Crack of the Bat
More Jupiter Part 7
By Blaine Clemmens
At the end of the most recent WWBA Jupiter report I stated that "Inevitably there are going to be some players that don't get mentioned because either I didn't see them, or they didn't catch my eye." That last part about "not catching my eye" needs to be touched upon because there are ways, outside of simply possessing top end ability or going 3-3 with a home run or punching out 10 batters, that a player can stand out at a tournament or showcase, both positively and negatively. By the way, going 1-4 is a whole lot more common than going 4-4 so players that want to be noticed have to figure out other ways to do so.
Positive ways to stand out:
Run out ground balls, make aggressive turns around the bag at first (on a hit or fly ball), take an extra base when a defender makes a mistake (comes from being ready to do so - anticipation), take aggressive swings, keep your feet moving and being ready on each and every play, put your body in motion if you are athletic, run if you are fast, be physical if you are strong, make contact resulting in ground balls and spray line drives if you are not a power hitter, move runners and take what the game gives you or give what your team needs, get rid of the ball quickly if you don't have a strong arm, be ready to hit with two strikes and execute a two strike approach, hit cut-off men with accurate throws, come up ready to throw, block the plate, be verbal without talking just to talk, pitch to force contact, set up pitches, execute good pitches consistently instead of trying to throw great pitches, finish hitters when need be or get outs early in the count, block balls in the dirt (with runners on and without them on), back up bases, stop a short throw from getting into the outfield to allow a run, go hard after pop-ups, communicate on defense, handle failure and understand that it certainly is not your first failure and it won't be your last one, run on and off the field, show genuine enthusiasm for your team and teammates' success, greet guys coming back to the dugout after a sac bunt or an RBI ground out or for moving a runner with a productive out, steal a base when it is there to be taken (obviously within the framework of what your coach says if it is a tournament), the list could on and on and on. Simply, play the game hard and approach it the right way at all times.
Negative ways to stand out:
Basically, anything that is the opposite of all the positive ways to stand out is a negative way to stand out, but here are some specifics; dogging it or "Cadillac-ing" it down the line in any instance, throwing a helmet or bat, giving off poor body language, letting one bad thing ruin your approach to the rest of the game or your team, showing up your opponents or coach or teammates, arguing with an umpire, getting goodies in the dugout from mom or dad or girlfriend, wearing your uniform in a non-uniform or individualistic way (an entirely whole subject on its own), wearing a sloppy uniform, wearing facial hair in any form (trust me, most high school players have no idea why that is a bad idea in the presence of scouts), taking dry hacks while on defense, trying to look pretty instead of just making the play, showboating a home run (that is showing up the other team), audibly cursing, swinging for the fences with two strikes when simply putting the ball in play will help your team, playing bush or dirty baseball (such as rolling up the legs of middle infielders, spiking the feet/ankles of first basemen, sliding spikes up, putting an unnecessarily hard tag on someone, not knowing when you are out on a tag play and trying to plow or blow up the guy with the ball when simply allowing that player to put the tag on you, staring down the pitcher when everyone in the park knows he wasn't trying to hit you, especially with a 64 mph curveball), the list could go on and on and on.
The point is that good scouts watch the whole game and are not fooled by 3-3 performances by average players or non-prospects, such as they are not fooled by an 0-3 by a good player. Players generally cannot dictate results and few players are no-brainer type talents. However, each player can dictate how they approach the game. A player may go 0-4 and have no baseballs hit at him on defense, but I guarantee that somewhere within a game there are opportunities for him to stand out and possibly even change a game.
If it was all about performance and going 4-4 with three outfield assists when scouts are watching, then guess what, not too many players would be getting their opportunities to play college and pro baseball. If it was ALL simply about physical ability and having great results each game then many of the players still playing this game at the highest level would not be playing.
So that being said, some players stood out in the games I saw and others did not. The players that stand out the most are those that have ability and know how to approach the game. Now, don't confuse all that was written and think that playing and approaching the game properly makes one a prospect for the professional or upper D1 level. That is simply not true. For the upper levels of the game, it is about ability, first and foremost, but understanding how to play the game is what separates the players from those with potential.
