Unsigned players (Buckeye Scout Top 70)

[Yellow_Jacket06]

1. Justin Marrero SS (Reynoldsburg) (#22)

2. Ryan Brenner OF (Gates Mills Hawken) (#30)

3. Joe Engle 3B/P (Sidney) (#33)

4. Adam Wagner OF/P (Defiance) (#49)

5. Kyle Bluestein OF (Cinci. Oak Hills) (#58)

6. Anthony Bokar C (Strongsville) (#59)

7. Brian Blasik SS (Germantown Valley View) (#61)

8. Randy Jones OF (Cinci. Glen Este) (#63)

9. Michael Mahaffey P (Columbus Watterson) (#64)

10. Jensen Painter P/1B (Rockford Parkway) (#69)

11. Robert Switka P (Youngstown Ursuline) (#70)


I know Joe Engle was leaning toward Wright State but that was last Summer.

[PACrat]

The players I know on this list are fine players. Not sure why they are not committed yet, but I know the NCAA rule changes on recruiting narrowed the options that baseball coaches have. And some may have committed, but didn't report it to BS.

[AmericaOne]

The players I know on this list are fine players. Not sure why they are not committed yet, but I know the NCAA rule changes on recruiting narrowed the options that baseball coaches have. And some may have committed, but didn't report it to BS.

Some may be waiting for the proverbial D1 offer that will never come. Because these players are on here, it does not mean they are D1 players. Most fathers want to think their sons are D1, and the truth is their are very few true D1 players who will garner scholarship offers. Their are plenty very good JUCO, NAIA, and D2,3 colleges where some of these players would get a chance to play right away. Some do not have the grades.

[baseballdad44]

derrek bischoff signed with ohio dom.

[touchmall]

Well, my boy is on there and we did have D-1 offers but decided to go a different route.

[PACrat]

Well, my boy is on there and we did have D-1 offers but decided to go a different route.

Good luck. D-1 is not the only way to get to where you want to be.

[Iluvbaseball]

Some may be waiting for the proverbial D1 offer that will never come. Because these players are on here, it does not mean they are D1 players. Most fathers want to think their sons are D1, and the truth is their are very few true D1 players who will garner scholarship offers. Their are plenty very good JUCO, NAIA, and D2,3 colleges where some of these players would get a chance to play right away. Some do not have the grades.

Why are you speculating about the reason these players haven't yet signed? You seem to post on many issues and you do have some valuable inside knowledge but I personally think that you are way off base on your comments.

I highly doubt Dads are waiting for their sons to go D1 thus not allowing them to sign early. I also doubt that grades are an issue for most of these boys. If they were I would think they will be or have already committed to a JUCO. The main reason these players are unsigned is they feel that something better is on the horizon. When I say they I mean the family, player and other coaches or advisors. I am sure that most of these kids have options and they will decide when to pull the trigger when it is best for all parties involved.

I do agree that the other options you mentioned above are possibilities that should be considered. Let's see what happens in the near future about these young men college choices.

By the way, Hardy has accepted a football scholarship to play at Dartmouth. He is a great athelete that excels in baseball, football and basketball along with the classroom. Congrats Chris!!!!!!

[touchmall]

I Kind Of Disagree With The Waiting For A Better Deal Scenario By This Time All The Deals Should Have Been Offered. The Grade Issue Could Be A Factor Like In Our Case. But, I Hope No Player Out There Should Think That He Has Backed Himself Into A Corner. I Actually Like The Circumstance Were In. Due To The Talent That My Boy Is Blessed With Going To A Jr.college Eliminates The 3yr Waiting Period For The Draft. If Your Talent Level Is Opening Eyes Out There And You Feel That You Have A Chance To Sign Its Not A Gamble You Can Always Go Back To School At A Later Date.

[AmericaOne]

Why are you speculating about the reason these players haven't yet signed? You seem to post on many issues and you do have some valuable inside knowledge but I personally think that you are way off base on your comments.

I highly doubt Dads are waiting for their sons to go D1 thus not allowing them to sign early. I also doubt that grades are an issue for most of these boys. If they were I would think they will be or have already committed to a JUCO. The main reason these players are unsigned is they feel that something better is on the horizon. When I say they I mean the family, player and other coaches or advisors. I am sure that most of these kids have options and they will decide when to pull the trigger when it is best for all parties involved.

I do agree that the other options you mentioned above are possibilities that should be considered. Let's see what happens in the near future about these young men college choices.

By the way, Hardy has accepted a football scholarship to play at Dartmouth. He is a great athelete that excels in baseball, football and basketball along with the classroom. Congrats Chris!!!!!!

Iluvbaseball: I did not mean to stir the pot, I just know from being around many great baseball players that their fathers have expected them to go D1. When reality sets in it can sometimes be hard to deal with. I have a number of players on the board from my program and one will be drafted and has already committed, another went D1, and the other is the fastest athlete in this part of the country, has five tools, many offers but is not signed. He is Legit D1 and should be in the top 5 or 10 but was just discovered when he began playing for our program. He is one of those who will sign a very nice offer. With 6.4 60 speed, able to hit for average and power, 3.9 to first from the right, 4.29 40, very nice hands, and an above average throwing arm.. We also want our players to be known and try to help by supporting them on their quest to play collegiately. I think JUCO and NAIA are great options and give kids the chance to play immediately like Touchmall's son. They did their homework and found that their is life other than D1. And many top level programs like the southern powerhouses are looking for seasoned JUCO players. Nothing is more impressive than playin on a JUCO team and turning heads. The player will garner respect from the 4 year programs and from professional baseball. Did not mean to insinuate that all the kids in the top 70 fell into the waiting for a D1 offer. But I have seen it happen a lot this year.

