Top Short-Stops for 2006!!!!!!!!

Saw Cunningham play and he is smooth, with quick, soft hands. Good, accurate arm. Good hitter and will get more power when he gets stronger.

Son played little league with Doyle back in 2000. Son was twelve and Doyle was eleven. Son and Doyle split time between pitching and shortstop. Mick could hit then, and I'm sure he can hit now. Very close-knit family. If he put time into developing his skills and training, nobody would come close to him. Real smart kid!! Has definite future in next levels of baseball if family would focus on that.

Binder could be better than he is, but is inconsistent at times in both hitting and fielding.

When we JCA played Benet, Doyle was very smooth at Short, needs work with the stick to become All-State though.

My son played against Mick Doyle in the summer for Praire Gravel,and said he was the best short/stop he has played against,and for Jca we beat his team pretty good, we also played against Binder in the summer and he is very good also. I think Binder played for Lombard Lightning.

I have seen Brewer play and he is very good! Ihave seen Cunningham play and he need's to get stronger to be all-state but he looks very good! Doyle is very smooth and just needs to get a stronger arm and work on his hitting,saw the ss from Naperville Johnns, and he looks very good to me if he works on his fielding he has a chance to be all-state.

Sophomore Dane Hall from Barrington started all year, has hit an absolute ton...I think at least 5 Hr.....has to be considered among the top '07s.

I played with johanns from naperville central the white sox traveling team and i think that he is an underated player because he is playing with a crapy team. I think that if he played with a top 5 team he would all state for sure. Next to dan brewer i think johanns is a great short-stop

Fastballdad, You have a PM

If you don't go to any PERFECT GAMES show cases you won't get ranked!PERIOD.Baseball America sponser's Perfect game. SO its nice to get ranked but does not mean a thing ,cause alot of great player's don't go to PERFECT GAME show cases!!!!!!!

Ralphy and Marvin is going to be something sweet to watch up the middle next year for clemente

Mick Doyle you have a private message

05dad. WADR. Untrue. Unfair to PG.

A minimal amount of research would have at least tempered your post.

My mistake 05dad. Please accept my apology.

Thought it was your post. I should have known better.

O.F.04.......Your just flat wrong about this.

Ok" mr know it all" as my favorite poster(PEABODY) call'S you , you name one ! Ryan Anetsberger All-State 2004 was not ranked and never attented a Pg show case! and Dan Brewer who will be All-State was never ranked and did not attend a PG show case.And those 3 mentioned all have attened the PG show cases... What do you think PG is going to say if you dont attend our show case you wont get ranked??? DAH!!

OF04, I don't know what PG has ever done to you personally that you harbor such a resentment towards them. But, never mind that.

I believe that if a player never attended a PG Showcase it would be difficult for PG to have a profile on that player. That would make sense. However, I don't think that the absense of a PG profile would keep a player off of a Baseball America player ranking. Whether it be PG, Team One, Blue-Grey or others, they know who the players are and I don't believe that any one of those organizations would intentionally penalize a player because he didn't attend THEIR event. JMO.

mike cunningham is by far the best shortstop out of all these scrubs u speak of

Mc_Queens:
Gee thought Oak Park fan's had more class than that?? Guess your the exception to the rule!

Mc_queens,
That is just uncalled for.People could say something about your email name....."queen"!

I too along with LTDH8 played with Johanns in the summer. I agree that hes an underrated player on a not so good team but I also know mick doyle from playing prairie gravel a few years ago. He is very smooth and is also i fine hitter at the dish. The only thing that could use a little work is his arm.

"Queen" mike cunningham is a good short-stop but he is not the best as u say he is. Yes can has great hands but he cannot hit as well as the other short-stops. And everyone knows that if u can hit ur going to play no matter what

Josh Colon, a sophomore from Lane Tech, is as smooth of a fielder as i've seen.

Elliott Soto from Dundee Crown. Covers lots of ground and it looks like his feet aren't even touching the ground!

The work ethics of Cales, and Stevens and Brewer, Should be posted! Can you fine short-stops,tell the young shortstops named in this post how hard you work to get to be noticed? I dont think the younger ball player's really knows what it takes! LOve to hear from Cales and Brewer and Stevens. Congrats to Dan Brewer Named Sun-times All-State Shortstop 2005!

The only time I saw Cunningham play was against Lane last weekend. I'm assuming he had an off-day if he is considered the top returning SS in the state, because he didn't look that sharp.

Defensively at least for that game only, Colon deffinately looked better.

Vet,

Where did you see the All-State team listed?

mike cunningham has a better batting average and less errors then former "great"huskie shortstop ruiari oconnor did last season.

