This is totally curiosity only - but since I have often wondered about it and never figured it out I figure I may as well ask the question.
Quite often I read about a player that did not sign in the early signing period. They usually include a bit about how they are hoping that if their son has an outstanding senior season it will open more doors for him.
Since there have been many threads over the years that address how insignificant high school stats are what is it they are loooking for in the senior season that will change who is recruiting their son?
I can guess arm speed increases for pitchers - and possibly a growth spurt - is that it? Or are there other things are these folks hoping for, and what are they?????
I can think of a very good example of an answer to your question.
Our own "Governor Tim's" son is such an example. His son was a tall thin lefty with solid mechanics -- throwing 82-83 all summer (between his junior and senior year)
After a winter growth spurt and a continued solid conditioning and instruction over the winter of his senior year Tim's son was throwing a consistent 90 mph!
His collegiate stock soared and he eventually was drafted by the Detroit Tigers that June.
Bob, "Doing nothing is still a course of action"
Posts: 1507 | Location: Tennessee | Registered: December 22, 2002
I wonder if they didn't sign early because they were not offered early. So many times you get caught up in the offer that you miss the fit. A lot of things can happen between fall and spring....not all good.
Posts: 3978 | Location: Madison Wi | Registered: January 06, 2003
significant overall improvement, increase in maturity, increase in impact on game or in district (reflected in stats), continuity,leadership skills, dealing with adversity, school/team/district recognition,
Posts: 3158 | Location: Texas | Registered: December 27, 2002
Increase in velocity Increase in velocity Increase in velocity
Maybe a bit more movement
Did I mention increase in velocity?
_______________________ "People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." Rogers Hornsby, Hall of Famer
I do not agree with increase in velocity times 3. Movement, command of pitches, how many different pitches, attitude, leadership, good grades and finally, increase in velocity, not necessarily in that order may or may not get you noticed in the spring.
Posts: 10984 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
Bob50, Well I gotta say if a kid is throwing 85 in the Fall and comes out over 90, I guarantee you he'll get noticed. Whether the school the player wants to go to is still needing him is a different matter.
_______________________ "People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." Rogers Hornsby, Hall of Famer
Mr & Mrs, I am not sure whether throwing 85 in the fall and 90 by the spring is an everyday occurance. Someone might want to elaborate on this. I know that my son's FB average is 88-89 hitting 90 last fall (2002) and this fall 93. A gain of 3mph in one year. Unfortunetly,some are under the impression that hitting 90's will get a good scholley at a top D1, top D2. It really doesn't work that way. It will get you noticed, but it doesn't mean that everything is working. Example, maintaining certain speeds while throwing different pitches is very important. I know lots of pitchers who have velocity in the 90's, they throw but don't pitch. If you read carefully about the top pitching prospects, you will notice that most of these pitchers have many different pitches and command of them. They know how to set up the batter, they know exactly what is going on in the field at all times, how to get out of a jam, movement etc. These are the intangibles that a coach notices right away. If a pitcher has those qualities, and they feel velocity will come with physical maturation,they will get noticed. Parents often wonder what sets the pitchers apart from others. They are asking all the time, "my son throws harder than that pitcher, why is he overlooked". I think there has been much discussion on these boards as to why these kids are where they are today. So therefore, IMO throwing 85 in the fall and 90 by spring doesn't neccesarily get you noticed.
Posts: 10984 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
I absolutely agree about location movement etc. I guess I assume a D1 prospect will have that anyway. But as for velocity............ Ok.Deal. We agree to disagree.
_______________________ "People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." Rogers Hornsby, Hall of Famer
90 seems to be the magic number. If you throw 89 in mid-October and you lift, train, condition, work hard on mechanics and long toss, long tosss. It certainly seems possible you'd throw 90+ by mid-March.
- Whoever said a walk was as good as a hit, couldn't hit.
Posts: 248 | Location: Nashville! | Registered: January 07, 2003
