Why is it that USA Baseball uses a 144-team field (2600+ players) of MIXED ages (16 & 17 using USA cut-off dates) as its mechanism to select 36 players for the Youth National Team trials (less than 1.5%)?
This is a monstrous endeavor, if legit (and not somewhat predetermined), considering the numbers involved and the age spread. On the other end of the semi-ridiculous spectrum is the 8-team (roughly 144 players) field used to select 34 kids for the Junior National team (not far from 25% of participants).
As many of you probably already know, the organizations represented (Pony, Dixie, American Legion, Babe Ruth, etc.) have a number of players that do not participate in those organizations during the year. I think one reason would be that in order to have "pool depth" to draw from, some quality players need to be "added" since some of these organizations' better days have passed them by.
It seems there could be some middle ground (for instance, only 16 year olds in the Jr.'s or a larger field in the Tourney of Champions). I know these are just general statements, but I would like to hear your comments, opinions (and corrections if any of these thoughts appear bogus
). Thanks!
, won the tourney (last 4 games by one run 