"you observe a a lot by watching"

For LTDH 8 Mike Cunningham was the only player on the Huskies to hit over 400 and made less than 7 errors this year. To not include him in the top shortstops in the state as a junior is a travesty. And I am pretty sure he was pretty successful against LT this year.

Down in the southern part of the state word has it there is an incoming sophmore by the name of Matthew Moore that is one of the "up and coming" shortstops in HS baseball. This kid makes such great plays in the field they have already named him "FlashinTheLeather"!!

He is playing summer baseball on a local Colt team and has already added some dazzling plays to his repitore in just his first four games. Word has it this is his first time to play on a nice solid grass infield and he is getting more experience with each week.

Going to see these young Shortstops play this summer, Way to go Brewer on your first team Sun-times Award, you deserved it with 13 bombs and like 60 Rbi's?? how did you not get the team's MVP? That was a joke!!!!!

watre u talking about, all state awards dont come out till after the tournament

Simotes is a very good all-around shortstop. He has good size, quick hands, and plays the position very well. Like any other high school player, he can continue to improve and will do that based on his attitude. His biggest drawback is, and will always be, his father Those that know Grant's dad, know exactly what I mean.

mc_queens your right they dont come out till after the tournament but they have already been selected. Pretty much only the coaches and players on a team with a kid that got picked know as of now.

There are some good young SS in Oak Lawn and Burbank (Sexton and Mueller) -- I don't know how they compare to some of the kids in the suburbs, but Sexton played for the Sox Training Center Team and Mueller was POY in the conference.

The Tribune has announced their all-state team:

First team

June 9, 2005, 10:43 PM CDT


PITCHER
Mike Bowden, Waubonsie Valley, Sr.
Repeat 1st-teamer's unreal numbers: 185 K's, eight walks, 0.41 ERA, 11-1, pitched one-hitter in loss.
College: Arizona State.
Tanner Roark, Wilmington, Sr.
Went 14-0 with a save, hit .516 with 10 HRs and 63 RBIs for Class A champions.
College: Illinois.

CATCHER
Nick Mitidiero, Lockport, Sr.
2nd-time All-Stater moves to first team with school record .621 average, 1.000 slugging percentage.
College: Undecided.

FIRST BASE
Connor Powers, Benet, Jr.
Powerfully built (6-3, 230) Redwing hit .505 with six HRs, 49 RBIs and .879 slugging percentage.

SECOND BASE
Jordan Tokarz, Neuqua Val., Sr.
Set school records with .489 average, 66 hits, 52 runs, 28 SBs in first full season as starter.
College: Elgin C.C.

SHORTSTOP
Dan Brewer, Lyons Township, Sr.
Lions' leader socked 13 homers with 57 RBIs and a .903 slugging percentage.
College: Bradley.

THIRD BASE
Matt Otteman, Lockport, Sr.
Porters' MVP hit .583 with .865 slugging pct.; 11-0 on mound with 0.66 ERA.
College: Undecided.

OUTFIELD
Jake Christensen, Lockport, Sr.
Hawkeyes QB recruit shines on diamond too: .520 avg., eight HRs, 44 RBIs, 48 runs.
College: Iowa.

Jason Kipnis, Glenbrook N., Sr.
CSL MVP hit .481 with eight HRs, 32-for-32 SBs.
College: Kentucky.

Aaron Barrows, Minooka, Sr.
No errors while hitting .460 with 44 runs.
College: E. Kentucky.


The Sun-Times only has their all-area team listed on the website for now, and the IHSBCA team will probably be announced after the ceremony at the Sox game on June 20.

What year is doyle??

djeter, i will be a junior next year. i just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their comments. any criticism, good or bad, is appreciated. thanks again.

Should'nt Grant be a senior this year.Why do we promote kids that are not in there right grade? Lets see Chris jeske football joliet catholic, and yes jake christensen of Lockport, brain stroud of New Lenox i here should be a jr.The birthday cut off is what it is.Thats just a few names. Anything to get the edge.

i would have to bring up Brian Lambert from Pontiac, IL. He will be a senior during the 06 year and he has had all-state honors since his sophomore year. I think he batted around 450 this season and he is very solid in the field. He is a great player.

Lambert looked smooth playing 2B at the Silver & Black showcase. Easy to see why he is a repeat performer on some all-state lists.

benetSS12 u have a pm

Never paid much attention to the Tribune for high school baseball and now I know why....

1. Wilmington
2. Lockport

IN THEIR DREAMS!!!!!!!

With Tanner Roark on the mound Willimington is better then any team in the state.

Unfortunately for them, you play a minimum of 3 games in the STate tournament.