Also, remember this; YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN SOMEONE IS WATCHING AND WHO THAT SOMEONE IS OR WHO THAT SOMEONE KNOWS. Maybe someone like me working for PG (looking to report on the top pro and D1 prospects) is watching. Maybe I don't write up a report about the scrappy second baseman that can play the game, but the small D1 or D2 or D3 or JC coach that is watching the same game might take note. Maybe that someone like me or a pro scout watching that game has a friend coaching at a college somewhere and we recommend that our friend recruit that scrappy second baseman. That happens all the time. Just because a players name doesn't appear in a public report like this does not mean he went unnoticed.
One thing I have said to players is, "Understand the game and understand who you are in the game." Players, do what you are capable of each game and don't worry about who is in the stands watching you (same goes for the parents). You cannot be someone you are not in terms of ability and you should not change your approach just because there are many or few scouts at your game. Effort, hustle, approach, handling of failure, enthusiasm, and playing the game the right way for the right reasons, those are things that all players are capable of everyday and players that understand that while understanding how their abilities fit within in the game, those are the players that are difference makers in baseball. Those are players that stand out to good baseball people.
Ok, now, onto some more games and standout players I saw at the 2005 WWBA Championships. The last report focused on the 8:00 AM games from Saturday, November 19th. The 10:20 AM block of games had some of the high profile teams I had already seen (Juice, Heat, Bombers) so I decided to roam and look for a game with a pitcher that caught my eye and take it from there. The good thing about that 10:20 slate of games was that many of the teams (and consequently their players) were unfamiliar to me. At this point I will tell you about some of the players that caught my eye on some of those teams that were playing at 10:20, on a team by team basis:
Mattingly Baseball/Major League Beginnings:
Gary Bulman is a large framed '07 RHP (6'3" 220) from Greenbriar Christian (VA) Academy. I didn't see Bulman in the 10:20 AM game, but did see him against East Cobb Astros on Sunday. Bulman didn't have a good outing against the Astros but he showed ability, in particular a strong, loose arm to go with his strong body. Bulman was 86-89 for the couple of innings I saw and also showed three secondary pitches; slurvy slider, curveball, and change-up. Body control at the rubber and a wildness within the strike zone are two areas that caused him trouble in the game against East Cobb.
Justin Marks is an '06 LHP heading to Louisville and he looks like he will be a good one to follow. Marks is 6'4" 175 lbs, with a long arm action and over the top slot. I saw a fastball up to 86 mph and a 69 mph curveball with some rolling depth. The arm action and body are very interesting.
'06 Catcher Chris Everingham (5'10" 170) showed good agility behind the plate. He sat well as a receiver and shifted nicely to the ball. His block and recover ability also stood out to me. There was not a college commitment listed for Everingham and he is from Georgetown, IL.
'06 outfielder Bennie Thomas is a switch-hitter with an athletic body (5'10" 170) and some speed. He has a quick bat and plays with good energy. Thomas attends Suncoast HS in West Palm Beach, FL.
An '07 OF/2B named Darryl Leonard stood out as a player for me to follow. He simply grounded out to second base but I liked his quick bat and athleticism. Not an average runner yet, but as he gets stronger I think he will be (5'10" 165). Leonard is from Palm Beach Gardens HS in Wellington, FL.
Seattle A's:
Michael Chiarelli was the player that stood out most to me on this team. He is an '06 C/P but I only saw him catch. Chiarelli sits low and gives a good target. I felt that he was a quality receiver with good hands. On an in-game throw to second base I had him at 2.06 and noted that his feet and arm worked well. No college commitment was listed for Chiarelli who attends Cascade HS in Everett, WA.
Robert Young is an '06 RHP (Lake Washington HS, Kirkland WA) and though he is not a big-time prospect right now, I liked some things he did, prompting me to feel like he would benefit from attending a JC. Young has an average body (6'1" 180) and average arm strength (82-83 FB). However, he showed an above average curveball (73-76 mph) with late action. Young did a nice job of starting bats with that breaking ball, a very good indicator of its depth and his ability to throw it from his fastball slot while maintaining his arm speed. The fastball needs to catch up to the breaking ball, but the velocity on his curveball is also a good indicator that a better fastball is in there.
