Bare Minimum 60 time to play 2B in College?

You'd also have to specify the level of baseball. There are D1s where the coach crosses your name off his list if your 60 time is the wrong number and there are schools in some of the lower divisions that I could probably walk onto right now. A 7.0 might not cut it at some places, that might standout at another school. Regardless, the speed is not relevant until the you prove the bat and glove are there. That should be the focus

The second baseman at the school my 2019 is committed to (D1) is about 5'9 and built like a linebacker. There are times where he'll single on a ball hit off the wall, but he's batting .400 and fields his position pretty well. The opening day starter fields the ball better than most SS and runs like a gazelle, but is hitting about .190. Who do you start? 

There really is no minimum. The same way there are effective D1 guys throwing 83. If you can get outs you'll get mound time. If you can hit you'll have a spot in the field. Don't stress about the time, just worry about how he can get faster in general. 

Reaction time and how quickly he can turn two may matter more than a couple of tenths of a second on the sixty time.

RJM posted:

Reaction time and how quickly he can turn two may matter more than a couple of tenths of a second on the sixty time.

I would agree. If it is 7.5+ that might be a straight unseen no but if it is somewhat decent I think it can still work  if 60 isnt great.

Is he a smooth fielder at third or more a clunky corner guy who can play third occasionally but is more of a 1b/dh really?

If he is a good fielding 3b with some range and fluid footwork I don't see why he couldn't play second. And if he isn't he probably won't be a college 3b either as college coaches can pick from many former shortstops and might not want to play a 1b/emergency 3b guy at third.

I would say if he is a real 3b prospect and not just a guy who plays 3rd in hs because he can hit and  handle the minimum routine plays I think he could also play second.

Agreed.  If he can handle third, he can probably play second.....though the second baseman typically has to cover quite a bit of ground, especially if the 1B is slow.  Pop ups behind him from 2B all the way into foul territory behind 1B and also anything that's not deep enough to get out t the RF

At the school my son is committed to just about everyone who plays at 2B and 3B was recruited as a SS (according to their PG profile).  Their HS 60 times ranged from 6.7 to 7.0 (again, according to PG).  

I watched a mid level D1 the other night who had a 6'3" 230 pound second baseman so you can't put everyone in a box.  He made every play and hit it very well.  He was a first baseman who got moved.  One of the few power hitting second baseman I could find.

Dominik85 posted:

RJM posted:

Reaction time and how quickly he can turn two may matter more than a couple of tenths of a second on the sixty time.

Is he a smooth fielder at third or more a clunky corner guy who can play third occasionally but is more of a 1b/dh really?

 

He is smooth at 3B.  Good footwork, good arm.  Lacks elite speed.  The Bat is legit and power is developing (so far... There is always another level of pitching a kid has to prove he can hit.  He is just a 16U player on one of the top travel teams in the Midwest. Nobody is talking about moving him up to 17U, no Area Code invites etc).

Even at "lower levels" of college baseball speed, quickness, defense is a priority for SS/2B, but in the end any program willing to make an offer. 

Programs recruit; 1) Pitchers 2) Mashers 3) Up the middle. Don't try to put a square peg in a round hole. 

Plenty of factors:

Game speed - ability to read off the bat, quickness to the ball, quick release, throwing velocity, arm slot, ability to throw across the body on a ground ball up the middle.  All these things can take away from a 6.7 sec guy or add value to a 6.9 guy.

Strong Home to First time placing him in the one or two spot in the lineup... assuming a consistent bat to get on base and advance runners.

Focus on the 6.9 sec level first and continue to refine glove and fielding actions...the 60 time will improve while game speed improves.  

Absolutely agree with MidAtlanticDad on this one.   I think it is great your son is filling a temporary need, but he needs to be seen at the best position he projects to play at the next level.   Because he has to get to the next level first and foremost.  The College Coach will decide where to put him based on many future factors.  

So, this weekend I played golf with 3 of my son's former college teammates (they were in his wedding party).   All three of these guys were infielders (3rd, SS and 1st) when they graduated but got put in the outfield as freshmen because of their bats.   None had played outfield prior to college, so they learned.   So, my point is get there first then figure it out later.   Versatility is a great thing once you get there.

As always, JMO.

fenwaysouth posted:

Absolutely agree with MidAtlanticDad on this one.   I think it is great your son is filling a temporary need, but he needs to be seen at the best position he projects to play at the next level.   Because he has to get to the next level first and foremost.  The College Coach will decide where to put him based on many future factors.  

So, this weekend I played golf with 3 of my son's former college teammates (they were in his wedding party).   All three of these guys were infielders (3rd, SS and 1st) when they graduated but got put in the outfield as freshmen because of their bats.   None had played outfield prior to college, so they learned.   So, my point is get there first then figure it out later.   Versatility is a great thing once you get there.

As always, JMO.

As someone already commented on the OP, fast enough to get the job done and noticed.  Son in HS was SS/2nd, 60 ranged from 6.9 - 7.3, with around 7.0/7.1 being his average.  D1 moved  him to OF since inf was too crowded.  Even though he never played a game as college MI he was projected by MLB to be MI.  Thus even in pros an "average" speed isn't as important as all the other characteristics mentioned.  Play where they put you, do the best you can, train and prepare like there is no tomorrow,  and if the cards fall right your versatility can only help you.

Appreciate the replies.  It is long past me having any influence over what position he showcases at or is recruited at.  That is up to his travel coaches.

Just something I was wondering about.  And I recognize that it is good to be versatile. 

A local kid is playing 2B at a small Christian College, fundamentally solid player with a decent bat but SLOW!  8.0 60, but he found a level of play and will get to enjoy baseball for 4 more years!