hs baseball - crab claw classic - Page 7

JSParak · #**121** 09-02-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willthethrillmsu70

Yes, I have heard the same....surprising he would commit this early but it is great news for UMD

If he committed 10 months before open recruiting and 15 months before early signing, I suspect some questionable recruiting practices or a rumor that made it down the wrong grapevine. I suspect the latter. Ramsey and Convissar I can see because of the Bernie Walters connection. KJ is a good player. I think it is a little early to even know what he is commiting to yet. Is it 25%, 50%, 100%??? since it is illegal to even discuss those things yet, I am sure he's just said given the chance, he would go there. Heck, given the chance he would probably go to Arizona State as well. When the recruiting period starts, he will see who is and who is not interested and at what level of interest they have. Until then, let the grapevine grow.

I concede that your team is better because it has more depth on paper and your average age is a little higher. My team was still very good though. I will give you that MANY of the top recruits were there but I still won't concede to the word MOST were there. My ask the audience life line ddn't work out so well for me unfortunately.

To answer another question, NO I had nothing to do with the Heat. I was only suggesting that the 3 lefties were about as good of a lefty trio as you would find anywhere in that age group. The 2nd baseman and Shortshop of the heat are up and coming players who should make a nice impact for their schools this year. Since I don't take shots at kids, I will say the the CF of the heat is very fast and runs the bases very well. He should be one of the leaders for South River this year. After that, I am a little weak on knowledge of the heat.

NextLevelBB · #**122** 09-02-2009, 02:26 PM

JSParak;

Sir I assure you that the KJ Hockaday announcement is true and not a rumor. I am a very good fiend of KJ's summer travel coach, and he assured me that this is the truth and that KJ's father and KJ both called to inform him that he was giving a verbal after an unofficial visit to Maryland and Coach Bakich. It is in no way illegal to verbally committ early and there are ways for a college coach and an underclassmen to communicate with players before July 1 of their senior summer. Verbally committing kids early has become very common place and it takes the right connection between a travel coach and the colleges, the willingness for a kid to go out and be seen as an underclassmen and of course the talent to be signed early. Don't be surprised if you see 3 - 5 players in MD verbally committ before playing a game their junior season.

NextLevelBB · #**123** 09-02-2009, 02:33 PM

If you go to the Hurricanes, Braves or Dirtbags sites you will see that they often have kids committing early. They are probably the 3 best at it in the Mid-Atlantic area.

www.canesbaseball.net

www.thedirtbags.com

www.richmondbraves.net

JSParak · #**124** 09-03-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NextLevelBB

JSParak;

Sir I assure you that the KJ Hockaday announcement is true and not a rumor. I am a very good fiend of KJ's summer travel coach, and he assured me that this is the truth and that KJ's father and KJ both called to inform him that he was giving a verbal after an unofficial visit to Maryland and Coach Bakich. It is in no way illegal to verbally committ early and there are ways for a college coach and an underclassmen to communicate with players before July 1 of their senior summer. Verbally committing kids early has become very common place and it takes the right connection between a travel coach and the colleges, the willingness for a kid to go out and be seen as an underclassmen and of course the talent to be signed early. Don't be surprised if you see 3 - 5 players in MD verbally committ before playing a game their junior season.

Easy there beefy, I didn't say it was illegal to commit early. I am stating that there is no way to know what he is committing to. Things change in 2 years and people get amnesia. KJ is a pretty good player and I would hate to see him commit to something and get a better offer some place else. I know KJ is a smart kid as well and won't have this problem but what if a top talented kid verbally commits, has all this talk about him, and then the SAT doesn't cooperate. What if he can't get in or a coach finds a better player willing to sign sooner. I just don't see a reason to commit early and discourage others from recruiting you just in case things don't work out. Just because you visit a school doesn't mean you need to commit. He's missing out on MANY oportunities that will certainly come his way if he stays available. Just because there is a relationship between a summerball coach and a college, doesn't mean that the summer team becomes a feeder team automatically. In my opinion, KJ should spread his wings and explore things outside of Maryland before such a commitment is made. Then again, opinion's are like butts, everyone has one and some stink more than others.

UAHEAT09 · #**125** 10-07-2009, 09:16 AM

I am very familiar with the UA Heat 09 team. The middle infielders you are referring are - indeed - terrific players - who - up to this point - have not been hyped as much as many of the other locals. Heat SS Ryan Jurney(MSJ-2011) had a terrific season and very solid tournaments @ the World Wood Bats in East Cobb as well as the Perfect game BCS Finals in Fort Myers last summer. He was a rock both offensively and defensively. Heat 2b Devin Bell and Jurney stood out at the WWBA.These guys could play with any of the best teams around the state. The team made it to the final 16 @ the WWBA's - out of 96 teams before falling in a close gm to the Richmond Braves. and , yes , the Heat had 3 outstanding lefties. Remember the name Sam Kmiec -he has a very bright future - a bright kid - smart pitcher - simply knows how to get em out. Zach Morris(S.River-2011) also pitched very well. The team played UP in all local tournaments and did extremely well - even when playing in the 18/19 age group(as 15's !).

willthethrillmsu70 · #**126** 10-29-2009, 10:18 PM

If these guys are that good, it would really be a good idea for them to play for a summer team like the Richmond Braves, Mid-Atlantic Mets or the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox. In these programs they will get maximal exposure to college coaches, will get to play in the WWBA and will week in and week out see top pitching / competition (many with wood bats).

willthethrillmsu70 · #**127** 10-30-2009, 02:11 PM

Did Ryan Jurney start at SS last year for MSJ? Did he make varsity?