Ask Waubonsee Valley.

Beenthere, I don't know, but I think I'm with Kenny on this one. Wilmington is not just Tanner Roark. If I'm not mistaken,younger brother Dillon Roark was undefeated this season. It is probably the natural instinct to feel Lockport is king of the hill, but just look at Wilmington's record. Yeah, their competition doesn't stack up with Lockport, but how many of us have even seen Wilmington play this season? I think if Wilmington played in the Chicago area they would quickly be mentioned with the other elite HS programs that we talk so much about. JMO.

This would be one of those years where it would be great to have the two champions play. Wilmington beat Mt Carmel, JCA, Minooka and Geneva. So they already have one win over a AA elite 8 team.

Don't know anything about Tanner Roark, he might be the second comming of Tom Seaver. But it seems that Rosy drinks Top Tier Kool Aid. If Elmer Fudd were to pitch for Top Tier Rosy would think he is as good as Randy Johnson. Rosy how many games did you see Wilmington play this year?
I don't think that this has anything to do with 06/07 shortstops

well, I always thought one of the great things about this site is that someone starts a thread, and it goes wherever from there. Norwood.....blame Beenthere not Rosy....he is the one who deviated from the topic. For my money, from what I have heard Either Wilmington or Wabonsie Valley would probably beat any team with their aces throwing. But as Beenthere said, it isn't a one game playoff which is agood thing in baseball. Lockport is my #1. But you can't discount Wilmington, because pitching is so big and they do haev perhaps the #2 Pitcehr in the state and an excellent #2.

I play with Tanner on top tier and let me tell you he is a stud. He shut down a very good indy bulls team. I think wilmington could beat any team in the state. The lost one game all year, that has to say something about them as a team.

I take the blame for deviating from the start of the thread "topic".

Do they still have that "rocketship" standing by the restaurant as you head into Wilmington?

Anyone know?

Catfish still biting?

I applaud Wilmington and I understand that Tanner and his team was very talented.

While I'm biased as a SICA West fan, very few people who saw Lockport this season, especially their "team" hitting, would say that there is a better high school baseball team out there this season.

From what I know about Coach Hall and his bevy of volunteers/parents/friends of the program (who scout teams for the program), they would likely have had a surprise or two for Michael and his 93 mph fastball.

Of course, no one would know since WV lost the first game!

Norwood, After reading your drivel, I re-read my posting above and I don't get your point. There was no mention of Top Tier or anything even remotely related to that team or any other such team. I thought the current discussion had drifted to about how Wilmington might fare against Lockport. What are you reading?

So, you don't know anything about Tanner Roark, who cares? There's lots more that you know nothing about, and we don't care about that either.

Saw Louis Johanns at Triton, looked pretty good!

actually, from what I know, stroud was born late in '88, after the school cut-off, so I don't think he is supposed to be a grade higher.

Johanns was at the Sox Silver and Black games and hit the hardest ball of the 2 days for a triple (wood bat) and then at the Stevenson showcase he hit a 2 run homer. He is showing some definite sign of power and has a great glove too.

i know wilmington well and tanner and crew very well... watching them and playing against them the past three years this is the best team they put together so far.... with tanner on the mound they are very tough to beat but i give the edge to lockport

Saw Anetsberger at Uic, and Brewer play for Top Tier the other day,the edge they have over the younger short stop's mentioned in this post, is that they can flat out HIT ! Brewer reminds me of Petrulis of Oak Park, Anetsberger reminds me of Capisita of JCA. They could hit ! Most SS can field.

How about Jim Donovan ? no one could hit like him ! smooth fielder also !
2006/07 ss Lot's of talent next year.
Johanns, Naperville CENTRAL hs
Courtwright, Lincoln Community hs
Grady, Sandberg hs
Mueller, Reavis hs
Simmonds,Driscolle hs
Wicoff, Limestone hs
Cantwell, Nazareth hs
Garcia, Clemente hs
Cunningham, OPRF hs
Cappetta, Montini hs
Sexton, Oak Lawn hs
Colon, Lane Tech hs
Doyle, Benet hs
Soto, Dundee Crown hs

I think that Doyle needs to hit better before he becomes an all state ss. I'm not saying that he will not be able to do it by next year, but he does have a great glove.

I know I may be a little biased but Johanns gets my vote for his range and power at the plate.

quote:

Garcia from clemente is better than everybody on that list

Raffy - you are pretty good, but that is a very bold statement.

Does Garcia play for any summer travel team?

yes garcia does play for a summer team the humbolt travlers, very underrated team that beat illinois orioles, perfect game, louisville elite, and lost 2 the norwood blues and southern illinois bullets both only by 1 run. very impresive.

