My son is 6'4 165, above average runner, above average arm, good feilder good hitter. He had hit well in PG events, close to .400 in the ones he attended. He is a line drive hitter, with small flashes of power. He is a rising JR in HS. Question, will his lack of power at this time hinder his recruitment process with higher end baseball schools? He is a 3.0-3.2 student, plays SS/OF. Thanks in advance for any input.
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I would think those numbers will get him noticed if he can keep it up. One thing I would say is that he's likely to be projected as a 1B/OF rather than a SS. Not many 6'4 SS's at the college level.
Thank you for the input, I also think he will move to one of the corners in the IF or OF.
This question depends on where is focus is. You do need a much higher GPA for the "higher end" programs and not every player hits for power.
Perhaps he should focus on a program that will be a better fit all around.
JMO
A 3.2 will be ok almost anywhere....if they really want you. The problem is, a higher GPA gives an RC more options because a school can use less "baseball money" and get a kid more "academic" money. A kid with a higher GPA will likely have more interest because of this. My son had a great GPA....he took less baseball money and got a nice deal academically. We really didn't care.....he's over 50%.....I don't care where it came from....as long as it's not me. 
I mostly agree with Buckeye. But I believe you want to get at least the minimum 25% baseball money. Then the player knows the coach has an investment in the player. Without any baseball money it's an everything to gain and nothing to lose for the coach. But at a 3.2 gpa the conversation isn't relevant to the thread.
If the player is driving the ball hard up the gaps as a rising junior chances are he will be driving the ball over the fence as he matures and gets stronger. For some players it doesn't happen until a couple of years into college ball.
Agree with TPM in terms of defining what the end goal is for your son's hitting capabilities, hitting philosophy and what type of (academic) college he looking for. As a rising high school junior those are important focus points. There are thousands of schools out there. Sure the Power Conferences get the media attention, and lots of nice things said about their Head Coaches (when they are winning) but there are lots of other options out there for mid-level D1s, D2, NAIA to D3 programs. I think it is also important to match your son's hitting philosophy with the coaches. Some coaches like the big bangers and are willing to take the risk of them striking out. Other teams are about speed, and other teams are a balance of those philophies. Understanding this ahead of time can help in his recruitment.
If he can hit line drives with his current frame and he has really good hands and swing plane then I think many coaches will take a chance on him developing some power. Most of the college players I know ended up putting on an easy 15-25lbs of muscle on their frames through diet and exercise. Your son has lots of room.
Good luck!
RJM posted:I mostly agree with Buckeye. But I believe you want to get at least the minimum 25% baseball money. Then the player knows the coach has an investment in the player. Without any baseball money it's an everything to gain and nothing to lose for the coach. But at a 3.2 gpa the conversation isn't relevant to the thread.
If the player is driving the ball hard up the gaps as a rising junior chances are he will be driving the ball over the fence as he matures and gets stronger. For some players it doesn't happen until a couple of years into college ball.
My son did get the 25%.....and another 27% for academics due to a good GPA and excellent ACT. We kind of figured going in that he'd be at 25% no matter where he ended up.....but the schools he was talking to publish academic scholly info, so we basically had an idea where he'd be before we got too serious. He had to tell a couple schools we weren't interested. The schools were great, but not great enough to spend big $$$$$ just for him to play baseball. As it turns out, 52% at an in state school 45 minutes from home worked great for everyone involved
JEH,
When you say above average runner and above average arm, what are you using for average? MLB average? Or PG average? Or something else?
Usually body type and frame is more important than actual height and weight. There can be one player 6-4/160 that is much different body type than another 6-4/160 player. One could physically project much more than the other. So one could have more projection to hit with power in the future.
Based on your description, it sounds like your son would be a borderline type at the higher level colleges at this point. But seeing that he has two more years of HS left things could change a lot. Much depends on his drive or desire to keep improving. Anyway, without actually seeing the player it is difficult to make an assessment. One thing for sure, no top baseball program is going to recruit a player based on his dad's scouting report. Even if that report was 100% accurate.
Jeh2018, are you asking if his lack of power is the likely reason that he isn't getting offers from P5 schools this summer? I assume that you mean highly ranked baseball schools when you say "higher end baseball schools", right?
These are not my evaluations, his arm strength, running, fielding, hitting, have come from, D1-D3 scouts/coaches, MLB satellite scouts, former pro players. The essence of my question is, does lack of power at 16 and 6'4 hurt his overall projection. He is all ready on several programs radar, after one summer of exposure...the juco route has been suggested, because of draft possibility. All new 2 me, I am a ice hockey guy. Lots to think about.
My guess is that they want to see how he fills out over the next year. The only committed 2018s I see on perfectgame.com with his tall, slender body type are pitchers.
First of all, do not listen to anyone that is suggesting the JUCO route for draft reasons to someone that hasn't even played their junior year of HS. That is something you might want to consider if he actually is drafted out of HS. It might be something to consider as a stepping stone to a highest level DI.
