By Mike Penn

The Midwest Futures Games are quickly approaching this weekend and scores of schools will descend on Champaign, IL to see some of the best players in the Midwest.  This is the state of Michigan's first year attending this event and this article kicks off a series of articles on Team Michigan.  We will first look at Team Michigan's middle infielders.

Team Michigan features four strong middle infielders and some of the best talent in the state.

Kory Young, SS/MIF, Rockford HS, 2014

Kory Young is a SS/MIF from Rockford, MI who has won a state championship and committed to Michigan State University already in his time in high school.  Young stands at 6-foot, 175-pounds and can play all around the infield. He is a solid defender who can also swing it well. Most recently, Young is ranked No. 19 in the 2014 combined rankings.

 


Logan Magsig, SS, Hudsonville HS, 2014

Next up is Logan Magsig from Hudsonville, MI.  Magsig is also a state champion and anchored the infield for Hudsonville in this year's Div. 1 state championship.  Magsig is a slick defender with good arm strength clocking in at 85 mph across the diamond.  He will also contribute on the mound for Team Michigan. Magsig is a tough competitor with a knack for winning.  

 

Jake Bivens, SS/MIF, Battle Creek Lakeview, 2014

Bivens is another strong middle infielder in the state of Michigan.  He has flown under the radar but Bivens has good upside.  Bivens is one of the premier middle infielders in his class. He runs well (6.73 60-yard dash) and uses his athleticism at short to display some smooth footwork. He was 78 MPH across the diamond but that is sure to improve over time. At the plate, Bivens has excellent balance with gap to gap power. He consistently displayed pop to the opposite field and showed a "get-on-base" approach.

 

Ben Balgaard, SS/MIF, Howell HS, 2014

Ben is another fine middle infielder that has great work ethic and a track record of winning.  Balgaard contributed heavily to Howell's state tournament run.  A strong kid that has a line drive swing, most recently Balgaard had a 90 mph exit velocity.  He also runs well clocking in at 6.97.  Balgaard will see time at short, second, and third base for Team Michigan. 

 

Next up for Team Michigan: The Outfielders