I would like to know if Cunningham, Doyle, Johanns, Garcia, Courtwright,Cappetta,Simmons, are playing fall ball?and for what program?

Lou Johanns is looking at Norwood for the fall

You have to include Hall from Barrington in any discussions about SS in the '07 Class. Great hitter, coming on defensively.

I saw where Brewer from L.t. has the most vote's for 2005 short-stops, did he get all-state? sorry if that's a stupid question.

Johanns, looking at or committed to Norwood? I know a guy who has some good things going on in the Fall for his team. Could get some real good looks from a lot of schools. I know he would love to have him.

and yes Brewer was All-State

The best 07 shortstop I have seen is Dundee Crown's Elliot Soto. Great hands, great lateral movement, quickness and outstanding instincts on the field and while baserunning. Great contact hitter while developing some power. Hits on the field from line to line.

Deucedoc,
you have a PM

Lineshot...is your son an '08 middle infielder?

no fastballdad, but my daughter could be a 2015 cheerleader!! I just follow baseball as a hobby.

Garcia here, I would like to play against these shortstops

Brandond Wicoff from Barton Limestone is a very solid shortstop defensivly, but even better with a bat in his hands. Jim Lundstrom from Crete- Monee is also a very good 07'. Jim was brought up with Kevin Crane and even though Kevin put up numbers that were a big part of our teams success this last year, Jim's were just as important since i believe he batted right around 400 with quite a few doubles. He is one kid not affraid to put his face in front of a ball.

The only way to make ALL-STATE short stop in this STATE is to flat out HIT. Brewer can mash that's why he got it for 2005,defense was just ok, Anetsberger in 2004 could flat out HIT,fielding was just ok. So to all of the great name's mentioned in this interesting Post. WORK on your defense and your arm, but you must get to be the BEST at swinging the BAT !!! To follow in MR. BREWER'S and ANETSBERGER FOOT STEP'S!

NCBdad, I left my pm on your cell. Thanks

this is my first time and i want to say i like peter cappetta from montini at short stop. but i voted for mick doyle, i think he is good too.

JCA POPS. I assume you are from Joliet Catholic. You have no clue what you are talking about when you refer to Brewer and Anetsberger having OK gloves. Both players are very good to excellent shortstops. I've seen both go in the hole and up the middle to get to balls that most people wouldn't even move for. Is your animosity for them based on the fact that they don't play in "feared East Suburban Catholic League?" They happen to play in the strongest baseball conference in the state and also have to crossover to play teams like Hinsdale South, Downers South and other teams in the West Suburban Gold. Based on your opinion it's a wonder that a weak armed and defensively challenged play like Anetsberger can start at shortstop for a very good Division 1 team. He starts because he is very good. Why don't you watch them more than once or twice before you try to comment on what a poor fielder they are.

Norfrank, boy did you waste alot of word's on nothing lol. You missed the point! both were better hitter's than fielder's. And when some ask's me how I feel and I say ok! that does not mean in any way BAD!!!! You must spin for the liberals in politics cause every thing you said about me calling them bad fielder's was a lie,and bad arm's was a lie!! OK, last time I checked meant fine! my point was you have to HIT,to get ALL_STATE. Now go back to your blog and say how Bush LIED to all of us.

norfrank.

Just a little over the top on your post.

jca pops was exactly right.

Ryan and Dan are studs at the plate, no doubt.

Ryan needs to get better in the field. Its not a knock on anyone if its the truth. .924 is too low a fielding percentage for a Missouri Valley SS playing on mostly great playing fields. Dan, while playing solid defense was not the top defensive SS in the state. As pops said they were ALL State because of thier offense.

These are 2 very sharp young men that are just getting started with D1 ball. Like any other player, they will improve over the next few years or be switched to a different position.

I follow these 2 closely and wish them great success.

With Bolt, O'Brien and Berger ISU looks ready to make a move.

With Porter and Brewer, Bradley probably out recruited the rest of the states D1 schools.

Sox- I don't think it is over the top. People need to stop putting players down because they like might be better. It is a shame private school parents continually feel that they need to put down other players. Ryan and Brewer are both excellent players and don't need have others put them down. They got recognition and it was and is well deserved.

I think you have over reacted. My read of jcapops quote is that hitting will easily overide any defensive shortcomings in a beauty contest.

I read and re read what jca pops wrote and never got the impresson he ever cut down Brewer or Anetsberger I thought he was telling the short-stops for 06/07,that to make all-state you must be able to hit. He also told them not to forget to work on fielding or throwing.

Nothing wrong with jca pops post. All true. Get over it.

