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Wow. I wish him great success.
The article says he's just 16 years old. Is that true?
Mike F
Mike F
Stock's catch and throw skills are unrefined, but his arm strength serves him well as a catcher. His footwork and exchange can be cleaned up, which would improve his pop times from home to second. He's athletic and agile enough to block balls adequately presently. His instincts, work ethic and championship-caliber makeup should serve him well as he continues to develop.
I haven't looked at Southern Cal's roster to see how many other catchers they have, but what they're in essence telling their Sr. catcher as well as any other catcher they have, is that they may as well forget playing in favor of a kid that might not even be shaving daily....even though his skills are unrefined.
Looks like team chemistry problem potential to me.
I haven't looked at Southern Cal's roster to see how many other catchers they have, but what they're in essence telling their Sr. catcher as well as any other catcher they have, is that they may as well forget playing in favor of a kid that might not even be shaving daily....even though his skills are unrefined.
Looks like team chemistry problem potential to me.
Stock Family,
I wish Robert the absolute best at USC and 19 yrs of age is a great place to start in pro ranks. Especially after three years of seasoned AA equivalent play at a major DIV I powerhouse.
I still stand by what I said about Robert in CA thread and he has my blessings for his intelligence and preparation at such an early age as witnessed by many of us back in 2003 here on this board
USC is lucky you have chosen them to get you ready for your future.
Good Luck and by the way, great slight left-center homerun at AFLAC in SD. Hope your teammate gave you the message about what a great at-bat I thought that was on the slight off-center mash!!! I was there along with the pack of scouts behind homeplate. We were all right there my brother peace and all the best at USC, Shep
I wish Robert the absolute best at USC and 19 yrs of age is a great place to start in pro ranks. Especially after three years of seasoned AA equivalent play at a major DIV I powerhouse.
I still stand by what I said about Robert in CA thread and he has my blessings for his intelligence and preparation at such an early age as witnessed by many of us back in 2003 here on this board
USC is lucky you have chosen them to get you ready for your future.Good Luck and by the way, great slight left-center homerun at AFLAC in SD. Hope your teammate gave you the message about what a great at-bat I thought that was on the slight off-center mash!!! I was there along with the pack of scouts behind homeplate. We were all right there my brother
peace and all the best at USC, Shep
I wish nothing but the best for this young man. He's been under a microscope for a long time...I expect he will continue to shine under this one.
All the best!
All the best!
One thing I don't understand though...Where are all the posters who were so active in their posts in Pro vs College thread? You all should be the first to congratulate this fine young man for his decision to first go to college. 
Makes me go like Arsenio Hall used to do with his finger scratching his chin with the silly face, "just makes you want to go Hmmm.."-Arsenio
peace, Shep
Makes me go like Arsenio Hall used to do with his finger scratching his chin with the silly face, "just makes you want to go Hmmm.."-Arsenio
peace, Shep
quote:Originally posted by Shepster:
One thing I don't understand though...Where are all the posters who were so active in their posts in Pro vs College thread?You all should be the first to congratulate this fine young man for his decision to first go to college.
Makes me go like Arsenio Hall used to do with his finger scratching his chin with the silly face, "just makes you want to go Hmmm.."-Arsenio
Shep,
There's about 3 threads on this, read them all. And although I think it is the right decision (to go to college) giving up senior year of HS is really the issue here with most people, college vs. pro,
JMO
quote:One thing I don't understand though...Where are all the posters who were so active in their posts in Pro vs College thread?
Sorry Sheep dog, I miss your point! How does skipping your senior year of high school to enter college early factor into the pro vs college debate? Surely you're not suggesting that Robert would be better served if he were allowed to enter the professional draft at age sixteen? Let it rest.
Obviously this is a special young man. He and his parents feel as if he is special enough to move faster than the majority of student athletes and the NCAA and the USC administrators agree. Only if we had a crystal ball and could see into the future could we know if he was doing the right thing. I would venture to say he will have the ability to overcome the challenges and will emerge a winner. However I think he would emerge a winner even if he had stayed for his senior year of high school. I feel as if the uniqueness of the situation will garner a lot of attention but I don’t see this as the beginning of a new movement. It is a gamble no matter what route a player takes. There are no guarantees! My suggestion is to make the best decision you have with the information you have and move forward. I’m looking forward to following Robert over the next few years and wish him the best.
