My Also,
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The link below will take you to their site where they advise that the deadlines for the Underclass events have been 'lifted.'
http://perfectgame.org/stories/08_10_09_deadline_extended/index.aspx
As far as why you're receiving them, I don't know! Sorry.
http://perfectgame.org/stories/08_10_09_deadline_extended/index.aspx
As far as why you're receiving them, I don't know! Sorry.
URXLNC,
I also recieved this same letter (invite). Im a high school junior. But I personally think many people recieved this. Perfect Game has never seen me as I have never been to one of their events.
I also recieved this same letter (invite). Im a high school junior. But I personally think many people recieved this. Perfect Game has never seen me as I have never been to one of their events.
My son is a sophomore catcher that got an invitation to FT. Myers. We just attended the Arizona fall classic is this worth sending him or is this just a money maker for them. Seems like it would be better to wait until next year when he is a Junior. Any advise will help
Vdad:
4thGen attended both the AZ Fall Classic and the PG uncommitted event that was here in Mesa. They are very different. My son is an 09 so he played in the Sr Classic. He was seen by some of the schools that have been recruiting him and a couple of other schools that saw him have started to express interest. That is what your looking for in the Classic. There are a ton of coaches, but there are lots of games to see and unless they are looking for you the chances for a kid to be seen by his dream school is small. PG had very few coaches in attendance but that is not the point. The level of competition was good and what you are getting is an objective evaluation and entrance into a national database of potential college players. That allows you and your son to be proactive, to offer schools he believes might be of interest to him a chance to see him and see PG's evaluation of him. He would then have the opportunity to improve his measurables and rating.
4thGen attended both the AZ Fall Classic and the PG uncommitted event that was here in Mesa. They are very different. My son is an 09 so he played in the Sr Classic. He was seen by some of the schools that have been recruiting him and a couple of other schools that saw him have started to express interest. That is what your looking for in the Classic. There are a ton of coaches, but there are lots of games to see and unless they are looking for you the chances for a kid to be seen by his dream school is small. PG had very few coaches in attendance but that is not the point. The level of competition was good and what you are getting is an objective evaluation and entrance into a national database of potential college players. That allows you and your son to be proactive, to offer schools he believes might be of interest to him a chance to see him and see PG's evaluation of him. He would then have the opportunity to improve his measurables and rating.
Sorry, makes no sense. You could have contacted the coaches that were going to be in AZ for that event and had your son looked at in person. You then paid alot of money to go to something that didn't have many coaches at all but you're going into a database that you think will be of value to coaches even though they didn't see you?
If they were that interested in that database, don't you think they woud have just attended that event?
Finally, you're going to advise somebody in Washington to go across the country in the dead of winter (probably not in great game shape to rate high) to attend an event (albeit a very good one talent-wise) during a period that coaches cannot attend? I don't think that's great advice. Sorry.
If they were that interested in that database, don't you think they woud have just attended that event?
Finally, you're going to advise somebody in Washington to go across the country in the dead of winter (probably not in great game shape to rate high) to attend an event (albeit a very good one talent-wise) during a period that coaches cannot attend? I don't think that's great advice. Sorry.
quote:Originally posted by 3rdgenerationnation:
Vdad:
4thGen attended both the AZ Fall Classic and the PG uncommitted event that was here in Mesa. They are very different. My son is an 09 so he played in the Sr Classic. He was seen by some of the schools that have been recruiting him and a couple of other schools that saw him have started to express interest. That is what your looking for in the Classic. There are a ton of coaches, but there are lots of games to see and unless they are looking for you the chances for a kid to be seen by his dream school is small. PG had very few coaches in attendance but that is not the point. The level of competition was good and what you are getting is an objective evaluation and entrance into a national database of potential college players. That allows you and your son to be proactive, to offer schools he believes might be of interest to him a chance to see him and see PG's evaluation of him. He would then have the opportunity to improve his measurables and rating.
Thanks for the feedback, it was advertized when we signed up for the AZ Sophomore fall Classic that there would be people there looking at kids for the future. There was not any one there to look at anyone, it felt like it was a money maker event for atleast the team we went with. This is good info. for parents to have prior to going to certain events, dont get me wrong going from Wash. to AZ during this time was great my son and I had a great time. My son will get the chance to play at the next level, I just want to open as many doors as possible.
Beisbol:
I think maybe I didn't express what I wanted to say very well. I understood the question to be; "should I have my son go to next years' Fall Classic in AZ or to a PG event?"
Having attended both recently I think they were worthwhile. The difference and why I'd favor the PG if forced to choose, is that you can then direct coaches that would not have seen the player at the Classic to the video and evaluation.
I would also tell Vikingdad that there is a larger # of coaches at the Jr. Classic and many more at the Sr. classic. That is verifiable.
I think maybe I didn't express what I wanted to say very well. I understood the question to be; "should I have my son go to next years' Fall Classic in AZ or to a PG event?"
Having attended both recently I think they were worthwhile. The difference and why I'd favor the PG if forced to choose, is that you can then direct coaches that would not have seen the player at the Classic to the video and evaluation.
I would also tell Vikingdad that there is a larger # of coaches at the Jr. Classic and many more at the Sr. classic. That is verifiable.
quote:The difference and why I'd favor the PG if forced to choose, is that you can then direct coaches that would not have seen the player at the Classic to the video and evaluation
This thinking is bassackwards.
First off, the purpose of the vid (regardless of who shoots it)is to hopefully illustrate some tools that a particular coach may be interested in. It is a teaser, if you will, to hopefully get a player a legitimate look from a coach. As beisbol rightfully points out, you communicate in advance, and try your best to make sure you are at the tournament to be scouted...not discovered. There is a huge difference here.
As far as the eval, you live in a town with arguably more quality baseball evaluators per capita than anywhere in the country between former players, area guys, cross checkers and scouting directors. Getting a reliable evaluation here is really not a problem if you seek out the right people.
Most college coaches (at least the D1/D2 guys) will want to see a player in person..and ultimately they will make their own, final evaluation.
rbinaz:
I'd be glad to discuss this with you in person next time we're at a AZ baseball event together. Since you are at all of them, I'm sure it will be soon :-) For the purposes of this thread I was trying to address things from the perspective of a parent with a 2011 kid that lives in WA. I loved the Sr Fall Classic, but you're right, there were not a lot of schools discovering kids they were not looking for. That's why I'm suggesting that if VikingSon were to attend a PG event he'd have video and an objective evaluation he could use to get schools interested enough to want to find out what his schedule was going to be so they could see him in person. I also believe that technology will be served and that web enabled recruiting will become an even bigger part of the equation. It has happened with most everything else in modern life. I know you recognize that because your helping lots of kids make connections with schools and scouts via the web.
I'm also in your camp in regards to the amount of exposure AZ kids get to scouts, former players and college coaches. Some parts of the country may not be so lucky. One on going concern I have is that the showcase and to a lesser degree, the showcase tournament, does not seem to always reflect if a kid can play the game over the course of a season. They provide snap shots rather then a movie showing what direction a kid is taking. They can show tools, but may not show how a kid uses them to contribute to a team.