[hawktime]

dude.......how did you get every word to begin with a Capital letter?!

[AmericaOne]

dude.......how did you get every word to begin with a Capital letter?!

He kept the Caps on when typing!:)

[Hometeam]

Iluvbaseball: I did not mean to stir the pot, I just know from being around many great baseball players that their fathers have expected them to go D1. When reality sets in it can sometimes be hard to deal with. I have a number of players on the board from my program and one will be drafted and has already committed, another went D1, and the other is the fastest athlete in this part of the country, has five tools, many offers but is not signed. He is Legit D1 and should be in the top 5 or 10 but was just discovered when he began playing for our program. He is one of those who will sign a very nice offer. With 6.4 60 speed, able to hit for average and power, 3.9 to first from the right, 4.29 40, very nice hands, and an above average throwing arm.. We also want our players to be known and try to help by supporting them on their quest to play collegiately. I think JUCO and NAIA are great options and give kids the chance to play immediately like Touchmall's son. They did their homework and found that their is life other than D1. And many top level programs like the southern powerhouses are looking for seasoned JUCO players. Nothing is more impressive than playin on a JUCO team and turning heads. The player will garner respect from the 4 year programs and from professional baseball. Did not mean to insinuate that all the kids in the top 70 fell into the waiting for a D1 offer. But I have seen it happen a lot this year.

AmericaOne - First of all, I enjoy your posts; they make sense. One question, though; I can understand why a kid might sign with a JUCO, but what are the advantages of signing with an NAIA rather than, say, a good D2 or a good D3? I thought I had heard that NAIA's are becoming fewer and fewer so ultimately, there will be less schools to compete against. I know that NAIA's can often give a better monetary package, though.

[The Big X]

AmericaOne - First of all, I enjoy your posts; they make sense. One question, though; I can understand why a kid might sign with a JUCO, but what are the advantages of signing with an NAIA rather than, say, a good D2 or a good D3? I thought I had heard that NAIA's are becoming fewer and fewer so ultimately, there will be less schools to compete against. I know that NAIA's can often give a better monetary package, though.


Not to butt in however I will try to answer your question - NAIA can give some athletic money assistance and in most instances have lower admission standards than D-2 and D-3 schools. D-2 schools are just one level below D-1 and that limits the number of high school players that are recruited by these schools. Many D-2 schools spend alot of time and energy going after D-1 players that are not happy in their situation as transfers. They get the same scholarship allocation as D-1 schools. D-3 schools do not provide athletic money and for alot of D-3 the cost is a big consideration. Academic money and FASFA money (need based) is the only assistance available. Also many D-3 schools have higher admission standards.

[GCPRO]

The Big X-pretty much right on there. For the DII/III and NAIA schools it will only enhance their programs with the new DI regulations for scholarships and roster size. There will be a trickle down effect that will enhance the overall level of play in those divisions.
Alot of people do not recognize the level of play at the lower divisions. Pretty good baseball played. There are plenty of DII and NAIA schools that can give the SWOhio DI schools a run. Mostly sub DI comes down to roster depth and specifically pitching staff depth.
It is a great experience for all involved, gettting an education and playing baseball. Pretty neat. Good luck to all chasing that dream.

[Iluvbaseball]

Iluvbaseball: I did not mean to stir the pot, I just know from being around many great baseball players that their fathers have expected them to go D1. When reality sets in it can sometimes be hard to deal with. I have a number of players on the board from my program and one will be drafted and has already committed, another went D1, and the other is the fastest athlete in this part of the country, has five tools, many offers but is not signed. He is Legit D1 and should be in the top 5 or 10 but was just discovered when he began playing for our program. He is one of those who will sign a very nice offer. With 6.4 60 speed, able to hit for average and power, 3.9 to first from the right, 4.29 40, very nice hands, and an above average throwing arm.. We also want our players to be known and try to help by supporting them on their quest to play collegiately. I think JUCO and NAIA are great options and give kids the chance to play immediately like Touchmall's son. They did their homework and found that their is life other than D1. And many top level programs like the southern powerhouses are looking for seasoned JUCO players. Nothing is more impressive than playin on a JUCO team and turning heads. The player will garner respect from the 4 year programs and from professional baseball. Did not mean to insinuate that all the kids in the top 70 fell into the waiting for a D1 offer. But I have seen it happen a lot this year.

AmericaOne, I understand what you were trying to say. I just thought the tone was a little off. Let me add that baseball players (at any level) get overlooked a bit because baseball is far from a science. That is the reason why baseball has about 50 rounds of drafting compared to football (7) and basketball (2).

Baseball players need to work hard and KEEP IMPROVING. If they don't others will pass them by in the future. The best players as Seniors in High School will not necessarily be the best players when they are Seniors in College.

This thread started by questioning why some of these kids on the Buckeye Scout are unsigned. I really think time will tell more than us speculating as to the reason. I am sure all these boys will be playing college ball somewhere. They could be late D1's, D2, D3, JUCO or NAIA. Players need to keep all of their options open. I just wish everyone striving to play ball in college good luck and stay focused on your goals.

[spectator123]

AmericaOne, I understand what you were trying to say. I just thought the tone was a little off. Let me add that baseball players (at any level) get overlooked a bit because baseball is far from a science. That is the reason why baseball has about 50 rounds of drafting compared to football (7) and basketball (2).

Baseball players need to work hard and KEEP IMPROVING. If they don't others will pass them by in the future. The best players as Seniors in High School will not necessarily be the best players when they are Seniors in College.

