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You might want to edit your question and spell it LOFGREN.
Really, is this sort of thing really valid?
I personally know all but 1 of thesse young men, and would be thrilled to say that they particpated in ANY program which I adiminstered.
Each ot these young men has his own unique, "something extra," which would contibute to any TEAM, Teams which require nine others,..all of whom can contribute that... "soething extra"...
I personally know all but 1 of thesse young men, and would be thrilled to say that they particpated in ANY program which I adiminstered.
Each ot these young men has his own unique, "something extra," which would contibute to any TEAM, Teams which require nine others,..all of whom can contribute that... "soething extra"...
Really, is this sort of thing really valid?
I personally know all but 1 of thesse young men, and would be thrilled to say that they particpated in ANY program which I adiminstered.
Each ot these young men has his own unique, "something extra," which would contibute to any TEAM, Teams which require nine others,..all of whom can contribute that... "soething extra"...
I personally know all but 1 of thesse young men, and would be thrilled to say that they particpated in ANY program which I adiminstered.
Each ot these young men has his own unique, "something extra," which would contibute to any TEAM, Teams which require nine others,..all of whom can contribute that... "soething extra"...
Agree with Coach Coconuts. Having met several of them and watched them all, these are all great kids.
Best of luck to them all in their upcoming season.
Best of luck to them all in their upcoming season.
...
I've only seen one of these guys play. C. Lofgren.
He got a look similar to JT Snow. My 05 son was playing SS for a Mtn View team against Chuck's Fall team. In Chuck's final at-bat he went Opposite field off the Left Center Wall. I've never seen a high school age player hit a baseball so hard. It must have traveled off his bat and reached the 380+ fence in approx. 3 seconds. He definitely crushed it. Chuck ended up with triple.
He got a look similar to JT Snow. My 05 son was playing SS for a Mtn View team against Chuck's Fall team. In Chuck's final at-bat he went Opposite field off the Left Center Wall. I've never seen a high school age player hit a baseball so hard. It must have traveled off his bat and reached the 380+ fence in approx. 3 seconds. He definitely crushed it. Chuck ended up with triple.
sf baseball ...
I don't know any of these players except by name.
And personally, I am not at all a fan of these kind of polls because all they seem to do is start debates that have no real answer ... and often do nothing more than cause hard feelings.
Fortunately, posters on this site (unlike many of the other messages boards in California and around the country) do not take off on negatives, so we probably won't see any of that on this thread. But I think the time is better suited to learning more about what parents and players can do to help improve their high school careers to get them to the next level.
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Have a blessed Christmas.
H-mom
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"For unto you is born this day ...a Savior ..."
I don't know any of these players except by name.
And personally, I am not at all a fan of these kind of polls because all they seem to do is start debates that have no real answer ... and often do nothing more than cause hard feelings.
Fortunately, posters on this site (unlike many of the other messages boards in California and around the country) do not take off on negatives, so we probably won't see any of that on this thread. But I think the time is better suited to learning more about what parents and players can do to help improve their high school careers to get them to the next level.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Have a blessed Christmas.
H-mom
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"For unto you is born this day ...a Savior ..."
I don't understand how you can compare us all. A pitcher/OF, a pitcher/ss, a pitcher/ss, a pitcher, and myslef a pitcher/1B. I dont understand.
Phil Hughes
Phil Hughes
Amen, HMom -- who cares, anyway! IMHO, we have many,'top players' in California. We are lucky in that we live in an area that is so rich with talent (and has great weather). I love it!
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Has spring training started yet?
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Has spring training started yet?
knightheater- You can't compare the players. Great choice on Santa Clara. I have about 10 players from my program that play there. Good luck this year. My coach and scout friends from SoCal say you are a good guy and work hard.
Thanks Calbb, im really excited about this upcoming season. Should be exciting. Good luck to everyone.
