Commonwealth East Region Team

Who did make the team?

I can't speak to the specifics of these kids, but there is a large pool to draw from when you merge AAA, AA, A and privates. If you want to be a lock, you better be a first team all region selection, not just all district. That said, some of the teams have different philosophies from year to year, especially since the rosters are limited.

Some coaches will take as many two way players that they can, figuring they can never have enough arms. Others will pick a field/batting lineup with one or two subs, plus as many pitcher-only players as they can get, figuring they can get more out of these pitchers. It varies from year to year.

It also is being played the same time that the 17u WWBA is being played in Atlanta. Alot of the kids will be there.

First off as a former player on the Commonwealth team back in 99, I have my own opinion on the team and the coaches and where that team stands in my eyes today. First and foremost politics play a big roll. I know guys that made the team back when I played that had no business being on the team and a lot of guys that were questionable. Paying close attention the last 4 to 5 years to HS ball and the Commonwealth team, I have seen the cuts that have been made and the kids that have made the team. It saddens me to say this but I believe it has turned into a whose dad is friends with the coach and what has your dad contributed to the coaches school type of team. Not to mention many sub par coaches who haven’t played the game since HS. In response to the opening question about the two Cox kids they without a doubt should have made the team. Let’s take a look at them. Zach 6-3 195 pound kid, a solid 3rd baseman would hit .380ish with 14 plus RBI’s and was one of the team leaders and Chase 6-1 185 pound kid who batted .429 with 18 RBI’s and one of if not the best arm in right field in the beach. *The only other that comes to mind in Pat Harrington of Kellam* and I would give it to Chase. Oh and he pitched and beat the number 1 team in the nation in regional’s and went 5-8 with a homerun. How do these kids get left off the Commonwealth team? I know ****ting coaching and politics. Unfortunately politics will be a part of most everything in life. I just think it is a true loss to have two kids with their talent left off that team. It really makes me frustrated as a former player and an avid fan of the game to see this. This was a great opportunity for them to get exposure. That’s OK they will both go D1 without a doubt in my mind and will do it without playing for Commonwealth team. In respect to others that I did not mention from other schools, well that’s a different thread.

With the proliference of showcasing and lots of other ways to get seen these days, I wouldn't worry about a deserving kid that didn't make this team. Sure, there are quite a few scouts at this event. However, these same scouts will be at the showcase tournaments this summer and especially in the fall. This event isn't what it was once cracked up to be. And I say this as the parent of a kid that was on the team.

Grasscutter- I respectfully disagree. At least when it came to my son, there was not a more important event. If you want to go to school in VA (or even a bordering state), I would HIGHLY recommend attendance at the Commonwealth Games if possible. I'm not sure Chris would be attending UVA next year were it not for his performance at that event last summer... and he is not alone. I read somewhere that Ryan Zimmerman was set to attend JMU until UVA saw him at the Commonwealth Games and made him an offer.

Congrats to those that were selected, you will not be disappointed in the number of schools represented at the event...all you need to do is perform.

As for the East Roster, it must be an impressive group of kids for Zach and Chase not to be selected, because they were very important factors in the Falcons' success this year and if given the chance I believe they could've had a similar impact on the East Team. Does anyone have the complete roster?

Chris,I would have to second that.I believe it is the best event in the Mid Atlantic Region.If only for the fact that there is only one game at a time.Other events have more schools represented, but they are so spread out you may only have 5 to 10 scouts at a game.It is a truley amazing site to see 120+ pro and college scouts raise there radar guns at the same pitch at the same time.Every school from SC to NJ has at least one coach at this event.Not to mention at least one scout from all MLB teams.

No problem. Everyone has differing opinions and experiences. I can say that in my sons experience, he had a TERRIBLE commonwealth weekend, so I don't know what that garnered him. The following fall showcase season was an entirely different experience and I believe that is what made the D1's and pros come calling.

quote:

Originally posted by Chris Taylor:
Grasscutter- I respectfully disagree. At least when it came to my son, there was not a more important event. If you want to go to school in VA (or even a bordering state), I would HIGHLY recommend attendance at the Commonwealth Games if possible. I'm not sure Chris would be attending UVA next year were it not for his performance at that event last summer... and he is not alone. I read somewhere that Ryan Zimmerman was set to attend JMU until UVA saw him at the Commonwealth Games and made him an offer.


Chris,
I have to agree with you. Ive heard from several parents the exposure at this event is unmatched.
I do know some kids Dean Ali, John Bowman, Buddy Lawson, Cameron Day . I am looking forward to it and hope it lives up to the hype.Ive heard one field, 4 teams and losts of radar guns and stop watches!!!

Congrats to those that were selected, you will not be disappointed in the number of schools represented at the event...all you need to do is perform.

As for the East Roster, it must be an impressive group of kids for Zach and Chase not to be selected, because they were very important factors in the Falcons' success this year and if given the chance I believe they could've had a similar impact on the East Team. Does anyone have the complete roster?

Politics are everywhere, but the year my youngest was a junior, he contacted the North coaches and asked to try out, went to the tryouts as a total unknown (we're from a small high school in the Valley and the North team is predominantly northern Virginia schools), and was selected, as was another relatively unknown, at least to the northern Virginia folks. It can happen so "proactive" is the word.

It was THE best exposure and THE best event he attended among all of the camps and showcases. First class event, unmatched exposure in the Commonwealth of Virginia,with all ACC schools represented and several from the SEC, plus lots of others. I counted somewhere between 100-125 scouts/coaches watching. Some schools had as many as three scouts there.

Several players got invited to the East Coast Pro Showcase on the spot during the Commonwealth Games.

Looks like 5 or 6 players from the Peninsula made the team

Peninsula Players

quote:

Several players got invited to the East Coast Pro Showcase

Hokie - what is this showcase? 2011 son will play for the 2009 north team - can you tell me where I can find out information on the East Coast Pro Showcase?

The East Coast Showcase is run by MLB. It is now in Lakeland, Florida. A player must be invited by a MLB scout whose MLB team is sponsoring a team at the event itself. A parent/player cannot invite the player to these events. There is basically nothing that you can do to go to this event unless you are invited due to your ability.

East Coast Pro

Sorry No Way the u17 WWBA in Atlanta far exceeds the exposure you will get in Roanoke. Been to both no doubt about it. It is a good event though.

any player who is selected to participate in the commonwealth games and passes it over is making a big mistake. over 50-60 colleges on hand, d-3 , d2 d1 from Maryland, virgins, the carolinas. unless the kid walks on water be there