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T O P I C R E V I E W |
Gatravelbaseball |
Posted - 11/06/2017 : 23:17:35 I am tired of it. It's hard enough for folks to find the right fit for their kids, they don't need coaches completely misrepresenting themselves and their successes in their posts looking for players.
Unfortunately our girl CaCO had it right when she said this is definitely a buyer beware industry.
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25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
Hurricane |
Posted - 11/29/2017 : 12:31:00 LOL on the fundraising before HS tryouts. I doubt it. |
bballman |
Posted - 11/29/2017 : 12:16:22 Matt Olson was drafted out of HS (Parkview) in the 1st round supplemental by the Oakland As in 2012. He grew up playing for the Big Stix Gamers out of McDonough. They were a pretty good team, but probably not considered one of the top academy teams like the Astros, 643, Team Elite or Team Georgia. I'm not even sure they are still around. He has been up to the Major Leagues a number of times. He has done very well and will more than likely be a starter in the upcoming season.
Lucas Sims was drafted by the Braves in the 1st round in 2012 as well - out of Brookwood. He grew up playing for Team Gwinnett. He did spend some time during his 17u year playing for a scout team out of Ohio somewhere, but would still come back and play for Team Gwinnett. Again, not quite at the level of the more well known academy teams. I'm not sure Team Gwinnett exists anymore either. I think they merged with someone else and have a different name now.
Two 1st round picks who didn't play for one of the biggies... |
tellit |
Posted - 11/29/2017 : 11:09:09 quote: Originally posted by Hurricane
Bream kig Good example of someone that didnt play high level early on. Buxton, I think he played AA baseball when he was younger probably until 13 and at older ages was with a team called Round Trip Baseball they were good but most were from South Ga!
It took him a few years struggling in the big leagues to get going as well. He had been the #1 prospect for a minute. Like the Beckham kid drafted #1 out of Griffin a few years ago, he was a big disappointment in the minors but has done much better in the Big League's. I wonder if those kids had to fund raise for their high school team before tryouts were even held. |
Hurricane |
Posted - 11/29/2017 : 09:29:00 Bream kig Good example of someone that didnt play high level early on. Buxton, I think he played AA baseball when he was younger probably until 13 and at older ages was with a team called Round Trip Baseball they were good but most were from South Ga! |
BREAMKING |
Posted - 11/20/2017 : 15:43:47 what about Byron buxton. appling county. I know he played some 17u games with a team of south Georgia boys. Did he even play travel ball 13-15? |
jaguars18 |
Posted - 11/17/2017 : 20:34:06 everything over 14 is major or minor whatever its all the same..PG and TC do not ask if your major or minor if you play. Everyone in same boat |
morrsco |
Posted - 11/16/2017 : 09:21:09 Brent Honeywell with the Tampa Bay Rays was drafted in the second round in 2014, and he didn't play on one of the big major academy teams. He is from Royston which is a little further out than most of the other recent MLB drafted players. He did play in some of the PG tournaments but not with a big major academy team. A good article about his path was in a recent issue of Baseball America. The article talked about how some MLB scouts have concerns with pitchers from the major academy teams around Atlanta. Those kids tend to have a large number of high stress innings on their arms before they even get through high school. |
CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 11/16/2017 : 09:10:31 1. If you play major level youth baseball you are unlikely to make the MLB because very few players in general actually make it. Think about it, there are what 20 Major 17u teams in GA, with at least 20 kids on the roster? That's 400 kids in GA alone, add in the other states, and let's not forget CA which probably has 50+ Major teams and we are at THOUSANDS of "Major Youth Players". There were 1,215 players picked in the 2017 MLB draft. Now you take those 1215 players and put them in the farm leagues to make MiLB hold 5,340 players and every one of those is waiting for one of the 750 MLB players to get hurt or quit so they can get "Their Shot"...and lord help them if there is a super star at their position. Imagine being the guy waiting on Chipper Jones or Derek Jeter to get hurt for YEARS! No matter how good you are the chances of you becoming an MLB player are slim and none, the stars have the freaking align to pull that off.
