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Michigan Mailbag: January 13th

January 14, 2015



By Brent Alwine and Dylan Hefflinger
Michigan Scouting Director and Michigan Editor in Chief/Regional Scout

Every week, PBR Michigan holds an interactive chat through Twitter with our followers. Our goal is to be accessible. This is your chance to take advantage of our expertise. Ask questions to Brent Alwine, Michigan Scouting Director, about the recruiting process, upcoming high school season, specific prospects, PBR events, or anything else that may be on your mind.

We would like to thank all who participated, we enjoy bringing you knowledge and expertise on players and programs in your area.

We will be answering questions on either Tuesday or Wednesday, stay tuned.

12 of the top questions from the Ask.FM Q&A Session on January 13th


How do I sign up to attend PBR event?

PBR: Visit our events page at http://www.prepbaseballreport.com/michigan/events. You can email me at [email protected] to answer further questions or help you may need.

Is there a problem with moving from team to team multiple times when it comes to getting followed by colleges?

PBR: Colleges do not like it as there is a reason to jump team to team. Are you a bad teammate, are your parents trying to control the team, or have you done something to get kicked off the team, these are what first comes to mind for college coaches. Consistency is huge as you usually stay with the same summer coach throughout the time spent in travel organizations.

How important are grades while being recruited?

PBR:The biggest factor in the recruiting process. Bad grades will be the first turn off to schools.

I am a senior pitcher that is left handed and I throw 82-85 mph. I went 6-1 last year and haven't received anything since sophomore year. What can I do to get some recognition this year?

PBR: Be proactive with your process and contact schools you have interest in. Be realistic with the level you can play at, speak with your high school and summer coach and ask them to be honest with you on what level (DI, DII, DII, JUCO, NAIA) of play you should focus on. Contact colleges via email with stats, GPA, ACT scores. Have your high school and summer coaches contact schools to. Attend winter camps of schools you have interest in. You have plenty of time to find the right school!

Who's the 2018 with the highest ceiling as of right now?

PBR: I am going to name two. We have not seen enough players in the 2018 class to make a huge list.

Do college coaches let you participate in intramural sports if you are on the baseball team?

PBR: They do not. The kids that are playing intramural sport only wish they could be playing a sport in college. It is too big of a risk of injury for an athlete.

If a school has emailed me twice about going to a camp does that mean they are interested?

PBR: They are interested. I would email them your spring and summer schedule so they can come see you play and compete in a game situation. Have your high school and summer coach contact the school on your part to discuss you as a player, student, and citizen.

When evaluating pitchers as underclassman, is mechanics and ability to spot pitches and good offspead more important than velocity?

PBR: They all are important. Mechanics are the biggest factor as good mechanics can protect your arm from injuries. The first thing most coaches look at is do you throw strikes, because if you are walking guys in high school you will walk guys at the next level. Be able to throw three pitches for strikes, do not look to master a handful of pitchers. Start with having great control of your fastball and changeup, and then look to have a curveball or slider as an out pitch.

When is the best time to commit to a school?

PBR: The best time to commit to a school is when you personally as an individual and family are ready to make that decision. No one says this time or that time. Do your homework on all schools that are recruiting you, ask questions, and take multiple visits. You will know when the time is right.

What is the Super 60?

PBR: The Super 60 has become one of most heavily scouted pre-season event for potential draft picks in June. The players are chosen with strong recommendations from professional scouts along with collaboration of PBR state directors. The primary purpose is to give profession area scouts and cross-checkers a head start heading into the spring.

What players from Michigan are attending the Super 60?

  • Grant Wolfram, LHP, Hamilton, 2015 - committed to Central Michigan University
  • Jacob Vander Wal, OF, Forest Hills Central, 2015 - committed to Ohio State
  • Tyler Schmidt, LHP/OF, Croswell-Lexington, 2015 - committed to Marshall
  • Luke Shilling, RHP/1B, Notre Dame Prep, 2015 - committed to Illinois

If I am not receiving feedback from a school I have contacted what should I do next?

PBR: It means at this time they are not interested in you as a player. Do not lose hope in that school, but you should move forward with recruitment process and look towards other schools.

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