I'd be glad to discuss this with you in person next time we're at a AZ baseball event together. Since you are at all of them, I'm sure it will be soon :-) For the purposes of this thread I was trying to address things from the perspective of a parent with a 2011 kid that lives in WA. I loved the Sr Fall Classic, but you're right, there were not a lot of schools discovering kids they were not looking for. That's why I'm suggesting that if VikingSon were to attend a PG event he'd have video and an objective evaluation he could use to get schools interested enough to want to find out what his schedule was going to be so they could see him in person. I also believe that technology will be served and that web enabled recruiting will become an even bigger part of the equation. It has happened with most everything else in modern life. I know you recognize that because your helping lots of kids make connections with schools and scouts via the web.
I'm also in your camp in regards to the amount of exposure AZ kids get to scouts, former players and college coaches. Some parts of the country may not be so lucky. One on going concern I have is that the showcase and to a lesser degree, the showcase tournament, does not seem to always reflect if a kid can play the game over the course of a season. They provide snap shots rather then a movie showing what direction a kid is taking. They can show tools, but may not show how a kid uses them to contribute to a team.
quote:One on going concern I have is that the showcase and to a lesser degree, the showcase tournament, does not seem to always reflect if a kid can play the game over the course of a season.
No doubt this is an issue, but if so, how do you think attending a weekend showcase event and being evaluated by someone who has never seen you before and will likely never see you again solve this?
This snapshot view allows one to get a read on tools... period.
quote:Originally posted by beisbol:
Sorry, makes no sense. You could have contacted the coaches that were going to be in AZ for that event and had your son looked at in person. You then paid alot of money to go to something that didn't have many coaches at all but you're going into a database that you think will be of value to coaches even though they didn't see you?
If they were that interested in that database, don't you think they woud have just attended that event?
Finally, you're going to advise somebody in Washington to go across the country in the dead of winter (probably not in great game shape to rate high) to attend an event (albeit a very good one talent-wise) during a period that coaches cannot attend? I don't think that's great advice. Sorry.
beisbol, that's pretty much exactly what my son did.. except he was in good shape!.. and it paid off through added exposure. It is not for everyone, as your son should be a true college prospect to make it worthwhile.
You'd be surprised how many college coaches look up PG's ratings.
Our approach has been to try and cover all of the bases. We have tried to make it easy for the schools my son was interested in. He's attended showcases, showcase tournaments and camps along with making videos and evaluations available. At the same time he's tried to retain the initiative, that is let coaches know where he was going to be so they could see him in person. He's let them know he was interested in their program and where they could see him on video to evaluate him against their needs. He also has an advisor that is able to provide evaluations to programs. It takes a lot of work and can be expensive. Rbinaz points out that any one exposure from a showcase or one evaluation is not likely to provide a good match. In fact, a number of programs that we have not proactively targeted have seen him at events and expressed interest, but they have just not been a good fit at all.
I don't know, given the current state of college recruiting, how we could better distribute the kids that want to play college baseball. There is a high probability my son from AZ is going to find his best fit at a high academic school on the east coast. He had to let them know he was interested, that he would go to a cold weather school, and that he had the baseball tools they needed. So in trying to draw from my son's experience to come up with advice for VikingSon, I suggested he consider both the PG database approach and a highly attended showcase like the Fall Classic. Recruiting seems to me to be an inside out process. The kid needs to get clear on where he wants to go and then figure out if and how he fits in at those schools.
I don't know, given the current state of college recruiting, how we could better distribute the kids that want to play college baseball. There is a high probability my son from AZ is going to find his best fit at a high academic school on the east coast. He had to let them know he was interested, that he would go to a cold weather school, and that he had the baseball tools they needed. So in trying to draw from my son's experience to come up with advice for VikingSon, I suggested he consider both the PG database approach and a highly attended showcase like the Fall Classic. Recruiting seems to me to be an inside out process. The kid needs to get clear on where he wants to go and then figure out if and how he fits in at those schools.
Bum- I respect your opinion but have a tough time justifying spending that amount of money on an event that has no college coaches. While a coach might peruse the PG lists, the ones I know don't rely on somebody else to form their opinions on a player. This is not an indictment on PG- good for them. I just don't think you can compare going to an event with 150 colleges present (many schools have 2 guys there) and one that had very few coaches or one that is run in a dead period with no D1 coaches allowed.
If you are going to pick an event, pick one with live coaches attending. Pick one preferably in your area because recruiting in baseball is very "regional".
Bum, I am not discounting that going all the way to FLA in the dead of winter didn't help your son. That said, going to the PG regional in June would have done the same thing. We are in a time in our history where most people need to make smart decisions fiscally. You have to get the biggest bang for your buck. That includes the best way to get the proper exposure for student-athletes.
If you are going to pick an event, pick one with live coaches attending. Pick one preferably in your area because recruiting in baseball is very "regional".
Bum, I am not discounting that going all the way to FLA in the dead of winter didn't help your son. That said, going to the PG regional in June would have done the same thing. We are in a time in our history where most people need to make smart decisions fiscally. You have to get the biggest bang for your buck. That includes the best way to get the proper exposure for student-athletes.
quote:Originally posted by Bum:quote:Originally posted by beisbol:
Sorry, makes no sense. You could have contacted the coaches that were going to be in AZ for that event and had your son looked at in person. You then paid alot of money to go to something that didn't have many coaches at all but you're going into a database that you think will be of value to coaches even though they didn't see you?
If they were that interested in that database, don't you think they woud have just attended that event?
Finally, you're going to advise somebody in Washington to go across the country in the dead of winter (probably not in great game shape to rate high) to attend an event (albeit a very good one talent-wise) during a period that coaches cannot attend? I don't think that's great advice. Sorry.
beisbol, that's pretty much exactly what my son did.. except he was in good shape!.. and it paid off through added exposure. It is not for everyone, as your son should be a true college prospect to make it worthwhile.
You'd be surprised how many college coaches look up PG's ratings.
Although Perfect Game events are pricy, many student-athletes get recruited as a result of attending their events, but many don't. Each athlete is different and you have to 1) consider their current skill level and, 2) can you afford it. As parents, you know your son better than anyone and it is a difficult decision to determine if he is ready before you spend that kind of money, especially if you have to travel. Maybe you could also get the advise of his HS or travel coach.
If your son is younger, you may want to try some local college camps and get him evaluated by college coaches. This should help you determine where he is at athletically.
= Deleted advertising =
If your son is younger, you may want to try some local college camps and get him evaluated by college coaches. This should help you determine where he is at athletically.
= Deleted advertising =
Beisbol, the decision to go to the PG World Showcase--all the way from Washington to Florida--was mostly a hunch based on two thoughts: 1) My son was already committed D1 but I wanted him to get some pro exposure after a big jump in the offseason. He did well, was scouted the following Spring, and was drafted, so it definitely paid off. 2) He had done a PG showcase earlier when he wasn't exactly ready. I figured the followup showcase was in order.
But you're right.. it's definitely not for most.
It helped I had some airline miles built up.
But you're right.. it's definitely not for most.
It helped I had some airline miles built up.
When PG does its evaluations and assigns a rating, is it entirely based on the performance at the event or do they investigate further into a player by calling high school coaches, travel coaches, or scouts for input?
Basically they rate them on just their performance at that camp, but if a pitcher is throwing hard, 87+, doesn't make much difference on how they actually do, they will be rated a little higher than a pitcher who throws 80-83 but gets everybody out. It's based on projections for the future.
