C Brett Bond from Westminster Christian Academy and the No. 6 ranked player in the Class of 2014, has committed to the University of Missouri. Bond is the eighth player from Missouri who participated in the Midwest Future Games to make his college commitment, and the second to Missouri; joining teammate Shane Benes. At the Midwest Future Games, the switch hitting catcher showed he can handle the bat from both sides of the plate, barreling up the ball a few times over the weekend while hitting hard line drives right at opposing players. He managed only one hit, but that doesn’t tell the whole story on is performance at the plate. Bond also has surprising speed for a catcher. Behind the plate, he manages the game and pitchers well and has a strong, accurate arm from the crouch (1.98, 78-mph), throwing out three baserunners. He also showed ability at first base and in the outfield.

In other recruiting news, Class of 2013 Evan Payne from Glendale HS has committed to Pratt Community College. Payne is a two way player who recently touched the upper 80s off the mound, an increase in velocity from what we saw last summer. As an outfielder, Payne move to the ball with a purpose, fielding the ball cleanly with a good transfer and strong arm with some carry (79-83 mph). Offensively, Payne has the potential to be a consistent hitter with some power. He has a good load and level, line drive producing swing.