This thread started by questioning why some of these kids on the Buckeye Scout are unsigned. I really think time will tell more than us speculating as to the reason. I am sure all these boys will be playing college ball somewhere. They could be late D1's, D2, D3, JUCO or NAIA. Players need to keep all of their options open. I just wish everyone striving to play ball in college good luck and stay focused on your goals.


Couldn't part of the reason being is that some of these boys are waiting for acceptances and financial aid at some of the DIII schools to see how it stacks up to DI offers if they have any? A DIII package could actually be better...not to mention the academics of the school might be better also.

[AmericaOne]

AmericaOne, I understand what you were trying to say. I just thought the tone was a little off. Let me add that baseball players (at any level) get overlooked a bit because baseball is far from a science. That is the reason why baseball has about 50 rounds of drafting compared to football (7) and basketball (2).

Baseball players need to work hard and KEEP IMPROVING. If they don't others will pass them by in the future. The best players as Seniors in High School will not necessarily be the best players when they are Seniors in College.

This thread started by questioning why some of these kids on the Buckeye Scout are unsigned. I really think time will tell more than us speculating as to the reason. I am sure all these boys will be playing college ball somewhere. They could be late D1's, D2, D3, JUCO or NAIA. Players need to keep all of their options open. I just wish everyone striving to play ball in college good luck and stay focused on your goals.

ILUVBASEBALL: AGREED. I did not intend to have that tone and I feel for the parents and the kids. My son is a late bloomer and just recently hit 5'9", he is a left handed finesse pitcher who does well for Fairfield but I am in the same situation. He is a senior at Fairfield and has signed his Letter of Intent to play at Miami University Hamilton, because he likes Coach Darrel Grissom and Coach D runs the program professionally. He has his players working throughout the offseason and during the fall puts a lot of emphasis on developing his players. He gets many transfers who for one reason or the other leave D1, 2 or 3, NAIA and or JUCO programs. These players are impressed when they see the practices and training that Coach D offers. Coach Grissom also is the Head Coach of our 18U Ohio Heat. Remember these players will receive the same Diploma/Degree from Miami University Hamilton as they would from Miami U. Oxford for 1/4 the cost. I am not saying it is the same thing but for a player like my son who does not fit the mold of a 6' or taller player who can throw 85 MPH. He is the type of player who would be overlooked, but once he is on the mound seems to do what every coach wants and that is WIN games. My son could have chosen NAIA or D3 since he is a lefty and his grades are good but likes the curriculum at Miami and wants to continue playing baseball. The key word is PLAYING not sitting for a couple of years behind a Junior or Sophomore. This was a win/win situation. Not for everyone but a very good alternative. Their are a lot of small Regional Campus programs like Miami, Sinclair, Ohio U. at Newark, etc. that play schools like Rio Grande, Volunteer State, Tenn. Mount St. Joe, Notre Dame/Cleveland, and other D3 and NAIA schools. MUH has won the ORCC 7 of th past 8 years and goes to Florida for 10 days every Spring.

[Iluvbaseball]

Couldn't part of the reason being is that some of these boys are waiting for acceptances and financial aid at some of the DIII schools to see how it stacks up to DI offers if they have any? A DIII package could actually be better...not to mention the academics of the school might be better also.

Yes, I would think that is also a possibility!!

[Iluvbaseball]

ILUVBASEBALL: AGREED. I did not intend to have that tone and I feel for the parents and the kids. My son is a late bloomer and just recently hit 5'9", he is a left handed finesse pitcher who does well for Fairfield but I am in the same situation. He is a senior at Fairfield and has signed his Letter of Intent to play at Miami University Hamilton, because he likes Coach Darrel Grissom and Coach D runs the program professionally. He has his players working throughout the offseason and during the fall puts a lot of emphasis on developing his players. He gets many transfers who for one reason or the other leave D1, 2 or 3, NAIA and or JUCO programs. These players are impressed when they see the practices and training that Coach D offers. Coach Grissom also is the Head Coach of our 18U Ohio Heat. Remember these players will receive the same Diploma/Degree from Miami University Hamilton as they would from Miami U. Oxford for 1/4 the cost. I am not saying it is the same thing but for a player like my son who does not fit the mold of a 6' or taller player who can throw 85 MPH. He is the type of player who would be overlooked, but once he is on the mound seems to do what every coach wants and that is WIN games. My son could have chosen NAIA or D3 since he is a lefty and his grades are good but likes the curriculum at Miami and wants to continue playing baseball. The key word is PLAYING not sitting for a couple of years behind a Junior or Sophomore. This was a win/win situation. Not for everyone but a very good alternative. Their are a lot of small Regional Campus programs like Miami, Sinclair, Ohio U. at Newark, etc. that play schools like Rio Grande, Volunteer State, Tenn. Mount St. Joe, Notre Dame/Cleveland, and other D3 and NAIA schools. MUH has won the ORCC 7 of th past 8 years and goes to Florida for 10 days every Spring.


Congrats to your son. I hope that he excels on the field and in the classroom. I agree there are a ton of great college choices for young men to choose from. Hopefully, they make the choice that is right for them individually. Sometimes a D3 can be a better choice than a D1 but every situation is different.

[AmericaOne]

Congrats to your son. I hope that he excels on the field and in the classroom. I agree there are a ton of great college choices for young men to choose from. Hopefully, they make the choice that is right for them individually. Sometimes a D3 can be a better choice than a D1 but every situation is different.

Thank you. As long as my son is happy and able to pursue his baseball dreams and receive an education at a good school that we as parents can afford. I am happy for him. It is his life and he must be happy. Another big factor is watching your son play in college. If they go far from home you do not get the pleasure and ability to watch their games. I am thankful for that. I also hope that all these young men from Ohio get to fulfill their dreams while getting a degree.

