![]() After it became clear Omar (Narváez) wasn't going to be available, we began to see what, if any, of there might be availability from catchers who were currently in the testing cohort either at the big-league level or the alternate site. "You can't sign someone who is out of the testing cohort and immediately have them active. "This is a different transactional world we're living in," president of baseball operations David Stearns said. "So, we just needed to bring another catcher into the organization, and somebody with familiarity works out great."Įven better, the Brewers were able to get Nottingham into the lineup Sunday for the series finale with the Los Angeles Dodgers the day after Maile played all 11 innings – no small feat during the pandemic. "With what’s happened and the structure of just how the rules work in the game right now, we just got in a bind with not having any catching," manager Craig Counsell said. "If something would have happened in the game yesterday, for example, or something like that, we didn’t have anyplace to go with catching. ![]() He headed to Seattle but was designated for assignment Saturday, setting the stage for his reunion with the Brewers. Milwaukee initially designated Nottingham for assignment April 22 and the Mariners claimed him Wednesday. Nottingham is an aggressive player who has a good understanding for the game.The Milwaukee Brewers welcomed Jacob Nottingham back into the fold Sunday, and not a moment too soon.Ĭaught in a bind Saturday when Mario Feliciano – who'd played three games above advanced Class A in the minor leagues – had to be called up as Luke Maile's backup at catcher, the Brewers sent cash to the Seattle Mariners to re-acquire Nottingham and complete a whirlwind few days for the 26-year-old. Defensively, he has the tools necessary to become a steady receiver and has a good arm. His swing has a tendency to get long, but he doesn’t get cheated at the plate. Nottingham’s best asset is his power, which has the potential to develop into a plus tool. He is committed to Oklahoma for baseball, if he doesn’t sign with a Major League team after the Draft. BibliographyĪ two-sport standout for Redlands, Nottingham chose baseball over a scholarship offer to play tight end at Arizona. With some focus on catching in college, he could definitely shoot up boards. He went later than what Baseball America had him rated at as the 115th prospect, so he could see his value improve. That's his ultimate ceiling that you can dream on. With his plate discipline giving above-average level OBP skills and then power, he could be an all-star level catcher. I can see his upside of being above average defensively and having plus power from the right side. If that happens he could be a reserve outfielder with some pop in pinch hit situations as his major league floor. With that, a corner outfield position is not out of the question. He could end up putting on too much strength and outgrows catcher. If it doesn't work out, he runs well enough and has the arm for right field. ![]() He currently is posting pop times in the 1.9 range and could get better as he cleans up his throwing motion. He currently shows some good receiving skills and has a strong arm. He has the athleticism, he has the understanding and is smart enough to take it all on though. No matter how good of a receiver, blocker, any catching aspect you are out of high school, it's a long way to being a good one at the major league level. So, even though there are holes in his swing, he could have a pretty good OBP down the road.ĭefensively is where the major project aspect comes in. He also has a pretty good eye and discipline. The batting average won't be great, but it can be good enough. It's actually quite easy to see a scenario where he provides plus power. But, his strength and height create very good leverage to create some loft in his swing and project for power. He's going to have to shorten up his swing and get his hands lower. ![]() He moves very well and will only improve now that he's focused on baseball.Īt the plate, the swing is long. ![]() I've already described his frame, but now you can understand the level of athleticism people see with him. Now he's faced with the decision to play for the Astros. He was offered a scholarship to play tight end at Arizona but chose a baseball scholarship to Oklahoma. Then, you see him put on catcher's gear and his defensive value shoots up! He then steps into the batters box and has a tall stance and you see a guy with power. At first look, he looks like a right fielder as he stands 6-3 and is very lean, yet strong at 200 pounds. He's definitely a project, but the upside definitely there. If you want some upside and some projection, this kid has it. ![]()
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