PG does a fabulous job of organizing and running these events. They offer alot of opportunity for players to be rated (if not actually seen). However, as with art, the ratings are SUBJECTIVE. That is fine, but it is worth knowing this reality going in. If you think there is any sort of objectivity to this process, you are crazy. This is true with any such event, from Baseball Factory/Underarmour to Blue-Gray to PG. It is not "bad." It just is.
PG tries to rate somewhat according to numbers, but that fails in many cases. The raw numbers simply do not reveal enough about players. Infield throwing velocity, time in a 60, and a few swings in BP and games reveals very little in many cases. I have been to several of these events and have taken my own notes then checked them against PG's ratings. In the obvious cases, we are in agreement, whether good or bad. But the middle 80% is pure subjectivity.
PG tries to rate somewhat according to numbers, but that fails in many cases. The raw numbers simply do not reveal enough about players. Infield throwing velocity, time in a 60, and a few swings in BP and games reveals very little in many cases. I have been to several of these events and have taken my own notes then checked them against PG's ratings. In the obvious cases, we are in agreement, whether good or bad. But the middle 80% is pure subjectivity.
My son received an invitation as well. We are struggling with whether it's worth squeezing in the trip from Atlanta to Ft. Myers, or waiting for an event closer to home. We live within 10 miles from East Cobb Baseball, in Marietta. My son, hasn't been in baseball mode since early October so there's some concern about his ability to bring his 'A' game.
I'm much too predjudice to help in this thread. I actually know the results!
I agree with some of what has been mentioned here and I disagree with some.
Blink you are a new member and bring up a couple of legitimate concerns. So here is an honest reply, understanding that I don't know who your son is or how talented he might be.
1 - Money - This event can be expensive when you consider the travel cost along with the registration cost. If it is going to be a financial burden... You should really think twice.
2 - Playing your A game. If your son has extremely good tools... Throwing, Running, Fielding, Hitting, Hitting for power or has a standout type atheletic body, it might be well worth your while to attend.
If he is more of a performance type who lacks standout tools... It would be important that your son is in good playing shape and ready to play. If he has any type of injury... Do not attend. If he has not picked up a bat or ball recently... Do not attend.
You live in a baseball hotbed. There are and will be many opportunities to attend other things and hopefully play at a high level during the summer.
If anyone has any questions as to whether this event is worth it regarding your son, I recommend you contact Jim Arp in our office for "honest" answers. [EMAIL]jarp@perfectgame.org[/EM
I agree with some of what has been mentioned here and I disagree with some.
Blink you are a new member and bring up a couple of legitimate concerns. So here is an honest reply, understanding that I don't know who your son is or how talented he might be.
1 - Money - This event can be expensive when you consider the travel cost along with the registration cost. If it is going to be a financial burden... You should really think twice.
2 - Playing your A game. If your son has extremely good tools... Throwing, Running, Fielding, Hitting, Hitting for power or has a standout type atheletic body, it might be well worth your while to attend.
If he is more of a performance type who lacks standout tools... It would be important that your son is in good playing shape and ready to play. If he has any type of injury... Do not attend. If he has not picked up a bat or ball recently... Do not attend.
You live in a baseball hotbed. There are and will be many opportunities to attend other things and hopefully play at a high level during the summer.
If anyone has any questions as to whether this event is worth it regarding your son, I recommend you contact Jim Arp in our office for "honest" answers. [EMAIL]jarp@perfectgame.org[/EM
Maybe the best way to give people an idea would be to look at what took place last year at the National Underclass Showcase in Ft Myers. Listed below are some of the best players at that event with some notes and the college they have signed with (if we know that). Should give people an idea regarding the talent and the results.
Naysayers will say that attending this event didn’t make any difference regarding the results. However, that would be fairly hard to determine seeing that these players actually did attend. Maybe it was everything except this that helped them? It is no place for a player who lacks talent. It has been the starting point for many others.
For those who follow this stuff or those who think these players are simply ranked because they attended... Copy and keep this list and lets revisit it next year at this time. Then we will see whether these 2010/2011 players deserve the high ranking or not. I'm pretty sure how that is going to turn out!
Anyway, here's the list of some of the top players from last year.
National Underclass Showcase in Ft Myers Dec 2007
Note – All notes are from last year, many players have been updated since
2009 Class Pitchers at last years National RHP
Danny Healey (Cooper City, FL): Easy low 90’s fastball, excellent feel for curveball and change up, pitches with confidence and presence. (U of Florida)
LHP Patrick Schuster (Holiday, FL): Very deceptive delivery, upper 80’s fastball with plus life, abusive slider, knows how to pitch, projects very well (U of Florida)
RHP Tim Brechbuehler (Gillette, NC): Huge 6-8 frame with high release point, smooth athletic delivery and arm action, upper 80’s now and who knows what in the future. (U of North Carolina)
RHP Nick McBride (Lewisville, NC): 6-4, 170, excellent athlete, does everything easy, steady 88 mph fastball, 6.8 runner and an OF prospect, excellent projection. (East Carolina)
RHP Michael Theodore (Detroit, MI): Strong, athletic build, upper 80’s fastball and have seen better, good feel for curveball and change up. (U of Tennessee)
RHP Raul Rivera (Rio Piedras, PR): Big and projectable, 90 mph fastball, very fast arm, could be a top velocity prospect with work. (Not Sure which college)
RHP Malcom Clapsaddle (Geneva, FL): Loose and projectable, upper 80’s fastball, knows how to pitch, everything clean and smooth. (U of Georgia)
RHP E.J. Encinosa (Miami, FL): Projectable build with strength, upper 80’s fastball, quality curveball and change up, good idea on the mound. (Not Sure which college)
RHP Shawn Blackwell (League City, TX): 6-4, 190 and very projectable, throws easy, three quality pitches with command, 87 mph fastball. (U of Kansas)
RHP Ryan Sadler (Naples, FL): High ceiling talent, very projectable physically, have seen low 90’s in the past, working on delivery issues. (Georgia Southern)
RHP Andrew Zimmerman (Sarasota, FL): Quality athlete, polished pitcher, upper 80’s fastball, excellent curveball, feel for pitching, ball player. (Not Sure which college)
RHP Trevor Walch (Eufala, OK): Very good athlete, 89 mph fastball, nasty slider, arm is smooth/fast, has position prospect tools as well. (Oklahoma State)