[GCPRO]

America One-a "letter of intent" to attend Miami-Hamilton. Serious? Letters of intent to attend an Ohio regional campus?
I am happy for your son and family, and you are right on with regard to seeing your son play and the affordability factor. But letter of intent? That is like committing to a DIII school. That is like the "professional pitching instructor", I saw that one on your Heat thread.

[AmericaOne]

America One-a "letter of intent" to attend Miami-Hamilton. Serious? Letters of intent to attend an Ohio regional campus?
I am happy for your son and family, and you are right on with regard to seeing your son play and the affordability factor. But letter of intent? That is like committing to a DIII school. That is like the "professional pitching instructor", I saw that one on your Heat thread.

GCPRO: Would you like me to send you a copy of it. I did not ask for it, it was a requirement of Miami University Hamilton. Yes you do sign a Letter of Intent to play there. And if you truly cared much about the kids from the Fairfield., Hamilton BADIN area you would see that there are some very good players attending Miami University Hamilton. Nothing wrong with Committing to a D3 school. What is your problem? Always cynical. Professional Pitching Instructor is a person who gets paid to teach pitching. I guess Bull is not a Professional Hitting instructor? I find it strange that you have to find fault with whatever I say.

[Big Bear]

Is this about the kids or the parents for goodness sakes!

[GCPRO]

Bull was a professional, therefore a professional hitting instructor. The rest, not quite so sure. What qualifications are there to be named a professional instructor, it seems you like to throw that out. I think I have stated previously that it seems to be misleading. I guess you are saying, if someone pays for that instruction that makes you a professional instructor. Am I misinterpreting what you are saying? The coach on the website that you have mentioned, while I do not know him, what is his background?

What are you committing to, when committing to a non-scholarship school? Does a recruited walk-on sign a letter of intent? The letter of intents I have seen in my short life span have to deal with athletic scholarship money.

I am in no way trying to say there are not good players at Miami-Hamilton and while I know of no specifics with regard to their coaching staff, you have to give them their due. They win.

[Hometeam]

I think it's great if a school or coach has the player sign a "letter of intent" - why not be proud of whichever division a kid chooses to play in? There's so much fanfare for kids who sign D1 or D2 (pictures in the paper with their high school coaches, surrounded by proud, smiling parents and a nice big fat article to go along with it) but hardly a mention when a kid goes with an NAIA or D3. No wonder some parents and players try and hold out for the D1 because it's portrayed as the only division with any merit. And depending on the NAIA or D3, many players are putting in an enormous amount of work, both at their sport and on their academics. I think that playing your sport after high school warrants more fanfare, even with the "lowly" NAIA's and D3's. And we all are aware that many of these "lowly" NAIA's and D3's have beaten some of the prestigious D1's. If there's not enough newspaper space, they could even do a nice group picture but no, nothing.

[BaseballRepresent]

but I believe ryan brenner is thinking of going to Miami of Florida potentially as a walk-on. I know him personally and have watched him play since 7th grade. Kid's good, personally, he should be higher up on the bs top 100, IMO, but that's just my opinion. Also, his dad graduated from there, so i think it's a family tradition thing perhaps?

Like I said this is complete speculation based simply on small talk i've had with him and with others that know him, too.

[BaseballRepresent]

can't believe bokar hasn't signed yet... The colleges need to get on him, he's good!

[GCPRO]

Hometeam-while I agree with your premise regarding the "letter of intent," I just have a difference viewpoint about the whole thing. Commitments and letters of intent were with regard to receiving athletic aid and signing a document stating that. I realize a commitment is just that, a verbal commitment, but once you sign a letter of intent you are bound to that institution, primarily because of the athletic aid involved. A student-athlete intending to attend a DIII school can choose to attend any school regardless of his "commitment."

I take offense at your definition of a "lowly" NAIA or DIII school. Personally I played 4 years of baseball at a NAIA school and enjoyed it immensely. One of the better experiences in my life. For any student athlete to continue their academic and athletic career in college has to be respected and cheered. But to compare the experience at these schools and those at the DI level is ridiculous.

Back in the day, when parents were far less involved, many of classmates attended DI-DIII and NAIA schools to play athletics, there was no fanfare. Go to school, get an education, play the game.

It is sort of like the thread regarding the Buckeye Scout top 100. It really means not a thing, just a list. Plenty of good players on it, plenty of good players not on i

[spectator123]

Hometeam-while I agree with your premise regarding the "letter of intent," I just have a difference viewpoint about the whole thing. Commitments and letters of intent were with regard to receiving athletic aid and signing a document stating that. I realize a commitment is just that, a verbal commitment, but once you sign a letter of intent you are bound to that institution, primarily because of the athletic aid involved. A student-athlete intending to attend a DIII school can choose to attend any school regardless of his "commitment."

I take offense at your definition of a "lowly" NAIA or DIII school. Personally I played 4 years of baseball at a NAIA school and enjoyed it immensely. One of the better experiences in my life. For any student athlete to continue their academic and athletic career in college has to be respected and cheered. But to compare the experience at these schools and those at the DI level is ridiculous.

Back in the day, when parents were far less involved, many of classmates attended DI-DIII and NAIA schools to play athletics, there was no fanfare. Go to school, get an education, play the game.

It is sort of like the thread regarding the Buckeye Scout top 100. It really means not a thing, just a list. Plenty of good players on it, plenty of good players not on i

I read Hometeam differently. He/she is not giving you their view on DIII and NAIA but rather what DI people are perceived as feeling about it.