Agree with sox, old and SiB...

I've seen both of them play...more than once.

Hitting gets you noticed more than a play or two in the field.

Another SS who fits this mold is Hall from Barrington, an 07 who can hit with anyone and his defense is improving as well. I agree that this is just like Gold Gloves in the Major Leagues...they go to hitters most of the time, rarely to the best fielder at any given position. Again, when considering the top SS in 06-07, you have to include Hall who played short on the 3rd place team in 05.

My political affiliation aside, I still feel that when you state that their fielding was "just Ok" you are making a statement. They were the best all-around players at their position, hitting, fielding and leadership for those two years. Last time I check "fine" meant nothing to talk about "just OK." What's a blog? And Bush makes good beans.

norfrank; pop's point was that ,sure work on your fielding and throwing,but to get to be All-state, you must HIT. I thought he was complementry to Brewer and Anetsberger.

I really think,Mick Doyle from Benet can get all-state as a junior,like the other's have said if you can hit you got it,so with his fielding being so good,if he can hit a little he could be All-State,if he doesn't hit, the senior Johanns is my pick.

Cunningham all the way !!!!!!!go o.p.r.f.!!!!!

norfrank- i dont know why you would think "us" catholic school people are always trying to put us down... honestly i think he has a grudge against the escc/ catholic schools

there is a ss from jca that is very solid all around and his name is thomas zurliene

I know size is not a big deal, look at Eckstein and Giles, but how big is Doyle? I know Cunningham is like 5ft9, and Johanns is 6ft3.
Garcia how tall is he? and Courtwright?

Garcia here im 6'1 with the some of the smoothest hands around

just interested what do people think of Garcia?

Soft hands, great actions, strong arm. I have seen you more than once and liked your game alot. Too bad you played for the Yankees.

Wild_cats,wanted all my player's to think like you do about them self's, but to me, the best player's just think it and then go out and do it! Try and be more humble,I think that's the best way to be. Good luck to you in 2006!

Thanks for the advice jca pops

The kid from Clemente hs. Garcia can really play,saw him play this past summer

Garcia is going to be a good one. With him and the other Sanchez up the middle, that is going to be a tough city team.

Charlie Johnson Oak Forest left handed hitting short=stop. Very under rated.

Downers Grove South Shortstop, Mike Wido soph. Not a Garcia or Cunningham or Doyle yet,but who know's how hard he is working in the off season.My old college coach would say,"You can gain an edge on your competition,during the off season!"

You will hear even more about Dain Hall from Barrington. Already great a hitter, his defense improved by leaps and bounds playing for 3rd in State HS Team and 2nd in State Legion Team. He is a 2007.

Dain is for real. Where is he playing next summer?

I have not talked to either him or his dad about it. He seemed happy playing for the Barrington Legion Team last summer....he plays football too so that keeps him busy. Lineshot you seem to be on top of things out here in the NW burbs....are you a coach?

Smokey I mean

retired from the coaching ranks, just like the game now.

Did the Naperville Central Sign with a college yet?

he's headed to SIU

i was just home this weekend and went into strikes twice and hit with mick doyle. he is a very talented hitter and is only going to get better working with steve.

BUshortstop8; Your Dan Brewer? right? how is Bradley? you going to start? Good Luck. Oak Park is going to put a hurt on L.T. this year now that your gone

yeah bradley is pretty fun. our team is going to be really good this year. our pitching is deep and are D is really solid. our hitting will come around too. ill start at Short and either hit 1st or like 7-9 dont really know yet. yeah yeah yeah well see about that with the OPRF vs. LT series. i got faith in my boys still. good luck this year though.

BUShortstop8, you have a PM. Thanks.

you have one back hope it helps.

TO Mr.Dan Brewer(BUshortstop8),very classy of you to mention Mr.Doyle from Benet, there is no doubt you will have a fine career at Bradley. And if you would have indicated to scout's your intrest in the 05 draft, I am willing to bet you would have been drafted in the first 20 round's. But going to Bradley was a very smart move,and Iam sure with your work ethic,come junior year you will be on the scout's list again. Will look forward to watching you play this year,since your school is in my area to watch. Just a bird dog,Iam not important at all.

To BUShortstop....thanks.

bushortstop,
How is Bryan Porter doing? Is he going to pitch or play outfield? Do u think he will see the field in his freshman year?

