We have a junior with amazing defensive skills: soft hands, huge range, quick transfers, makes all the "Sports center" type plays at shortstop. He is relatively fast, having been officially clocked at 7.00, 6' 3" and 165 lbs. (is underweight, but has a large frame). He is an excellent hitter, and shows power (homeruns) in spite of his weight. The problem is he doesn't have the best arm. He plays a great first base, but from what I understand, not many first basemen are specifically recruited for that position. Advice, anyone??

I would think you would list the position he currently plays (SS) and possibly mention that he is capable of playing the other fielding positions.

If his bat is strong as you say, that's the main thing to emphasize. Lots of college OF's, 2B's and 3B's played SS in high school. I wouldn't fret too much about his getting pigeon-holed. College coaches understand quite well that many recruits might need to change positions when they reach college level. They also understand that SS is often where a high school team's best athlete plays. So it's hardly a negative on the resume.

Lots of recruiting classes have more than one SS, and the coaches may be planning all along to have certain guys move to other positions if not immediately, then down the road.

Your son's arm strength may well come along, or it may not. He should certainly try to improve on the weaknesses in his game. But as long as he hits and given that his speed is better than average, he'll have suitors.

Rocketmom,
He can be marketed as SS/INF.
If he is asked to specify, I'd have him put down where he feels most comfortable.

WELCOME to the HSBBW!
Glad to have ya!

Thanks for the input; son actually played more first than short this year, due to a lat strain at the beginning of the season. He is actually pretty intimidated by his lack of arm strength when he showcases, and it tends to make his performance worse. His brother who played in college and I think he should stick to short since he is so good with the glove, but he is more comfortable at first when he's on the spot...

I agree with Midlo Dad and shortstop mom. While on paper he sounds more like a first baseman, I would suggest he showcase at ss which would show his defensive skills and his athleticism. His bat will determine whether or not he plays 1b in college. In the meantime you might feed him some beans and potatoes!
Fungo

rocketmom


You have a PM

what about 2nd base???

I would agree with what everyone else has said. I would also add that he can make up for some of his lack of arm strength by working on excellent footwork, a quick release, and accuracy. I would try to find a quality infield coach and make sure these facets of his game are in order. Granted, these things are no substitute for a cannon, but they are ways to make his arm "play up", or to minimize the impact of the lack of arm strength. In addition, as mentioned, he should do everything he can to improve his arm strength (long toss, core training, etc.)

I would also agree with njbb that he may well fit at 2B. Second base has become a much more offensive position (see Utley, Uggla, Pedroia, etc) much like shortstop continued it's evolution as an offensive position over the last 10-15 years. However, personally, if I had a kid who could play SS the way you say your son can, I would list SS as his position and let his college coaches decide where he fits best on defense. If his bat plays, they'll find a position for him.