I finally got a chance to see IMG Academy play at 2:00 this afternoon at the Twins complex, against the Florida Surge. This team is unique for a number of reasons including the fact it consists entirely of players from a single high school, the IMG Pendleton Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
Which makes it more remarkable is that this private athletics-oriented institution has a number Division I college prospects. By the end of the school year, there may be 6-7 players who'll sign to play at that level.
One of their big arms, 6-7 righty Jimmy O'Neil (Stetson), pitched yesterday and Casey Mulholland (Ole Miss) hasn't gone yet. Mulholland is a quick-armed 6-2 righty with a chance to be an early-round pick next June. He played the outfield today.
Senior Patrick Akire pitched relief in the 2:00 game; an imposing 6-6, 215, Akire has a fluid arm-action but right now his velocity sits in the 79-81 MPH range. He's the type of kid who might make a velocity jump in college when he gains coordination of his long limbs and really exploits his leverage advantages.
Leftfielder Gavin Patton is headed to the University of Kentucky. A righthanded hitter, Patton has raw power though he didn't square the ball up in this game.
Shortstop Dillon Moyer is signed with UC-Irvine, a rare Florida player who'll move to California for college. Dillon is the son of Phillies veteran lefty Jamie Moyer. His skills are solid across the board; he doesn't project as a high draft out of high school, but is a quality D1 recruit who may come on as a draft prospect over the next few years.
A hitter to watch in 2011 might be Tanner Pollock, who was the designated hitter in this game. Pollock is a solidly built 6-0, 180, and has a good stroke from the left side. Pollock's swing has a natural lift with power potential.
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