean exchange that resulted in similar times as catchers with greater arm strength. Offensively Shank hits out of a slightly open stance and closes to contact. He displayed a bat exit velocity of 80 mph that would be maximized with better extension to his swing.