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My nephew just attended a showcase mainly 08 grads where he was outstanding as a pitcher and also had a showcase best 60 time of 6.54. His velocity was a very consistant 82-83 and topped at 84; excellent control/command. Stats: 2008; 5'10/150; LHP/OF. Junior season high school; minimal pitching due to injury, offensive: 488 avg, 590 OPB & 27 for 27 steals; above avg defensive skills. NO power! Just completed outstanding summer both as pitcher and position player playing in one of the top programs on the W. Coast and competing against top flight national competition up to 19U age groups. He's had minimal contact from any program; a few form leters and e-mail invites to camps (for cost). He's happy playing either position. Any suggestions on weather he should focus on 1 position exclusively going forward?
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What does HE WANT to do? Just looking at his bio I would suggest the outfield. With his speed and his OBP he looks like a top of the lineup hitter that can steal bases and cover a lot of ground in the outfield.
Who can say for sure but since you asked I will respond. As the father of a two way player (Catcher /Pitcher) in HS and college I suggest he focus on his OF position while throwing a pen now and then to keep his pitching mechanics. If he chooses to focus on the outfield the most important aspect of his position will be his ability to generate offense (hitting and scoring). BUT at the same time he should keep the arm healthy just in case he doesn’t get a chance to play a position. The reason I say to focus on the OF position is because it is much easier to “relocate” from being a position player to the mound than it is to go from the mound to a position. If a player becomes known as a pitcher it is assumed he cannot hit. It can be very difficult to become a position player if you are a pitcher. Rick Ankiel is a VERY rare exception!!
If he is considering being a two way player --- think again and consider TIME. To become a accomplished pitcher a player must devote a certain amount of time to pitching and conditioning. If they want to become an accomplished hitter and position player they must devote their time to hitting and playing their position. It is difficult to do both. It is VERY difficult to excel at both! It is IMPOSSIBLE to be the best you can be at either position if you chose to do both!
Fungo
But with scholarships coming at a premium, it is very valuable to be a two-way player. True at 5'10" and 82-83 he is perhaps not on paper a D1 pitcher, even if he is left-handed, but that ability to make contact and flat out speed is a huge asset. I think you have a nice recruitable package, but I agree with Fungo that OF is the first choice.
Yah ! what fungo said.

Ya might look at it this way too. A pitcher that throws low 80's (especially at 5 10") probably isn't getting college coaches too excited.
But a kid with that kind of speed, can hit for contact, gets on base 50%+. Now there is something to take notice.

Also

How many college prospects (pitchers) throw low 80's? most

How many outfielders run a 6.54 60? few

A little deductive reasoning will show you the way.

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