2. If your plan is to be drafted you better be playing Major level youth baseball in 10th-12th grade.
3. Depending on the high school you can have zero-15 major youth baseball players on varsity. I have told the story before,I watched a JV game last year that had the pitcher throwing 87, there was no room for him on varsity, THAT was a stacked team. I also saw a starting pitcher barely break 70, that kid isn't elite or Major.
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Punishers |
Posted - 11/15/2017 : 21:51:34 quote: Originally posted by Gatravelbaseball
quote: Originally posted by Punishers
They should all be Major during high school years. If not, it may be time to move on.
Huh?
To clarify: Should not even be a so called classification at 15u plus. |
brball |
Posted - 11/15/2017 : 21:37:13 quote: Originally posted by Gatravelbaseball
quote: Originally posted by Punishers
They should all be Major during high school years. If not, it may be time to move on.
Huh?
Huh again? You wouldn’t have high school teams if they’re all supposed to be major level players. From the last 2 years of watching, say 20 team varsity roster... you’ll have 4-5 major players if lucky, then you have a bunch of AA & AAA kids filling out the roster! |
Gatravelbaseball |
Posted - 11/15/2017 : 17:40:32 quote: Originally posted by Punishers
They should all be Major during high school years. If not, it may be time to move on.
Huh? |
Punishers |
Posted - 11/15/2017 : 15:59:48 They should all be Major during high school years. If not, it may be time to move on. |
Hurricane |
Posted - 11/15/2017 : 14:50:01 Both Austin Meadows and Clint Frazier were studs coming up in Gwinnett, even though their teams were AAA type teams. I still hear stories about Frazier hitting balls so far no one believed he actually did. They did not have the big Travel circuit like they have now but I am sure at 15U and up he was on the best team in that area. Meadows was with Team Elite as early as 15... Clint I think joined Team Elite his 16U year I think. I guess this is a good point and says exactly what others have said about puberty and hair, that it doesn't matter who you play with until you are 15-18.
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brball |
Posted - 11/15/2017 : 13:10:17 quote: Originally posted by cburney
quote:
I wonder if any below major players made it to the Major Leagues or got drafted. I would bet 99% of the players that got drafted played Major level baseball most of their lives. They might have moved up to the "Elite" category at times but all the players I can think of played Major. Josh Lowe Will Benson Carter Keiboom DL Hall Cornelius Randolph Michael Chavis Max Pentcost Dilan Cease just to name a few early rounders I can think of in the past few years. Can anyone think of player from GA that got drafted that did not play Major Level Baseball coming up through the ranks after 13. I am sure there might be some.
If I'm not mistaking Austin Meadows and Clint Frazier both played in the GGBL (Greater Gwinnett Baseball League) before high school, which is basically AAA...definitely not Major.
Both played for Team Elite during their high school summers |
cburney |
Posted - 11/15/2017 : 10:39:23 quote:
I wonder if any below major players made it to the Major Leagues or got drafted. I would bet 99% of the players that got drafted played Major level baseball most of their lives. They might have moved up to the "Elite" category at times but all the players I can think of played Major. Josh Lowe Will Benson Carter Keiboom DL Hall Cornelius Randolph Michael Chavis Max Pentcost Dilan Cease just to name a few early rounders I can think of in the past few years. Can anyone think of player from GA that got drafted that did not play Major Level Baseball coming up through the ranks after 13. I am sure there might be some.
If I'm not mistaking Austin Meadows and Clint Frazier both played in the GGBL (Greater Gwinnett Baseball League) before high school, which is basically AAA...definitely not Major. |
CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 11/15/2017 : 10:23:03 quote: Originally posted by jaguars18
my kid will not be taking off his shirt to show if he has hair under his arms or not...none of your business
Fair enough Jag |
Hurricane |
Posted - 11/15/2017 : 09:45:35 quote: Originally posted by Punishers
CoachCross makes a good point. Very few if any MAJOR level players make it to the Major Leagues. Enjoy the game, learn from it. The players that have the desire to win will find a way to win.
I've seen too many Major level players at youth not prosper to become that player at a different level of play. Baseball is a true grind and for those without the height, size, speed, atheleticism, and work ethic, they will surely fall off. Then one will think that all those small-field wins really meant nothing.
