Sorry everyone on vacation. Try to answer some of the questions/comments:
1. Yes, there are many individuals/organizations that work with high school kids to help place them with colleges. Most charge a fee upfront just to begin the process. Play To Win is an example (http://ptwsports.com/). Gary Cohn has showcases for his clients and brings in college coaches. Another showcase is called "Dude Day" in So Cal run by another popular college adviser who has successfully placed kids based off his recommendations.
2. Regulation of the practice. What is meant by this is pretty simple. Just like anyone can't be an agent without MLB licenses, certification and now passing an exam, the same should be in place (in some capacity) for people serving in these roles helping high school players. There is a large amount of cash transactions that are taking place and people are getting screwed. If this is going to happen (and it is) then oversight and rules should be put in place.
3. MLB is simply starting starting with the Top 80 showcase. If anyone doesn't think that this is just the start and they don't want a piece of the Perfect Game action, you are nuts. Take a look at their strategic plan for 10 and 20 years. They want to expand to youth baseball to drive butts to seats for the big leagues.
4. College Coaches use certain trusted advisers more than you think. I know several mid-west and east coaches that use an adviser on the west coast exclusively to determine if they will budget for recruiting travel to the west. There are advisers that are linked to the higher end travel programs to avoid conflict of interest with the club owners who may have an affiliation with MLB or the NCAA.
5. The legitimate advisers with showcases help assistant coaches with additional income opportunities. This is where the networks are made. It's real life and it's also the reality of a low income college baseball coach. By making this more of a legitimate business and eliminating the illegitimate players in the game, it helps everyone.