RHP Justin Hess (Panama City, FL): Upper 80’s fastball, nice athletic build, hammer curveball, challenges hitters. (Not sure which college)
RHP-SS Kyle McKenzie (Canton, MA): Two-way prospect, big arm strength at SS, upper 80’s fastball with life, excellent curveball, will be very good at both positions. (Tulane)
RHP Daniel Tuttle (Randleman, NC): Heavy 90 mph fastball, potential plus slider, deceptive delivery with a loose, whippy arm and low ¾’s release point. (North Carolina State) AFLAC All American
LHP-OF Ethan Bornstein (Maitland, FL): Very good strength, heavy 87 mph fastball, aggressive pitcher, shows power with the bat. (Miami)
RHP Dane Williams (Ft. Lauderdale, FL): Excellent pitcher’s build, upper 80’s fastball, command and curveball improving quickly. (North Carolina State)
RHP Gregg Bennis (Davie, FL): Deceptive low ¾’s delivery, three solid pitches with life, 88 mph fastball, hard/sharp curveball (Not Sure which college)
RHP Jeff Kelly (Pottstown, PA): 88 mph fastball, quick/compact arm action, lots of FB life. (Pittsburgh)
RHP Jeremy Adel (Newberry, FL): Long and loose build, 87 mph fastball, projects very well. (Fordham)
RHP-3B Brian Johnson (Orlando, FL): Athlete, 88 mph fastball, very good curveball, has 3B prospect tools as well. (High Point)
RHP Paul Anzalone (El Dorado, AR): Very good athlete, projects very well, 86 mph fastball, quick arm, prospect level bat speed as well. (Not Sure which college)
LHP David Holmberg (Port Charlotte, FL): Athletic 6-4 frame, mid 80’s fastball, easy and smooth delivery, good curveball. (U of Florida)
LHP Austin Buck (Plant City, FL): 6-3 southpaw, very deceptive delivery, low ¾’s release, 86 mph live fastball. (Not Sure which college)
RHP Shawn McDorman (Niceville, FL): 6-2, 190 lbs and projectable, very life 86 mph fastball, sharp curveball (Not Sure which college)
RHP Kyle Burchfield (Kennesaw, GA): Very projectable 6-5, 220 lb build, mid 80’s fastball, power curveball. (Florida Gulf Coast)
2009 class Players at Underclass Showcase in Ft Myers Dec 2007
C Michael Zunino (Cape Coral, FL): Very athletic catcher who could play anywhere on the field, still projects physically, knows how to hit and can hit with power. (U of Florida) AFLAC All American
C Austin Maddox (Jacksonville, FL): Physical specimen and very strong, impact arm strength, does excellent job at keeping swing short and powerful, didn’t pitch but premium prospect on the mound. (U of Florida) AFLAC All American
OF-RHP Drew Steckenrider (Lawrenceville, GA): Five tool prospect, plus he switch-hits and throws 92 mph from the mound. Right handed power is special. Major League frame at 6-4, 195 lbs with lots of room to get stronger. (U of Tennessee) AFLAC All American
SS LeVon Washington (Gainesville, FL): Very fast twitch actions, impact running speed, plus bat speed from the left side, elite level athlete, could be SS or CF. (U of Florida) AFLAC All American
OF Cody Stiles (Coral Springs, FL): Potential five-tool prospect, still projects well, 6.8 runner, big power potential, throws 91 mph off the mound. (U of North Carolina)
SS Scooter Gennett (Sarasota, FL): Ballplayer with tools, left handed hitting middle infielder with power/bat speed, polished defensively with plus arm strength. ( Florida State) AFLAC All American
C Luke Bailey (LaGrange, GA): Excellent defensive catcher in all areas, shows pop in his bat, member of the 2007 USA National Youth Team (Auburn) AFLAC All American
OF-RHP Ronnie Richardson (Eagle Lake, FL): Impact speed and aggressiveness, top level defensive centerfielder, also throws 91 mph off the mound. (Central Florida)
SS Michael Broad (Plantation, FL): Very polished skills, LHH’ing middle infielder with power, knows how to hit, also throws 90 mph off the mound. (Miami)
SS-RHP Michael Heller (Bradenton, FL): Two-way prospect, 91 mph off the mound, very smooth/easy infield actions, power approach at the plate. (U of Florida) AFLAC All American
OF Ruben Sierra Jr (Miami, FL): Bloodlines and huge athletic tools, can run and throw with the best of them, has the bat speed to be a big power hitter like his dad. (Not Sure which college)
OF Kamm Washington (Boynton Beach, FL): Explosive bat speed with pull power and a 6.65 runner, doesn’t project but doesn’t really need much with present tools. (U of Florida)
1B Michael Smith (Brandon, FL): Huge power potential, can make balls disappear, has an idea how to hit, very athletic for size and projects well. (Florida Gulf Coast)
3B Bobby Borchering (Alva, FL): Switch-hitter, big power both ways, plus bat speed, very good athlete, can play 3B defensively. (U of Florida) UA All American
SS Cody Dent (Boynton Beach, FL): Bucky Dent’s son, very smooth/easy defensive actions, left handed hitter with bat speed, ball player. (U of Florida)
SS Darnell Sweeney (Miramar, FL): Very projectable physically, switch-hitter with bat speed, athletic actions, will keep getting better. (Central Florida)
SS Roberto Perez (Toa Alta, PR): Quick athletic actions, can play SS, throws 88 mph off the mound, good bat speed, shows skills and instincts (Oklahoma State)
3B Miles Head (Fayetteville, GA): Excellent strength, aggressive hitter, lots of power potential, deceptive athletic ability, performs. (U of Georgia)
SS-RHP Brent Zimmerman (Cooper City, FL): Top level defensive shortstop, makes all the plays, plus arm strength, also a pitching prospect. (Virginia Tech)
SS Chase Greene (Parkland, FL): Athletic middle infielder, 6.6 runner, good strength, shows power, plays very hard. (South Florida)
C Mike Lubanski (Collegeville, PA): Advanced hitting skills, line drive machine with some pop, catching tools are there, ball player. (Wake Forest)
SS-RHP Anthony Tzamtzis (Miami, FL): Two-way prospect, athletic SS actions, very good arm strength, some power hitting, 90 mph off the mound. (North Carolina State)
1B Brooks Oursler (Franklin, TN): 6-7, 220 lbs and very athletic, surprisingly short/quick swing, excellent power potential, also has mid to upper 80’s arm. (Not Sure which college)
SS Tyler Bighames (Estero, FL): Big League build, lots of bat speed/strength, very good athlete, defensive position still a question (Not Sure which college)
C Roidany Aquila (Puerto Rico): Top level defensive tools, excellent arm strength, quick and lively actions, raw bat speed at the plate. (Not Sure which college)
OF Chris Minifee (Bellaire, TX): Very athletic, strong power/speed combination, can swing the bat, projects very well. (Not Sure which college)
SS Ryan Lashley (Lake Worth, FL): Smooth and polished athlete, good strength, balanced defensive actions, hits the ball hard, also 86 mph off the mound. (Stetson)
SS Curt Powell (Knoxville, TN): Middle infield tools, 6.7 runner, very good arm strength, 88 mph pitcher, can swing the bat. (Vanderbilt)
C Blake Crohan (Roswell, GA): Very athletic catcher, 6.8 runner, impressive bat speed, agile and quick behind the plate. (Tulane)
SS Matt Bergquist (Orange Park, FL): Plus offensive tools for an MIF, bat speed and power potential, smooth defensive actions, ball player. (North Carolina State)
C Brian Flynn (Lake Worth, FL): Very advanced defensive tools/skills, can really catch and manage a game, good athlete. (Not Sure which college)
3B Christopher Fritts (Houston, TX): Short and strong, can really swing the bat, excellent hitting approach, hits everything hard, plays all over the field. (U of Tennessee)
3B-RHP Tim Blackmon (Tampa, FL): Big, strong athlete, lots of raw physical tools, projects plus power, throws 87 off the mound. (Not Sure which college)