Enjoy the member-berries.
quote: Originally posted by CoachCross
How can you tell who is a "majors" kid? My answer: Who cares?!? I've two kids playing travel ball and a third who likely will be playing travel ball next year. They're all 11 or younger. I've another involved in a different and quite difficult athletic endeavor that competes on national level. My focus is making sure that, if my kids want to play, they have an opportunity to learn, have fun, and play in a competitive environment.
I think all my kids have a great chance of succeeding academically. There's a pretty decent chance I'll have multiple kids playing in high school, and there's a chance that, if everything works well, one or more will play a little while longer. And I really don't care how that goes as long as they are happy.
For now, even though I absolutely love participating in youth sports, I'm convinced (1) that the highest and best use for my children involves something other than sport, (2) that the best part of baseball/softball are the lessons of team and perseverance, and (3) that this is a game that some are fortunate enough to play a little longer than others, but the game's lessons are a wonderful part of personal growth, regardless the level or duration of play obtained.
I've had a chance, either as a head coach or an assistant/instructor, to have a role with 7 All-Star teams, 2 Select teams, and 5 travel teams. I just don't care about the "stuff" that is the result (i.e., what team are you on, how many tournaments have you won, etc.). It is the PROCESS that is most important. And by process, I mean this:
1) The kid needs to ENJOY playing the GAME; 2) The kid needs to develop work ethic and how to humbly accept the instruction required to learn new skills; 3) The kid needs to learn how to overcome failure; and 4) The kid needs to learn the importance of team.
I don't understand chasing a label, whether that be a title, a particular academy (of which there are many good ones), or play level designation.
I'm not saying my answer or approach is right, but that's where I am right now.
quote: Originally posted by BamaDad
How do you determine if you son in "major" material so that you aren't one of those "8 of 10" parents?
quote: Originally posted by 15UBaseball
quote: Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
I would estimate 7 out of 10 kids think they are major but they aren't.
I would estimate 7 out of 10 teams think they are major but they aren't.
Because of these two things people are confused on what level the kids, and team, should be playing. This confusion is multiplied if the team does have a major level 16u team, but that doesn't mean their 14u team is, and parents don't realize that.
Who is the coach? Is he a true baseball guy, or did he play in high school 30 years ago?
Up until 14u I say play where it is fun, even if you are the best kid on a team. Maybe that team is cheap, or has a bunch of your friends, or is close enough that your parents can get you there. Below 14u there are many things that are irrelevant at 14u and up.
At 14u and up it's about connections. If you want to know who your coach has connections with, ASK HIM! Who is the head coach at Kennesaw? Who is the head coach at a local junior college? Who is the head coach at a local D2 and D3....a coach that is actually connected KNOWS these things and likely has their numbers in his phone.
However, if the goal isn't to play in college, revert back to the under 14u rules and just let the kids have fun!
At 15U and up a AAA type team that competed with Major Teams will probably not be able to compete with real major teams any longer because of PG and the competition that comes in from out of state. If you can't make bracket at a PG then your team is probably not a major team. I agree with you 7 out of 10 Players think they are Major and are probably not, 7 out of 10 Teams think or say they are Major and they are not. 8 out of 10 Parents think their sons are Major and probably aren't. Now I have seen some kids playing below major level at 15U step up in the next few years and end up going to big schools so as others have said I think it all depends on some genetics, how much work they put in and dedication on improving.
Not really sure what you meant by most Major players don't make it to the Major Leagues? Unless you are saying most players regardless what level they play don't make it to the Major Leagues. I agree with that 100%. I wonder if any below major players made it to the Major Leagues or got drafted. I would bet 99% of the players that got drafted played Major level baseball most of their lives. They might have moved up to the "Elite" category at times but all the players I can think of played Major. Josh Lowe Will Benson Carter Keiboom DL Hall Cornelius Randolph Michael Chavis Max Pentcost Dilan Cease just to name a few early rounders I can think of in the past few years. Can anyone think of player from GA that got drafted that did not play Major Level Baseball coming up through the ranks after 13. I am sure there might be some.
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CaCO3Girl |
Posted - 11/14/2017 : 08:38:48 The discussion of which kids and or teams are major shouldn't come into play until they have hair under their arms. At that point being major or on a major team does matter if the kid wants to play in college and or beyond.