[GotPop]

I'm not sure about this, but don't you pay to get in the Buckeye Scout?
Is anyone who invests money in it not included?
I see where you can get added to the TBS PROSPECT PROFILES for $50.00.
I don't have a high school kid or know any of the players on the list,so I'm just asking.

[spectator123]

I'm not sure about this, but don't you pay to get in the Buckeye Scout?
Is anyone who invests money in it not included?
I see where you can get added to the TBS PROSPECT PROFILES for $50.00.
I don't have a high school kid or know any of the players on the list,so I'm just asking.

Yes you pay to have your profile listed and pay to participate in the Showcase but that is no guarrentee that you will be included in the top 100.

[GCPRO]

My son was listed in their top 100 a few years back. Didn't participate in their showcase, we didn't pay any money and actually didn't even play summer ball between his junior and senior year because of an injury. I have no idea what the parameters are to be on the list. As I have stated, there are great players everywhere.

[NEWZIP]

My son Brandon White, Univ of Akron, transfer from Kent, was top 10 in 2006, never participated or ever paid anything to Buckeye Scout. He just played ball everywhere and anywhere he could.

[Hometeam]

Hometeam-while I agree with your premise regarding the "letter of intent," I just have a difference viewpoint about the whole thing. Commitments and letters of intent were with regard to receiving athletic aid and signing a document stating that. I realize a commitment is just that, a verbal commitment, but once you sign a letter of intent you are bound to that institution, primarily because of the athletic aid involved. A student-athlete intending to attend a DIII school can choose to attend any school regardless of his "commitment."

I take offense at your definition of a "lowly" NAIA or DIII school. Personally I played 4 years of baseball at a NAIA school and enjoyed it immensely. One of the better experiences in my life. For any student athlete to continue their academic and athletic career in college has to be respected and cheered. But to compare the experience at these schools and those at the DI level is ridiculous.

Back in the day, when parents were far less involved, many of classmates attended DI-DIII and NAIA schools to play athletics, there was no fanfare. Go to school, get an education, play the game.

It is sort of like the thread regarding the Buckeye Scout top 100. It really means not a thing, just a list. Plenty of good players on it, plenty of good players not on i

Spectator123 has it correct, GCPro. You completely misinterpretted what I was trying to say although I realize that anytime a person types something, it's tough knowing whether something is said sarcastically or seriously.

First of all, I view a commitment to a D3 or NAIA or JUCO as serious as I would view any player committing to a D1 or D2, whether they sign a Letter of Intent or not because wherever you play your sport after college, it takes a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work and talent. I was being sarcastic when I called the NAIA's and D3's "lowly" - I even said in my posting that many of these "lowly" institutions can beat the D1's so you should have known just from that statement alone that I have high regard for all levels. In fact, my son plays for a D3, loves it, is very dedicated and hard working and talented and is very similar to other boys who are doing the same thing he is, playing a sport he loves in college while trying to keep his academics along with a social life in order.

My point was - it's no wonder some parents are waiting for the D1 offer because all the fanfare is centered around the kids who sign actual Letters of Intent, going to D1's or D2's, getting a lot of newspaper coverage yet you don't see this for the kids who go JUCO, NAIA and D3. And, unfortunately, many of these D1 signees will be lucky to even see playing time. Also, with the new guidelines, there will be a blurring of the talent between the various divisions so it's, indeed, very possible that many of the boys in the lower divisions are as talented as the D1 signees plus they actually get to play their sport.

[GCPRO]

My point is, you are basing your thoughts on names being in newspapers, "getting the name out." Really that has nothing to do with it. I really have no idea where this is all going to end. HS coaching searches in the press, DIII commitments, letters of intent to Ohio regional campus schools, letters to the editors regarding HS kids' playing time. It is just silly. I commend your son and his abilities. I just have a problem with thewhole charade.

[Hometeam]

You're still missing my point - you seem to have a problem with a kid signing a Letter of Intent to an Ohio regional campus school. I say - what difference does this make in the scheme of things? Does it make you any better or less of a player just because you do or don't sign one? I think it's great - it's saying you're committed to a certain college or university to play ball. I realize it's tied to athletic money - I know all this - but playing your sport has more invested in it than just money alone. It's about the time you put into it and the effort and this is in itself a commitment that carries through to all levels. Miami of Ohio is an excellent university - my daughter graduated from there with a degree in accounting - so not only will this kid at the regional campus be working hard at playing baseball, but he'll also have to deal with some tough academic classes as well. So he might actually be more challenged (having to work harder) than some other kids at higher divisions. Let him sign the darn Letter of Intent.

[AmericaOne]

Spectator123 has it correct, GCPro. You completely misinterpretted what I was trying to say although I realize that anytime a person types something, it's tough knowing whether something is said sarcastically or seriously.

First of all, I view a commitment to a D3 or NAIA or JUCO as serious as I would view any player committing to a D1 or D2, whether they sign a Letter of Intent or not because wherever you play your sport after college, it takes a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work and talent. I was being sarcastic when I called the NAIA's and D3's "lowly" - I even said in my posting that many of these "lowly" institutions can beat the D1's so you should have known just from that statement alone that I have high regard for all levels. In fact, my son plays for a D3, loves it, is very dedicated and hard working and talented and is very similar to other boys who are doing the same thing he is, playing a sport he loves in college while trying to keep his academics along with a social life in order.