OF William Henderson (Rutherfordton, NC): 6.8 runner, very good arm strength, shows bat speed/power potential, well rounded player. (UNC Greensboro)
SS Max Matra (Coconut Creek, FL): Good all around athlete, bat speed and shows power, 6.9 runner, can play all over the field. (Not Sure which college)
C Jim Holton (West Palm Beach, FL): Solid balance of skills, can play defense and hit the ball, very good leadership skills/approach to the game. (College of Charleston)
3B Cade Stallings (Knoxville, TN): Very strong build, power potential, plus arm strength at 3B, also 87 mph off the mound (Louisville)
2010/2011 Class at National Showcase in Ft Myers Dec 07
Pitchers
RHP Kaleb Cowart 2010 (Adel, GA): Great athlete, also an IF prospect, huge arm strength with present low 90’s fastball, clean mechanics and delivery. (Currently ranked top 10 in his class)
RHP A.J. Cole 2010 (Winter Springs, FL): Pro Profile pitcher’s build, 90 mph fastball with little effort, good slider, advanced pitchability for his age. (Currently ranked #1 in his class)
RHP Dakota Smith/2011 (Leavenworth, KS): Not big but highly athletic, easy low 90’s velo with plus life, outstanding arm action/delivery, can also hit/run at a prospect level. (Currently ranked top 25 in his class)
RHP Dominic Laporte 2010 (Port St. Lucie, FL): Long, loose and easy at 6-3, 180. Throwing 89 now with a tight slider and lots more to come. (Currently ranked top 100 in his class)
RHP Ralston Cash 2010 (Cornelia, GA): Upper 80’s fastball, hammer curveball, plus command potential and can really pitch (Currently ranked top 40 in his class) committed to U of Georgia)
RHP-OF Casey Mulholland 2010 (Bradenton, FL): Excellent athlete, also top OF prospect, throws upper 80’s with ease, tight CB, big time projection. (Currently ranked top 30 in his class)
RHP Andrew Smith 2010 (Roswell, GA): Lanky projectable frame, low ¾’s deceptive release point, very live fastball to 88 mph, plus command potential. (Currently ranked in top 50 of his class ) committed to U of North Carolina)
LHP Dillon Peters/2011 (Fishers, IN): Smaller LHP, very fast arm, upper 80’s FB, sharp slider, knows how to pitch. (Currently ranked top 25 in his class)
RHP-IF Zach George 2010 (Luxora, AR): Very good athlete, really projects, mid 80’s fastball and power slider, prospect bat speed (Currently ranked top 300 in his class)
RHP W. Keenan Kish 2010 (Wocester, PA): Plus projectable 6-3 build, throws 91 in infield drills, 87 from the mound, just beginning to get strong, very athletic. (Currently ranked top 50 in his class)
RHP Shane Henderson 2010 (Flower Mound, TX): Big, strong 6-6/215 athlete, throws easy and with command, mid 80’s fastball, nice off speed pitches (Currently ranked top 50 in his class)
RHP Brooks Colquit 2010 (Norcross, GA): Profile 6-3 pitcher’s build, very projectable, 87 mph fastball, good feel for breaking ball. (Currently ranked top 100 in his class)
RHP Karsten Whitson 2010 (Chipley, FL): Tall projectable build, easy arm, present mid 80’s velocity, good slider. (Currently ranked top 30 in his class) committed to U of Florida)
LHP Bo Logan 2010 (Naples, FL): Heavy mid 80’s fastball, aggressive pitching style, power curveball. (Ranked in top 400 of his class)
LHP Jesse Taylor 2010 (Carmel, IN): Quick arm, low to mid 80’s fastball, projects well, knows how to pitch, good athlete. (Currently ranked in top 250 in his class)
LHP Thomas Dorminy 2010 (Tampa, FL): Mid 80’s fastball, very good curveball, knows how to pitch, good present stuff (Currently ranked top 150 in his class)
RHP Ricky Knapp 2010 (Port Charlotte, FL): Effortless delivery/mechanics, fastball to 84 mph, advanced feel for changing speed/spinning the ball. (Currently ranked top 400 in his class)
Players
OF Andrew Toles 2010 (Fayetteville, GA): Impact speed (6.5) and quickness along with middle of the order bat speed left handed, has all the tools and athletic bloodlines. (Currently ranked in top 50 his class)
OF Trey Griffin 2010 (Stockbridge, GA): Big League build and projection, serious power and bat speed, 6.8 runner with right field arm strength, huge upside. (Currently ranked top 20 in his class)
SS-RHP Jacob Tillotson 2010 (Lake City, FL): Two-way prospect, switch-hitter with bat speed, can play SS, also throws 90 off the mound with a sharp CB. (Currently ranked top 50 in his class) committed to U of florida)
3B Matthew Kirkland 2010 (Knoxville, TN): Big and strong, excellent power potential and present bat speed, also throws 88 mph off the mound (Currently ranked top 60 in his class)
C-RHP Brandon Stephens 2010 (Marietta, GA): Big arm strength for his age, great presence/skills both catching and pitching, present bat speed (Currently ranked top 70 in his class)
C Zane Evans 2010 (Roswell, GA): Present strong athlete, advanced defensive skills, big arm strength, loose swing that projects power. (Currently ranked top 60 in his class) committed to Auburn
OF Jake Skole 2010 (Woodstock, GA): Very high offensive ceiling, can really swing the bat, plus bat speed, 6.8 runner. (Currently ranked top 125 in his class)
OF Chevez Clark 2010 (Marietta, GA): Outstanding raw athlete, 6.7 runner, very strong arm, switch hitter with bat speed, just needs some polish/experience. (Currently ranked top 10 in his class)
1B Jordan Poole 2010 (Calhoun, GA): Plus 6-3, 190 build, very athletic, 6.9 runner, shows big power and bat speed, very good projection. (Currently ranked top 100 in his class)
SS Mott Hyde 2010 (Resaca, GA): 6.7 runner, very smooth defensive middle infielder, plenty of arm strength, shows bat speed. (currently ranked top 125 in his class) committed to Georgia Tech
C Tyler Ross 2010 (Naples, FL): Large frame with excellent strength, big bat speed and power potential, solid catching tools. (Currently ranked in top 75 of his class)
1B-LHP Patrick McGavin 2010 (Spanish Fort, AL): Very athletic 6-3, 185 lb build, really projects, power bat, also 86 mph off the mound. (Currently ranked in top 140 of his class) committed to U of Alabama
SS Zack Alvord 2010 (Alpharetta, GA): Middle infield skills and abilities, whippy bat speed, arm strength 85 mph off the mound. (Currently ranked in top 140 of his class) committed to Auburn
1B Mike Parker 2010 (Point Verde, FL): Big and strong left handed hitter, advanced hitting tools for his age, bat speed, uses his hands to hit. (Currently ranked in top 180 of his class)
C Peter Torres 2010 (Miami, FL): Very good defensive tools, plenty of arm strength, hitting tools, great approach to the game (Currently ranked in top 150 of his class)
Obviously there were many other outstanding players at the National Underclass last year that are not listed above.
Naysayers will say that attending this event didn’t make any difference regarding the results. However, that would be fairly hard to determine seeing that these players actually did attend. Maybe it was everything except this that helped them? It is no place for a player who lacks talent. It has been the starting point for many others.
For those who follow this stuff or those who think these players are simply ranked because they attended... Copy and keep this list and lets revisit it next year at this time. Then we will see whether these 2010/2011 players deserve the high ranking or not. I'm pretty sure how that is going to turn out!
Anyway, here's the list of some of the top players from last year.
