2014 WWBA World Championship Pool Previews | Event Preview: Back-to-Back tough task at Jupiter
Just
like the Kansas City Royals march to the World Series, every year
there are always unexpected teams that move out of pool play and make
a deep run into the playoffs at the WWBA World Championship in
Jupiter, Fla. Sometimes those are second or underclass teams from
very deep organizations such as the EvoShield Canes or FTB/Cardinals
Scout Team, and sometimes they are true upstarts such as the Reds
Midwest Scout Team or Cangelosi Baseball.
That
is one of the things that makes Jupiter so special and makes
exercises such as this more informational and entertaining than truly
predictive. Nonetheless, there are common themes that virtually all
championship caliber teams bring into Jupiter.
First,
they have to have a deep pitching staff. The reality is that at this
time of the year many pitchers are winding down before the off-season
and can't throw deep pitch counts. To win the championship a team is
going to have to play eight games in less than five full days. In
addition, each coach needs to know who his ace is and use him
properly. Do you save your best starting pitcher for the playoffs or
do you use him in that must-win pool play game, acknowledging that
your best starting pitcher might not be the one that is highest
ranked or has the best scholarship?
Second,
there has to that single position player who takes over and dominates
a couple of ball games. The more players you have capable of doing
that, the better your chances of winning. But even with an upstart
teams such as the Reds Midwest Scout Team last year and Evan Skoug,
or Mark Payton with Cangelosi Baseball, someone emerges to lead the
team on offense.
Lastly,
the reality is that the teams that play together during the summer
and the fall, and often over multiple years, stand a much better
chance of advancing deep into the playoffs and winning the hardware.
The showcase teams that are brought together primarily for Jupiter
are scout favorites but the necessity to get pitcher's innings and
player's unfamiliarity with their teammates often handicaps the team
aspect in close contests.
However
it plays out on the fields, there should be plenty of fun and
excitement, along with a share of disappointment and heartbreak.
Following are the best teams and the best players at this level of
baseball that will take the field this weekend in Jupiter, Fla. for
the 2014 WWBA World Championship.
Teams
are listed in alphabetical order within each grouping
Comments/numbers
based on rosters as of Monday, October 20
Pre-Jupiter
Favorites
Cardinals
Scout Team/FTB Chandler
College
Commitments: 31/33 | Primary Pitchers: 18
The
EH, XH and DH positions will definitely be in the spotlight for the
Cardinals, as the roster is so deep and
loaded with high-level talent that getting everyone in the lineup
will occasionally be a problem for manager Jered Goodwin. Yes, you
have Ryan Mountcastle and Jonathan India in the middle infield, but
who starts at catcher, Wyatt Cross or Herbert Iser? Jason Heinrich or
Tyrone Perry at first base? Defensive whiz Keshawn Lynch at third or
masher Bo Bichette? With the Cardinals drawing what appears to be a
light pool without an obvious threat, they may get to save their
pitching for an anticipated playoff run. Lefthander Juan Hillman is
the only pitcher of the six PG All-Americans on the roster and he
will definitely be a factor. But fellow southpaw Michael Zimmerman
can be just as dominant and could take the ball in what Goodwin
determines to be the team's first big matchup. Another southpaw,
Sixto Torres, will be closely followed by the scouts. Overall, the
Cardinals have stocked nine primary lefthanded pitchers on their
roster.
Elite
Squad Prime
College
Commitments: 23/26 | Primary Pitchers: 15
This
may be manager Richie Palmer's best chance to take home
the Jupiter rings, as his 2014 team is both experienced and deep and
plays with emotion and confidence. PG All-American outfielder Danny
Reyes is their impact talent, but others, such as middle infielders
Robert Montes and Lucius Fox Jr., third baseman Julian Infante and
catcher Dominic DiCaprio, are perfectly capable of stepping in and
leading the team. The pitching staff is deep and versatile and has a
definite Miami Hurricane flavor to it, with five UM recurits,
including hard throwing righthander Isaiah Musa and highly ranked
2016 righty Anthony Molina, both of whom are sure to see key innings.
EvoShield
Canes
College
Commitments: 24/24 | Primary Pitchers: 13
The
defending WWBA World Champions return
a team that is arguably just as strong, if not stronger, in 2014. The
Canes core starting pitchers, PG All-Americans Beau Burrows and Ashe
Russell, along with the experienced Logan Allen, are unmatched in the
Jupiter field. The next level of pitchers, including righthanders
Nolan Watson, Dakota Chalmers, Evan Sperling and Hunter Parsons, will
all be scout magnets when they take their turn on the mound as well.