Brewer.....Can't wait to face you this year. I planning on a lot of innings so you'll have another chance to try to hit me because I know you want it. GO REDBIRDS!
-Ian Berger

Ian,
Good luck to you and all of the area guys headed to ISU. Coach Brownlee has done a nice job. We faced you this Summer and I was most impressed with you and your abilities. Don't let anyone outwork you..
Coach Copp
Illinois Orioles

Goose
Porter pitched all fall for us. since we have 3 upper class starting pitches he probably will just come out of the bullpen for us. he didnt play the field at all this fall so he probably wont in the spring. he will be a good pitcher for us though. ooo and Berger i to cant wait to face you. its going to be another fun 4 years. good luck this year. i might be coming to ISU sometime so, ill probably see you if i do come.

ISU_33 / Ian, I heard you had a very good fall. Continue to work hard this winter and keep it going thru the spring. We were looking for you at the ISU Showcase this fall but heard that you were away for the weekend. Keep up the effort and tell your dad I said hello!

Coach Panek

anyone have any feedback on Kit Crook, an '07 SS from Kaneland HS?

I have to pick Doyle from benet,Garcia a close second.

Hall from Barrington is top-notch.

Dan Brewer,AKA.BUshortstop8. First want to Congratulate you on your all-state year with LT. Second how is College pitching compared to what you have seen in HS.? I know it's been just you facing your pitcher's.Third never seen Doyle play,but the rap on him is his hitting from what I read, you worked with him,what's your thought's? Seen Hall and Garcia play,like them alot!!!!! And lastly any one know how David Cales is doing? what a tough kid and great player!!

what year is doyle from benet

Andrew Trepel from Minooka is a very solid 07 shortstop.

Fastball..you have a PM

nl fan

the pitching is a lot different. pitchers a lot better. they throw a lot harder and usually all the pitchers throw 3 to 4 pitches for a strike, which makes it a lot harder for hitters. are pitching staff is really good also so i dont expect the conference pitching to be much different. about doyle...i've hit with him twice, never seen him play but all i hear about him is good things. i know for a fact he can hit otherwise i cant really say anything about him. im sure he is a solid defensive player as well. i wish him luck with his career.

Brew, good luck kid. Why didn't you stop by for a little turkey on thanksgiving? Hope to see you this spring.

what year is doyle?

Jr , this year I beleive. You have a pM

Barrington I hear has two great short-stops,Hall and Conroy.

Hall '07 is very good. Conroy '08 looked good in the fall....but with Hall at SS and McKillen at 2b, where does he go?

I have seen Hall play for years. Nice glove and stick. Plays the game hard...

There is a soph.short- stop,Mike Wido from Downer's South,I think has a great chance to start on the Varsity. Could be a great one in the future!

whos the best shortstop in the majors?

Tejada, Baltimore O's

Beenthere..remember you said that when the Cubs get him.

Masked man,

Wido will be the 2006 starting shortstop for DGS. Assume Wido will continue to work hard to keep the title through 2008. No gimmies in this game.

Fast...

If they trade Prior and Felix Pie for Tejada, my earlier suggestion to you and the WF faithful that the stands are routinely filled with out-of-towners at WF, will be confirmed even more so.

They'll have Wood (who invariably breaks down each year); GregM (he of the 84 mph fastball); and, Zambrano (a talented and "crazy kind of guy") in their rotation.

Would likely strike fear in the hearts of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and the old Upper Deck Cougars (high schoolers)...but no one else!!!!!

Cubs again in 2037.

White Sox again in 2006.

Deal with it.

i think derek jeter is the best in the game

Fastballdad's rule #1 on trades: Never trade one ofyour starting pitchers for a position player....unless you know something about that pitcher.

....as in "head" case?

Terrific physical specimen and skills.....

No, not his head......for someone with less than 3 full years in the majors he is good there. Maybe the Cubs feel he has a physical problem.....why else would you make the move?

Charlie Johnson from Oak Forest,Will give Doyle and Johanns and Garcia and Cunningham a good fight for best short stop for 06.

Dain Hall Barrington '07

In class A I seen a kid from Coal City who was a freshmen last year who can really play, Justin Blaine. Has great hands and knows the game and position of SS. He is also the CC quarterback so that should tell you a little bit about him. Has all the tools.

Have seen and talked to college guys on all these players. Each brings you something different and your sticking two 07's in there with some good 06's. Next season compare the 07s to this yrs 06's. Best hands Garcia, Courtright close, Best stick, Johanns, Doyle and Cunningham, very good players as well. All depends on what type of team you have.

Andrew Trepel 07 Minooka
Pete Capetta 07 Montini Catholic
Josh Colon 07 Lane Tech
...studs

Looks like a bumper crop of 07's at short. Maybe even better than the 09's.

anybody else dieing for this season to start?

You gotta be patient, Raffie.....someone might throw you a curveball.

