Top Unsigned Seniors

Tri-8 Unsigned Seniors

Kevin Brandt Fuquay- Varina High School- Mid 80's LH Pitcher very good offspeed stuff
Zach Furl Lee County High School- Upper 80's- Low 90's RH Pitcher Very Very good offspeed stuff

 

If you figure it out, please write a book and let the rest of us know. If you need a 'ghost writer', let me know and I'll be glad to share the profits! lol

I also mean no disrespect, but a couple of situations that I know firsthand to maybe shed a little light on some of the thinking...

Two great kids, but average baseball players. One was not even in the top 12 players on his high school team. He went to a DI school and was 'recruited' early in the process. The coaches liked his body and they saw potential. The other was a starter on his team, but considered an 'average' defensive player. He is big and strong. He went to a camp at a DI school and just killed the ball during bp. He committed early. I have seen him since he is 13 and facing live pitching is a different story. Once in a while, he connects, but most the time, he struggles.

I guess I am not a huge 'risk' taker. I would want to talk to all coaches that kids had ever played for to see what they do in games, their 'teachability', their work ethic, their character, their consistency, etc. If I had extra dollasrs to burn, maybe then I'd take a risk, but I don't know any schools that have extra money to throw around. I would want the kid that has proven themselves....later on in the process, I might look at kids who have potential, but early on, I'd want a sure thing.

I don't know Aaron, but just curious about his size? Unfortunately, from what I have seen, that is a big deciding factor for some.

 

Furhl to UNCG

He verballed a couple of weeks ago.

 

o ok i hadn't heard that but i believe he'll pitch a lot early there

 

I have to agree with you on Plummer, and what alot of people do not realize is that he can play a pretty good outfield in addition to being a very good mif. In times of "tight money" in college baseball it sure seems some recruiters are missing out on a good one.

 

A couple of kids I would like to mention......

These young men might not be "top" unsigned seniors, but can play at the next level, might not be DI types, but they can play.

Tyler Shuler, Swain High, Catcher: Solid 2.0 to 2.1 guy with a very strong, accurate arm, with some polish on footwork, can be better. Has Jeff May size (6'3 about 215), good eye at the plate, but needs to be more aggressive in his total approach to the game. Good speed for a big catcher. Has a great mind for the game and handles pitchers and the speed of the game very well. Doesn't strike out much, hits the ball hard, and power numbers will be there as he becomes more aggressive at the plate. Solid A/B student

Chris White, Swain High, LHP: Upper 70's to 80, but with just sick movement. Most lefties have a curveball and/or slider, this kid has a right hander like hammer from the left side, with late tilt. This kid literally reaches into the glove and however his hand grabs the ball is how he throws it regardless of what pitch. Learning a changeup. Good athlete with a bulldog mentality on the mound, will challenge anyone, anytime.

These young men will benefit immensely from a year of college baseball training and development in terms of where they are at now and where they can be and if someone is willing to take a chance, I think they will be very happy with their choice.

 

Be Careful!!!!

In no way am I commenting on the young men you mentioned, I have never seen them play. My comments to follow are only because your comments struck a nerve with me. I've been amazed at how little coaching goes on at some schools, I took it for granted that all college programs would continue to develop the players that are in their program. My son has been at two schools and the contrast in this regard is amazing - I've told several parents of players at his current school that they don't realize how good they've got it. These are things that you need to inquire about and feel comfortable with in making your decision to attend a particular school. Obviously we didn't discover this issue until he was at his first school and in talking to friends with kids at other schools I get the perception that as I said earlier "Some programs work considerably harder at developing their athletes than others. Do your homework!!!

 

SportsMom,

IMO - Any college baseball program that bases their selections on size - as opposed to skill - and heart - and discipline - will wind up in the Palookaville section of the national rankings - at every level of collegiate baseball.

 

No argument from me, but I see it happening. Look at posts and listen to conversations and so many times, size is something that appears to be 'appealing' to many. Size can be a good thing, but I'm with you...I'll take the other things you mentioned.

 

Sportsmom,

I am sure your observations are correct. Unfortunately for many.

I have never paid much attention to anyone who uses size as a determinant factor in evaluating baseball players. It is a "lazy mans approach" and one that has been disproven so many times - its just not even worth a discussion for me anymore. Again - just my perspective.

I have always been more focused on production - and desire - and discipline.

That is what wins ballgames - not size. IMO