Fungo
Fungo said:
I know you said let it rest but if the board will allow me, I would like to say a couple more things then I promise to let it go if everybody else does
#1-If we had a crystal ball, we could do alot of things, but unfortunately we don't.
#2-Maybe we should have started a HS vs PRO or College thread.
#3-Certainly we should all be happy and supportive of what I personally think is a good decision if he's thinking catching which I have suggested from the start for young Stock.
#4-It's not about what "we" want but rather what each individual player and family decide is best route.
#5-Every situation is different that comes neatly bundled with a stack of variables as in the stack for Stock prior to this decision.
#6-If money is not a variable, remove that aspect from the equation and look further down the road at the best opportunity to achieve the ultimate goal and pinnacle of playing in the Major Leagues which I firmly believe has been done in this Stock decision.
#7-Isn't 19 yrs old closer to the age a HS senior has to make the decision of pro vs college?
#8-Young stock will be only 19 yrs old with three years of top instruction and experience behind dish for a powerhouse DIV I school at USC when eligible for draft again in 2009.
#9-Will someone please start a pro vs senior year in college school thread in order to discuss all the joys and life experiences of continued education for Stock in 2009 opposed to signing professional contract after draft?
#10-It's really none of any of our business what this fine young man and his family decides even though we can all post our opinions.
Peace,
Sheep Dog
quote:How does skipping your senior year of high school to enter college early factor into the pro vs college debate?
I know you said let it rest but if the board will allow me, I would like to say a couple more things then I promise to let it go if everybody else does
#1-If we had a crystal ball, we could do alot of things, but unfortunately we don't.
#2-Maybe we should have started a HS vs PRO or College thread.
#3-Certainly we should all be happy and supportive of what I personally think is a good decision if he's thinking catching which I have suggested from the start for young Stock.
#4-It's not about what "we" want but rather what each individual player and family decide is best route.
#5-Every situation is different that comes neatly bundled with a stack of variables as in the stack for Stock prior to this decision.
#6-If money is not a variable, remove that aspect from the equation and look further down the road at the best opportunity to achieve the ultimate goal and pinnacle of playing in the Major Leagues which I firmly believe has been done in this Stock decision.
#7-Isn't 19 yrs old closer to the age a HS senior has to make the decision of pro vs college?
#8-Young stock will be only 19 yrs old with three years of top instruction and experience behind dish for a powerhouse DIV I school at USC when eligible for draft again in 2009.
#9-Will someone please start a pro vs senior year in college school thread in order to discuss all the joys and life experiences of continued education for Stock in 2009 opposed to signing professional contract after draft?
#10-It's really none of any of our business what this fine young man and his family decides even though we can all post our opinions.
Peace,
Sheep Dog
quote:Shep posted: Especially after three years of seasoned AA equivalent play at a major DIV I powerhouse.
The PAC10 is as good as the Southern League? I very seriously doubt that but, whatever. Good players adjust to whatever level they move to. Robert will be fine.
Buddy
I really meant the TX league peace, Sheep Dog
I really meant the TX league
peace, Sheep Dog
1410 SAT Score has got to be the most impressive thing in the whole article.
Congrats on the Stock family, if anyone can do it Robert can!
Congrats on the Stock family, if anyone can do it Robert can!
Agreed baseballbum.
Best part of the article. He qualified to go to college early and took advantage of that opportunity. The young man obviously has a lot going for him on and off the field. I wish him the best. What will really tell the story is if he somehow manages to play three years of ball at USC, graduate early and then turn pro. Like they said "have our cake and eat it to".
quote:Stock, who was named Baseball America's Youth Player of the Year in 2005 as a 15-year-old, met early academic admission requirements based on several criteria outlined in Rule 14.3.1.4 of the NCAA's early admission program. Stock ranked in the top 20 percent of his high school class and has completed each of his core class requirements, except English. He also had the required GPA of at least 3.5 in each of his last four high school semesters. He then had to apply for a waiver from the NCAA that would grant him eligibility to play baseball at USC, which he received. His 1410 SAT score helped him overcome the final stumbling block of getting into Southern California through its Resident Honors Program, which allows about 30 elite students who have demonstrated exceptional maturity to enroll in the university a year early.