There are probably at least 10 other players who could be on the list
Polls like this are a disservice to all players
TRhit
Polls like this are a disservice to all players
TRhit
TR ...
We agree 100% ... they serve no purpose from my perspective.
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Have a blessed Christmas.
H-mom
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"For unto you is born this day ...a Savior ..."
We agree 100% ... they serve no purpose from my perspective.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Have a blessed Christmas.
H-mom
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
"For unto you is born this day ...a Savior ..."
I know all these kids and will not vote. As TR posted, there are alot of 04's that are missing and the poll make no sense whatsoever.
http://www.wavlist.com/tv/002/theme.wav
The Bullwinkle is now awake!
http://www.wavlist.com/tv/002/theme.wav
The Bullwinkle is now awake!
Plouffe, Hughes, and Bush are are all, HUGE, upside "potential" kinds of ballplayers.
Davis: He is the most "polished"-if the draft were held today- of them ALL, as far as his pitching skills are concerned...
Bush: He is hardest to peg, his size is a question, as is his bat's consistency-but God, what an arm...
Plouffe and Hughes: Both guys who will really benefit from their 3 years in D-1 College ball..
Lofgren: Rumor is that he is now 6' 4", 210 LHP, 4-5 pitches, 91-92 MPH, humps it to 95-96 on command, and can flat, out hit them all.
This boy's ceiling is so high, he can't even see it.
LOFGREN....hands down.
Davis: He is the most "polished"-if the draft were held today- of them ALL, as far as his pitching skills are concerned...
Bush: He is hardest to peg, his size is a question, as is his bat's consistency-but God, what an arm...
Plouffe and Hughes: Both guys who will really benefit from their 3 years in D-1 College ball..
Lofgren: Rumor is that he is now 6' 4", 210 LHP, 4-5 pitches, 91-92 MPH, humps it to 95-96 on command, and can flat, out hit them all.
This boy's ceiling is so high, he can't even see it.
LOFGREN....hands down.
Where did yo get your info on Chuck? He's a great player but he's not 95-96. He is 91-92 with three pitches. He needs better command with those and will as time passes. He is only 6'3 unless he grew an inch in the last couple months. You were dead-on regarding his hitting. He comes out of his shoes. I also think Hughes will go in the draft. I agree with you on Plouffe and Bush. I also like Davis as well. He'll have to go very high to get bought out of Stanford.
From articles in the newspaper etc. I believe there are alot of names/players who were not on the list. Doesn't mean these players are not good just missing some other names IMO. HSBBW is awesome. Keep up the good work!!!! fpsmom
Here's a 6'2 220lb lefty, Matt Jernstad pitched 64ins last year
had 94Ks only 17BBs with a 1.47 ERA. Not bad for a 16 year old Jr. Matt topped out at 88 mph last year we're thinking 90s this year. He has all the qualitys any coach would want in a player,most of all a pitcher. Matt Jernstad is the real deal.
had 94Ks only 17BBs with a 1.47 ERA. Not bad for a 16 year old Jr. Matt topped out at 88 mph last year we're thinking 90s this year. He has all the qualitys any coach would want in a player,most of all a pitcher. Matt Jernstad is the real deal.
If you are worried about Matt Bushs bat you must not have been at the homerun contest in Fallbrook, Ca. Were Matt won!!! Little O'L Matt beat all the BIG O'L SLUGGERS Not even close! So if you are wondering about bat and size talk to the BIG O'L BOYS that lost to him.
The truth is that he's not a power guy. A Metal bat and a high school field in BP will create home runs for a good hitter like Bush. Put a wood bat in his hand and the game changes. He is a very good player (probably a future major leaguer) but far from a power guy.
You are right about wood bats, Things do change. I see Matt everyday, And all we here is things about his size, to small or to thin ect. I see him swing wood for the scouts that come by and the ball pops off his bat.The other players on the list i'm sure are great players or there names would not have been brought up. I am wondering if it's a good time to be big, With whats going on with Bonds,Jason Jambi if you know what I mean.