The offense is led by a similarly talented group that stands out for
their experience as well as their ability. Shortstop Logan Tolbert,
outfielder/first baseman Desmond Lindsay, center fielder Danny Blair,
second baseman Xavier LeGrant and outfielder Ryan Johnson have all
played and excelled in high pressure environments. Jeff Petty's team
doesn't appear to have any weaknesses on paper, it's just a matter of
performing on the field. It won't be easy for the Canes, as Pool G
may be the most challenging pool in the draw.
GBG
Marucci
College
Commitments: 24/29 | Primary Pitchers: 14
Much
of the country isn't entirely familiar with Mike Garciaparra's team
but GBG has been steam rolling much of the top competition on the
West Coast for the past two years and is ready to make a loud
statement nationally. PG All-American shortstop Lucas Wakamatsu and
outfielder Kyle Dean give GBG some national name recognition, but the
game-to-game leaders of the team are 2016 third baseman Spencer
Steer, one of the top pure hitters at this level, and much improved
catcher Ryan Fineman. GBG is very strong up the middle defensively
and plays an emotional style of offensive baseball that has
consistently led to big innings in the recent past. The pitching
staff is deep with strike throwers, with 2016 righthander Kevin Gowdy
having the highest ceiling arm. GBG will have to be on its game
right from the start, as their first two pool play games are against
Chicago Scouts Association and their ace, 2016 righthander Drake
Fellows, followed by Chandler World and their own ace, Will Neely.
If they survive those two contests, GBG could go on a role.
Orlando
Scorpions/Mets Scout Team
College
Commitments: 24/25 | Primary Pitchers: 10
Most
of the Scorpions 25 player roster has been playing together for
years, including the No. 1 ranked
prospect in the PG 2015 class rankings, shortstop Brendan Rodgers.
Fellow PG All-American catcher Nick Fortes has had just as much of a
role as Rodgers in the Scorpions' success and they are joined by
other top-level talent such as second baseman Ramon Alejo,
catcher/outfielder Jackson Lueck, outfielder Cam Montgomery and
infielder Jonah Garrison. But when the Scorpions dipped into the
national pool of available talent to fill out the roster, they scored
big with a pair of slugging outfielders in a third PG All-American,
Kep Brown, and fast-rising Michigan prospect Nick Plummer. Plummer
may end up being the most watched player in Jupiter by national level
scouts after moving from an unknown to a potential first round pick
in August. The Scorpions pitching staff is less star studded but
solid, and their top two arms, righthanders Cole Sands and vastly
improved junior Todd Peterson, will throw on Thursday in order to set
themselves up for the playoffs.
Deep
Playoff Run Potential
Chandler
World
College
Commitments: 27/27 | Primary Pitchers: 13
The
two biggest hurdles for Chandler to overcome with be their
unfamiliarity with each other as teammates and the fact that they are
in a pool with GBG Marucci, one of the most experienced teams in the
event. Offense certainly shouldn't be
a problem, as Chandler's lineup could simply bludgeon most opponents
into submission. What pitcher would want to face the middle of a
batting order that features third baseman Travis Blankenhorn, first
baseman Devin Davis, outfielder Greg Pickett and outfield/first
baseman Brandt Stallings? Righthander Will Neely looks to be
Chandler's best bet to get past GBG in pool play, with fellow
righthander Dallas Woolfolk is also sure to see some key innings on
the mound.
East
Cobb Baseball
College
Commitments: 12/28 | Primary Pitchers: 11
This
should be a deeper squad than East Cobb has put on the Roger Dean
fields in a couple of years, although with Daz Cameron choosing not
to play it won't be as star-centric as past teams either. It will
also be a younger
East Cobb group than normal, with a dozen underclassmen doting the
roster. Center fielder Reggie Pruitt, one of the fastest players in
the 2015 class, seems like he's been at the top of East Cobb lineup
for years; this will be his third time Jupiter and 30th overall PG
event. One of the most unrecognized top prospects in the country and
the team's potential impact player is shortstop Jalen Miller, a
superb defender and rapidly improving offensive threat. The pitching
staff doesn't lack for SEC/ACC quality arms, with Alabama commit
righthander Brock Love being the top pro prospect.
Florida
Burn
College
Commitments: 14/26 | Primary Pitchers: 12
The
Burn's
trophy case over the past three years, including last year's
runner-up finish, clearly shows that they will be a force to be
reckoned with this week. The Burn clearly have athletic talent; they
feature seven infielders with D-I commitments and that doesn't
include star 2016 righthanded pitcher Austin Bergner, a talented
shortstop in his own right. Coach Mark Guthrie spreads those athletes
around the field and the Burn play a very fundamentally sound
pitching and defense style of baseball that forces other teams to
beat them. And while the Burn feature a higher than average number of
underclassmen in key roles, they are very experienced underclassmen.