My point was - it's no wonder some parents are waiting for the D1 offer because all the fanfare is centered around the kids who sign actual Letters of Intent, going to D1's or D2's, getting a lot of newspaper coverage yet you don't see this for the kids who go JUCO, NAIA and D3. And, unfortunately, many of these D1 signees will be lucky to even see playing time. Also, with the new guidelines, there will be a blurring of the talent between the various divisions so it's, indeed, very possible that many of the boys in the lower divisions are as talented as the D1 signees plus they actually get to play their sport.

Hometeam: You are right on with what you said and believe me most people knew you were being sarcastic. As for the "charade" comment by GCPRO concerning the small amount of publicity baseball athletes seem to get compared to Football and Basketball and yes even the Anti-sport Soccer. What do you find offensive or a charade about a kid coming out of High School playing for a Regional Campus, NAIA, JUCO, D2, or D3 getting some recognition. If you remember a few years back when Coach Grissom and his Miami University Hamilton Regional {(lowely players) sarcasm-- played a real game (when a D1 program cancelled) prior to the D1 Tournaments beat Miami University Oxford when Tracy Smith was the Head Coach and he had 5 drafted players and an ALL American on the mound, and came very close to a trip to the College World Series. Not only did the Regional Campus beat the D1 players, they beat them with a score of 11-1 in front of many Hamiltonians. Granted this was just one game but I am sure they will never allow the Regional Campus to play the D1 team again. My point is that soem very good players are overlooked, discounted as too short, too slow, do not throw hard enough, etc. but when given the chance produce. SO I agree it is a great honor to play baseball at any level from High School thru College and beyond. These kids do not get on TV every Friday night like Football does, or basketball games are splashed accross the TV. More publicity is given 12 and 13 year olds who are in the Little League World Series than High School players who represent their schools. To make a Division 1 High School program like Fairfield with over 1200 boys is a big accomplishment in itself. Oak Hills and Hamilton have around 1100. I am not talking about the small schools where everybody who trys out makes the team. So whatever accolades or congratulations are afforded these High School players I think is well deserved, especially the ones who from the age of 9 or 10 have played 80-100 games each summer to prepare to play for their High Schools. In our society we spend more time talking negatively about our kids and when something bad happens it is splashed on the news so a little mention of a good student athlete, who will play baseball beyond High School is a small positive in my opinion.......Give them their propss....

[BENSPAPA8]

Playing baseball past high school is a privilege, regardless of what collegiate division or level of Pro ball.

The BS100 is a pretty good list, but no list ever made is the end all determinant of who is talented and who isn't. The diamond determines that for each player as they advance.

Most of the kids getting PUB, or fanfare as it was called mostly get it for solid performances, and some get it even when not deserved by past reputation....so questioning "fairness" is only natural.

Scouts are everywhere. If you feel you are a D1 player and the only offer to play is at a D3, then go and hit 20 bombs there or be a lights out pitcher, and you will get the interest of others. Don't make excuses.

2007 Draft............not really household college names listed where kids played at:

Alvernia College
Azusa Pacific U
Antelope Valley Col
Andrew College
Armstrong Atlantic St U
Angelina Col
Brewton Parker Col
Bakersfield Col

thats letters A and B

get the point?

[Hometeam]

Playing baseball past high school is a privilege, regardless of what collegiate division or level of Pro ball.

The BS100 is a pretty good list, but no list ever made is the end all determinant of who is talented and who isn't. The diamond determines that for each player as they advance.

Most of the kids getting PUB, or fanfare as it was called mostly get it for solid performances, and some get it even when not deserved by past reputation....so questioning "fairness" is only natural.

Scouts are everywhere. If you feel you are a D1 player and the only offer to play is at a D3, then go and hit 20 bombs there or be a lights out pitcher, and you will get the interest of others. Don't make excuses.

2007 Draft............not really household college names listed where kids played at:

Alvernia College
Azusa Pacific U
Antelope Valley Col
Andrew College
Armstrong Atlantic St U
Angelina Col
Brewton Parker Col
Bakersfield Col

thats letters A and B

get the point?

So tell me this - with these players getting drafted from many of these small, obscure colleges, why were they overlooked by the D1 scouts in high school? It proves a point; that some of these D1 recruiters don't know crap. I'm sure some of these very same kids had hit 20 hr bombs and pitched lights out in h.s. yet it was the smaller college recruiters that recognized the player's true talent. This is the very reason I think these "lists" aren't credible. And this is why many D1's have losing records. Again, not saying there's not some very good D1 players who are deserving. And I'm sure yours is certainly one of them because he's a great hitter, fielder, etc. But this proves to me that sometimes (often?) it's about connections.

[GCPRO]

America One/Hometeam-I know full well that Miami-Hamilton beat that Miami team. As a matter of fact, I had the good fortune to coach the winning pitcher of that game at an earlier age. I think you need to read the whole text of my posts and not just the passages that reflect the commitments and signings. If you were to do so you would understand that I have actually said it is a tremendous accomplishment for any student-athlete to further their athletic career in college. I also agree it is a nice accomplishment for any young man/woman to compete on their HS athletic teams. To show your inability to understand things, you paint a broad picture that any athlete at a "small school" automatically makes their HS teams. I would venture to say that Hamilton Badin(DIII) easily has as much if not more baseball ability on their roster than does FF, HHS or Oak Hills and not ever kid that tries out makes their roster. I also agree wholeheartedly that televising the LLWS is ridiculous. Plenty of great baseball played in all national organizations.
I just fail to see the need of the college commitments and junk in the paper. I have sat through HS commencement ceremonies listening to kids commitments to schools and laughed at some that were mentioned. I guess I'm just from a different era where parents applauded their kids accomplishments quietly and the kids themselves just went about their business. My own son signed a DI schollie and nothing was reported anywhere, I guess I owe him an apology.