On TV I saw Bush hit a bomb with a wood bat against The top ranked pitcher at the aflac game. It was in a pro stadium. He may not be a power guy but this one left the park fast and it was hit a long ways. He may not be a power guy with the wood bat but he was on that TV game and it didnt look accidental at all.
You don't have my choice on your list and even though this is three years old would say Robert Stock then and Robert Stock now. 
Shep
Shep
Shep, first of all I think this type of thread/poll is borderline ridiculous. There are many exceptional baseball players in California, and to try to pick one as the best not only is impossible to objectively do, but does a dis-service to many other very fine players.
Now that I've said that, Robert Stock is obviously an outstanding player, but to suggest that he is better than the players who are listed at the beginning of this thread might also be a bit ridiculous. Young Mr. Stock is still in high school, while the other players mentioned have not only completed high school, but are acheiving in major college or professional baseball.
Robert Stock will quite likely have a successful college and hopefully professional career, but he has a long way to go to catch up with these players, if due to nothing more than his age. If he's a first round pick out of high school, which is quite possible if he keeps developing and stays healthy, then maybe he'll justifiably be regarded as one of the very few who are the very best.
Now that I've said that, Robert Stock is obviously an outstanding player, but to suggest that he is better than the players who are listed at the beginning of this thread might also be a bit ridiculous. Young Mr. Stock is still in high school, while the other players mentioned have not only completed high school, but are acheiving in major college or professional baseball.
Robert Stock will quite likely have a successful college and hopefully professional career, but he has a long way to go to catch up with these players, if due to nothing more than his age. If he's a first round pick out of high school, which is quite possible if he keeps developing and stays healthy, then maybe he'll justifiably be regarded as one of the very few who are the very best.
06catcherdad
You bring up some valid points that I will respect but must explain my reasoning for choosing this fine young man, Robert Stock.
Not trying to create a pre-madonna here because you can forget about that happening anyway in the mind of this young prospect, he will never become complacent and will always strive to become the best player ever as demonstrated in his desire to learn and willingness to apply knowledge with the "total player" in mind. That includes every area possibly imaginable that you can think of as demonstrated by his persistance to gain highest level of knowledge from those with experience from the trenches beginning several years back here on this board and with Mike Magnante who is former MLB pitcher. His communication skills were beyond outstanding and his advanced aptitude of cognitive understanding of baseball related movements in mechanical aspects were unparalleled. Never before witnessed this natural ability to absorb so much from any other player in the history of baseball and found it even more astounding that this application of knowledge attained was coming from one who was only around 12 yrs old. Remember RS once saying he would be throwing a lot harder than his current mid to late 80's on stalker in a year or two. I believed him because his mechanical knowledge of the baseball related movement was so advanced and he was just developing functional body mass and strength. His OFP is still not fully reached, he is not a 100% player, and guess what?? He already throws mid 90's on stalker. Could possibly join elite triple digit no. club sooner than any other player in the history of baseball as well.
Does anybody know the youngest player in the history of baseball to reach 100MPH? Remember one from GA named John Asbell who was 17 yrs of age when he hit 100 but the jugs gun is a couple of MPH faster so that reading was probably around 98MPH on stalker. This kind of excitement only occurs once in a scout's lifetime if he is fortunate enough.
Shep is on his bandwagon because he is unique and one in a 200 million lot of baseball players. Wished all young players had his will to succeed and desire to attain utopian baseball benchmarks of excellence. There can only be one, Robert Stock is Shep's pick because of the above-mentioned and the fact he reminds me of me but the only difference is he started a lot earlier and I hesitated in my teenage years.
O6, find me another player who seeks, finds, and demonstrates cinematic feats equivalent to this "PLAYER". Find me another and I will give him a chance and get on his bandwagon too but not unless he steps up to the plate and is a doer of all the right things as young Stock does. Even then, the odds of another player superceeding RS in my mind will be slim.
