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