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Prospect Q & A: Metamora's Geremy Guerrero

November 28, 2014

By Ryan Quigley
Illinois Scouting Director

With the November early signing period come and gone, the Prep Baseball Report has interviewed several 2015 and 2016 prospects who have verbally committed or signed their letter of intent to play college baseball. Over the holiday season, we will let Illinois high school baseball fans get a glimpse into the lives of some of the state's top prospects.

Geremy GuerreroGeremy Guerrero (Metamora), a 5-foot-11, 220-pound left-handed pitcher and Indiana State commit impressed this fall pitching for Elite Baseball Training. The 2016 graduate currently ranked No. 59 in the state sat down with PBR to discuss his college decision and recent happenings in his baseball career.

Here’s a look at Guerrero’s scouting report from his four innings of work at the Kernels Invitational back in September:

Commands three pitches for strikes. Throws from a high ¾ slot with a loose, easy arm action. Repeats delivery, lands open, creating significant arm-side run on fastball sitting 80-82 mph touching 83/84 several times early in the game. Paired with a 68-70 mph curveball and a 71 mph changeup. Struck out four allowing two runs.

Prospect Q & A: Geremy Guerrero

What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

I was really not sure what to expect when the recruiting process began. It all seemed a little intimidating to me. It was a little nerve racking when my High School and Summer/Fall team coach came to me and told me I need to call Coach….at University…..  It was difficult for me at first but it became a little easier each time I had to make a call.

Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Yes, I believe the location played somewhat of a factor in my selection, though it was not the driving factor. I wanted to be fairly close to home to make it a little easier for my parents and other family members to visit and see me play. It would also allow me to get back and see my younger brother and sister compete in high school.

Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

To be honest, I am not exactly sure when they (Indiana State) first saw me play. I do know once I had my first conversation with them the relationship seemed to grow very quickly. They continued to show a lot of interest and I became really comfortable with them. That meant a great deal to me.

Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

I have faced many great players in the state so it is hard for me to say who the best is, because there are so many great players, I would say that I play with many of them both on my high school and summer team. Ethan Skender, my high school teammate that is going to Kansas State is one of the best hitters I have seen anywhere. Trent Johnson, my other high school teammate, going to Arizona, is a great hitter and pitcher. There are a number of outstanding players on my summer/fall team, too many to mention.

At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

I was fortunate to be able to play on very competitive team at a young age (12-13) with both Ethan and Trent. We played at a very high level against some of the best teams in the country and were successful. The amount of time our coaches put in to making us better and play at that level was amazing. They continually told us that as we grow and keep ourselves focused we could continue to play at the next level. I believe of the ten teammates I had, there are currently four Division-I recruits, as well as other commitments. Then, it truly hit home with me when I was given the opportunity to try out for the Elite Training Academy program. Coach Justin Stone and Coach Rich Ruffolo gave the opportunity I never would have thought of. It’s been special to me playing for the program and I believe got me the exposure to move to the next level.

What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

I was looking for a few things in my evaluation: academics and athletics. From the academics side, I wanted to make sure that the college I chose had the programs I was interested in. From the athletics side, I wanted a college that really wanted me personally for my particular abilities. I was looking for a program that believed I could come in and play a role for them, in some capacity, my freshman year. I was also looking for a program that I felt comfortable with the coaching staff, the commitment of the coaching staff to the program and myself, and the facilities the program offered.

What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

I believe my best attributes are that I am team player and very competitive. It’s a team sport first and foremost. You play as a team and you win and lose as a team. I believe by my actions and attitude on the field carries over to the other players.

What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?

I need to continue to work on my velocity and mechanics. I will continue to work with my pitching coach, Travis Kerber, in the off season to improve in both of these areas.

What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

I believe it is commitment. You have to have the commitment and work ethic to keep making yourself better. There is always someone behind trying to catch you, and pass you. I also believe its listening and being able to take advice to improve.

What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

 As I mentioned earlier, after my fall “shut down”, I work out weekly with Travis to continually work on the areas I need to improve. When I am not working with Travis, I am working out with my high school teammates focusing on hitting and fielding. 

Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

I am super excited about our upcoming year. We have set our goals very high this year after coming off a 3rd place State final finish from last year. We have a number of returning players including Trent’s return from Tommy John surgery. If we continue to work hard and stay focused I feel very good about us making another solid run.

What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

That’s a very tough question because I have many I think about. 1) Runner up at the ESPN World Series in Orlando when I was 13 yrs old with Metamora Monsters. 2) Finishing 3rd in the Illinois Grade School State Finals. 3) When my high school coach, Coach Eric Stone, told me my freshman year I would be the #2 starter behind Trent Johnson. 4) Pitching a one-hitter in the Illinois State Super-Sectional to help our high school win its first ever Super-Sectional and first ever State finals appearance, and ultimately throwing a two-hitter to win the 3rd place state trophy. 5) Throwing a complete game in the sweet 16 of the WWBA National Tournament in Fort Myers to help our team reach the Elite 8. And lastly, my commitment to Indiana State University to play Division I baseball in the Missouri Valley Conference that is close to my hometown. This was amazing!

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