Originally Posted by roothog66:
You might want to take another look at that. In fact, their ranking of 12yo's has been remarkably accurate in at least a few years. I actually charted this a few years ago and found, for example, that for one season (when Bryce Harper was 12) their top 10 consisted of 4 eventual first round draft choices. All the others but one attended D1 schools and the one landed at a prominent D3. However, when you're talking the absolute cream of the crop, picking 10 players, even at the age of 12, who will find success isn't all that hard.
But how much of that success is because of the notoriety from being on some list? What you’re saying is that out of the millions of 12YOs playing the game, BA is able to correctly project the best. That would carry more weight with me if scouts and ML teams were better able to project HS and college players.
Stats when was the last time you went to a 12 year old tournament? You should go to a good one - make sure it is in fact a good one - it is amazing how a handful of those kids will jump out at you. It would take an utter collapse of epic proportions for them not to be a D1 player or draft pick when their time comes. I mean when a kid of 12 is throwing 70-75 he has 6 years to put on 15 mph! Not even 3mph a year! And presumably his maturation and biggest growth is yet to come! Explain to me how that kid is anything other than a D1 prospect at 12 years old? Then there are the 12 year olds with 80mph exit velocities. Given the 1.15 bats there may even be a few over 90 somewhere. Kids who have the ball just jump off the bat and leave you with your jaw dropped. It is really pretty amazing what some of these kids can do. And it doesn't take a seasoned scout to see they have a future. It is that next level that we need the scouts and showcases for. I for one am all for it.