Texans in Baseball America's Top 300

John,
I will join in your discussion. I am surprised that nobody else has commented on this.

So if Blake Beavan is #3 on this list and Cole Green is #61, what does that say for Jason Becker and his rankings? He had Green #1 in the state and Beavan #2?

Also, how big is the gap really between all of these players? The point being that I have seen some of these guys that are 50 spots apart play quite a bit and there isn't that big of a difference.

Well, you have to subscribe to Baseball America to get this list (except here) -- true? Should we have a discussion concerning rankings -- again?

Mike Marshal out of El Paso Franklin should be on that list.

After a satisfying day of football, I had some time to kill and looked at the rankings to try to figure them out and better understand the process. My first thought was, why would Florida have almost 50% more in the top 300. I guess they could have that many better players, but it made me wonder. The next thing I wondered about was why there were only around 3 players from Texas in the 201-300 group. That makes no sense does it. However, I guess it could just be a little unusual. My theory is that you optimize your chances of being ranked by attending the Perfect Game Wood Bat Championhip or another Perfect Game showcase. Since the Championship is in Florida, it would only make sense that more Floridians would attend and therefore more players from Florida would be ranked. Since I have access to the Baseball America ProspectsPlus, I pulled up the report and then pulled up the Perfect Game Wood Bat player database. I looked at it until I got tired. Here is what I found out. Around 70% of those ranked between 201-260 attended the Perfect Game Wood Bat Championships. Most of the others attended a Perfect Game Showcase. Of thoe that did not attend, a couple of those had committed to a D1 school. Another one or two were listed in the Perfect Game California Zone site.

Unfortunately, a number of quality teams from Texas have opted out of participating in the Wood Bat Championships in recent years and instead have focused on the Premier tournaments. I can't help but think that a lot of players that would be ranked are never seen by the folks that do the ranking.

BT,
Very impressive investigative posting. I would agree with you on the Florida bent regarding Perfect Game. Easy access to those events make those players more visible.

KD,
I think your personal affection for Marshal is showing. Did he sign in the early period?

Mike signed with Stanford this Fall.

So he will be competing with Kaskow for playing time at first base over the next four years? Or is there plans for one of them to play a different position? Maybe they will play Kaskow in a corner outfield spot?

Don't know the answer to that. I've heard both scenarios, but only third hand.

If you hit, then they will find a spot on the field for you. Both players sound great.

im surprised chase reid didnt make this list

Lists like these are..................

BOOTLEG

I agree. There are some real head-scratchers on the list. Not to mention some great kids either left off, or curiously low on the list.