If the kid doesn't care about playing beyond high school then it still doesn't matter if he's got hair under his arms or not. |
Punishers |
Posted - 11/13/2017 : 14:39:11 CoachCross makes a good point. Very few if any MAJOR level players make it to the Major Leagues. Enjoy the game, learn from it. The players that have the desire to win will find a way to win.
I've seen too many Major level players at youth not prosper to become that player at a different level of play. Baseball is a true grind and for those without the height, size, speed, atheleticism, and work ethic, they will surely fall off. Then one will think that all those small-field wins really meant nothing.
Enjoy the member-berries.
quote: Originally posted by CoachCross
How can you tell who is a "majors" kid? My answer: Who cares?!? I've two kids playing travel ball and a third who likely will be playing travel ball next year. They're all 11 or younger. I've another involved in a different and quite difficult athletic endeavor that competes on national level. My focus is making sure that, if my kids want to play, they have an opportunity to learn, have fun, and play in a competitive environment.
I think all my kids have a great chance of succeeding academically. There's a pretty decent chance I'll have multiple kids playing in high school, and there's a chance that, if everything works well, one or more will play a little while longer. And I really don't care how that goes as long as they are happy.
For now, even though I absolutely love participating in youth sports, I'm convinced (1) that the highest and best use for my children involves something other than sport, (2) that the best part of baseball/softball are the lessons of team and perseverance, and (3) that this is a game that some are fortunate enough to play a little longer than others, but the game's lessons are a wonderful part of personal growth, regardless the level or duration of play obtained.
I've had a chance, either as a head coach or an assistant/instructor, to have a role with 7 All-Star teams, 2 Select teams, and 5 travel teams. I just don't care about the "stuff" that is the result (i.e., what team are you on, how many tournaments have you won, etc.). It is the PROCESS that is most important. And by process, I mean this:
1) The kid needs to ENJOY playing the GAME; 2) The kid needs to develop work ethic and how to humbly accept the instruction required to learn new skills; 3) The kid needs to learn how to overcome failure; and 4) The kid needs to learn the importance of team.
I don't understand chasing a label, whether that be a title, a particular academy (of which there are many good ones), or play level designation.
I'm not saying my answer or approach is right, but that's where I am right now.
quote: Originally posted by BamaDad
How do you determine if you son in "major" material so that you aren't one of those "8 of 10" parents?
quote: Originally posted by 15UBaseball
quote: Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
I would estimate 7 out of 10 kids think they are major but they aren't.
I would estimate 7 out of 10 teams think they are major but they aren't.
Because of these two things people are confused on what level the kids, and team, should be playing. This confusion is multiplied if the team does have a major level 16u team, but that doesn't mean their 14u team is, and parents don't realize that.
Who is the coach? Is he a true baseball guy, or did he play in high school 30 years ago?
Up until 14u I say play where it is fun, even if you are the best kid on a team. Maybe that team is cheap, or has a bunch of your friends, or is close enough that your parents can get you there. Below 14u there are many things that are irrelevant at 14u and up.
At 14u and up it's about connections. If you want to know who your coach has connections with, ASK HIM! Who is the head coach at Kennesaw? Who is the head coach at a local junior college? Who is the head coach at a local D2 and D3....a coach that is actually connected KNOWS these things and likely has their numbers in his phone.
However, if the goal isn't to play in college, revert back to the under 14u rules and just let the kids have fun!
At 15U and up a AAA type team that competed with Major Teams will probably not be able to compete with real major teams any longer because of PG and the competition that comes in from out of state. If you can't make bracket at a PG then your team is probably not a major team. I agree with you 7 out of 10 Players think they are Major and are probably not, 7 out of 10 Teams think or say they are Major and they are not. 8 out of 10 Parents think their sons are Major and probably aren't. Now I have seen some kids playing below major level at 15U step up in the next few years and end up going to big schools so as others have said I think it all depends on some genetics, how much work they put in and dedication on improving.
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CoachCross |
Posted - 11/13/2017 : 12:04:00 How can you tell who is a "majors" kid? My answer: Who cares?!? I've two kids playing travel ball and a third who likely will be playing travel ball next year. They're all 11 or younger. I've another involved in a different and quite difficult athletic endeavor that competes on national level. My focus is making sure that, if my kids want to play, they have an opportunity to learn, have fun, and play in a competitive environment.
