What should a Pitcher Only expect at a Showcase?
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A long drive, a big expenditure and a very short day, followed by a long drive home.
Some times they do get to throw in a scrimmage scenario.
Is it worth it to do a perfect game showcase if you're a pitcher only?
My son (2018 RHP) has done a couple PG showcases (local 8/15 and Jr Nationals 6/16). He went as secondary OF, so he batted, ran and fielded balls too. There was a 2017 PO there that just arrived, pitched his games and rolled out. If you have something to show or want to see how you stack up, I'd say it's worth it.
He also did a Dynamic Showcase (3/16) as a PO. Lots of waiting, for a 12(?) pitch bullpen, but it got the attention that he was looking for. That was also worth it with the number of coaches in attendance and that it helped bump the offers he was receiving.
Thanks guys. What is the day like.
Check in
Warm up on your own??
Need a catcher??
Do you run 60 times?
10 pitch BP?
Do you just throw FB if only 10 pitches?
etc???
This was the schedule for the local PG showcase my son attended:
https://www.perfectgame.org/ev...dule.aspx?event=3066
This was the schedule for the Dynamic showcase:
http://dynamicbaseball.org/201...ls-combine-schedule/
For both, he said he had plenty of time to warm up, long toss, etc. They gave him the opportunity to warm up as he wished and needed.
Because they are also evaluating catchers, he did not need to bring his own catcher to either.
The biggest part where they differered is that, for Dynamic, he showcased in a bullpen (various pitches). For PG, he showcased during games. He also didn't run for the Dynamic showcase, POs are given the option to for PG.
Likely your best bet is to call or email the companies running the showcases you are interested in and ask them what their showcase looks like for a PO and what are the options. That way you can make an educated decision.
Good Luck!
2018 pitcher posted:Is it worth it to do a perfect game showcase if you're a pitcher only?
Yes. I don't think it's any more "worth it" or less as a pitcher vs. a position player.
real green posted:What should a Pitcher Only expect at a Showcase?
I'm sure it depends on the showcase, but for a PG Showcase expect to pitch 3-4 innings in a game-type-situation (I believe the only modification was no walks - after 4 balls, fastballs only) on one of the two showcase days. PO's can also get a 60 time (optional) and hit if they want to (BP and/or in the games). However, if pitchers choose to hit, be aware that their rating will be based on a combination of pitching and hitting ability/projection, rather than on pitching alone. At one of the PG showcases my son attended, there was no one to play first base in the games so he got to do that both days in addition to pitching four innings on day 2. Because he was signed up as a PO, PG based their rating on his pitching only.
Same experience as others... depends on the showcase so you'll want to know the specifics. But generally, if signed up as a PO, you will be involved in less events (no timed runs, defensive reps, batting practice) but will most likely throw some live innings. There are typically a lot more eyes and focus on the P's, whether live innings or bullpen setting, so it is usually worthwhile if healthy and having something meaningful to show the given audience. Of course, there are usually guns and write ups are done on a variety of items such as arm slot, delivery, movement, command, arsenal, deception, effort, body, demeanor, projectability, ability to compete (if game innings), etc.
The last thing anyone wants is to have a P blow an arm at an event so there is usually plenty of warm up time allowed and innings are restricted. Interaction with RC's can vary widely depending on format and time of year.
ENJOYING THE RIDE explained what happens at PG showcases. One thing I would add is that there is a 5 batter per inning limit. This is just to keep pitch counts down even if the pitcher is struggling a bit. In most cases pitchers can tell us when to schedule their appearance. There is this misconception that it is all about velocity. Truth is that velocity is very important, but so is everything else that shows someone can be a successful pitcher at the next level. There are times when we like a mid 80s pitcher better than a 90 mph pitcher. At younger ages like 14 it is often we like lots of lower velocity pitchers better than the rare kid throwing 90. We see many low 80 kids that we believe will be easily in the 90s within three or four years. It's not that big of a guess when you have seen these things happen so many times in the past. Actually the biggest unknown is whether lack of desire and effort or an injury gets in the way.
Enjoying the Ride posted:real green posted:What should a Pitcher Only expect at a Showcase?
I'm sure it depends on the showcase, but for a PG Showcase expect to pitch 3-4 innings in a game-type-situation (I believe the only modification was no walks - after 4 balls, fastballs only) on one of the two showcase days. PO's can also get a 60 time (optional) and hit if they want to (BP and/or in the games). However, if pitchers choose to hit, be aware that their rating will be based on a combination of pitching and hitting ability/projection, rather than on pitching alone. At one of the PG showcases my son attended, there was no one to play first base in the games so he got to do that both days in addition to pitching four innings on day 2. Because he was signed up as a PO, PG based their rating on his pitching only.
So you are saying if you have a 16u kid that goes for pitching and OF. He pitches 92 with good command, but he has just an okay bat, his pitching grade will be affected by his "okay" bat?
I will say that showing other athleticism can give a pitcher more projection.
Players are graded on what "we feel" will be their future position, if not the position they already play. For example we could see a shortstop that grades out plus in most everything, but he is very big and doesn't really show any SS actions. We might see his future and ceiling as a ML 3B, and grade him accordingly.
A good example would be Justin Upton. Justin had everything and he was a shortstop in HS. However his actions, hands and arm action weren't ideal for that position. He also was mid 90s on the mound which just showed more ability. As a center fielder he graded off the charts.
Anyway, we basically grade on whatever a players primary position is. If it is Pitching we will grade on just pitching unless he shows other tools (hit,power,speed) that would only increase his grade. However if those other tools were lacking it wouldn't really lower his grade. Now if a pitcher chooses to run the 60 despite being extra slow and he runs a 9.0 60. This would have to be considered to some extent, could keep a 10 to only getting a 9.5. That is because in addition to pitching, pitchers have to be able to cover 1B and cover bunts at times. So speed and athleticism actually does play a small part.
Agree with PGSTAFF. My son did PBR event as PO. He also plays OF but assumed that college coaches would only be interested in his arm as he is an inconsistent at the plate. However, I was later asked by a pro scout about his 60 time. At next showcase, he is going to do both because he is athletic and I believe his 60 will make coaches feel more comfortable with his athleticism.