[PACrat]

So tell me this - with these players getting drafted from many of these small, obscure colleges, why were they overlooked by the D1 scouts in high school? It proves a point; that some of these D1 recruiters don't know crap. I'm sure some of these very same kids had hit 20 hr bombs and pitched lights out in h.s. yet it was the smaller college recruiters that recognized the player's true talent. This is the very reason I think these "lists" aren't credible. And this is why many D1's have losing records. Again, not saying there's not some very good D1 players who are deserving. And I'm sure yours is certainly one of them because he's a great hitter, fielder, etc. But this proves to me that sometimes (often?) it's about connections.

I think it is more about what a D1 scout/coach looks for in a player. They look for the big body, strong arm, and good speed. Kids they can project to be players in 1 or 2 years. I think you will find that many of these guys from these small colleges may not have hit their growth spurt yet. Everybody grows at different speeds. They wake up one morning, and they are 3" taller. And then they grow out, and you have a monster. And it is extremely hard to judge work ethic. I'm sure the scouts work very hard. And yea, they get it wrong sometimes.

[Hometeam]

I think it is more about what a D1 scout/coach looks for in a player. They look for the big body, strong arm, and good speed. Kids they can project to be players in 1 or 2 years. I think you will find that many of these guys from these small colleges may not have hit their growth spurt yet. Everybody grows at different speeds. They wake up one morning, and they are 3" taller. And then they grow out, and you have a monster. And it is extremely hard to judge work ethic. I'm sure the scouts work very hard. And yea, they get it wrong sometimes.

I realize that kids still grow in college (bulking up from conditioning, etc.) but for the most part, what you look like as a senior in hs (especially heightwise) is a pretty good indicator of ultimate stature. Most kids don't have a major growth spurt in college. And why would the smaller colleges recruiters be better at "projections" than the D1 recruiters, anyway? I do agree that a recruiter can't always judge work ethic although grades could be a relatively good indicator of this.

[PACrat]

I realize that kids still grow in college (bulking up from conditioning, etc.) but for the most part, what you look like as a senior in hs (especially heightwise) is a pretty good indicator of ultimate stature. Most kids don't have a major growth spurt in college. And why would the smaller colleges recruiters be better at "projections" than the D1 recruiters, anyway? I do agree that a recruiter can't always judge work ethic although grades could be a relatively good indicator of this.

I agree with you. My point is (and I probably didn't make it too well in my last post) is that when you see these small school guys getting drafted, it may be because of the growth spurt. With it comes strength, add in work ethic, and maybe a D1 size chip on their shoulder, and a pro prospect could be the result.
The small college recruiters better at projection? No, they are more than likely the beneficiary of D1 looking past a player that hasn't developed physically.

[GCPRO]

Recruiting is just an inexact science. I have a couple of examples. I coached a pitcher that was set to go to a DIII school, pretty good baseball program(I guess he didn't sign a letter of intent??) anyway, we had a pitcher on our club that had signed early with a DI school and was possibly going to be drafted(eventually did). We are playing a tourney game and paired against a pitcher that also was eventually drafted(junior). Our top kid was hurt the day before at practice and we had to throw the other kid(DIII), he had a decent fastball, 83-85 and a real good curveball. The kid pitches a 3-hitter against a good club, gets a DI scholarship offer 2 days later and was a weekend pitcher for this school for his final 3 years of college and pitched a lot as a frosh.
The other kid was pretty highly recruited, eventually became a 3rd draft choice, but the school he wanted to attend had no interest in him whatsoever. The young man could not understand the disinterest. I just tried to counsel him on the fact that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and that only a school's coaching staff knows what their needs are. Needless to say it all worked out for the best.

[Iluvbaseball]

I think it is more about what a D1 scout/coach looks for in a player. They look for the big body, strong arm, and good speed. Kids they can project to be players in 1 or 2 years. I think you will find that many of these guys from these small colleges may not have hit their growth spurt yet. Everybody grows at different speeds. They wake up one morning, and they are 3" taller. And then they grow out, and you have a monster. And it is extremely hard to judge work ethic. I'm sure the scouts work very hard. And yea, they get it wrong sometimes.

I have to agree with your assessment. Let me add one other thing to the conservation. Baseball is very hard to recruit because of the game. A scout can go watch a player and the player actually gets very little action or very difficult pitches to hit during the game. They cannot go to all the games so they don't get an actual picture of the players INGAME ABILITY. That is a direct difference compared to recruiting basketball and football where normally the players abilities are truely shown during a game.

Baseball is a sport that the creme rises to the top over time. That is why the major leagues play 162 games to determine who makes the playoffs.

[The Big X]

I realize that kids still grow in college (bulking up from conditioning, etc.) but for the most part, what you look like as a senior in hs (especially heightwise) is a pretty good indicator of ultimate stature. Most kids don't have a major growth spurt in college. And why would the smaller colleges recruiters be better at "projections" than the D1 recruiters, anyway? I do agree that a recruiter can't always judge work ethic although grades could be a relatively good indicator of this.


They are not better at "projections". They go to showcases looking for the players that have very strong skills that lack something that will keep the D-1 guys from recruiting them and lock onto them. They look for a kid who is a step slower than a D-1 looks for, or shorter or throws well but just not well enough for the D-1 guys etc. In fact I would say the smaller schools don't have to project at all like the D-1's try to. Talent wise many of those kids are good enough to play D-1 they were overlooked because of one aspect of their make up not "cutting the mustard" That goes away and all of a sudden you have a player that develops into someone everyone is wondering how they could get overlooked.

I agree grades should come into the equation as an indicator of how hard a player will work on thier own in a college atmosphere.