Best part of the article. He qualified to go to college early and took advantage of that opportunity. The young man obviously has a lot going for him on and off the field. I wish him the best. What will really tell the story is if he somehow manages to play three years of ball at USC, graduate early and then turn pro. Like they said "have our cake and eat it to".
#2 Maybe we should have started a HS vs Pro or college thread.
Why? Most players do finish HS, this is an unusual situation with a very very talented young player. Many players are asked to forego senior year, but they don't. Understand also that this is just not something you can do without meeting the criteria, which he has. This player is college material that's for sure!
#6 If money is not a variable, remove that aspect from the equation and look further down the road at the best opportunity to achieve the ultimate goal and pinnacle of playing in the Major Leagues....
I think this is pretty much understood when most players make a decision and many of us do beleive this to be true! This has never been an issue.
Don't some players choose college because they feel some programs give top instruction. USC certainly is not the only powerhouse school which you say is comparible to AA (which according to those in or affiliated with pro ball is not because of use of wood bats).
#9 Will someone please start a pro vs. senior year in college school thread in order to discuss all the joys and life experiences of continued education for Stock in 2009 opposed to signing professional contract after draft.
Are you suggesting that we begin discussion on whether a drafted player should finish college or sign a pro contract his sophomore or junior year. I think it is pretty much understood that MOST players will attend college for the college experience, earn most of their degree, grow and refine so that they become better prospects when they weren't out of HS. We all know MOST want out if they have opportunities to begin their careers and often they do stay. I know quite a few this year that decided to return for senior year even after one turning down 100K. I don't think we need to start a discussion what Robert should do in 3 years.
#10 It's really none of any of our business what this fine young man and his family decides even though we can all post our opinions.
I agree!
As Fungo suggests, let's let it rest.
Why? Most players do finish HS, this is an unusual situation with a very very talented young player. Many players are asked to forego senior year, but they don't. Understand also that this is just not something you can do without meeting the criteria, which he has. This player is college material that's for sure!
#6 If money is not a variable, remove that aspect from the equation and look further down the road at the best opportunity to achieve the ultimate goal and pinnacle of playing in the Major Leagues....
I think this is pretty much understood when most players make a decision and many of us do beleive this to be true! This has never been an issue.
Don't some players choose college because they feel some programs give top instruction. USC certainly is not the only powerhouse school which you say is comparible to AA (which according to those in or affiliated with pro ball is not because of use of wood bats).
#9 Will someone please start a pro vs. senior year in college school thread in order to discuss all the joys and life experiences of continued education for Stock in 2009 opposed to signing professional contract after draft.
Are you suggesting that we begin discussion on whether a drafted player should finish college or sign a pro contract his sophomore or junior year. I think it is pretty much understood that MOST players will attend college for the college experience, earn most of their degree, grow and refine so that they become better prospects when they weren't out of HS. We all know MOST want out if they have opportunities to begin their careers and often they do stay. I know quite a few this year that decided to return for senior year even after one turning down 100K. I don't think we need to start a discussion what Robert should do in 3 years.
#10 It's really none of any of our business what this fine young man and his family decides even though we can all post our opinions.
I agree!
As Fungo suggests, let's let it rest.
We wish Robert the very best. The one thing going to college will do is allow him to further develop as both a pitcher and catcher. While most think he will be a hitter in pro ball, he has the arm to pitch. Three years in the Pac 10 should clear things up a bit.
Shep, I hope your kidding about that AA/Pac10 comparison. Most players in the Pac10 will not see professional baseball and many less will ever see AA.
There have been players who skipped their final high school year in order to get drafted. (Jeremy Bonderman) comes to mind. However Robert is the youngest one we know of to skip his final year. He and several others in the 07 class could play high level DI right now.
Also USC has a great track record of working with and developing catchers! We will be pulling for him all the way.
Shep, I hope your kidding about that AA/Pac10 comparison. Most players in the Pac10 will not see professional baseball and many less will ever see AA.
There have been players who skipped their final high school year in order to get drafted. (Jeremy Bonderman) comes to mind. However Robert is the youngest one we know of to skip his final year. He and several others in the 07 class could play high level DI right now.
Also USC has a great track record of working with and developing catchers! We will be pulling for him all the way.
