I think the talent is not the big difference, the difference is that nowdays players in HS are taking conditioning more in serious than years ago. Also, more players are looking for private trainners, and are getting more technical help.
"Peace is, the respect for the other people's rights". Benito Juarez
Its depends, 5 years ago, there were maybe 10 HS showcases, now over 40 HS Showcases all competing for the same players.
Sometimes you have to sit through watching 60 players that can't play to see 4 players worth recruiting. Some showcases will take any player with a check book.
I have seen players that throw 83-85 mph and are convinced they are MLB material and of course they claim your Radar gun is broken I really throw 90 plus.
Posts: 1469 | Location: USA | Registered: January 22, 2004
I can't speak on behalf of the "40" showcases that "Dibble" mentions. I just know we see a larger number of talented players each year.
More First Round Draft picks. More High Draft picks. More total Draft picks. More Division I recruits. More total College recruits. More talented players.
Just taking the last 5 years.
1999 we had 5 PG participants drafted in the first round. 2000 it was 7 1st rounders. 2001 it was 11 1st rounders. 2002 it was 16 1st rounders. 2003 it was again 16 1st rounders. 2004 We expect more than 16 1st round picks
The same thing has happened with total draft picks. It has grown to the highest total 409 drafted in the last draft.
The totals would look the same for College players, but it's harder to track exact numbers. We do know that each year there are a larger number of former PG Showcase participants playing on the teams in the College World Series. Last year 94 former PG players, (the most ever) were on the 8 rosters in Omaha.
Big WI, It was not a "dumb" question on your part either. Of course, we have seen more players each and every year. We've been very fortunate to see the majority of the very best. The best players are becoming more and more aware of what they should go to. Things have changed to the point that they often contact us before we contact them.
Posts: 5022 | Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa | Registered: December 27, 2002
Itsinthegame, I would say over the years players are getting better because many parents are investing into specialized training during the off season. One thing that makes a big difference is many players are competing year round. ie.. fall ball, spring and summer ball and then lifting during the cold months. The more parents learn about what it takes for boys to play college baseball the talent can only improve.
