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Just because there is major talent in Illinois!! The Cream of the Crop

B BBWatcher100+ posts
Hey, maybe some Illinois websters got the wrong Idea about my post, Illinois is loaded with talent, I've always known that!! Matter a fact I think year to year their talent is above most national recognition that they usually receive!! I was suggesting to change some topics to round out the forum, not to cause some kind of problem or to stir the pot!! The wider the scope of information, the larger the base of websters is what I was thinking. The more regional in base, the better it will be for recognition, Illinois or not!!

Now, let's get to the topic that I wanted to post. I have checked frequently on the status of High School Baseball Players from the state of Illinois, more of late than of the last year or so. I know that you have a "Cream of the Crop" list that is put out I think by the Illinois High School Coaches. How is that list determined?? I realize that it is from the coaches, but do they determine that based on stats, tournaments, summer games played or just rosters?? Who submits the names?? I know that both the coaches from the schools and opposing coaches have some input but who determines a go or no go on the list?? To give you an example here is a link that shows the list. What determines this list?? This website is so organized It could be a model for most State High School Baseball Programs!! I wish Nebraska had something that was this organized!!

Cream of the Crop List

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B BeenthereILHSBBWeb Old Timer
The Cream of the Crop is just that, some of the best players in Illinois.

What some kids have learned, including some of the kids on my sons team, is the fact that your high school COACH has to be involved in the nominating and recommending process to be selected for anything.

If they (the various organizations that select all star teams/players) don't know about someone...can't pick him!
T TALENTSEEKR10+ posts
hitnrun...totally agree with you. This list hurts the credibility of IHSBCA. Too many extremely talented kids left off. How do you think these players feel?

I have an idea. The IHSBCA should take a poll and have this group decide on who should go on the list. I would bet that everyone of our posters would agree on most of who belongs there and would give credibility to the "cream of the crop" list!
B BBWatcher100+ posts
Are there other lists of players from Illinois that you feel are more representative of the level that these players are at, other than the Cream of the Crop?? If so, could you show us a link, give us some indication on how we could view the information?? What are your suggestions to improve this current list other than hang these guys up by the thumbs?? Aren't they your coaches?? Isn't it obvious that they are only going to be posting the players that they observe in the summer, if that is what the list is for!! Seems simple enough, but on face value according to the post that I am seeing, these list aren't representative!! I assume the player at the top of the "Cream of the Crop" likes the listing just the way it is!!
P pitchdoc24100+ posts
I think it is safe to say that the guys who do appear as the Cream of the Crop, deserve to be on there. Whether there are others who are left off the list further down, is another story. Keep in mind, the COTC are 04's.

Now that I look at the list again, I do not see Joe Dunigan (St. Iggy)...going to U of Oklahoma. I believe Baseball America listed him as the top draft prospect in the state of Illinois this year. He is not even listed on the 2004 Best of the Rest.

Playhard...that is two of your guys not on this list..Rodriguez and Dunigan. Where are you??
B BeenthereILHSBBWeb Old Timer
Fellas...We should lighten up on the people that make up the list and put it on the site.

Too, this list is usually also printed for the program at the Summer State Tournament.

If no one submits the name of a player, how are they going to print it? Osmosis?

It is the coach who is responsible for submitting the names to the Association.
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I indians08100+ posts
One catcher that has been overlooked is Matt Behren of Holy Cross. One of my buddies who caught in college worked with Behren and was impressed with the kid. Here are just some things to mention about the kid…this will be his 4th year as a varsity starter, has made all-conference twice, hit around .450 last year (from the left side) and runs a 7.0. Throw in a 1.9 pop time and this kid is pretty solid. He also played in the Stevenson Showcase last year as well. He has been working with ex-Cross player and current Marlins minor-leaguer Joe Mazzuca. He is also training with a strength and conditioning coach, Thurman Hendrix out of Gottlieb Fitness Center. Stevens and Behren could be one of the best combos in the area. Behren will be playing with the Melrose Indians this summer as well.

Bill Dwoinen Jr
Assistant Coach Melrose Indians Baseball www.melroseindians.com
B ballfan100+ posts
The coaches are asked to list any player that they feel belongs on this list. A kid doesn't have to be on the varsity to project as a player to be watched. If you have a special freshman or soph. you are encouraged to put his name on the list and they will list his name in the respective graduation year. I don't know why some schools leave players off that list. However, the kid does not need to play summer to be considered. The names are due in before the summer season starts. There are mistakes on the list but, there are mistakes with all prospect lists. Don't read too much into it. It may just start a line of communication between a particular schoola nd a player. Finally, there are kids that are playing travel ball throughout the state that didn't put up impressive numbers during the HS season. If that is the case, then are they not a prospect? Just because a kid has a poor spring doesn't mean that he in deserving of the recognition. Take Joe Dunnigan for example. College schloarship, top prospect, projected power hitter at the next level. only a handful of HR's his junior year. He is still a major prospect. Don't bash the boys on the list until you have seen them play.
E express10+ posts
SOSA : B.Schlitter was clocked at 90mph at WHITE SOX showcase in june then with the ILLINOIS EXPRESS was clocked in late july in 95 degrees and high humidity in evansville ,in. at 88mph during their run to one of their 2 1st place 18u tournaments I just found out he was touching 92 mph from a scout two weeks ago keep it going B
B BeenthereILHSBBWeb Old Timer
I've seen enough throwing 90, sox, including the tops of the '02 and '03 class.

Surprising that all of these local 90+ throwers aren't being mentioned anywhere as draft prospects.

When Kris Honel was drafted at #1 a few years ago, besides his curve ball, he cruised 87-90...Touching 91-92 into the 3rd and 4th inning.

I suppose, based on what I've read on these boards with the Chicago-area pitching talent, we should have about 18-20 first round high school pitchers in June!

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