Jared got an invite to tryout for the Reds Area Code team. We've never been to anything like this, so we're wondering what to expect. How many players will be there? How many scouts/recruiters? Also any advise would be appreciated.

The big problem is what position to tryout for. He has been a catcher for years, but this season was sort of forced to play SS about 70% of the season and the other 30% split between catching and pitching. So now he is a little rusty behind the plate, good but not that experienced at SS and not yet a prospect on the mound.

Must pick one and I suggest catcher if he has a good arm 2.0 to 2nd would be a gage.

Where is the tryout that your son will be attending going to be held? I see you say the Reds invited him to their tryout, but that you're from Vallejo. The northern CA Area Code try out will be run by the Brewers, not the Reds, so will he be going to another part of the country to try out?

If he's going to be trying out in Stockton on July 2nd, that is the Brewers try out. If he goes as a catcher, he'll be up against two of the top '09 catchers in the country, Max Stassi (committed to UCLA over a year ago) and Andrew Susac (committed to Oregon State 8 months ago). 2.0 won't even come close to what those two throw. They're both consistently in the low 1.9s and it's not unusual for them to be in the 1.8s in games. As an example, Susac caught 15 innings last night in a high school playoff game that went over 5 hours. He was 6 for 6 throwing out runners at second base in that game. And, he'll be squatting again tonight in their next playoff game. He's gonna be one tired kid.

Wow great arms both those boys if they stay in that range will never see a college campus. 2.0 is indeed a gage and he will be judged on all his abilities quarter turns, feet etc. I hope he has a great tryout. My son had a tryout last season in Pennsacola which we thought they looked at size over some abilities. So don't get caught up with what others can or can't do. Go out and get after it and leave satisfied with your effort the rest you won't be able to control.

I am the big brother, not the dad. He lives in northern Nevada and the tryout is in Las Vegas.

Jared is a ball player as well. He has all the natural tools. I'm not worried about him making the team. If he does well and is good enough he'll make it. If not, it was a great opportunity. Last weekend Jared's team played for the Nevada 2A state championship. They played 4 games in 2 days and lost the state championship game, but Jared hit two homeruns in the tournament and was the winning pitcher in an elimination game. Last year as a sophomore he was all-state and batted clean-up for the state champion team.

Thanks for explaining that, Nighthawks. I couldn't figure out the location and team discrepancy.

I think Ryno gives some great advice about just going and doing your best and not worrying about what the others do. My son tried out for the Brewers team in 2005, and when we walked into the stadium and he saw who he was competing against, he just turned to me and said 'Dad, I'm going to relax and have a great time.' He was going up against some of the very top catchers on the west coast, including Dwight Childs (Arizona) and Tommy Medica (Santa Clara) and he knew it was unlikely that he was going to be selected for the team regardless of how well he performed. Both of those guys were Team USA players and he knew they were pretty much a lock to be selected. So, son went out and threw four balls right onto the bag, times were 2.05-2.12. He was one of the catchers sent home, but he left with a great feeling. He told me that even though he didn't get picked, just competing with those guys and being on the program for the recruiting advantages was definitely worth it to him. One thing to keep in mind is that the scouts selecting the players to go to the Area Code Games are looking for the top pro baseball prospects, not always the kid that has the best try out that day. A lot of people who are parents or fans don't always realize that the scouts are looking for something that might be different than what those in the stands are watching happen on the field.

Your brother has plenty of time to work on his defensive skills before the tryout. I'd recommend that if he's best at catcher, that he try out as a catcher. He probably won't know who he's competing against for a roster spot until he arrives, so don't worry about it. I only pointed out that Stassi and Susac will be at the northern CA tryout to indicate how high the bar will be set, not to discourage him from trying out at catcher. Tell him to go and do his best and let the chips fall where they may. Remind him to ENJOY the opportunity regardless of how it turns out.

Thanks 06catcherdad and RYNO. He'll definitely be working on the defense.

Well, the tryout was Saturday. I talked to dad and brother last night. My dad said there were only about 30 players at the tryout. It sounds like it was a great experience. My brother got to see a couple guys he played on All-Star teams with in the past. He was amazed by the competition. He said he's never played against anyone as good as some of these guys. All the players were really cool. Tons of scouts and college coaches. My brother said it was funny when they were being timed in running and there were more scouts and coaches on the field than players.

Jared tried out as a catcher. I asked how he did and as usual my brother said he did "alright." Which is normal even if he hit two homers in a game. So I asked my dad and he said he did very well, but there were some other kids who really put on a show. He said he felt like Jared got a little shorted in the batting portion, but that all in all he did well. Jared was very happy and excited about his chances for his future in baseball after the weekend. He wasn't really sure how he stacked up against some of the best in the area and now he does. He said he definitely found out the things in his game that he needs to work on. It was a very posetive experience.

The Reds held 3 tryouts for their A/C team: Coors Field in Denver last Thursday, Vegas on Saturday and here at Chandler-Gilbert CC last night in 113 degree heat. We had between 75 and 80 players at the tryout last night.