Have these people that evaluated your son tell you his problem is a lack of power? Do they think he projects to hit with some power? I mean if your son has all of these evaluators telling you stuff, what are you expecting people here that haven't seen him play to add? Lack of power isn't as big an obstacle for every player. And for some it is a big obstacle.
Sorry if I sound unfriendly, but it is impossible to determine if lack of power will get in the way of your sons future, especially without knowing who he is or seeing him perform. How much power does he lack? How much bat speed? How big and strong will he end up being? The only answer is it might or it might not. But if he really does everything else at a very high level, chances are he will have many choices. You will know a lot more next year at this time. Who knows, maybe there will be no lack of power by then.
Best of luck
All great replies thank you.
Do you want to Post measurables? What is his 60, velo etc?
Jeh2018 posted:These are not my evaluations, his arm strength, running, fielding, hitting, have come from, D1-D3 scouts/coaches, MLB satellite scouts, former pro players. The essence of my question is, does lack of power at 16 and 6'4 hurt his overall projection. He is all ready on several programs radar, after one summer of exposure...the juco route has been suggested, because of draft possibility. All new 2 me, I am a ice hockey guy. Lots to think about.
While all of these are good answers PG has hit the nail on the head. No one here can give you answers without seeing him play.
Spend some money and get an independent evaluation. That would be best. I am suggesting PG. He will get a ranking and a rating and that will help him, with your help to understand what direction would be best for him to pursue.
The answer is a resounding Yes! "High end" baseball schools are looking for power in their 6'4" players. They recruit up the middle for position players and if he lacks speed for CF then he better get in the weight room and add strength and work on his power swing. I see this all of the time from parents when they say he "hit 0.400" or "hit 0.500" etc, all of this does not matter a bit, college coaches are looking at skills not statistics. If he hits a one bomb and a bunch of hard hit balls for outs then he will get attention. If he goes 4-5 with a couple of flairs and a seeing eye ground ball no one will care other than dad. He does not have grades for upper academic schools so make sure you get an independent assessment of where your son fits and focus on those schools where he has a chance and forget about "upper baseball schools" unless he develops the skills for them.
Dominik85 posted:Do you want to Post measurables? What is his 60, velo etc?
I will...he is at a recruiting event this weekend...when I receive the updated measureables..I will post.
BOF posted:The answer is a resounding Yes! "High end" baseball schools are looking for power in their 6'4" players. They recruit up the middle for position players and if he lacks speed for CF then he better get in the weight room and add strength and work on his power swing. I see this all of the time from parents when they say he "hit 0.400" or "hit 0.500" etc, all of this does not matter a bit, college coaches are looking at skills not statistics. If he hits a one bomb and a bunch of hard hit balls for outs then he will get attention. If he goes 4-5 with a couple of flairs and a seeing eye ground ball no one will care other than dad. He does not have grades for upper academic schools so make sure you get an independent assessment of where your son fits and focus on those schools where he has a chance and forget about "upper baseball schools" unless he develops the skills for them.
I think that is true. Coaches often have stereotypes. With a little shortstop who can fly they will often not care if he has power as long he can put the bat on the ball but if he is tall they expect some power.
however I think if he has true plus speed, plus arm and hit tool who can hit the gaps he might get a look anyway.
Thank you Dom..he hit a couple of long balls in show case this weekend, the longest in the 350 range, a few more in the 320-330 range. Some LD's in LC gap, and some HC GB's. He is in the weight room 4 times a week, and has a nutrition plan, so we are hoping he can get to 175-180 on his 6'4 frame by jan/17 when his HS starts formal work outs. When I receive his eval from this weekend I will post it.
Pics posted depicts his body type.
Dominik85 - tell those coaches who like that kind of SS to recruit my son!! So far not doing so well in the dept.
RKBH;
noticed a runner on 3b, did you son drive him in for a RBI? Of course he needs to learn the game and look for a pitch above the waist, if there is less than 2 outs.
How many ways to score from 3b with "less than 2 outs"? In International Baseball there are NO excuses on performance.
Bobhttp://goodwillseries.org/
Yeah game winner...at PG...0-2 count, sawed the bat off hit a soft liner over the SS that was playing in..
Dominik85 posted:BOF posted:The answer is a resounding Yes! "High end" baseball schools are looking for power in their 6'4" players. They recruit up the middle for position players and if he lacks speed for CF then he better get in the weight room and add strength and work on his power swing. I see this all of the time from parents when they say he "hit 0.400" or "hit 0.500" etc, all of this does not matter a bit, college coaches are looking at skills not statistics. If he hits a one bomb and a bunch of hard hit balls for outs then he will get attention. If he goes 4-5 with a couple of flairs and a seeing eye ground ball no one will care other than dad. He does not have grades for upper academic schools so make sure you get an independent assessment of where your son fits and focus on those schools where he has a chance and forget about "upper baseball schools" unless he develops the skills for them.
