My son is a left handed 11th grade Varsity pitcher. He played for a very good East Cobb Georgia team this past summer. That particular team is splitting up and the players went through the try-outs and draft in August for the summer 2006 teams. My son was drafted by the top team at East Cobb. He will probably not be a starter as they have several D-1 prospect pitchers returning to the team.It will be tough to break into their rotation with all the starters returning. We have had numerous offers to play on other teams where he would be the #1-#2 starter. Is he better off playing on the best team which includes some serious exposure to scouts,TV, etc. or one of the other teams where he will get much more playing time. All of the teams will play showcases, Perfect Game, etc. He feels honored to be chosen to play on the best team and true, they rarely lose and their players have handfuls of championship rings. It is the team everyone here wants to be on.I think he will benefit more by utilizing and fine tuning his skills by being #1-#2 starter on another team.He is # 1 or 2 starter on his high school team.What do you guys think? I need some opinions! Thank You.

Chip,

Please feel free to contact me anytime if you want. pgjerry@qwest.net

I'm sure we are familiar with the situation. Have they told you how your son fits in on the top team or are you just assuming?

Your son must be very very good! It is important to get on the mound. I don't think it matters at this level if you are the #1, #2 or anything else. You do need to get innings and then a whole new group of people figure out whose #1, #2 etc.

But don't do anything for rings, TV, etc. If your son is good (as he must be) he will be noticed if he's on the mound (for either team)

Good luck

Chip,
I see this is your first post so welcome to the HSBBW! As you well know East Cobb produces some great talent and is one of the premier venues to play baseball. Congratulations to your son! I agree with you. Your son needs to pitch regularly. Just from what you’ve said I recommend your son go to where he is “guaranteed” a spot in the starting rotation. The main factor that will influence your son’s ability to get to the next level will be his TALENT and not his team. Couple of points. Scouts and coaches are pros when it comes to seeking individuals that have talent. The only place a player can “hide” his talent from a coach or a scout is on the bench. A few days ago I mentioned that pitchers on a college roster will compliment each other and can actually provide opportunities for other pitchers. I think the situation is somewhat different on summer teams prior to college because the schedules are such that pitchers “roles” are not as clearly defined and because all pitchers on the staff may not be college prospects. Again welcome and keep us posted.
Thanks,
Fungo

Thanks for your reply Jerry. I assume you are with Perfect Game. My son pitched in the PG 16 and 17 World Wood Bat tournaments at East Cobb last summer and in the Florida SE PG Qualifiers this fall.And yes, I am assuming that the team is set with their returning players...I don't know for sure. They begin workouts this weekend. We drive 56 miles one way to play at East Cobb. Great competition, coaching, etc. My son is a quality pitcher for sure, but they have never seen him pitch a game. I am sure they must have liked him in tryouts and checked his stats from our summer team. I am sure that you know which team I am talking about...should we dig in and see what happens? It is a demanding team with a demanding schedule. They didn't get their reputation without hard work. I have several other teams looking for a commitment soon, but I am positive it won't be hard to place him later in the spring.

Chip,

Yes I am with Perfect Game. I'm sure we have seen your son pitch. If you're comfortable telling me who he is... Please email pgjerry@qwest.net

I'm still trying to dry out from the last time in Atlanta area.

Jerry...I sent you the information on email a couple of minutes ago. Thanks so much for your help.And I definitely remember the rain EVERY afternoon in Cobb....I was surprised we got to finish that tournament at all. I drove back and forth from Gwinnett twice a day for a week, switched fields sometimes 3 times in an hour to get the games in, etc. You guys did an outstanding job for sure!!

Fungo...thanks for writing. I agree with you and I had my son read your comments. Everyone wants to be on a winning team. But, as you say, the record is unimportant to his future if he doesn't get to play regularly. I think we will go and see what the coach says and find out over the next several weeks where he fits in their pitching rotation. Thank goodness he has quite a few good teams asking him to pitch for them. Hopefully, he will make the right decision.