Raffy,
If they do, just drive it to right! lol

unless its inside then ill have to go yard lol

O.F.04,

Is it a sure thing that Charley Johnson will be the shortstop? I thought Coach Czar has a few candidates for that spot? As I hear it Charley Johnson is a good glove and fast feet, and when I saw him last year he was at 2nd.

godemons2 Charlie Johnson will be the starting short-stop!

Mick Doyle is also a top notch Guard on the Benet basketball team.

Garcia is REAL smooth, like him a lot!!!!

Derek Klinetobe- Solid SS from Lake Park high school. Great lead-off man, look for a definate All- Conference Season out of him this year

Although Nazareth is a small scholl, Gio Cantwell is the best defensive SS I have seen play the game in the last 8 or 9 years. And no one is mentioning him on here. He is a great player. He is silky smooth at the SS position, he can backhand as good as anyone. He is a great SS. He can hit around 350 to 400 every year, which is good enough to garner some respect. He is going to UIC in the fall so, someone must be watching. Good Luck to him and Naz this spring.

School sorry

Saw Mick Doyle play for Praire Gravel at ND. He not only is one of the best defensive player's I have seen, but he can swing it a little too, he almost took one out of the ND's ball park. He is also one heck of a basketball player!

gally17....

Have known Mick for a number of years, great kid, great family. Son played little league with Mick. Above average ball player, BUT before you put him in the 'hall of fame', let him accomplish something first. You can be 'projectible' as a player, or as a school, but until you have a track record of success, it doesn't mean anything.

Playing at the next level, and I mean playing, not just making the team and sitting on the bench, is really difficult to do. Don't make these kids into "icons" before they even start their seasons. There are so many "high school studs" who have sat on the bench, or stopped playing baseball completely. I don't care who is ranked where, player or school, who had the most homeruns, or banners!!!!! When you can be a starter, DI, and DII and DIII, then you have begun to accomplish something. The next level in baseball is very difficult to survive in.

one heard of him? If anyone knows who he is watch him closely this year!

kyle morgan for Glenbard West very under rated.

glenbard west i assume? how are you guys doing so far this year?

Look's to me that Mick Doyle is the best hitter on the Benet team. His bat look's as good as his glove.

Sweaty: Was at the Naz-Benet game, Cantwell is a very good short-stop,you were right!Would not say best defensive short-stop because Doyle is not to shabby,neither is Johanns of NC. or Weido DGS, or Cunningham OPRF,Garcia Clemente, Capetta Montini .

soto from dundee crown is also a great shorstop

Let me tell you something, Gio is a great SS. We had Johans on are team at one point and you see he is no longer with us. I'm not saying Lou is bad, i'm saying (imo) Gio is better. And Mick Doyle is a good player but again IMO has a ways to go to catch Gio in ability. He is silk on the field. And a disciplined hitter at the dish. He is not (imo) a pitcher. He needs Ian to help him quickly. Ian is a pitcher and a **** good one. No breaking balls for a while but, with the movement he has on his other pitches he doesn't need to throw it anyway. So, debate it as you will and have a favorite or two it's okay with me. I just like Gio's knowledge and work habits on the field. I wish he went to LT, we would be that much better. We are lacking a consistent SS on our squad.

Having watched Cantwell play for the Berwyn Bulldogs, White Sox Academy and Nazareth Academy my vote would probably go to Gio. I'm don't think he would be the top rated ss offensively but there is no one better defensively imo.

quote:

Let me tell you something, Gio is a great SS. We had Johans on are team at one point and you see he is no longer with us.

First let me say Gio is one heck of a player. However, Lou (Johanns) left the White Sox by his (and his family's)own choice, not because of any on the field issues. It had more to do with the way finances are run there.

Pete Cappetta from Montini is the best shortstop..He hit .424.. 4 homeruns, 21RBI's, and 7 Stolen Bases. He was also 8-1 on the mound with an era of 2.27

I know Pete,Lou,Mick all from gravel days. I'm using my opinion in baseball in the northern part of Illinois and in my opinion those are all good SS. However, If you look at consistentcy at the position game in and game out Gio Cantwell is better. He very rarely makes a mistake. I'm not saying he is a power hitter either, I'm saying he is a good hitter at the plate. Very smart baseball knowledge. This posting is not about the absolute, it is about YOUR own opinion. And that is my OWN opinion. Like I said before the debate will go on and on and on...

I went to the Benet,Naz game. I heard about Powers and the 2 shortstos from both school's. I think Sweaty is one of the best poster's on here and his son is all-state material and he is right Cantwell is very good,but I have to give the edge to Doyle of Benet. Made a major league play going toward third,back hand and throw in one motion.And then batting in the four spot hit a line shot to left for 2 rbi's.Heard he had 2 rbi's in the first game .Seen Capetta play ,has a lot of power,and make's all the play's.