I think that is true. Coaches often have stereotypes. With a little shortstop who can fly they will often not care if he has power as long he can put the bat on the ball but if he is tall they expect some power.
however I think if he has true plus speed, plus arm and hit tool who can hit the gaps he might get a look anyway.
Yes coaches have stereotypes. They like the most athletic, fastest kids who hit the ball the furthest. The best players coming out of high school who fit the stereotype are often shortstops. Coaches will recruit six shortstops and move them to other positions. The little shortstop who can fly is recruited after the big shortstop who can fly and drive the ball.
Consultant - that is not my son in the pictures...my son is 5' 9", has been described by coaches as follows: Defensively sound, extremely high baseball IQ, hits for average, great base runner. NOW - if a college coach would PLEASE notice him and recruit him!!!
Keep pushing he will get there..
JEH2018 - my son will be a 2017 graduate - so we are running out of time...we have always been looking at D3...now is his time - some camps coming up...wish us luck!!!!
Good luck!!!
If your son is looking at D3's he has into the fall to be noticed. I know kids who were noticed as late as early February indoor showcases.
Did you guys come here to ask for advice or just hoping someone might be interested in offering based on your personal evaluation of your players and pictures?
Time isnt running out. Not everyone gets to sign early commitment and as suggested D3s go into late fall or early part of next year.
My son would have had a fit if he knew I was making people think I was desperate trying to get just anyone to "sign him up". You need to help them find the right fit.
JMO
RKBH posted:JEH2018 - my son will be a 2017 graduate - so we are running out of time...we have always been looking at D3...now is his time - some camps coming up...wish us luck!!!!
it is not late, for D2 things are moving pretty fast right now and D3 hasn't really heated up yet. Granted you need to be seen but trust me when I tell you there is still a whole lot to be determined. The top D3's are still jockeying for who they really want.
Finally got some metrics.
Ball exit velo wood....85.6 mph (generated by 23 mph front toss)
23 degree average launch angle
7.3......60
Throwing velo... 81.6
He is a Jr.
6'4/165
Hope everyone has been well.
Going back to your original question...
Looking at his size and measurables, I would see him as a corner infielder. At this point he doesn't have the speed to play outfield at top programs. Most of those guys are below 6.8-6.9. It's the same for middle infielders.
As you go down in levels, you can add a little time - but anything 7.1 and above is going to need to be compensated for by some other above average tool.
So, he's projecting to me as a corner infielder. The problem now is that most programs are looking for those guys to be power hitters. That's also where the recruits who can mash - but are a defensive liability frequently end up. That means your son has to compete with the power guys to get on the field. His arm is a little light for a D1 third baseman, but I would expect it to be fine as he gets stronger.
At this point, he either has to get faster - or develop more power. Both are achievable given that he is a junior.
Your son definitely has a projectable frame - but at times it can be a handicap as well...
His power may seem fine in comparison to the typical players, but you are going to have coaches that say, "A kid that size should be hitting with more power". A 5'9 shortstop who hit the same way would get, "He has pretty good pop for a kid his size." Same results, different expectations.
On the upside, he's a jr so there is time to get him stronger. A lot of "top" programs have locked up their 2018's but there are still plenty of opportunities.
The 2015 SS from my son's school was a late round draft pick and ended up signing with a mid-level D1 the summer after his Sr. season. He was pretty similar to your son with the exception of being a sub 7.0 runner - so I would say there is still plenty of opportunity out there - your son is just going to have to work for it.
At 6'4" he's more likely to play first than third. First is a tough position to be recruited unless a kid is a masher. First and DH is where teams often put the good hitter without a position.
I know a kid who was an All American shortstop and first round pick. His freshman year he played first. The team already had a stud shortstop. A freshman who hits .339 has to play somewhere.
Has he done any kind of training to get his 60 time down? If he has had zero formal training in that area that would be a really good place to spend some cash right now.
No, not yet...we plan on it. Not alot of time right now, he also plays ice hockey. So between finishing up fall showcase bb and start of ice hockey we are treading water.
Jeh2018 posted:No, not yet...we plan on it. Not alot of time right now, he also plays ice hockey. So between finishing up fall showcase bb and start of ice hockey we are treading water.
Does he have gym? One of his gym teachers might be a track coach and they may have some tips they can work on in class while other people are playing volleyball one day. My kid is still very young but he has trained with some older kids and I have seen 60 times drop by 0.2 seconds simply by changing how someone worked their hands/arms.
True Story: a few years ago after I pitched BP at SF Giants Park, Jim Lefebrve the Giants Hitting coach requested my appearance at the batting tunnels. Joe Morgan and Jack Clark SF Giants players were waiting.
Jim brought out a "long" heavy rope and a huge truck tire. He had both players take turns. They tied the rope around the waist and "pulled" the tire for 40'. Each repeated this drill for 15 minutes.
We discuss the benefits of this drill "to increase 1st step quickness. During the Area Code games, I invited a track coach to provide drills. We tested the players in the 60 yd before the instruction and again after the track coach instruction. Players received a 5% performance bonus on their running times.
Bob