JustAnotherJoe · #**128** 10-30-2009, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willthethrillmsu70

Did Ryan Jurney start at SS last year for MSJ? Did he make varsity?

Doesn't look like he was on the varsity. I've seen him play and he's a decent ballplayer, but he's only a little better than the average HS player. Not sure if he's still a SS, but he may be out of position there.

http://www.eteamz.com/msjbaseball/

JSParak · #**129** 11-03-2009, 08:34 AM

Ryan played JV last year. I think it was a bit of a surprise. He's a really good short stop. I think there are some political oddities at MSJ. Maybe some favoritism etc. Each time I've seen them in the past it seemed to me that the best players didn't always play. Maybe because they were younger or not in-the-know with the coaches. I could be wrong but it just felt odd seeing some very talented kids on the bench while watching the starters struggle at the plate or in the field. Aaron lee is a pretty good example. He's a pretty good all around player and early season he was not a starter (in the games I saw). The kid that started in front of him struggled. He can play just about every position and with a .350+ bat I would think the coaches would have found a spot for him. I think Aaron is an all conference type player. It was a shame to see him sitting and to me it made no sense. Aaron played as the year went on and MSJ got better and better. I'm not saying he was the reason they got better but I am saying that it shouldn't take 1/2 a season for a coaching staff to figure out who can and can't play. JMHO

willthethrillmsu70 · #**130** 11-03-2009, 02:40 PM

I agree that Aaron Lee is a good player. I don't know the kid that played in front of him so can speak to who should have played. I think some of these decisions that look like politics/favoritism can often be explained by internal things that we cant necessarily see from the stands (e.g., attitude, commitment, work ethic, etc). Not saying that Aaron has issues in these Departments since don't coach him and have no idea. He definitely can play.

willthethrillmsu70 · #**131** 11-03-2009, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSParak

Ryan played JV last year. I think it was a bit of a surprise. He's a really good short stop. I think there are some political oddities at MSJ. Maybe some favoritism etc. Each time I've seen them in the past it seemed to me that the best players didn't always play. Maybe because they were younger or not in-the-know with the coaches. I could be wrong but it just felt odd seeing some very talented kids on the bench while watching the starters struggle at the plate or in the field. Aaron lee is a pretty good example. He's a pretty good all around player and early season he was not a starter (in the games I saw). The kid that started in front of him struggled. He can play just about every position and with a .350+ bat I would think the coaches would have found a spot for him. I think Aaron is an all conference type player. It was a shame to see him sitting and to me it made no sense. Aaron played as the year went on and MSJ got better and better. I'm not saying he was the reason they got better but I am saying that it shouldn't take 1/2 a season for a coaching staff to figure out who can and can't play. JMHO

One other thing that can hold kids back some in high school is playing down during travel baseball (11 through 14 yr old). Jurney and several other players decided to play a year down for the last several years instead of playing with the kids from his grade. This can make you appear to be a good player from year to year but is really not the best way to develop. Regardless of age, i think high level players should play with the kids in their GRADE level, not sneak in just under the age limit to play 1 level down. It is tempting since some advise that playing down will improve ones confidence, etc, etc and every parent likes to see their kid play well. IMO this is short-sighted. Young players playing at their grade level doesn't lead to as much instant feel good success but provides them with long-term development benefits that bear fruit when it really counts (so/jr yrs in HS).

UAHEAT09 · #**132** 11-17-2009, 11:28 AM

Willthe thrill ...your information is incorrect regarding Ryan Jurney. dont know where you received it but Jurney has always played with kids IN his grade or HIGHER. He played in many 18U tourneys last season(as a 15 yr old) also a few 16's - 17's. Jurney has played side by side with many of the more prominent names in his age class(juniors this yr) i.e Brent Jones , Austin Neary , Pat Rogers and he exceled - he hit as good or better then all of these guys. He has also played with - and done well - with players a yr or 2 older - including the Lardo's , Convisars, Seitlers , to name a few etc...

Jurney had his ticket printed early for MSJ JV last season as the varsity team had a 3 yr returning senior @ SS...and they dont put full effort in looking at a player in another position , besides the JV team had NO SS and lacked any IF depth - so it was pretty much a numbers game. There is NO tryout or competition for the job.thats just the way it is.

