When You Can Only Show One Position?

BU4ick posted:

I have a late-bloomer rising Junior (2019), beginning to show some tools that might allow him to play some college ball. We wanted to go to the AZ Junior All-Academic, but you can only show one position. If he doesn't have a preference, is there an advantage to showing one vs the other? 

He's 6' 185lbs.

RHP throwing 83-85, occasionally spiking higher but still working on control.

OF throwing 89 from the outfield, running a 6.9 and has a bit of pop at the plate but still has lots of work to do to be consistent.

My thought process is that OF lets him show his athleticism more than pitching. Agree or disagree, any experience or opinions you would like to share would be appreciated.

 

I wasn't aware that you couldn't show as both a P and position player at that event.  

I can see the dilemma...  Both sets of numbers look good on the surface, as does his size as a rising junior.  I'd say 89 from OF and 6.9 with a bit of pop is a little closer to "ready now" numbers but I think one big key that you didn't expand much on is the bat.  OK, not consistent, but is the swing solid?  Will it play against good pitching?  How good is secondary stuff, FB movement, demeanor on the mound?  Does he throw effortlessly?  Does he have a strong personal preference?  If no personal preference, you want to show where he looks most like he could step in and help a program now.  But pitching projection is important too 

Waaaiiiiit a miiiiinute...  !!!!  Just saw your profile.  What the heck are you asking us for?  Seriously, what position did you play and how big are you?  In all directions ?  

Tough choice based on what you've said

There are far more pitching spots available on any college team than position player spots

A rising junior RHP throwing 83-85 is likely not to get as much interest, I would think, as an OF running 6.9 and throwing 89 if the bat was amazing....  considering that the bat is not there yet I would go as a pitcher

Cabbagedad - Yes former player, but have not paid a lick of attention to the college recruiting process until my kid grew 8 inches and said "I think I like baseball" early this year. I'm 6 4 and much fatter than I should be, but wife is small so who knows if the kid is full grown or what. I found this site earlier in the year but just started paying attention. Honestly, recruiting is so much different now and I'm slowly being educated by all the generous people on this site.

To answer the other questions...

Bat is not amazing, but he is very strong. Good swing, pitch selection is issue that I see as he just hasn't played as much as most.

He's a jerk in the mound...loves buzzing kids on the inside if they stand on the plate. Secondary pitches are good (change and curve) but not consistent.

He loves both positions...not sure which one he will be. He's a bag of tools looking to become a baseball player.

FWIW, roughly 40%+ of all college recruits are pitchers.  My oldest was a nationally ranked SS in HS.  He's pretty much always been a college pitcher.  Everybody needs pitching.

Well, it sounds like he has a lot going for him beyond the "late bloomer" skill set.  Since he is targeting the All-Academic event, I'll assume he is strong in that respect.  He has pedigree that will become known once he starts getting looks.  So, I'm just gonna predict that he will have time to develop a bit more and still hit some events to showcase each skillset.  I also suspect that his showing of either will bring about dialog and awareness of the other.

Have fun and let us know how it goes!

BU4ICK

do you pay for the "showcase" or travel team? If you pay $$ then you have the right to play at different positions. When I operated the Area Code games 30% of the players played different positions. Over the 5 day schedule they were allowed.

When we travel Internationally for 35 years, our teams welcome the multi talented player. Does your son play on a scout team.

Prediction: many pro scouts will now evaluate prospects to play  at different defense positions. this is one of the 6 Tools.

Bob <www.goodwillseries.org>

On the AZ Academic form, you can state his OF position but also check the box where it asks if you are willing to tryout as a pitcher if all of the positions are filled.  My son did that, and when they said Catcher was full, he got to try out as a pitcher.  As a Senior, he was mid-to-high 80's consistently on the tryout and got selected for the game.  So I would think your son would have a good chance to get selected with that velocity as a junior.  They give you about 15 pitches in the tryout and ask the kid to throw a few changes and off-speed.  As long as he can get those close enough, he should be good. 

The fielding spots were very competitive.  If he can really run or the ball jumps off his bat, go for that.  If you don't think he stands out, then the pitching would be my recommendation based on our experience.  Good luck.

Thank you all for the advice. Truly appreciated.

BU4ick posted:

Thank you all for the advice. Truly appreciated.

I know how difficult it is even for former pros to evaluate their own kids.  We all need the insight of others.   I hope you'll stick around here, this is a special place, and your perspective is valuable

BU4ick posted:

 

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He's a jerk in the mound...loves buzzing kids on the inside if they stand on the plate. Secondary pitches are good (change and curve) but not consistent.

He loves both positions...not sure which one he will be. He's a bag of tools looking to become a baseball player.

 

Hey now....home plate is 17" of prime real estate that is 100% his.   I'm with your son on this.   Hitters have a right to stay in their little box and do whatever it is they do.  ;-)

Honestly, if it is an academic camp then I'd showcase what he feels are his best tools and what he feels most comfortable with.  Clearly academics will come into play for any coach considering him.   Any coach willing to look deeper will find a potential extra pitcher/position player for consideration.   Tough choice.   Based on the metrics you've provided it sounds like he does a lot of baseball things very well but nothing exceptional.   Possibly that is where exceptional academics can help lower the athletic bar and open some doors.....just a thought.  If your son is like many others, you're going to see those baseball numbers get much better in the coming months.

Also, I'd ask the showcase organizer if there is any way they can work him in so both pitching/position tools can he showcased....the worst that can happen is they say "no".   In the future, you may want to focus on only academic showcases that will allow him to do both.

Good luck!