Aside from Bergner, expect shortstop/righthanded pitcher Nick Long,
another 2016, plus precocious sophomores in lefthanded
pitcher/outfielder Jordan Butler and shortstop Shane Shifflett, to
play major roles.
Houston
Banditos
College
Commitments: 24/28 | Primary Pitchers: 17
Scouts
will be hoping for a deep playoff
run from the Banditos in order to get multiple looks at a number of
players just emerging as top 2015 prospects. Chief among them will
be slugging catcher/first baseman Joe Davis, who has been drawing
comparisons to the Royals' Billy Butler for his righthanded hitting
potential. Strong-armed catcher Garrett Wolforth recently
reclassified into the 2015 class and scouts will need to get up to
speed on his overall talents and where they fit in this year's draft
class. In addition manager Ray DeLeon has imported two low- to
mid-90s arms from Hawaii in righthanders Ian Kahaloa and Zachary
"KH" Kapihe, both of whom have had limited looks on the
national scene. Overall, the Banditos may have the hardest throwing
pitching staff in Jupiter, led by PG All-American Cole McKay, Jarrett
Montgomery and Jiovanni Orozco, all righthanders.
Team
Elite
College
Commitments: 20/27 | Primary Pitchers: 11
Team
Elite is a close-knit team comprised of almost
entirely Georgia players, and that experience together will be big
benefit to Brad Bouras' squad. Outfielder Jahmai Jones, the seventh
ranked player in the 2015 PG class rankings, and third baseman Bryce
Denton both have the ability to put together MVP type runs in the
middle of the Team Elite lineup, and high energy second baseman Cobie
Vance will be on base frequently in front of them. Righthander Nick
Neidert is one of the best big-game performers in the country and how
Bouras chooses to use him will be interesting to follow. Team Elite
features ten 2016 players on their roster and many could be key to
the team's ability to move deep into the playoffs, including
versatile twins Nick and Austin Wilhite, shortstop Cam Shepherd and
hard-throwing righthander Nick Linginfelter.
The
Talent's There
CBA
Marucci
College
Commitments: 16/20 | Primary Pitchers: 5
CBA
and GBG have been dominating West Coast events for the past few years
and CBA is one of the tightest and most cohesive teams in Jupiter.
They have one superstar talent in catcher Chris Betts but scouts will
be bearing down hard on third baseman Tyler Nevin who is rounding
into peak form after missing over a year after elbow surgery.
Versatile outfielder and leadoff hitter Luke Williams, lefthanded
hitting slugger Niko Navarro and all-around standout Kevin Collard
are all top level prospects. CBA doesn't appear to have the pitching
depth on their current roster for a deep playoff run, but seem to
have done plenty well enough in recent tournaments with a similar
schedule format. Southpaw Kyle Robeniol and righthander Tim
Holdgrafer will get the ball in CBA's big games.
Dirtbags
College
Commitments: 16/18 | Primary Pitchers: 8
The
Dirtbags have been relatively quiet the past few years but have
remained a top level organization that has historically peaked for
Jupiter,
where their tight defense, strike-throwing pitchers and cohesive
teamwork give them an advantage over many teams. Speedy center
fielder Eric Jenkins invokes comparisons to the Nationals Denard Span
for his overall game and will be carefully watched by the scouting
community. He should be on base frequently for righthanded hitting
sluggers such as third baseman Steven Oakley, catcher Jacob Washer
and outfielder Beau Myers. The question will be if the pitching depth
is there for a deep run and the Dirtbags can't afford to hold any
back in a tough Pool C assignment.
Marucci
Elite
College
Commitments: 16/23 | Primary Pitchers: 9
Marucci's
switch this year from a national team to a more regionally based
organization has changed the dynamics of the roster somewhat but they
still have the overall talent to impact the tournament and Chad Raley
is one of the most experienced and
accomplished managers around. The team is very strong up the middle
with underrated shortstop Brody Wofford, slugging shortstop/third
baseman O'Neal Lochridge and spark plug 2016 second baseman Morgan
McCullough. Outfielder Luke Farley should provide plenty of pop in
the middle of the order as well. PG All-American lefthander Hogan
Harris and righthander Easton McGee are Marucci's top arms, but
scouts will also be focusing on the strong armed Al Pesto.
