06/19/2009 - USA Baseball 16U Championships (FL) - 2009 John is a young catcher with a small, thin frame that shows projection as he continues to physically mature and fill out. Foot speed is below average and he needs to get on a speed / agility program to improve foot quickness for the next level. He shows a solid set up allowing his glove action to work around the baseball, presenting a solid view to umpire. Receiving skills are near above average. Blocking skills are above average as he shows off his athletic ability in getting his body down and around the baseball, centering all balls. Pop times are above average through solid average arm strength. He must get on a strict long toss program to aid in further developing more arm strength, lowering pop times. At the plate, Smirles has solid average ability with slightly above average power. Swing path is compact and he keeps his hands through the baseball at the point of contact. Hands are quick and direct to the baseball, generating bat speed. He is a quality bunter that gets the job done. He was 4 for 8 at the event with 3 BB. With 2 years to further develop, John has potential and will catch the eyes of the collegiate coaches as he continues to improve.