By Nathan Rode
National Supervisor

LONG BEACH, CA—The 2016 Area Code Games started on Saturday with top prospects from across the country coming together at Long Beach State’s Blair Field. While things got underway there, I was in Indiana for the PBR Future Games. I flew out early Sunday morning in time to see the second day of games. After a long day and little sleep, we skipped a notebook yesterday so you’re getting a big one today, with highlights from Sunday and Monday.

After conversations with several friends in the industry, it sounds like Saturday moved at a snail’s pace. I don’t know what the walk total was, but it sounds like it was a lot. One pitcher reportedly had an inning that exceeded 50 pitches. That just shouldn’t happen. Rolling an inning isn’t the worst thing that can happen.

Sunday wasn’t much better from my perspective. In four games, there were a total of 43 walks. Add in several hit batters and double-digit errors, and game play left much to be desired. However, watching RHP/SS Hunter Greene (Notre Dame HS, CA) is always a treat and he was the clear highlight for Sunday’s action. Greene started for the Brewers (Southern California) against the Nationals (Southeast) and pitched 2.2 innings, allowing three hits while striking out four. He came out sitting 97-98 mph early and ranged from 93-96 after that. He pitches with a quick tempo and loose, free arm action. His slider is a wipeout pitch at 79-83 and accounted for two of his strikeouts. He struggled with it some in the second inning, but still has two other pitches that can get outs. While he buried some of his changeups, he did flash feel for the pitch, which sat 87-88.

Here are some more highlights from the last two days…