EAST COAST PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL SHOWCASE
A rare pitching feat at UNCW
By Chuck Carree
Staff Writer
chuck.carree@starnewsonline.com
Outcomes of games are insignificant in showcases because scouts and recruiters look for physical tools.
But what happened on Friday, the next-to-last day of the East Coast Professional Baseball Showcase at Brooks Field, was worth noticing.
A rare thing happened: Back-to-back no-hitters were thrown. Officials said consecutive no-no’s were firsts in the six-year history of the event at UNC-Wilmington.
First, Minnesota Twins’ hurlers Jonathan Niese, Michael Bowden and Tommy Hunter combined on a gem in a 3-1 victory over a team sponsored by the Chicago Cubs.
Bowden, a 6-foot-4, 215-pound right-hander from Aurora, Ill, was the most impressive, according to a scout.
Bowden struck out eight in three innings.
Two-way player Justin Bristow, the third Cubs’ pitcher in the game, lived up to the hype in a three-inning stint. A 6-4, 206-pound right-hander from Richmond, Va., Bristow allowed only one hit and struck out four. Bristow, also an infielder, consistently threw 90-92 mph.
"His value will come from being on the mound,’’ one scout said.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ pitchers Caleb Graham, Michael Kirkman and Samuel Dyson combined for the second gem in a 5-1 triumph over the Florida Marlins.
Kirkman, a raw 6-4, 185-pound left-hander from Lake City, Fla., allowed an unearned and struck out three, but walked four in three innings.
"He’s a guy, though, worth following in the spring,’’ one scout said.
One scout indicated Marlins’ starter Buster Posey, a 6-1, 180-pound right-hander from Leesburg, Ga., might have thrown the hardest.
"He showed some arm strength,’’ one scout said.
Posey, also a shortstop, gave up one hit and two walks in four innings.
The showcase ended Saturday and it was evident to scouts Justin Upton, a 6-1, 185-pound shortstop-center fielder from Chesapeake, Va., was the top player.
"He already has a pro body,’’ one scout said.
"He’s got all the tools,’’ another scout said. "He’s a strong kid with some instincts with a plus arm and plus speed. Of course, his bat is above average too.’’
Upton also ran the fastest 60-yard time, 6.37 seconds, in the event. Marlins’ outfielders Eddie Rush and L.V. Ware were next at 6.46 and 6.54, respectively.
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