[Hometeam]

I have to agree with your assessment. Let me add one other thing to the conservation. Baseball is very hard to recruit because of the game. A scout can go watch a player and the player actually gets very little action or very difficult pitches to hit during the game. They cannot go to all the games so they don't get an actual picture of the players INGAME ABILITY. That is a direct difference compared to recruiting basketball and football where normally the players abilities are truely shown during a game.

Baseball is a sport that the creme rises to the top over time. That is why the major leagues play 162 games to determine who makes the playoffs.

So we agree - baseball is tough to recruit because a scout cannot go to all of the games. Then how can Buckeye Scout accurately rank players from 1 to 100? You can't tell me that they've seen every one of these boys play numerous times.

[BENSPAPA8]

He gets input from the world of pro and college baseball.............trust me, and feel free to PM

[AmericaOne]

He gets input from the world of pro and college baseball.............trust me, and feel free to PM

I filled out the Recommend a Prospect Profile for some of my guys and though it took a minute except for Dorian West (#8) and Casey Henn (#27) on the original 50 list he has added some of the guys I sent in. Like Randy Jones (#63) He certainly should be in the top 20. I have let him know about the players who he may have missed, and will see if any show in the next 30. I sent profiles on the guys I thought deserving. SO if you know of a player send it in to him.

[Hometeam]

He gets input from the world of pro and college baseball.............trust me, and feel free to PM

And you've got swamp land you want to sell me, right? Sorry, it's just pretty illogical. I can't imagine ranking 5 or 10 guys who play different positions, have various gpa's, varying heights, various speeds, various batting or pitching or defense abilities, etc. let alone 100. 100 is a lot of players.

[BENSPAPA8]

And you've got swamp land you want to sell me, right? Sorry, it's just pretty illogical.



Answer this question:

What type of relationships do you think college coaches and MLB scouts have?

[Hometeam]

Answer this question:

What type of relationships do you think college coaches and MLB scouts have?

Honestly, I have no clue as to the relationships between college coaches and MLB scouts. However, I doubt that many of the boys on this list have ever been looked at by an MLB scout. I would think that most of the MLB scouts would be scouting in Central America, etc. or even in the southern U.S. where baseball is played year round due to warmer weather.

[Voice-of-Reason]

Honestly, I have no clue as to the relationships between college coaches and MLB scouts. However, I doubt that many of the boys on this list have ever been looked at by an MLB scout. I would think that most of the MLB scouts would be scouting in Central America, etc. or even in the southern U.S. where baseball is played year round due to warmer weather.

You have no idea what you are talking about...

[Hometeam]

You have no idea what you are talking about...

Thank you for that - Care to elaborate?

[Voice-of-Reason]

Thank you for that - Care to elaborate?

my bad on the harshness of my comment, but every MLB team has a full-time scout assigned to Ohio. With that said, of the top 100 players, very few, if any will be drafted this June. A couple may get lucky. I would venture to say that many of these players have been seen and are on the radar screen of some scouts. Some of these players may not be selected out of high school, but after a few years of college will get an opportunity to play professionally.

[hooverbaseball30]

If you can play, the pro scouts will find you. It doesn't matter what division you play at in college. Sure it helps to play D1 but I know a few D3 players who weren't on anyone's radar coming out of high school go on to get drafted.

[Hometeam]

my bad on the harshness of my comment, but every MLB team has a full-time scout assigned to Ohio. With that said, of the top 100 players, very few, if any will be drafted this June. A couple may get lucky. I would venture to say that many of these players have been seen and are on the radar screen of some scouts. Some of these players may not be selected out of high school, but after a few years of college will get an opportunity to play professionally.

I trust what you say is probably true, but do you really think these pro scouts and college scouts have the time or inclination to sit down with the Buckeye Scout and rank these players from 1 to 100? I doubt it.

[Voice-of-Reason]

I trust what you say is probably true, but do you really think these pro scouts and college scouts have the time or inclination to sit down with the Buckeye Scout and rank these players from 1 to 100? I doubt it.

I would think that Fisher at the Buckeye Scout gets some input from scouts and college coaches. Those scouts probably only comment on the top players in the rankings.

It is very difficult to rank these players. There is no doubt that some players fall between the cracks. Scouting is an inexact science!

[BENSPAPA8]

I trust what you say is probably true, but do you really think these pro scouts and college scouts have the time or inclination to sit down with the Buckeye Scout and rank these players from 1 to 100? I doubt it.


You have a PM

[Hometeam]

I'm skeptical by nature. There's just too many intangibles here to accurately evaluate 100 players, imo. If rankings are an inexact science, what's the point of having them? But this is just my opinion. Nothing more than an opinion. I enjoy reading and listening to everyone's imput, even if I don't necessarily agree.

[insdieman]

Just was looking at the list for unsigned players and saw that Brent Choban(LHP) from Akron Hoban rated # 20 is now unsigned. He committed to Coastal Carolina a few weeks after the first signing period, did not sign two weeks ago and is now de-committed.

[InnerCityPlaya]

I Kind Of Disagree With The Waiting For A Better Deal Scenario By This Time All The Deals Should Have Been Offered. The Grade Issue Could Be A Factor Like In Our Case. But, I Hope No Player Out There Should Think That He Has Backed Himself Into A Corner. I Actually Like The Circumstance Were In. Due To The Talent That My Boy Is Blessed With Going To A Jr.college Eliminates The 3yr Waiting Period For The Draft. If Your Talent Level Is Opening Eyes Out There And You Feel That You Have A Chance To Sign Its Not A Gamble You Can Always Go Back To School At A Later Date.

I agree. Thanks for the comment.