Know some that read what I'm about to say may criticize and say this is extreme but here it goes anyway. If I had to pick one player in the history of baseball who I thought was most deserving, it would be young RS.
My past communications here with him when he was 12-13 yrs old and current performances of late in front of the very TOP LEVEL MLB POWERS THAT BE in baseball a couple of years later demonstrate preparation has met opportunity and young RS has reached a level of baseball existence seldom seen even by Major Leaguers.
Pray to very highest power that this young man remains healthy and attains absolute pinnacle of the baseball world. There can only be one, "THE GREATEST PLAYER EVER."
Robert Stock has a chance to be that ONE.
IMHO
Shep
You bring up some valid points that I will respect but must explain my reasoning for choosing this fine young man, Robert Stock.
Not trying to create a pre-madonna here because you can forget about that happening anyway in the mind of this young prospect, he will never become complacent and will always strive to become the best player ever as demonstrated in his desire to learn and willingness to apply knowledge with the "total player" in mind. That includes every area possibly imaginable that you can think of as demonstrated by his persistance to gain highest level of knowledge from those with experience from the trenches beginning several years back here on this board and with Mike Magnante who is former MLB pitcher. His communication skills were beyond outstanding and his advanced aptitude of cognitive understanding of baseball related movements in mechanical aspects were unparalleled. Never before witnessed this natural ability to absorb so much from any other player in the history of baseball and found it even more astounding that this application of knowledge attained was coming from one who was only around 12 yrs old. Remember RS once saying he would be throwing a lot harder than his current mid to late 80's on stalker in a year or two. I believed him because his mechanical knowledge of the baseball related movement was so advanced and he was just developing functional body mass and strength. His OFP is still not fully reached, he is not a 100% player, and guess what?? He already throws mid 90's on stalker. Could possibly join elite triple digit no. club sooner than any other player in the history of baseball as well.
Does anybody know the youngest player in the history of baseball to reach 100MPH? Remember one from GA named John Asbell who was 17 yrs of age when he hit 100 but the jugs gun is a couple of MPH faster so that reading was probably around 98MPH on stalker. This kind of excitement only occurs once in a scout's lifetime if he is fortunate enough.
Shep is on his bandwagon because he is unique and one in a 200 million lot of baseball players. Wished all young players had his will to succeed and desire to attain utopian baseball benchmarks of excellence. There can only be one, Robert Stock is Shep's pick because of the above-mentioned and the fact he reminds me of me but the only difference is he started a lot earlier and I hesitated in my teenage years.
O6, find me another player who seeks, finds, and demonstrates cinematic feats equivalent to this "PLAYER". Find me another and I will give him a chance and get on his bandwagon too but not unless he steps up to the plate and is a doer of all the right things as young Stock does. Even then, the odds of another player superceeding RS in my mind will be slim.
Know some that read what I'm about to say may criticize and say this is extreme but here it goes anyway. If I had to pick one player in the history of baseball who I thought was most deserving, it would be young RS.
My past communications here with him when he was 12-13 yrs old and current performances of late in front of the very TOP LEVEL MLB POWERS THAT BE in baseball a couple of years later demonstrate preparation has met opportunity and young RS has reached a level of baseball existence seldom seen even by Major Leaguers.
Pray to very highest power that this young man remains healthy and attains absolute pinnacle of the baseball world. There can only be one, "THE GREATEST PLAYER EVER."
Robert Stock has a chance to be that ONE.
IMHO
Shep
Shep, I think you fail to realize that we're talking about two parallel, but different, things. I agree that Robert Stock is a very special talent, and from what I've heard from afar, a fine young man. My point is that it is patently unfair, to both the older players AND young Mr. Stock, to compare him to players that are much farther along in their progression in their baseball careers.