Diamond King Baseball/Team Victory:
This was a team that I should have watched some more.
Michael Hur is an '06 OF (6'1" 180, Valencia HS, Stevenson Ranch CA) headed to UC Riverside. I didn't see a lot of this team but from Hur I saw a lively hack and good bat speed. He is athletically built and looked to be a player that swings with a aggressiveness.
Nicholas Farinacci is an '06 SS (6'2" 175, Agoura Hills HS, Westlake Village, CA) headed to UC Irvine. I had heard of Farinacci but never seen him before. In the brief look I had at this team I noted Farinacci's quick bat, a short swing and some pop in his bat. My final note on him, "Gonna hit." With his bat, his position, and body type, it is likely that Farinacci will get a decent look from the SoCal pro scouts this spring.
There were some other D1 players on this team that I did not see; RHP Eric Otterson (Fresno State), RHP Casey Mulligan (Cal State Fullerton), RHP Jarred Thompson (Fresno State).
Powerhouse:
This South Florida team had some interesting players, many of whom are not among the numerous big name South Florida players, but some will have good college careers.
Arturo Alonso is an '06 2B/3B from one of the top programs in Miami, Florida Christian HS. He is strong and has a compact body type. From Alonso I saw a quick bat, a short swing, and very good barrel contact. He likes to swing the bat. Defensively he has plenty of arm to play 3B and hands that have been trained during his time second base (a good thing). The final note on Alonso was "good player."
'06 INF Anthony Barcena (6'1" 180) from Archbishop Carroll HS in Miami stood out as a nice player at the shortstop position in the little bit of the game I saw Powerhouse play.
One of the more intriguing players on this team was Matt Dendecker, an '06 OF/LHP from Westminster Academy in Miami. I only saw Dendecker offensively and noted a nice easy swing with a quick bat. He has a very nice looking body (6'2" 190) and moved well on the diamond. In a tight game that Powerhouse rallied from behind in, Dendecker had a big hit with two out in the seventh inning. It may be something, or it may be nothing, but players that take advantage of big situations in tournaments like WWBA have a chance to be noticed, especially when they are listed 6'2" 190 lb L/L OF/LHP.
The last player on this team that drew my attention was an '07 catcher named Chris Leon (5'8" 170), also from Florida Christian HS. I didn't note Leon during the game I saw, but in the Skill Show workout he was one of the most impressive throwers. The interesting thing was that his coach told me beforehand that Leon would post one of the best pop times. Well, he was right because I had one of his throws at 1.86 and another one at 1.81. Leon has a quick arm and quick feet. Now, I also had a 2.02 and a 2.15, and didn't see him throw in a game, but the next time I come across him in a game, you can bet I will be watching him.
Winning Inning:
I didn't see a lot of this team but one very interesting lefty was pitching when I did see them.
Ian Thompson is an '06 LHP from Boca Ciega HS (St. Petersburg, FL) and though his stuff has a way to go, he is a 6'6" 195 lb LHP, and we all know those don't grow on trees. Thompson has a loose arm, if not a particularly quick arm. He pitched from a 3/4 slot and produced some nice sink action. Though his fastball was only 81-82 when I saw him, Thompson was aggressive with the fastball and went in and out well. I also liked that he is a quick worker. With more physical development, arm strength, and body control, Thompson could emerge as a legitimate prospect during his college career, if not sooner.
Baseball Northwest:
Mark Rockey (6'1" 215) is an '06 catcher from Shorewood HS, Mountlake Terrace WA. Rockey does a nice job of throwing downhill to second base and has a quick exchange with a good arm. His throws in the Skill Show workout were in the 1.96-2.09 range. He is built well for the rigors of the position.
Unfortunately I missed their one player I really wanted to see, 6'6" 220 lb LHP Jason Salers. I had seen Salers in the summer of 2004 and though he didn't have a real quick arm or exceptional stuff, his arm worked and with his body, I had to see him again. Well, I guess I have to wait until next time.