National Underclass Showcase in Ft Myers Dec 2007
Note – All notes are from last year, many players have been updated since
2009 Class Pitchers at last years National RHP
Danny Healey (Cooper City, FL): Easy low 90’s fastball, excellent feel for curveball and change up, pitches with confidence and presence. (U of Florida)
LHP Patrick Schuster (Holiday, FL): Very deceptive delivery, upper 80’s fastball with plus life, abusive slider, knows how to pitch, projects very well (U of Florida)
RHP Tim Brechbuehler (Gillette, NC): Huge 6-8 frame with high release point, smooth athletic delivery and arm action, upper 80’s now and who knows what in the future. (U of North Carolina)
RHP Nick McBride (Lewisville, NC): 6-4, 170, excellent athlete, does everything easy, steady 88 mph fastball, 6.8 runner and an OF prospect, excellent projection. (East Carolina)
RHP Michael Theodore (Detroit, MI): Strong, athletic build, upper 80’s fastball and have seen better, good feel for curveball and change up. (U of Tennessee)
RHP Raul Rivera (Rio Piedras, PR): Big and projectable, 90 mph fastball, very fast arm, could be a top velocity prospect with work. (Not Sure which college)
RHP Malcom Clapsaddle (Geneva, FL): Loose and projectable, upper 80’s fastball, knows how to pitch, everything clean and smooth. (U of Georgia)
RHP E.J. Encinosa (Miami, FL): Projectable build with strength, upper 80’s fastball, quality curveball and change up, good idea on the mound. (Not Sure which college)
RHP Shawn Blackwell (League City, TX): 6-4, 190 and very projectable, throws easy, three quality pitches with command, 87 mph fastball. (U of Kansas)
RHP Ryan Sadler (Naples, FL): High ceiling talent, very projectable physically, have seen low 90’s in the past, working on delivery issues. (Georgia Southern)
RHP Andrew Zimmerman (Sarasota, FL): Quality athlete, polished pitcher, upper 80’s fastball, excellent curveball, feel for pitching, ball player. (Not Sure which college)
RHP Trevor Walch (Eufala, OK): Very good athlete, 89 mph fastball, nasty slider, arm is smooth/fast, has position prospect tools as well. (Oklahoma State)
RHP Justin Hess (Panama City, FL): Upper 80’s fastball, nice athletic build, hammer curveball, challenges hitters. (Not sure which college)
RHP-SS Kyle McKenzie (Canton, MA): Two-way prospect, big arm strength at SS, upper 80’s fastball with life, excellent curveball, will be very good at both positions. (Tulane)
RHP Daniel Tuttle (Randleman, NC): Heavy 90 mph fastball, potential plus slider, deceptive delivery with a loose, whippy arm and low ¾’s release point. (North Carolina State) AFLAC All American
LHP-OF Ethan Bornstein (Maitland, FL): Very good strength, heavy 87 mph fastball, aggressive pitcher, shows power with the bat. (Miami)
RHP Dane Williams (Ft. Lauderdale, FL): Excellent pitcher’s build, upper 80’s fastball, command and curveball improving quickly. (North Carolina State)
RHP Gregg Bennis (Davie, FL): Deceptive low ¾’s delivery, three solid pitches with life, 88 mph fastball, hard/sharp curveball (Not Sure which college)
RHP Jeff Kelly (Pottstown, PA): 88 mph fastball, quick/compact arm action, lots of FB life. (Pittsburgh)
RHP Jeremy Adel (Newberry, FL): Long and loose build, 87 mph fastball, projects very well. (Fordham)
RHP-3B Brian Johnson (Orlando, FL): Athlete, 88 mph fastball, very good curveball, has 3B prospect tools as well. (High Point)
RHP Paul Anzalone (El Dorado, AR): Very good athlete, projects very well, 86 mph fastball, quick arm, prospect level bat speed as well. (Not Sure which college)
LHP David Holmberg (Port Charlotte, FL): Athletic 6-4 frame, mid 80’s fastball, easy and smooth delivery, good curveball. (U of Florida)
LHP Austin Buck (Plant City, FL): 6-3 southpaw, very deceptive delivery, low ¾’s release, 86 mph live fastball. (Not Sure which college)
RHP Shawn McDorman (Niceville, FL): 6-2, 190 lbs and projectable, very life 86 mph fastball, sharp curveball (Not Sure which college)
RHP Kyle Burchfield (Kennesaw, GA): Very projectable 6-5, 220 lb build, mid 80’s fastball, power curveball. (Florida Gulf Coast)
2009 class Players at Underclass Showcase in Ft Myers Dec 2007
C Michael Zunino (Cape Coral, FL): Very athletic catcher who could play anywhere on the field, still projects physically, knows how to hit and can hit with power. (U of Florida) AFLAC All American
C Austin Maddox (Jacksonville, FL): Physical specimen and very strong, impact arm strength, does excellent job at keeping swing short and powerful, didn’t pitch but premium prospect on the mound. (U of Florida) AFLAC All American
OF-RHP Drew Steckenrider (Lawrenceville, GA): Five tool prospect, plus he switch-hits and throws 92 mph from the mound. Right handed power is special. Major League frame at 6-4, 195 lbs with lots of room to get stronger. (U of Tennessee) AFLAC All American
SS LeVon Washington (Gainesville, FL): Very fast twitch actions, impact running speed, plus bat speed from the left side, elite level athlete, could be SS or CF. (U of Florida) AFLAC All American
OF Cody Stiles (Coral Springs, FL): Potential five-tool prospect, still projects well, 6.8 runner, big power potential, throws 91 mph off the mound. (U of North Carolina)
SS Scooter Gennett (Sarasota, FL): Ballplayer with tools, left handed hitting middle infielder with power/bat speed, polished defensively with plus arm strength. ( Florida State) AFLAC All American
C Luke Bailey (LaGrange, GA): Excellent defensive catcher in all areas, shows pop in his bat, member of the 2007 USA National Youth Team (Auburn) AFLAC All American
OF-RHP Ronnie Richardson (Eagle Lake, FL): Impact speed and aggressiveness, top level defensive centerfielder, also throws 91 mph off the mound. (Central Florida)
SS Michael Broad (Plantation, FL): Very polished skills, LHH’ing middle infielder with power, knows how to hit, also throws 90 mph off the mound. (Miami)
SS-RHP Michael Heller (Bradenton, FL): Two-way prospect, 91 mph off the mound, very smooth/easy infield actions, power approach at the plate. (U of Florida) AFLAC All American
OF Ruben Sierra Jr (Miami, FL): Bloodlines and huge athletic tools, can run and throw with the best of them, has the bat speed to be a big power hitter like his dad. (Not Sure which college)
OF Kamm Washington (Boynton Beach, FL): Explosive bat speed with pull power and a 6.65 runner, doesn’t project but doesn’t really need much with present tools. (U of Florida)
1B Michael Smith (Brandon, FL): Huge power potential, can make balls disappear, has an idea how to hit, very athletic for size and projects well. (Florida Gulf Coast)
3B Bobby Borchering (Alva, FL): Switch-hitter, big power both ways, plus bat speed, very good athlete, can play 3B defensively. (U of Florida) UA All American
SS Cody Dent (Boynton Beach, FL): Bucky Dent’s son, very smooth/easy defensive actions, left handed hitter with bat speed, ball player. (U of Florida)
SS Darnell Sweeney (Miramar, FL): Very projectable physically, switch-hitter with bat speed, athletic actions, will keep getting better. (Central Florida)
SS Roberto Perez (Toa Alta, PR): Quick athletic actions, can play SS, throws 88 mph off the mound, good bat speed, shows skills and instincts (Oklahoma State)
3B Miles Head (Fayetteville, GA): Excellent strength, aggressive hitter, lots of power potential, deceptive athletic ability, performs. (U of Georgia)
SS-RHP Brent Zimmerman (Cooper City, FL): Top level defensive shortstop, makes all the plays, plus arm strength, also a pitching prospect. (Virginia Tech)
