Hello Virginia Preps. You asked for the Commonwealth rosters almost two weeks ago and I don't see where you have received them yet. With the Games a mere week a way, I would think they would be available by now. There may be a good reason for this as some cancellations may be occuring and they should be working off of an Alternate list.
There have been a number of hits to this string since I entered a reply and a good portion are missing my main point. That is one of "fairness."
Without a published process and a way to objectively rate the players against each other, this process is not only flawed, but unfair.
The Central Team seems to be the worst offender. With no try outs, how are these Coaches (which include some coaching first time participants)supposed to select a team without ever seeing them play? How do they level the playing field between AAA, AA and the Privates based on hitting statistics and word of mouth from HS Coaches? Do they use their personal contacts with some of these players on the travel/showcase teams or from Wood Bat teams? Should they? What about positions? Wouldn't a utility player that can play Infield, Outfield and Pitch be more valuable for a tourney than just a MIF or a Third Baseman? I think you are probably getting my point here. First, a process has to be published and second, some type of try out is required. There are several weekends to do this before the games. No reason not to.
To the comment a gentleman made about the Central's success at picking quality players, because look how many are subsequent D1 players. Don't you think there is a bit of a self fulfilling prophesy going on here? The Commonwealth is the first opportunity after the 1 July contact date that College coaches can actively recruit and they can do this effectively by going to a site where supposedly "all the best players" are.
But VA Sportsmom take note: I had a conversation with one of the leading D1 Head Coaches in the state last week and he admitted that they go to Salem with a list of people to see and know that many of them will not be on the field because of politics. He was very surprised to learn that Central does not have try outs, by the way.
It all goes back to "fairness." For next year, there needs to be a published process with established eligibility and selection criteria to include some form of try outs. No you will not make everyone happy, but at least you can say the "boys" had an opportunity to "earn their way" on the team by their play on the field.
As for this year, all one can do is spread the word that there are many good deserving players not at the Games and that they are not deficient for having not been selected for the team.
Communications with Coventry, the sponsors, are also in order.
Semper Fidelis
Posts: 3 | Location: Midlothian | Registered: May 04, 2007
No worry, AU. Our time has long since passed. Fortunately, D1 college, Cape League and MLB scouts thought better of our son than the wise men of the Comm Games. Like you, we talked to a number of college coaches who noted the "limitations" of the Comm system. Clearly Comm prefers to avoid scrutiny, tho I think most members on this board are smart enough to get it.
Posts: 121 | Location: VA | Registered: July 23, 2005
