PBR Week in Review
January 22, 2018
A look back at what happened at the Prep Baseball Report the week of January 15-22. PBR California launches with Les Lukach and Blaine Clemmens leading the way. Recruiting Essentials answers the frequently asked question of should athletes play multiple sports. The Buzz has all of the latest recruiting news, including several top prospects from Texas. Updated JUCO Wire, a new PBR Podcast, and much more..
INTRODUCING PBR CALIFORNIA
Sean Duncan
President
With great pleasure, we bring to you Prep Baseball Report California. Our mission in California mirrors that of our other state-specific coverage: to provide the most comprehensive in-state scouting information, to promote high school baseball and, ultimately help California prep athletes achieve their dreams of playing baseball at the next level. Our goal is to be the year-round No. 1 scouting resource for prep baseball in California.
Although it will take some time to achieve the status of our other 36 states, we are certain we have the right people to thoroughly, accurately and honestly scout California:
Les Lukach and Blaine Clemmens.
California is arguably the most fertile baseball state in the country, with high-level prospects stretched across 800 miles from north to south. Lukach, a native of San Diego who resides in Orange County, heads the scouting efforts in Southern California. In Northern California, Clemmens has been a fixture in the scouting community since 1999. Together, they will manage our unparalleled scouting coverage in California.
Additional California Coverage
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PBR Podcast - California Introduction Part 1
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In the Weeds - Intriguing Uncommitted 2018’s from the NCTB Fall Classic
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On the Hunt - NCTB Fall Classic Upperclassmen Standouts
THE MULTI-SPORT DECISION
Brandon Hall
North Carolina Director of Scouting
Everyone is looking for athletes. Athletes will typically have a higher ceiling than non-athletes. They will continue to get better, especially when they begin to specialize in their preferred sport. As we are on the road watching games and running PBR events, one of the questions that continues to come up is “Should I (my player) continue to play football (or basketball) or should he just concentrate on baseball?”
The topic of a dual sport athletes has become a national topic with studies by orthopedic institutions, professional sports, and the NCAA. There are solid points on each side of the discussion. There may, or may not, be a correct answer for players wrestling with the decision to play another sport or just concentrate on baseball.
SEVERAL TOP TEXAS PROSPECTS MAKE COMMITMENTS
Nathan Rode and PBR Staff
Several top prospects in Texas have made commitments in the last few weeks. Most notably, two top 10 recruits in the 2021 class made their decisions. RHP/SS Drake Varnado (Port Neches-Groves HS, TX), who has a projectable frame and fastball that currently sits in the low 80s, committed to South Carolina. He is ranked No. 5 in the state. The No. 8 prospect, SS Austin Stracener (Canyon HS, TX), committed to Texas A&M, giving the Aggies four of the top 10 prospects in the 2021 class.
Texas Christian picked up two 2020 recruits in RHP Luke Savage (Prestonwood Christian Academy, TX) and SS Cole Foster (Plano Senior HS, TX). Meanwhile, Oklahoma got a verbal commitment from 2020 RHP/3B Cameron Loy (Mansfield HS, TX).
Lastly, 2018 3B T.J. Rumfield (Temple HS, TX) committed to Texas Tech after de-committing from Baylor in the fall. He is a switch-hitter with power.
JUCO WIRE: NEWS AND NOTES FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY
Phil Kerber
Assoc. Scout/JUCO Wire Editor
The JUCO Wire is a compilation of boots-on-the-ground scouting, information collected from our state-specific scouting staff, outside submissions, and any other news and nuggets gleaned throughout the year.
Previously, News and Notes From Around the Country had included an Uncommitted Spotlight section, highlighting uncommitted prospects from Junior Colleges around the country. Starting this week, the Uncommitted Spotlight will be published as a separate, standalone piece.
More Headlines..
JUCO WIRE: Uncommitted Spotlight: College of Southern Nevada
Eight uncommitted prospects from College of Southern Nevada, including a potential draft pick, a group of high-end athleties, and two transfers ready to contribute immediately
The Hotlist: Unsigned Senior Infielders
These senior infielders are still looking for a place to play next year
A common struggle that hitters have at every level is lunging as they stride with their front foot. If you have been following along over the last several weeks, you will recall that the first part of the swing is separation..