SS Chase Greene (Parkland, FL): Athletic middle infielder, 6.6 runner, good strength, shows power, plays very hard. (South Florida)
C Mike Lubanski (Collegeville, PA): Advanced hitting skills, line drive machine with some pop, catching tools are there, ball player. (Wake Forest)
SS-RHP Anthony Tzamtzis (Miami, FL): Two-way prospect, athletic SS actions, very good arm strength, some power hitting, 90 mph off the mound. (North Carolina State)
1B Brooks Oursler (Franklin, TN): 6-7, 220 lbs and very athletic, surprisingly short/quick swing, excellent power potential, also has mid to upper 80’s arm. (Not Sure which college)
SS Tyler Bighames (Estero, FL): Big League build, lots of bat speed/strength, very good athlete, defensive position still a question (Not Sure which college)
C Roidany Aquila (Puerto Rico): Top level defensive tools, excellent arm strength, quick and lively actions, raw bat speed at the plate. (Not Sure which college)
OF Chris Minifee (Bellaire, TX): Very athletic, strong power/speed combination, can swing the bat, projects very well. (Not Sure which college)
SS Ryan Lashley (Lake Worth, FL): Smooth and polished athlete, good strength, balanced defensive actions, hits the ball hard, also 86 mph off the mound. (Stetson)
SS Curt Powell (Knoxville, TN): Middle infield tools, 6.7 runner, very good arm strength, 88 mph pitcher, can swing the bat. (Vanderbilt)
C Blake Crohan (Roswell, GA): Very athletic catcher, 6.8 runner, impressive bat speed, agile and quick behind the plate. (Tulane)
SS Matt Bergquist (Orange Park, FL): Plus offensive tools for an MIF, bat speed and power potential, smooth defensive actions, ball player. (North Carolina State)
C Brian Flynn (Lake Worth, FL): Very advanced defensive tools/skills, can really catch and manage a game, good athlete. (Not Sure which college)
3B Christopher Fritts (Houston, TX): Short and strong, can really swing the bat, excellent hitting approach, hits everything hard, plays all over the field. (U of Tennessee)
3B-RHP Tim Blackmon (Tampa, FL): Big, strong athlete, lots of raw physical tools, projects plus power, throws 87 off the mound. (Not Sure which college)
OF William Henderson (Rutherfordton, NC): 6.8 runner, very good arm strength, shows bat speed/power potential, well rounded player. (UNC Greensboro)
SS Max Matra (Coconut Creek, FL): Good all around athlete, bat speed and shows power, 6.9 runner, can play all over the field. (Not Sure which college)
C Jim Holton (West Palm Beach, FL): Solid balance of skills, can play defense and hit the ball, very good leadership skills/approach to the game. (College of Charleston)
3B Cade Stallings (Knoxville, TN): Very strong build, power potential, plus arm strength at 3B, also 87 mph off the mound (Louisville)
2010/2011 Class at National Showcase in Ft Myers Dec 07
Pitchers
RHP Kaleb Cowart 2010 (Adel, GA): Great athlete, also an IF prospect, huge arm strength with present low 90’s fastball, clean mechanics and delivery. (Currently ranked top 10 in his class)
RHP A.J. Cole 2010 (Winter Springs, FL): Pro Profile pitcher’s build, 90 mph fastball with little effort, good slider, advanced pitchability for his age. (Currently ranked #1 in his class)
RHP Dakota Smith/2011 (Leavenworth, KS): Not big but highly athletic, easy low 90’s velo with plus life, outstanding arm action/delivery, can also hit/run at a prospect level. (Currently ranked top 25 in his class)
RHP Dominic Laporte 2010 (Port St. Lucie, FL): Long, loose and easy at 6-3, 180. Throwing 89 now with a tight slider and lots more to come. (Currently ranked top 100 in his class)
RHP Ralston Cash 2010 (Cornelia, GA): Upper 80’s fastball, hammer curveball, plus command potential and can really pitch (Currently ranked top 40 in his class) committed to U of Georgia)
RHP-OF Casey Mulholland 2010 (Bradenton, FL): Excellent athlete, also top OF prospect, throws upper 80’s with ease, tight CB, big time projection. (Currently ranked top 30 in his class)
RHP Andrew Smith 2010 (Roswell, GA): Lanky projectable frame, low ¾’s deceptive release point, very live fastball to 88 mph, plus command potential. (Currently ranked in top 50 of his class ) committed to U of North Carolina)
LHP Dillon Peters/2011 (Fishers, IN): Smaller LHP, very fast arm, upper 80’s FB, sharp slider, knows how to pitch. (Currently ranked top 25 in his class)
RHP-IF Zach George 2010 (Luxora, AR): Very good athlete, really projects, mid 80’s fastball and power slider, prospect bat speed (Currently ranked top 300 in his class)
RHP W. Keenan Kish 2010 (Wocester, PA): Plus projectable 6-3 build, throws 91 in infield drills, 87 from the mound, just beginning to get strong, very athletic. (Currently ranked top 50 in his class)
RHP Shane Henderson 2010 (Flower Mound, TX): Big, strong 6-6/215 athlete, throws easy and with command, mid 80’s fastball, nice off speed pitches (Currently ranked top 50 in his class)
RHP Brooks Colquit 2010 (Norcross, GA): Profile 6-3 pitcher’s build, very projectable, 87 mph fastball, good feel for breaking ball. (Currently ranked top 100 in his class)
RHP Karsten Whitson 2010 (Chipley, FL): Tall projectable build, easy arm, present mid 80’s velocity, good slider. (Currently ranked top 30 in his class) committed to U of Florida)
LHP Bo Logan 2010 (Naples, FL): Heavy mid 80’s fastball, aggressive pitching style, power curveball. (Ranked in top 400 of his class)
LHP Jesse Taylor 2010 (Carmel, IN): Quick arm, low to mid 80’s fastball, projects well, knows how to pitch, good athlete. (Currently ranked in top 250 in his class)
LHP Thomas Dorminy 2010 (Tampa, FL): Mid 80’s fastball, very good curveball, knows how to pitch, good present stuff (Currently ranked top 150 in his class)
RHP Ricky Knapp 2010 (Port Charlotte, FL): Effortless delivery/mechanics, fastball to 84 mph, advanced feel for changing speed/spinning the ball. (Currently ranked top 400 in his class)
Players
OF Andrew Toles 2010 (Fayetteville, GA): Impact speed (6.5) and quickness along with middle of the order bat speed left handed, has all the tools and athletic bloodlines. (Currently ranked in top 50 his class)
OF Trey Griffin 2010 (Stockbridge, GA): Big League build and projection, serious power and bat speed, 6.8 runner with right field arm strength, huge upside. (Currently ranked top 20 in his class)
SS-RHP Jacob Tillotson 2010 (Lake City, FL): Two-way prospect, switch-hitter with bat speed, can play SS, also throws 90 off the mound with a sharp CB. (Currently ranked top 50 in his class) committed to U of florida)
3B Matthew Kirkland 2010 (Knoxville, TN): Big and strong, excellent power potential and present bat speed, also throws 88 mph off the mound (Currently ranked top 60 in his class)
C-RHP Brandon Stephens 2010 (Marietta, GA): Big arm strength for his age, great presence/skills both catching and pitching, present bat speed (Currently ranked top 70 in his class)
C Zane Evans 2010 (Roswell, GA): Present strong athlete, advanced defensive skills, big arm strength, loose swing that projects power. (Currently ranked top 60 in his class) committed to Auburn
OF Jake Skole 2010 (Woodstock, GA): Very high offensive ceiling, can really swing the bat, plus bat speed, 6.8 runner. (Currently ranked top 125 in his class)
OF Chevez Clark 2010 (Marietta, GA): Outstanding raw athlete, 6.7 runner, very strong arm, switch hitter with bat speed, just needs some polish/experience. (Currently ranked top 10 in his class)
1B Jordan Poole 2010 (Calhoun, GA): Plus 6-3, 190 build, very athletic, 6.9 runner, shows big power and bat speed, very good projection. (Currently ranked top 100 in his class)