If I'm not mistaken, RS is 15 years old. That being the case, are you suggesting he's ready to play professional baseball already? While he may have the physical tools to be outstanding, he is only a mid-level teenager and probably isn't anywhere near ready from a psychological aspect to compete with grown men. Again, I agree with you that he's special. First though, he must prove that he can graduate from high school with his elbow intact, among other things.
You are being unfair to the young man by heaping such praise and expectation on him at such a young age. I don't think he's quite ready to K Barry Bonds just yet. Be patient, my friend.
If I'm not mistaken, RS is 15 years old. That being the case, are you suggesting he's ready to play professional baseball already? While he may have the physical tools to be outstanding, he is only a mid-level teenager and probably isn't anywhere near ready from a psychological aspect to compete with grown men. Again, I agree with you that he's special. First though, he must prove that he can graduate from high school with his elbow intact, among other things.
You are being unfair to the young man by heaping such praise and expectation on him at such a young age. I don't think he's quite ready to K Barry Bonds just yet. Be patient, my friend.
quote:First though, he must prove that he can graduate from high school with his elbow intact, among other things.
O6,
This is the one thing I would guard against vehemently!!!!
Catcher, pitcher, infielder and only God knows, probably any position on the field of his choosing. This is entirely too much... too spread out. Would focus on just pitching and one infield position or catching exclusively to guard against possible over use of arm and shoulder. His choice though but know what I would pick if I were in his shoes. Think my dad would agree with what position Shep Jr would choose, CATCHING EXCLUSIVELY.
Proficiency in catching dept. will get you there quicker and keep you there longer. There is a shortage of quality MLB catchers. Demand is great and MLB caliber talent will always be highly sought after. RS could play now-IMHO He is light years ahead of any HS prospects I have known in my lifetime and head and shoulders above most others in his understanding of what it takes to seperate himself from the rest of the pack. All I can say about the entire situation and special personal interest story is Robert's father must also be a rare breed and special in his own right. Know from my own personal experience that you can be born with only a certain amount of natural talent, good bloodlines help, I too was fortunate in this department> However, also know from personal experience that there is usually a mentor/role model or driving force behind a player achieving greatness and bet the father, Mr. Stock, has been all of these things to young RS and hope this young lad will remember where he came from and who helped him get there through endless hours of tireless sacrifice. If you will allow me>
As a youngster, my father stayed on us constantly. He and some neighborhood dads cleared off an old cow pasture in the woods behind our childhood home for us to play on after school and in the summer. He worked four jobs, but still found time to also take us to the cow pasture field and hit us ball after ball after ball until my brothers and I were about to drop. Then he would hit us some more! True stories so help me God. Would come home so beatup most days that mom and dad would fuss all night about him pushing us too hard. LOL You know, when I reflect back now, I see how this type of sacrifice, hardwork and dedication seperated average and greatness. You have to do something extra and beyond the norm to achieve the pinnacle of success in anything and that's always been Shep's motto. These childhood experiences have carried over into my adult life and helped me as a person to achieve much success. Don't do it right just sometimes, but do it right every time! One of poster's here at HSBBW motto of the late great Lombardi. I totally agree with that saying because you'll just have to go back and do it again if you don't do it right the first time-LOL
Stand firm on my choice of TP/RS. Patience is a virtue but the early bird catches the wind and rides it out. The draft of that wind is for the others who can also benefit greatly when the RIGHT PEOPLE come around.
RS is that early bird~riding the winds of success and front runner and catalyst that can make it happen for everybody around him as well, IMHO
Shep
Lotta talent, lotta desire, but not the best pitcher on his HS team. Might be the best all around player on his team, probably not the best in the league although he could be by the end of the season. He probably will be next year.
He's probably close to done growing so although he'll almost certainly continue to improve the rest will be more gradual.
I'm looking forward to seeing him throw this season.
He's probably close to done growing so although he'll almost certainly continue to improve the rest will be more gradual.
