Need advice for '17 Summer Team/PO

Why do you get the idea he won't pitch much more this summer?  If it's one bad outing, then you need a new coach. 

 

How does he hit?  If it's a lost cause, then Pitcher only may be your answer.  But if he hits well, I would do both until the college coach tells him otherwise. 

What is his opinion?

 

Bob

U already paid for him to be on Summer team right? 

Did coach say he wouldn't pitch much, or are u assuming? Does coach not plan on using him in other positions?  Have son talk w him and wait to make any changes

imo, if he's not at top performance don't waste money going to showcases and camps

some schools have them around Christmas, go then. 

Does he see a local P coach?  If not and u can afford it, I would find him one, he's still got a few yrs to work on things. 

Good luck

 

You almost sound like you are describing my son back in the summer of 2011.  Same size and velocity.  Except my son's changeup was his out pitch and his curve inconsistant.  I wont touch on your first question but will address #2 and #3

 

2--My son became a PO during his sophomore year of high school.  He made varsity, and as a left pitcher that hit right handed, his high school coach said no way would he let him hit with his left arm facing pitcher.  Too risky since he felt there were some coaches around that would throw too far inside at that left elbow.  His mom and dad were none too thrilled with the idea of him being a PO since of course he was good enough to start in the outfield on non pitching days   But as time went on we came to accept it, knowing he could concentrate on pitching only and not worry about extra throwing from the outfield.  (and the fact that we saw a number of kids along the way have arm injuries doing both. As far as summer ball, the team was loaded, so no way was he going to see time in the outfield, or at first base. 

 

3.  Absolutely not, is his velocity too slow to make it as a pitcher.  As I said, my son was sitting about the same as yours after his sophomore year, and he was clocked by perfect game at 81 after his junior year.  He went down to Atlanta and make the all tournament team in the WWBA that summer, so he did have success.  He got some offers from some D-2 schools, and a few calls from D-1s.  Honestly, his grades weren't the strongest so I never knew if that or his velocity kept the offers away.  He really wanted to play at the D-1 level so he went to a strong JUCO in our area that is known for placing pitchers.  After two years there, he received an offer and committed to an Ohio Valley school, that he will start this fall.  He is sitting about 85 now.

First of all you say he 'sits' around 80.  Does that mean he tops out at maybe 83?  Big difference.  Top velo is the number we usually see.  And college coaches think with instruction they can get him closer to that number cruising.  Second while yes 80 is certainly too slow for D1, why does he have to stay there?  Only a soph.  So lets say he tops out at 83.  Topping out at 85 or 86 as a lefty will get him D1 somewhere.   May not be upper echelon but somewhere.  Thats only a few mph away!  Now if he gets to 88 or 89 we are having an entirely different conversation.   Get on a good pitcher specific workout and see what you can do.  John Madden has one I purchased online for like $18.  Pretty small investment.  He is on these boards fairly regularly.  Talk to him.  Also Kyle Boddy (sorry if I mispelled that) is on the site.   If you prefer Cressey it will cost you a bit but it has proven results.  That's my two cents.  Sophomore year is certainly not the time to settle - its time to kick it in to high gear.  Incidentally John and Kyle if you read this I gave you the plug cause I appreciate that you don't use this site just to peddle your product!

I wouldn't worry about the velocity yet.  If he can get to 84-85 by this time next year, you should be good.   You said he played on a nationally ranked team last year?   Same team this year?  If so, I think I would stay.  Better teams will be scouted/watched a lot more than lesser teams.  My son played for a very good team at 15U & 16U then moved to a team I would say is "somewhat nationally known" at 17U.  The difference was amazing.  We regularly had 30-40 coaches at our games....from all over the Eastern half of the country. 

       
       
Buckeye, the organization my son plays for is good not great.  Not even sure how I would go about figuring out how good the 15u and up teams are.  Is there a site somewhere like usssa for the younger ages where you could find out where your organization fits in the big picture?

Is the 15U team new this year?   Can you find results from their 14U season?  Do they play in mid/upper level tourneys where you'll see teams some of the top level teams (Hitters, Top Tier, etc).  If so, you're probably ok....coaches will be at the tourneys to see those teams.  Make sure they know your son will be there too.  If not, I would consider looking elsewhere for 16U and for sure 17U.  Those are two really big recruiting summers. 

       
       
Going to PM you on this...

Thanks so much for your comments!

 

To answer a few questions: 1) He had a good freshman year and did not pitch much Sophomore year becase of the broken hand. 2) His hitting is not a lost cause, he just doesn't stand out as much (he is not consistent but does get hot). 3) He has been playing they have played him at right field and 1B. 4) The reason I think he may not pitch much is that the team has 4 or 5 PO's.  They have a lot of options for pitchers and they are concerned about their winning record.  Since he had a shaky outing it may be while (he did not pitch this past weekend). 5) When I say he sits around 80 I am guessing: He throws in the backyard with tennis shoes from the stretch with me on flat ground at 78-79 (stalker).  6) He does want to keep hitting, but ultimately wants to be a pitcher.  His goals are very lofty and he is a hard worker.

 

I understand everyone's points on staying with the better team.  I am just concerned that he didn't get many innings in school ball because of the broken hand and if he doesn't pitch much this summer how does he get back in a rythm.  How do you work on pitching if you are not getting many innings?  His last few bullpens have been excellent.

 

Perhaps he can just focus on getting bigger and stronger and improving his velocity.  I know he will get innings in school ball next spring.   

2020 just sent you a PM on this.