SS Mott Hyde 2010 (Resaca, GA): 6.7 runner, very smooth defensive middle infielder, plenty of arm strength, shows bat speed. (currently ranked top 125 in his class) committed to Georgia Tech
C Tyler Ross 2010 (Naples, FL): Large frame with excellent strength, big bat speed and power potential, solid catching tools. (Currently ranked in top 75 of his class)
1B-LHP Patrick McGavin 2010 (Spanish Fort, AL): Very athletic 6-3, 185 lb build, really projects, power bat, also 86 mph off the mound. (Currently ranked in top 140 of his class) committed to U of Alabama
SS Zack Alvord 2010 (Alpharetta, GA): Middle infield skills and abilities, whippy bat speed, arm strength 85 mph off the mound. (Currently ranked in top 140 of his class) committed to Auburn
1B Mike Parker 2010 (Point Verde, FL): Big and strong left handed hitter, advanced hitting tools for his age, bat speed, uses his hands to hit. (Currently ranked in top 180 of his class)
C Peter Torres 2010 (Miami, FL): Very good defensive tools, plenty of arm strength, hitting tools, great approach to the game (Currently ranked in top 150 of his class)
Obviously there were many other outstanding players at the National Underclass last year that are not listed above.
PG,
If I understand you correctly your advise to a 2010 player who's now playing on his hs basketball team (and rarely having the time to work on his baseball skills unfortunately) would be to skip this event. Would it be better then to concentrate for example on the PG indoor in Iowa when its closer to baseball season?
Hopefully it doesn't sound argumentative, but it appears that in reality very little accomodation is factored in for cold weather, multi-sport kids in the evaluation process.
If I understand you correctly your advise to a 2010 player who's now playing on his hs basketball team (and rarely having the time to work on his baseball skills unfortunately) would be to skip this event. Would it be better then to concentrate for example on the PG indoor in Iowa when its closer to baseball season?
Hopefully it doesn't sound argumentative, but it appears that in reality very little accomodation is factored in for cold weather, multi-sport kids in the evaluation process.
igball,
It is hard to answer questions about players. They are all different. We have had kids go from the midwest in the winter and have seen them look very good. We have had kids who are playing other sports show up and do very good.
I think this has a lot to do with the "tools" vs the "Performance" type player. Not to say a player can't be both! Tools usually show up even if a player isn't in midseason condition. Of course, a player needs to have his arm in good shape. Performance types, should be near 100% game ready because that is their ticket to the next level.
igball, I'm not very smart, but I know argumentive when I see it! You are asking a very good serious question that I sincerely wish I could answer correctly. Unfortunatly, the correct answer is not the same answer for each individual. (If that makes any sense?)
I would much rather have someone not attend an event than find out later they wish they didn't. Typically, unless I know for a fact that someone will benefit by attending, in your situation I would probably tell them to NOT attend until they are ready! Problem is, I seldom know that in advance!
BTW, I like multi sport kids! Do not so much like the cold weather though.
It is hard to answer questions about players. They are all different. We have had kids go from the midwest in the winter and have seen them look very good. We have had kids who are playing other sports show up and do very good.
I think this has a lot to do with the "tools" vs the "Performance" type player. Not to say a player can't be both! Tools usually show up even if a player isn't in midseason condition. Of course, a player needs to have his arm in good shape. Performance types, should be near 100% game ready because that is their ticket to the next level.
igball, I'm not very smart, but I know argumentive when I see it! You are asking a very good serious question that I sincerely wish I could answer correctly. Unfortunatly, the correct answer is not the same answer for each individual. (If that makes any sense?)
I would much rather have someone not attend an event than find out later they wish they didn't. Typically, unless I know for a fact that someone will benefit by attending, in your situation I would probably tell them to NOT attend until they are ready! Problem is, I seldom know that in advance!
BTW, I like multi sport kids! Do not so much like the cold weather though.
Thanks PG.
Let's try another scenario: assuming the player is a "tools" kid, has ability (2010 ss/rhp recruited by a good number of schools) but has not been to PG showcase and, despite the multi-sport issue, aspires to be invited to PG National this year.
What would you advise now?
Hopefully this should be a no brainer. Let me guess the answer: go but don't screw up.
Let's try another scenario: assuming the player is a "tools" kid, has ability (2010 ss/rhp recruited by a good number of schools) but has not been to PG showcase and, despite the multi-sport issue, aspires to be invited to PG National this year.
What would you advise now?
Hopefully this should be a no brainer. Let me guess the answer: go but don't screw up.
igball,
I have to apologize. If we know who your son is I can't remember. If we have seen him and you know we have, could you let me know.
Obviously many kids from the underclass events end up being invited to things like the PG National. However, it is not mandatory that someone have to attend any particular event. That said, the more we know about a player and see that player the better we feel about his ability. Usually that type of ability stands out at most anytime.
I have told excellent players not to go to certain events we hold. Usually it is someone who we already know very well.
I might be able to help you better if I know who your son is and more about his circumstances. Please email or PM. email - jerry@perfectgame.org
I have to apologize. If we know who your son is I can't remember. If we have seen him and you know we have, could you let me know.
Obviously many kids from the underclass events end up being invited to things like the PG National. However, it is not mandatory that someone have to attend any particular event. That said, the more we know about a player and see that player the better we feel about his ability. Usually that type of ability stands out at most anytime.
I have told excellent players not to go to certain events we hold. Usually it is someone who we already know very well.
I might be able to help you better if I know who your son is and more about his circumstances. Please email or PM. email - jerry@perfectgame.org
pg you have pm.
quote:Originally posted by PGStaff:
SS Chase Greene (Parkland, FL): Athletic middle infielder, 6.6 runner, good strength, shows power, plays very hard. (South Florida)
That's pretty cool, he plays for my school.
quote:New
PG staff
I'm curious as to how PG national showcase performs their evaluations. Do they use electronic timing for the 60 yard dash? Does everyone use a consistent radar gun such as a JUGS or a Stalker?? Because I've heard JUGS guns read 2-3 mph higher than the Stalkers. Also do the guys taking the readings all sit directly behind the pitchers or are some at a slight angle that can affect readings? I'm just wondering since numbers seem to mean a lot and i"ve heard of inconsistencies between things like different types of radar guns