I'm looking forward to seeing him throw this season.
Best Defensive catcher Shep has ever laid eyes on and can hit a ton! Would like to see team win state this year and believe with the great coaching staff as well as tough loss last year in playoffs, it is their turn to shine! Currently believe this HS team is ranked 28th in US. Not bad considering the thousands of teams out there across this great country! Will look forward to following this team this spring and watching "several" prospects from this team benefit from activity and excitement being generated in scouting circles. Would strongly advise the players not to spend too much time playing Texas Hold 'Em until after baseball season except for maybe with Ron Cey on the 11th of March-LOL That is an exception and an honor to have representatives there from Mr. McCourt's great LA Dodgers, IMHO. Great example of stewardship in the community and support for HS baseball by a professional club;>)
When I scouted in early 90s a reporter quoted me in Atlanta Constitution as saying Mark Johnson was the best defensive catcher I have ever laid eyes on. Quote was just a few months before draft and HS player was drafted in the first round. Article can be found in Atlanta Journal and Atlanta Constitution archives and think date was April 12,1994. Got chewed out for it even though reporter said nothing would be published that we talked about that day...typical reporter-LOL Not Shep's fault>
Shep doesn't talk to reporters anymore after that little incidence
Stock is better>
UPDATE2006 Would like to rescind that 12 year old statement and say Robert Stock is the best defensive catcher I have ever laid eyes on and hits a ton as well.
Look forward to watching the progress of RHP Jason Stoffel this season as well. Congrats to Stoffel on recent committment with University of Arizona. Great baseball school!
Look forward to watching progress of SS Nick Farinacci as well. Congrats to Farinacci on recent committment to U.C.-Irvine. Also a great baseball school!
Shep Cares
Painting a picture 
Shep doesn't talk to reporters anymore after that little incidence
Stock is better>UPDATE2006 Would like to rescind that 12 year old statement and say Robert Stock is the best defensive catcher I have ever laid eyes on and hits a ton as well.
Look forward to watching the progress of RHP Jason Stoffel this season as well. Congrats to Stoffel on recent committment with University of Arizona. Great baseball school!
Look forward to watching progress of SS Nick Farinacci as well. Congrats to Farinacci on recent committment to U.C.-Irvine. Also a great baseball school!
Shep Cares
Painting a picture
The way Stock has hit to start the season he may be the best all around player in the league right now. With all the attention the league will get, with Stoffel, Stock, Rapoport, et al, we ought to see lot's of players drafted or signing with good colleges this year. It is only a matter of time until the IBBs begin.
To say one player is better than any other player are Players in Cali. would be a stretch.
Each player brings something different to the table.
Lets let time decide who is the best.
Each player brings something different to the table.
Lets let time decide who is the best.
EH ...
I like the way you think and agree with you on this subject. As I understand it, Stock is most likely the real deal but a lot can happen between now and then, late blomers emerge, etc. Understandably I wish him well in his baseball future, but honestly believe that threads like this do not serve a good purpose ... kids get compared too much all the time as it is and I would suspect that, based on what I have read about Robert Stock, and what he has written himself on this site in the past, he probably wouldn't want it either.
JMHO after years of watching players at all levels evaluated in comparison to their peers and beyond ...
I like the way you think and agree with you on this subject. As I understand it, Stock is most likely the real deal but a lot can happen between now and then, late blomers emerge, etc. Understandably I wish him well in his baseball future, but honestly believe that threads like this do not serve a good purpose ... kids get compared too much all the time as it is and I would suspect that, based on what I have read about Robert Stock, and what he has written himself on this site in the past, he probably wouldn't want it either.
JMHO after years of watching players at all levels evaluated in comparison to their peers and beyond ...
My opinion is for players that are equally talented in both catching and pitching is....most big/minor league clubs carry 2 catchers and 10-11 pitchers. Where is the best chance to make it? Behind the dish or on the hill?