I think all my kids have a great chance of succeeding academically. There's a pretty decent chance I'll have multiple kids playing in high school, and there's a chance that, if everything works well, one or more will play a little while longer. And I really don't care how that goes as long as they are happy.
For now, even though I absolutely love participating in youth sports, I'm convinced (1) that the highest and best use for my children involves something other than sport, (2) that the best part of baseball/softball are the lessons of team and perseverance, and (3) that this is a game that some are fortunate enough to play a little longer than others, but the game's lessons are a wonderful part of personal growth, regardless the level or duration of play obtained.
I've had a chance, either as a head coach or an assistant/instructor, to have a role with 7 All-Star teams, 2 Select teams, and 5 travel teams. I just don't care about the "stuff" that is the result (i.e., what team are you on, how many tournaments have you won, etc.). It is the PROCESS that is most important. And by process, I mean this:
1) The kid needs to ENJOY playing the GAME; 2) The kid needs to develop work ethic and how to humbly accept the instruction required to learn new skills; 3) The kid needs to learn how to overcome failure; and 4) The kid needs to learn the importance of team.
I don't understand chasing a label, whether that be a title, a particular academy (of which there are many good ones), or play level designation.
I'm not saying my answer or approach is right, but that's where I am right now.
quote: Originally posted by BamaDad
How do you determine if you son in "major" material so that you aren't one of those "8 of 10" parents?
quote: Originally posted by 15UBaseball
quote: Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
I would estimate 7 out of 10 kids think they are major but they aren't.
I would estimate 7 out of 10 teams think they are major but they aren't.
Because of these two things people are confused on what level the kids, and team, should be playing. This confusion is multiplied if the team does have a major level 16u team, but that doesn't mean their 14u team is, and parents don't realize that.
Who is the coach? Is he a true baseball guy, or did he play in high school 30 years ago?
Up until 14u I say play where it is fun, even if you are the best kid on a team. Maybe that team is cheap, or has a bunch of your friends, or is close enough that your parents can get you there. Below 14u there are many things that are irrelevant at 14u and up.
At 14u and up it's about connections. If you want to know who your coach has connections with, ASK HIM! Who is the head coach at Kennesaw? Who is the head coach at a local junior college? Who is the head coach at a local D2 and D3....a coach that is actually connected KNOWS these things and likely has their numbers in his phone.
However, if the goal isn't to play in college, revert back to the under 14u rules and just let the kids have fun!
At 15U and up a AAA type team that competed with Major Teams will probably not be able to compete with real major teams any longer because of PG and the competition that comes in from out of state. If you can't make bracket at a PG then your team is probably not a major team. I agree with you 7 out of 10 Players think they are Major and are probably not, 7 out of 10 Teams think or say they are Major and they are not. 8 out of 10 Parents think their sons are Major and probably aren't. Now I have seen some kids playing below major level at 15U step up in the next few years and end up going to big schools so as others have said I think it all depends on some genetics, how much work they put in and dedication on improving.
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RoamingCF |
Posted - 11/11/2017 : 09:49:03 quote: Originally posted by turntwo
quote: Originally posted by BamaDad
Thanks Crazyforbball. That sounds like a good criteria for judging "major" level talent. Basically, it sounds like a true major player is elite for his level. Based on this criteria, there are many players at the major level who may not have the elite qualities that you described. I guess that's why this string of posts started in yhr first place
I think a way to describe a Major player is being AT LEAST a CONSISTENT 4-tool player. Elite Major would be a CONSISTENT 5-tool player.
My opinion...4 tool kids are in top 1/3rd of players on major teams. A real four tool player is a stud. Most kids (even on our regional major teams; READ: non-national level teams) are only 3-tool kids. Most have gloves (but likely not the range of Elite kids), most hit for some average, and most major level kids have plus/acceptable arms. Few have game-impacting speed or top-end power. You know when you see a 4-tool kid. You pay to watch 5-tool kids!
