Bum;
do you know the history of Jim Converse?
call me.
Bob Williams

I have been following this topic and I'm still confused. Player was rated a 7 at a regional event. He attended that event as a rising sophomore. In addition to the rating, he received a very solid, positive write up. It did mention that once he gets bigger and stronger, he will only be better. So does this mean that if and when he gets bigger and stronger he will have achieved that potential of being a 7, or does that mean he can improve his rating?

Since that event, he has grown in height, gotten a little stronger, and his velocity is clearly up. He plans on participating in the same regional event this year, with the goal of improving his rating.

So can he go up if he does the things mentioned in the write up, or is a 7 a 7 a 7? One more question in reference to PG:

Some players who are rated a 7 or 7.5 at a local or regional event, are not listed on the Draft year State by State follow lists. If by PG definition that rating is a "Potential low round pick", why would they not be listed? Not complaining, just curious. Like I said, confusing.

Thanks

How much has he grown? How much stronger is he? How much is his velocity up? If it has gone up consistent with a player rated a 7 then he should continue to be rated a 7. If it has gone up more then he would probably be rated a bit higher. In reality, I would guess that increases in performance over time tend to result in a bit higher ratings because there's less risk involved in projecting the player.

Typically it takes about an 8.5 for a player to end up on the draft lists or they have to have seen the player perform well in a venue where they aren't being given a rating, although I've seen lower than 8.5 on the lists. So there's potential and there's potential. I'd look at the right side of the explanation for a 7.0 which says JUCO or DII and consider that as being the most likely scenario with the potential low round, D1 prospect being the top end if he exceeds expectations. They aren't perfect and fortunately sometimes kids make bigger jumps than anyone could have predicted. A local sophmore performed poorly, for him, at a showcase and was rated a 7.5. He's since committed to a major D1.

Realistically I don't think many kids rated an 8.5 are going to be drafted unless they've improved a lot since being rated. It would be interesting to see what the lower end of the ratings is for kids who have actually been drafted out of HS.

CADad:

Two inches in height since the event (last fall), about 10 pounds gained. His velocity at the event was high 70's. He has not been measured this season, but his pitching coach thinks he's around low 80's, but that has not been read off of a gun. Other observers comment that his velocity has clearly increased as well. I guess we will find out at the next showcase. Good explanation, and it makes sense. Thanks. He has expressed interest in a couple of different D3 schools, so I guess his goals are realistic and attainable provided he keeps working hard. Like I said, it can be a confusing process. Thanks again.