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Michigan Mailbag: January 28th

January 30, 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.

10 of the top questions from the Ask.FM Q&A Session on January 28th


Who are uncommitted 2015 players to watch during HS season?

PBR: The top uncommitted players to watch this upcoming season are:

  • Alec Justin - Bay City Western
  • Evan Flohr - Northville
  • Noah Wittkopp-Grand Haven
  • Conner Henderson - Vicksburg
  • Patrick Callahan - Vicksburg
  • Wyatt Whitman - Gull Lake

I went to a camp and sent an email to the school. I'm an underclassman, but can they still send a letter in the mail with a questionnaire? If they don't do anything, does that mean they're not interested?

PBR: They can send you a questionnaire if you are a 2015/'16/'17 graduate. If they are not communicating back with you I would look else where at this time or have your high school and/or summer coach contact them to gauge interest in you.

Do you know much about Saugatuck HS with Blake Dunn and Carsie Walker? Both 2017 class.

PBR: Both are high level players who will carry their team on the mound. They are very good position players also. They both play high level competition in the summer as both play for two of the better summer organizations in the state. A big spring and summer for them will garner college attention next fall.

What 2016 outfielders have stuck out this year during the winter events?

PBR: First ones that come to mind are:

  • Zach Prystash - Northville
  • Kyle Bischoff - Eisenhower
  • AJ Janssen - Gull Lake
  • Brendan Oosse - East Grand Rapids

Have you or any of your colleagues ever had any success with weighted baseballs? I've heard it helps with velocity gains but I'm scared it will hurt my arm?

PBR: Great question for this time of the year. There many studies for and against weighted ball training. I do agree that weighted ball training works and have seen it increase a players velocity. The biggest factor that allows for velocity increase is that you have repeatable mechanics and good enough mechanics for your arm to hold up during the weight ball training segment.

Top 6 2017 Shortstops?

PBR: The top six are:

  • Caleb Balgaard - Howell
  • Max Stevenson - Utica Eisenhower
  • Santos Guzman - Bishop Foley
  • Shane Easter - Comstock
  • Gehrig Anglin - St. Clair
  • Zavier Warren - Birmingham Groves

Best event left this winter for a '17 to go to?

PBR: Preseason All-State Event on Feb. 7th is the biggest winter event every year.

Is the Super 60 worth attending if you get an invite?

PBR: The Super 60 has become one of most heavily scouted preseason 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. To answer question yes you should attend.

2018 best prospects?

PBR: Best two 2018's thus far in the state:

  • Tommy Blitchok, C, Grandville HS, 2018
  • Spencer Schwellenbach, SS/RHP, Saginaw Heritage HS, 2018

Rankings for class of 2018?

PBR: Rankings will come out for the 2018 class at the end of the summer. This allows our scouts and myself a time to make the best decisions with in the rankings.

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