UAHEAT09 · #**133** 11-17-2009, 11:34 AM

Aaron Lee has a much talent as anyone on the MSJ team.He worked his way into the starting LU mid-season last yr..as they rotated Draper around the differnt IF positions.MSJ lacked a reliable third-sacker last yr...so when Draper moved to third - Lee played second. Lee has a terrific swing and soft hands at second - he also has good/quick footwork around the bag - turns two very well.

MidAtlanticBaseball · #**134** 11-17-2009, 09:02 PM

Pardon my ignorance, but besides Draper and Alagna, who had the other infield spot for Lee to take?

UAHEAT09 · #**135** 11-17-2009, 10:43 PM

Draper would play 3rd , Alagna SS , Lee 2b.

UAHEAT09 · #**136** 11-17-2009, 10:47 PM

Draper would play an occasional SS when Alagna was DHed for , but Draper wasnt the preferred choice @ SS.I believe it was more about an attempt to make the hitting LU stronger.

Cutman · #**137** 11-17-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UAHEAT09

Willthe thrill ...your information is incorrect regarding Ryan Jurney. dont know where you received it but Jurney has always played with kids IN his grade or HIGHER. He played in many 18U tourneys last season(as a 15 yr old) also a few 16's - 17's. Jurney has played side by side with many of the more prominent names in his age class(juniors this yr) i.e Brent Jones , Austin Neary , Pat Rogers and he exceled - he hit as good or better then all of these guys. He has also played with - and done well - with players a yr or 2 older - including the Lardo's , Convisars, Seitlers , to name a few etc...

Jurney had his ticket printed early for MSJ JV last season as the varsity team had a 3 yr returning senior @ SS...and they dont put full effort in looking at a player in another position , besides the JV team had NO SS and lacked any IF depth - so it was pretty much a numbers game. There is NO tryout or competition for the job.thats just the way it is.

Yeah...Just because this kid played on a 15u team doesn't mean that he played 15u players. That team played u[p in tourneys consistently and when he did play against 15u it was against the best 15u players in the country.

willthethrillmsu70 · #**138** 11-18-2009, 02:01 AM

As indicated below in parentheses, I was talking about the 11-14 yr old time frame. If I am not mistaken, he played for the MD Orioles, right? I believe his dad was the coach of the team. If he is a JR then I am almost certain that he DID NOT play with kids in his grade level at this time. In other words, how many of the kids that he played with during the 11-14 metro seasons are now also HS JRS? I think you find that many of them are Sophomores now (e.g., Ripken, etc.). I may be wrong but don't think so. Anyway, not looking to discredit at all - only suggesting a possible explanation for why such a great player (standout at the WWBA, etc) would not make varsity but your other response explains it well. Also, Lardo is only a JR so he and Ryan should be the same age.

Quote:

Originally Posted by UAHEAT09

Willthe thrill ...your information is incorrect regarding Ryan Jurney. dont know where you received it but Jurney has always played with kids IN his grade or HIGHER. He played in many 18U tourneys last season(as a 15 yr old) also a few 16's - 17's. Jurney has played side by side with many of the more prominent names in his age class(juniors this yr) i.e Brent Jones , Austin Neary , Pat Rogers and he exceled - he hit as good or better then all of these guys. He has also played with - and done well - with players a yr or 2 older - including the Lardo's , Convisars, Seitlers , to name a few etc...

Jurney had his ticket printed early for MSJ JV last season as the varsity team had a 3 yr returning senior @ SS...and they dont put full effort in looking at a player in another position , besides the JV team had NO SS and lacked any IF depth - so it was pretty much a numbers game. There is NO tryout or competition for the job.thats just the way it is.

willthethrillmsu70 · #**139** 11-18-2009, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cutman

Yeah...Just because this kid played on a 15u team doesn't mean that he played 15u players. That team played u[p in tourneys consistently and when he did play against 15u it was against the best 15u players in the country.

See my response to UAHEAT. It is not just who you play against it is who you play with. If he were 14U eligible in 2008 and a freshman he should not be playing on a team with mostly 8th graders (also 14U eligible). When you play with guys in your grade or higher you have to beat those guys out to play. If you are not used to competing for you position since you were always the older player stud on your 11U, 12U 13U 14U teams, I think that comes back in some way to hurt your ability to win a position in HS when it counts. Just my opinion -

UAHEAT09 · #**140** 11-18-2009, 09:05 AM

Wilthethrill...dont mean to be critical..but you REALLY need to get your facts straight before throwing out mis-information like you are. Jurney played in the Metro up until age 12 w/ MD Orioles - and this team was made up of players who were basicaly all the same age -with in a month or two...Aug - Oct 1993 birthdays. These kids were in the same grade as well.At the 13 level - No more metro lg...strictly Tournament only.Jurney went to the National events with quality players and played the best competition available at age 13 , 14 and last season @ 15 - and played up in many tournaments w/kids same age and older. Also, I saw the competition last yr at the WWBA and Perfect game tourneys and the 15's down there were BETTER then any local team(including 18's). Oh Yes - he did play with Ripken last 2 yrs - Ryan R is a sophomore-that is true - but Ryan R. was actually older then most every kid on the team as he has a July93 birthday.