PBR Week in Review
February 19, 2017
A look back at what happened at the Prep Baseball Report the week of February 13-19. Top Illinois prospects make commitments. Nathan Rode and Doug Freeman preview the upcoming Florida high school season. Shooter Hunt takes a look at some catchers and outfielders that are beginning to emerge in the 2020 class and more..
THE BUZZ: TOP ILLINOIS PROSPECTS MAKE COMMITMENTS
By Nathan Rode and PBR Staff
Two top prospects in Illinois made commitments in the last week, most notably OF Alek Thomas (Mt. Carmel HS, IL). Thomas is ranked No. 1 in the 2018 class for his speed and athleticism. A hot commodity in the recruiting world, he is now off the board with his verbal commitment to Texas Christian. He has committed to the Horned Frogs to play baseball and football.
PBR PODCAST: FEBRUARY 17, 2017
National Supervisor Nathan Rode previews the high school season in Florida with Director of Scouting Doug Freeman. They talk in detail about the top five teams in the Preseason Top 25, interview 1B Alex Toral (Archbishop McCarthy HS, FL) and highlight marquee matchups to watch in the spring. Nathan also talks about the Golden Spikes Award and two possible pop-up prospects in the Midwest.
THE HOTLIST: SENIOR WINTER STANDOUTS
By Nathan Rode and PBR Staff
The 2017 high school season is nearly started with warm-weather states kicking off in the next week or so. Several seniors showed improvements at winter events and some may have landed on the radar of major league scouts. Listed alphabetically below are some winter standouts from the 2017 class.
ON THE HUNT: YOUNG CATCHERS AND ATHLETIC OUTFIELDERS EMERGE
By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker
This week, On the Hunt, breaks down some of the impressive position players from around the country that have been making a name for themselves on the PBR circuit this winter. In the mix of seven players are three 2020 catchers with advanced defensive skills to go long with quick, strong hands at the plate. Alongside side the catchers are four athletic outfielders who project to have a major impact at the next level. States represented in the mix are Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
NEIL DEVLIN FROM THE COLORADO DUGOUT: ACADEMICS COME FIRST
By Neil H. Devlin
Senior Writer
Denver Metro Area
Who knows? It may be one of those things that just work out.
Ben Perla’s parents insisted that he attend Cherry Creek High School in Greenwood Village. The reason? Academics. It was a non-negotiable point. However, his love of baseball and his potential may be more than simply an added bonus for someone who as a 6-year-old admits his first try at the game “didn’t go so well.”
It was a funny story … at least, it seemed so at the time.
More Headlines...
IN THE WEEDS: LOUISIANA
Big frame pitchers and much needed role players...>>
TWO HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTS ON GOLDEN SPIKES WATCH LIST
Preseason watch list has 55 players including Hunter Greene and Royce Lewis...>>
MPSSAA ADDS PITCH COUNT RULE AND REST REQUIREMENTS FOR PITCHERS
Bullpens look to play more of a factor starting this 2017 ...>>
HEADED NORTH: 2019 CATCHERS (NY)
This week's installment includes backstops on the rise......>>
Showcase Reports...
LA: 2017 PRESEASON ALL-STATE: FIRST TEAM SELECTIONS
A look at the first team preseason All-State selections in 2017...>>
OHIO INSIDER: 2017 SCOUT DAY: CINCINNATI RIVERBATS - TOP PERFORMERS
Best of the best in 12 categories...>>
NEW ENGLAND INSIDER: 2017 SCOUT DAY: LEGENDS BASEBALL - TOP PERFORMERS
Best of the best in 19 categories...>>
NEW ENGLAND INSIDER: 2017 CT PRESEASON PREVIEW - TOP PERFORMERS
Best of the best in 22 categories...>>
MICHIGAN INSIDER: 2017 SCOUT DAY: DIAMONDS BASEBALL - TOP PERFORMERS
Best of the best in 12 categories...>>
PRESEASON I.D. - ILLIANA: TOP OVERALL PROSPECTS
Schlaffer leads the way in Illinois while Fender tops the list in Indiana...>>
