1/12/11

Draft Q&A - C - Nicky Delmonico

 Mack: -  Morning boys and girls. We're talking today to one of the top catchers, if not THE top catcher in the upcoming 2011 MLB draft, Nicky Delmonico, out of Farragut High School, in Knoxville, Tn. Hey Nicky... Happy New Year!


Delmonico: -  Hey Mack! Thank you, so far its been a good one!


Mack:  -  He he... Let's go back to the first day you decided to be a catcher. Who influenced that or was it your own decision?

Delmonico: - Growing up I played all over the diamond.. Both of my brothers (Joey-Jr. @ UGA) (Tony-Dodgers) have turned into catchers; so it was easy for me to make the transition. Catching is fun for me! Calling the game, being in control of the defense and knowing that catching comes first and hitting is a plus. Its one of the toughest positions in baseball to do. I have a lot of support all the way from my family to mlb players. JP Arencibia has been a great influence on me and has helped me with the transition by talking to me about the game and what to expect at the next level.

Mack: - Nicky, I have a lot of parents of middle school kids that read me and, in your opinion, what is the one, most important, exercise someone can do to become a successful catcher?


Delmonico: -  Flexibility... Stretch, and have a routine for everything. Set goals to achieve so that you know what your working for to help motivate your hard work. What has helped me in my career is that I have been blessed to be around such great people and take great advantage to listen to them.

Mack:  Nicky, you have one more year to go... what part of your game are you going to concentrate on improving this season? Delmonico:- the mental side of my game is the thing that makes me the type of player I am. So for me to keep learning; going day to day about my business and knowing each day I'm getting better


Mack: -  we're going to leave it here... someday I hope to be asking you all those questions about your college or pro days, but for now, I don't have to tell you that 2011 is your most important year... is there anything you want to say to the readers out there?


Delmonico: - Yes; you are right but I have to take care of what things first. Winning a State Championship. Thanks Mack. Enjoyed the time. Hope all is well and a Happy New Year!

Mack:  same to you and God bless.

Delmonico: -  Thank you for that.

Some info on Nicky:

Nick Delmonico - C 1B Farragut Knoxville TN

6-13 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702  - C-3b-SS, Nick Delmonico, Farragut HS, Knoxville TN, 6'3 190, S/R, gamer, good bloodlines, solid ML arm with carry, runs just ok, biggest concern, also gets eaten up with good inside heat, will occasionally show power when he can fully extend his arms. Solid hands.

6-14-10 from: - http://prospectinsider.com/360mock.php  - 2011 Mock Draft – 17 Detroit Nick Delmonico, SS/C -- Farragut HS
6-15-10 from: - http://www.deepleagues.com/?p=1830  – 2011 Mock Draft - 21. Texas Rangers Nick Delmonico C, Knoxville, Tennessee

7-9-10 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-school-top-tens-catcher.html  - top 10 high school catchers - 6. Nick Delmonico- Farragut HS

7-7 from: - http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100707&content_id=12029396&vkey=news_usab&gid  - USA Baseball 9, N.Y. All-Stars 0 - QUEENS, N.Y. -- Four Team USA pitchers combined on a one-hit shutout to propel the USA Baseball 18U National Team over the Greater Alliance N.Y. All-Stars 9-0 Wednesday afternoon at Jack Kaiser Stadium in Queens, N.Y. Offensively five USA batters each notched two hits apiece Including Nicky Delmonico. Francisco Lindor added two RBIs Delmonico.

7/6 from: - http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100706&content_id=11987434&vkey=news_usab&gid  - the USA Baseball 18U National Team past the Greater Alliance N.Y. All-Stars 8-5 Tuesday afternoon at MCU Park in Coney Island, N.Y. - The 18U National Team regained the lead manufacturing three runs on three consecutive two-out RBI hits. Nicky Delmonico capped the big inning for Team USA with a RBI triple off the left center field wall.
7-13-10: - MaxPreps Junior All-American Baseball Team - Nicky Delmonico, Farragut (Knoxville, Tenn.), Infield - One of the top players in the class of 2011, Delmonico is a veteran of Team USA play and was a key factor in Farragut's three straight state championships in Tennessee. He batted .485 with 18 home runs 75 RBI, 12 doubles, 66 hits and 66 runs scored.

7-15 from: - http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100714&content_id=12257374&vkey=recap_usab  - The USA Baseball 18U National Team slugged 13 hits to swing past the Chaska Cubs 8-3 Wednesday night at Chaska Athletic Park. C Nicky Delmonico (Knoxville, Tenn.) ripped a two-run home run. Delmonico propelled USA to an early two-run lead courtesy of a mammoth two-run home run. The Knoxville, Tenn., product sent the 2-0 Andy Daulwater offering well over the right field wall to give the U.S. an early lead.

8-3 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/7/31/1598074/all-questions-answered#comments  - More of a solid player than a top-level talent to me. Above-average hitter with average power, fringe-average runner. Good arm, but not the most polished at catcher. Could end up at third base, but I think there’s a good chance he ends up at Georgia.

8-12-10 from: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/high-school/events/under-armour-preseason-all-america-tournament/2010/2610524.html  - C/1B - Farragut HS, Knoxville Delmonico is one of the top hitters in the 2011 class. He has a sweet lefthanded stroke with bat speed and barrel accuracy. He hit a walkoff home run to win a state title for Farragut. He's a good athlete who can play multiple positions. Catching gives him the highest draft value, but he has played first base for Team USA the last two summer and shortstop on his high school team. He has committed to Georgia.

8-29-10 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/8/16/1625615/2010-under-armour-all-american#comments  – How about Nicky Delmonico throwing guys out stealing (and stealing one himself)? And he’s definitely a kid who’s going to get stronger as he has a lot of room for muscle on his frame. The swing gets a little grooved at times, but his actions are good behind the plate.

10-12-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=157  - At #3, we quickly see the other end of the spectrum, a more prototype third baseman to the modern game. Nicky Delmonico (Farragut HS,TN) fits the “oversized shortstop” mold, standing 6’2”. He’s also an early-round prospect as a catcher for many of the same reasons; good hands and a strong arm to go with a powerful lefthanded bat.

Thoughts:  I have him right now as the 4th catcher picked in the draft, ehich would translate as either a 2nd or 3rd round pick.

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