Midland
Redskins
College
Commitments: 15/24 | Primary Pitchers: 12
Although
the Ohio-based Redskins have a
national roster, with players representing 14 states, they also play
together all summer and have a sense of organizational pride that
matches any program in the country. Outfielder Darryl Wilson and
2016 shortstop Austin McNicholas will set the table on offense for
corner infielder Greyson Jenista and 2016 catcher Tyler Duvall, while
2016 southpaw Dion Henderson will lead the pitching staff.
Ohio
Warhawks
College
Commitments: 19/29 | Primary Pitchers: 16
The
Ohio Warhawks feature only one player from Ohio, but includes seven
from Nevada with 12 states in total represented on their deep roster.
Manager Ron Slusher's ability to blend together all these
different parts quickly and successfully will be key to the Warhawks
performance. The Nevada aspect of the team will be featured in the
outstanding middle infield duo of Cadyn Grenier and 2016 standout
Nicholas Quintana, with spectacular defensive plays almost
guaranteed. The Warhawks Saturday pool play matchup against the
Dirtbags could have a playoff type intensity
to it.
Don't
Sleep On Them
Chet
Lemons Juice
College
Commitments: 8/28 | Primary Pitchers: 8
The
Juice's continued run of success in Jupiter is often at odds with
what the team looks like on paper and this year is no different.
Although the team lists only eight college
commitments on its deep roster, it is also one of Chet Lemon's
youngest rosters ever, with 15 underclassmen. How 2016's such as
third baseman/righthanded pitcher Garrett Milchin, shortstop Harrison
Ray and lefthander Andrew Baker perform on the big stage will
go a long way in determining whether the Juice can defeat a loaded
Team Elite Prime team in pool play and move on to the playoffs.
Homeplate
Chilidogs
College
Commitments: 15/30 | Primary Pitchers: 17
Pool
G may be the toughest pool in the draw even though the defending
champions, the Evoshield Canes, have to be considered the favorites
to move on to the playoffs. However, the Chilidogs have two potential
advantages that can move them atop both the Canes and the Blue Jays
Scout Team. Righthanded pitcher and catcher Tristan English is
scheduled
to pitch in the Sunday morning game against the Canes, and if English
is on his game that will be huge. Secondly, shortstop
Cornelius Randolph has
the ability to get hot and take over the pool with his bat. A deep
roster of pitchers won't hurt either for manager Lloyd Thompson's
team.
Syracuse
Sports Zone Chiefs
College
Commitments: 16/24 | Primary Pitchers: 13
The
Chiefs will be one of the scouts' favorite teams
to follow, as outfielders Ryan McKenna and Garrett Whitley both
emerged late in the summer as potential top round picks that scouts
are still getting a feel for. The same applies to big righthanded
pitchers Jake Nelson and Cole Whitney, neither of whom have much time
in front of national scouts but have the talent to make an impact.
Infielder and righthanded pitcher Andrew Noviello is an underrated
all-around performer who should impact the Chiefs chances on both
sides of the ball.
Royals
Scout Team
College
Commitments: 22/27 | Primary Pitchers: 16
It's
tough to bet against any team named the Royals right now and this
version always brings a talented group to Jupiter. Multi-tooled
outfielder Chad Smith has been a
regular on the national circuit for two years but scouts should also
bear down on 2016 shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald, one of the most
talented juniors in the country. Third baseman Jared Mang, a New
Mexico native, is not a nationally known name but the continuation of
his strong performance with the bat this fall could change that by
the end of the weekend. The Royals deep pitching staff is led by
hard throwing PG All-American Donny Everett.
Texas
Scout Team Yankees
College
Commitments: 18/19 | Primary Pitchers: 9
The
Yankees are an interesting mix of Texas (nine) and Georgia (eight)
ballplayers that have the potential to blend together
very well. PG All-American Third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes has been
improving by leaps and bounds as he tightens up his body and gets
more polished at the plate, and he brings the added bonus of offering
a legit arm on the mound. Shortstop and righthanded pitcher Tekwaan
Whyte is another player who can impact the offense and offer high
quality innings. Righthander Andy Pagnozzi will likely throw the
Yankees top high leverage pool play game, and in a very balanced Pool
E, that could be almost
any contest.
Programs
That Know How To Win
There
are a number of teams that are veterans to the competition in Jupiter
and always seem to do well, even when their rosters might not always
match up with other teams. It would be no surprise whatsoever if a
couple of these teams made an impact on the playoffs.
•
Diamond
Devils
•
Dulin
Dodgers/Rockies Scout Team
•
East
Cobb Astros
•
Ontario
Blue Jays
•
Reds
Midwest Scout Team
•
South
Charlotte Panthers
•
Texas
Sun Devils
•
Tri-State
Arsenal