PBR Week in Review
May 7, 2017
A look back at what happened at the Prep Baseball Report the week of May 1-7. Mississippi added to the expanding PBR landscape. A new recruiting essentials examines the details of official visits. PBR announces a new partnership with eCoach. The Hotlist highlights unsigned seniors stills looking for a place to play. A new edition of On the Hunt, updated draft blog, new rankings released and much more
With great pleasure, we bring to you Prep Baseball Report Mississippi. Our mission in Mississippi mirrors that of other state-specific coverage: to provide the most comprehensive in-state scouting information, to promote high school baseball and, ultimately, help Mississippi prep athletes achieve their dreams of playing baseball at the next level. Our goal is to be the year-round No. 1 resource for prep baseball in Mississippi.
Although it will take some time to achieve the status of our other 34 states, we are certain we have the right person to thoroughly, accurately and honestly scout Mississippi:
Ronald Sims.
Born and raised in Mississippi, Sims has been entrenched in the state's baseball landscape throughout his professional experiences. Prior to becoming the Prep Baseball Report's Mississippi Scouting Director, Sims served as the recruiting coordinator at Copiah-Lincoln Community College for two years, and spent a year as an assistant coach at East Central Community College.
RECRUITING ESSENTIALS: OFFICIAL VISITS
By Brandon Hall
North Carolina Director of Scouting
The world has changed, and it will continue to change. Twenty years ago, when I was a young assistant taking the recruiting world by storm, phone calls on July 1st, post-event contacts, and official visits could make or break your recruiting class. Official visits have changed drastically as many recruits are committing prior to the beginning of their senior year. The use and function of official visits may have altered but they are still important as recruits can continue to bridge their learning curve as they enter their freshman year.
PREP BASEBALL REPORT PARTNERS WITH ECOACH
Prep Baseball Report and eCoach are excited to announce an instructional partnership designed to accelerate player development through interactive applications, digital access to elite coaches, and exclusive tips and drills. Led by current ESPN/SEC Network College Baseball Analyst, former MLB player and two-time NCAA Consensus All-American Chris Burke, eCoach is launching its initial digital eCoachBaseball subscription offering that includes exclusive tips and drills, video instruction and livestream coaching (monthly eCoachCasts) to provide players and coaches access to insider baseball knowledge never before available to the baseball world.
THE HOTLIST: UNSIGNED SENIORS
By Nathan Rode and PBR Staff
The end of the spring season is approaching and graduation is around the corner for high schoolers across the country. Many seniors already know where they’re playing college baseball next year, but some don’t. Below is a list of unsigned seniors still looking for a program that can use their skill set on the diamond.
Julio Astacio, RHP, Cherry Creek HS, CO
The son of former major leaguer Pedro Astacio, Julio Astacio stands at 6-foot-4, 175 pounds with a wiry frame. He has a loose, quick arm from a 3/4 slot. His fastball sits 86-87 mph with arm-side run. He throws his changeup with fastball arm speed at 79. His curveball has late break and 11/5 shape at 73-74. He has run out of high school eligibility, but is throwing bullpen sessions this spring.
ON THE HUNT: YOUNG IMPACT ARMS
By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker
The summer is quickly approaching, and that means that the recruiting trail is about to heat up. This week, On the Hunt, focusses on some young arms that are ready to make their mark on the summer. Included are seven pitchers (two left-handers) with several being potential two-way players at the next level. Each will have a chance to help out a program at a high-level. Players from IL/OK/MN/MO/NC/OK/WI are represented.
2017 DRAFT BLOG
Draft reports on top prospects in one place...>>
THE BUZZ: LOUISVILLE PICKS UP 2019S, 2020
The latest recruiting news from the PBR coverage area...>>
TOP PROSPECT FLASHBACK: 2014 LHP/1B BRENDAN MCKAY
Blackhawk product is likely to be top college player selected in June MLB draft...>>
WISCONSIN CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS RELEASED
Stefiuk and Vukovich make overall ranks and top Wisconsin's freshman...>>
SNEAK PEEK: UPDATED MD 2018 RANKINGS
Quick look into a few of the many new faces to the rankings...>>
SNEAK PEEK: UPDATED MD 2018 RANKINGS
Quick look into a few of the many new faces to the rankings...>>
FL 2017 DRAFT SPOTLIGHT: CHRIS SEISE
Video and notes on draft prospect Chris Seise...>>