On any given day....that was a great play. I give Mick the edge in that game but still IMO not overall year after year. He is a good player as is Pete Capetta and Lou johans and i'm sure I'm missing some good ones...i don't go to all of the games but the ones i have been at all the SS's have been very good...Mick has alot of promise in the very near future and will make some college coach very happy. I'm sure Coach Cal is going to be very excited to have Lou on his squad too. I think Gio will fit right in at UIC. He may not hit.400 but he'll make the plays more than not...I think he is as smooth as silk at his position...They are all good players and will do fine. If you ain't hitting a ton you better be playing stellar defense..and then they will find you a spot, we all know that. Most hs teams can attest to that!!! If you get my drift fellas

i'd tap that; sound's to me you never played the game, bush league to single out him, there isn't one player ever who hasn't had bad game's shame on you for your bush league statement!!!!!

i'd tap that....post deleted.
--------------

old,

I deleted the post.

Dear Everyone....No need to single out a specific player who has a bad game.

If you've truly played the game long enough, EVERYONE, even PROFESSIONAL players, have bad games every now and then.

High school players, from time to time, can be spectacular or average or below average. So what? They are high school kids.

Just try to bounce back from bad games.

old udc parent:

Single who out? Did I miss a comment? Did something vanish?

Now I see Beenthere's comments...I thought you were refering to Sweaty's comments...nevermind!

i played against johanns in the schaumburg flyers classic.....seems to me that hes a spark plug for the nc team and one of the reasons why there so good.....hes an amazing ball player and he will do some good things in college....i also saw mick doyle play at the classic and he too was a very good player who works hard and plays a great game......now that i think about it....garcia from clemente was in that tourney too...it was a showcase for shortstops lol

I heard Dain Hall from Barrington is moving to Cf and they brought up a very good soph. short-stop, this kid must be good,cause I hear Hall is as good as Garcia and Doyle and Johanns,Cantwell. Who is this kid?

I don't know if this was a one-game situation or not. There have been some injuries and other personel things going on with the team so it's hard to tell what is happening. The kid who came up from the soph. team and played short on Saturday was Tim Conroy who is a very nice player and is known to some people on this site already I'm sure. Hall is the kind of athlete who could play anywhere...he isn't just quick like a lot of SS, he is flat out fast.

Just wanted to say congradulations to conroy. i've worked with him a lot with Steve Hayward and have known he's good. It's good to here that he is getting a chance to show his skill at the varsity level. Best of luck Tim, hope you and your dad can make it to a game sometime good luck the rest of the year.

Conroy started again yesterday, so maybe he is here to stay.

One of the best in the state is Brother Rice's Jimmy Calderone. He may be only 5'7 or 5'8, but he could toss some leather and hit the cover off the ball. He is going to Scottsdale JUCO.

Saw Conroy play against Rolling Meadows, had a couple of nice hits,and looked good in the field,strong arm. Does he pitch?

Conroy has pitched, but I don't know about him pitching while playing short on the Varsity. Not something that happens often at Barrington High School (or a lot of other schools as well.)

We will do just fine with him there 100% of the time.

BUSHORTSTOP8.

Where do you go to school at?

i attend Bradley University in Peoria, IL

Hey Brew, did you see the redbirds beat WSU 2 of 3 with Sorce getting the save friday night and the win on sunday? We went to Sunday's game , it was a great college baseball game to watch. And the guys are excited about Danny coming next year. It is good to know they want him there. I see you are doing great, I knew you would come around. Keep it up dude. I can't wait to see you next year in conference. It will be fun. I know you'll kick our butts but it will still be fun. I want to see both Danny's strike you out.....that will get your juices flowing......huh? love ya and good luck the rest of the way...see ya this summer..sweaty

haha yeah yeah sweaty, just cause sorce got me this year doesnt mean he'll get me again. to be honest i dont think u want danny pitching against me right now anyway, i've been killing left hand pitching this year. but yeah college ball is a lot different. a lot faster, danny will adjust fine if he keeps working though. i hear LT is having a great season again. good to hear, i hope to be back to see a couple games. im sure ill see u this summer sometiime take care sweaty.

I can't believe no one has mentioned Maine West's Tyler Ladendorf. He is the smoothest shortstop I have played against and he can definitely swing the stick, he hit 390 as a sophomore on varsity.

I think Tyler may have been overlooked because he was hurt last year if I remember correctly, but you are right he can really play and should be mentioned. Did he sign with anyone yet?