'06 SS Josh Ashenbrenner is a good looking player with some physical projectability (6'1" 160). He is a left hand hitting SS with good hand and an arm that tracks. I liked the way he moved his feet and my instinct was that he runs pretty well, though I cannot substantiate that. Ashenbrenner is from Lake Washington HS, Kirkland WA and is headed to Washington State, part of a strong recruiting class for the Cougars.
Florida Pokers:
The Pokers generally have a strong team, at least in the WWBA events I have seen in the past. Unfortunately, my only significant look at them was during the Skill Show workout when I was doing the arm and fielding grades for about half of the teams.
There are at least a couple of Pokers that are headed of to play D1 baseball next year (that I am aware of), including RHP Shane Hill (Tennessee) and C Franco Valdes (Florida International). I didn't see Hill pitch and though I have seen Valdes on at least three other occasions in the past, I did not see him in Jupiter. I can tell you that he is a high energy player with a strong arm and quick exchange (sometimes he goes too fast). The bat projects to the lower middle of a college order, an RBI spot. He truly has infectious energy and on his good days, he certainly is a joy to watch play the game.
One player that really jumped out during the Skill Show workout was '06 OF Josh Chester (Cypress Bay HS, Parkland FL). Chester is a 6'2" 180 lb athlete with a solid left handed bat and a plus arm. I first saw Chester in December of 2004 at a showcase tryout and was very intrigued by his raw athleticism as an offensive player. What I was certain of was that he is a plus defensive player. Back then he was playing in the INF and the OF, now he is simply a plus OF with a big arm. Chester was one of the few players to reach up to 90+ from the OF and his overall set-up and approach to the ball in the OF was among the very best I have seen in the '06 class. He really goes after the ball well and that arm is a legit right field arm.
Not having seen him swing the bat in over a year now, I cannot really comment on that part of his game. At that tryout in 2004 my offensive notes on Chester were that he had a very quick bat, got good extension, and had a handsy swing with a quiet set-up and approach. In the game action I remember thinking that he was very close to figuring it all out. In my estimation he was certainly a top 40 caliber D1 prospect back then and from what I saw in Jupiter, I have no reason to think otherwise.
Stoneman Douglas HS in Parkland, FL is one of the top programs in Florida and always has good players. Two of them were on the Pokers; '06 SS/P Danny Kern (good feet, quick arm, hands work well) and '07 OF Joey Hage (quick release, low arc throws, good angles, solid outifielder). '06 1B/3B Jonathan Berkowitz (N. Broward Prep, Parkland FL) is another player that I have seen perform well. He is a good looking college type hitter (L/R 6'0" 195) and he has pretty good feet on defense with an arm that tracks well across the diamond.
'06 OF David Consuegra (6'2" 190) was an athletic and lively bodied player that my eyes were drawn to. Everything about him said "athlete" and he had that certain liveliness in his actions that suggest some good things.
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Some of the PG USA teams were in action during the 10:20 block on that Saturday, but they are not in this report. What I have decided to do is dedicate an entire report to the PG USA teams that were in Jupiter. Again, I saw some of them more than others, but will give you accounts of what I did see.
One of the premier teams that was in action during the 10:20 AM Saturday games was the Florida Bombers. They didn't get mention in this report because I want to go further into detail about them in another report, along with another of the top teams that I have not really written enough about yet, the Braves Scout Team. I think another thing to do in future reports is to talk about some of the Puerto Rican players that were at the 2005 WWBA Championships. After all, we had four Puerto Rican teams in the tournament.
There are still some teams that have not been written about yet, but trust me; I will get to all of the teams that I saw. There are about 15 teams that either I did not see at all or if I did, it was only in passing. I apologize to those teams, but my job was not a specific one at the tourney. I chose which teams to see and which players to follow. Basically I acted as a one man scouting staff. For the most part I stayed on the top teams (that I had previous knowledge of) because frankly, I knew I would see a lot of quality players on those teams. Not to worry though, each and every game had at least 2 or 3 PG scouts watching every pitch and every play. At the 2006 WWBA Championships I will be much more aware of the caliber of more teams because of my experience this year. Scouting for me, as it is for all young scouts, is an ongoing education.