By Nathan Rode
National Supervisor

JUPITER, FL—The annual World Wood Bat Championship kicked off in Jupiter, FL, Thursday with hundreds of scouts and college recruiters on hand. Things started off with some practices and exhibition games before pool play began in the afternoon. One of the hottest games of the day was the Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team against Chain National. An army of golf carts raced for positioning when a change in fields was announced and everyone wanted a good look at RHP Wilberto Rivera (Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy).

After an electric outing at the Florida Diamond Club showcase, the Florida International recruit followed it up with a solid relief appearance for the Blue Jays. In his first inning of work, his fastball was 93-96 mph from a funky arm action. He didn’t break out any secondary stuff until the second inning, when he had trouble spinning his breaking ball, which sat 74-75. He settled in at 93-94 and then was 91-93 from the stretch. His command was scattered and he walked two in three innings work while allowing two hits and striking out six. Rivera has a tall frame with broad shoulders at 6-foot-2, 208 pounds.

Here are some highlights from other draft prospects…