I believe that the decision to focus primarily on catching was a major impetus in the decision making process given that Chad Kreuter is the head coach at USC.
USC is also fairly close to where the Stock's live so he'll have a support base close by to help him adjust to college life, something he wouldn't have if he had been drafted and signed out of HS.
He would have most likely spent his final season in HS being walked more often than not so there wasn't much opportunity for improvement there.
Stock is fairly young for his HS grade. If I remember correctly (and I could easily be wrong) he won't turn 17 until November sometime. He was fortunate that along with all that talent and hard work he was an early maturer. I'm guessing that when he didn't grow all that much in height (he's "only" about 6'1") after 12yo it affected his projection as a pitcher despite already having a 95 mph fastball at the age of 16.
All in all, I believe the Stocks have made a wise and innovative decision that challenges Robert while leaving his options wide open in the future. Think about it. He would have been a young 17yo if he had opted to stay in HS, get drafted and sign. Delmon Young did that and has had maturity issues despite the incredible talent. This way Robert will be a 19yo with 3 years of college experience when he becomes eligible for the draft. He gets the advantage of the college experience and yet is no older than some HS players going into the draft. Best of both worlds.
The only thing I don't like about the decision is that I never did get a chance to see Robert pitch against our HS team.
PG,
I think there may be some concern at this point about overusing his arm as a pitcher. JMO.
USC is also fairly close to where the Stock's live so he'll have a support base close by to help him adjust to college life, something he wouldn't have if he had been drafted and signed out of HS.
He would have most likely spent his final season in HS being walked more often than not so there wasn't much opportunity for improvement there.
Stock is fairly young for his HS grade. If I remember correctly (and I could easily be wrong) he won't turn 17 until November sometime. He was fortunate that along with all that talent and hard work he was an early maturer. I'm guessing that when he didn't grow all that much in height (he's "only" about 6'1") after 12yo it affected his projection as a pitcher despite already having a 95 mph fastball at the age of 16.
All in all, I believe the Stocks have made a wise and innovative decision that challenges Robert while leaving his options wide open in the future. Think about it. He would have been a young 17yo if he had opted to stay in HS, get drafted and sign. Delmon Young did that and has had maturity issues despite the incredible talent. This way Robert will be a 19yo with 3 years of college experience when he becomes eligible for the draft. He gets the advantage of the college experience and yet is no older than some HS players going into the draft. Best of both worlds.
The only thing I don't like about the decision is that I never did get a chance to see Robert pitch against our HS team.
PG,
I think there may be some concern at this point about overusing his arm as a pitcher. JMO.
Good luck to a solid student athlete.
Fungo, though I ordinarily agree with you, this time I don't. Certainly a decision had to be made with regard to the draft. This young man, like mine, just had to make his decision a year ahead of time (actually a year and a half). These decisions are much easier when the student athlete is as bright as this fellow. I can speak from experience when I say that the social factor is just as important. On that score, most of the few player's that have done this are leaders in the dugout. Imo, USC's tradition and class program will go along way in making him feel comfortable.
TPM....Maybe your son was asked to graduate early, but I can assure you there are NOT a lot of young men asked to skip thier senior year. It is indeed, rare.
Fungo, though I ordinarily agree with you, this time I don't. Certainly a decision had to be made with regard to the draft. This young man, like mine, just had to make his decision a year ahead of time (actually a year and a half). These decisions are much easier when the student athlete is as bright as this fellow. I can speak from experience when I say that the social factor is just as important. On that score, most of the few player's that have done this are leaders in the dugout. Imo, USC's tradition and class program will go along way in making him feel comfortable.
TPM....Maybe your son was asked to graduate early, but I can assure you there are NOT a lot of young men asked to skip thier senior year. It is indeed, rare.
CADad,
Very well put! Robert can choose his environment. That is not a bad thing. As soon as a person signs after the draft your choices are gone, either until you leave baseball, baseball leaves you or you are free agent eligible.
Very well put! Robert can choose his environment. That is not a bad thing. As soon as a person signs after the draft your choices are gone, either until you leave baseball, baseball leaves you or you are free agent eligible.
Catching and pitching? I hope he gets out of there healthy. I thought he'd only have to do it one more year in high school. Now he has to do it for 3 years at USC.