Quincy, your points on the costs and the process of the NTIS are well taken. The costs and efforts in getting to Cary for 8 trials spots do seem expensive. But what high level national baseball tournament isn't? If the only goal is to obtain one of the eight spots for the 2011 16's and 18's there are going to be many disappointed players and parents.
I see the NTIS searching for the best method for identifing the top players/canidates for Team USA. Making adjustments to their model is how they will achieve this. This year in N. Cal our local NTIS rep is hosting a three day showcase open to all players with college recruiters in attendance. That will provide value for the players not selected to advance. Cost $195. No further tryouts necessary. Additional team cost once you make the team $150. A large expense for us will be the travel and lodging.
Once you get an invite to the trials the future player costs are covered by Team USA. Patriot Son was fortunate enough last year to make it all the way to Ecuador. It certainly was an experience of a lifetime. Something that might never come around again. We are very gratefully to all involved and have nothing but praise for the way our son was treated from beginning to end.