Crack of the Bat
By PG Scout
New Column - Overlooked Prospects!
We hold many events with high profile prospects. So often these are the biggest, strongest, fastest players with the best arms and most power. Often other top caliber players and pitchers don't receive the recognition they deserve. This is because these players don't show the magic MLB numbers... They just go out and beat those type players. The real gamers, the guys who win, there's a lot of room for these type players at the college level. These are the guys who put up different numbers that relate to finesse, a feel for the game, intelligence and most importantly winning! These are the guys who just get the job done!
We are going to start paying more close attention to these winners! In this column, we will recognize a player or pitcher that could easily slip through the cracks, but all he ever does is perform and win.
Sam Spangler is the first player we will profile. He is an 06 LHP from Albuquerque, NM. He throws in the low to mid 80s which is very good, just not that eye boggling type velocity that scouts and recruiters covet. Sam Spangler is a 6-1/165 lefty capable of winning lots of college games. He shows a nice easy arm action with solid mechanics. Spangler has a lot of projection left and will throw much harder in future years, but he doesn't really have to in order to win at the DI level. This kid can flat out pitch! He gets good movement and can mix up 3 pitches for strikes.
Some might say that there are lots of kids like Sam Spangler out there. Why is he special? Stats can be very misleading in baseball, especially based on just one event. Even the various events can be night and day as far as talent and competition. That is why Sam Spangler stands out! Just follow his last summer involved in some big PG and WWBA events.
Marietta, GA- July 9th- PG WWBA 17U National Championship
Spangler pitching for ABD Bulldogs (CA) was the winning pitcher, defeating a very talented Diamond Devils (SC) 5-2.
Marietta, GA- July 15th- PG WWBA 18U Championship
Spangler shut out National Capital (VA) to get the win in a 8-0 ABD win.
Temecula, CA- July 28th- PG West BCS Championship
Spangler was ABD's winning pitcher against the North Rialto Yankees
Jupiter, FL- Nov 19th- PG WWBA World Championship
Spangler was the winning pitcher as ABD shutout the NE champions Farrah Builders (NJ)
Spangler also threw a 5 inning 0ne-hitter against Team San Diego in the AZ Fall Classic.
There it is... 5 games against national level competition including the biggest scouting event in baseball. Sam Spangler went 5-0 in those 5 games he pitched. Others will draw more college and pro interest, but could they have matched the results of Sam Spangler from this past season? Maybe someone should take notice.