And I do think most kids on major teams can/will play beyond HS, but so few are really elite. |
Punishers |
Posted - 11/10/2017 : 11:39:45 quote: Originally posted by CaCO3Girl
quote: Originally posted by Punishers
Things change so much every year. A major team this year, may not be a major team next year and so on. Players change too. The stud at 10u may not be a stud at 11u. Add in puberty and other body changes factor in. Coaches looking for Major players may be looking to improve the teams winning capabilities, although under false pretenses. I prefer to develop major level players rather than have a team full of studs. That's a real testimony of hard work, growth, and determination.
Saw this from a few coaches over the years....once the kids became developed the parents told them they were too good for this team, so good luck with that Punishers.
As for how do you figure if your kid is major...lots of different ways. Are people calling for him to be a pick up player? Are you on a team that gets out of pool play in PG is another possible one as 15u said. How many all tourney teams has he made when he plays PG? Does he pitch in a high percentile on PG stats? Are the coaches telling him he's a major kid on a major team and when he looks around the other kids really are darn good....or is he the best and the kid in left field can't catch a pop-up? Can you call almost any team and say "Hey, my kid was really hoping to play in the XYZ tourney you are entered into, here is what he can play and here is his PG profile can he be on your team this weekend"...and they say heck yeah!
I've been thru that before. Just means my job is done and it's time to develop the next one. No hard feelings. For some reason they all seem to come back or try after going to other teams and they realized they were not as developed as they thought. Hard being the new player on an existing team.
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15UBaseball |
Posted - 11/10/2017 : 10:25:31 Yes the "elite" player is one that by 10th Grade D-1 Schools are watching. They might throw close to 90 MPH, They will probably be drafted their senior year or on the sheet to be drafted. They probably make the Varsity at their HS as a 9th grader and might even play. A major player should be dressing with the Varsity as a 10th grader unless their HS team is loaded, but will probably get pulled up to Varsity toward the end of the season, again unless the HS team is really loaded. Some Major players may not dress with varsity but should be starting as 11th graders and Seniors unless the HS team is the best or 2nd best in the state but they should contributing. A major player can be a kid that doesn't play after HS but most major players by their senior years should be getting some looks at colleges whether they are NAIA, JUCO, D-2 or D-3.
As a When I said a Major team makes bracket at PG I didn't mean in just one tournament there. If you are only playing only 1 PG tournament a summer then you aren't major team probably. I would imagine if the dates work out you as a 15U team you would play all 15U PG tournaments in GA and even a few 16U PG tournaments. If as the user above said you compete against the Astros, 643 Cougars, Team Elite Primes, Road Runners and the out of state Sand Diego Shows and Texas Banditos etc.. then yeah you are a major team. If you go out and get run ruled more than twice at PG you are not major. If you lose all your pool play games you aren't major unless you just got screwed in pool and lose all by 1 or 2 runs. A major team will get some attention maybe an article on PG. If your son is being recruited by the top teams in GA or offered a spot he is major. Not saying your son can't be a major player and be on a lower major tier team that does happen. Just my opinions though, and as I said anything can happen in a few years of hard work. My oldest kid was a major player but not a great one,(was not a pitcher) never got the attention of the top 5 teams in GA, but played at the level right below. Got offers from the bottom end of the Majors circuit. His teams made some bracket play at 15 and up at PG and even won some Triple Crowns, but hit good, ran good had a below average arm and could not pitch. Had offers from some very small schools but decided to stop playing after HS and go out of state for college has not said a word since about baseball and will graduate this summer.
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Crazyforbball |
Posted - 11/10/2017 : 09:38:10 Yeah there are few majors teams under 15 or so (at which point puberty and attrition have truly taken their toll) that are made up of entirely true majors players but those teams are usually at least half and the remainder of the kids are still darn good. But you still have things like politics, "who you know," where you come from, relationships with certain coaches, $, etc. that come into play. Then there are parents...There is always that. But the higher you go level wise and age wise, the less of that there is. |
turntwo |
Posted - 11/10/2017 : 08:28:48 quote: Originally posted by BamaDad
Thanks Crazyforbball. That sounds like a good criteria for judging "major" level talent. Basically, it sounds like a true major player is elite for his level. Based on this criteria, there are many players at the major level who may not have the elite qualities that you described. I guess that's why this string of posts started in yhr first place
I think a way to describe a Major player is being AT LEAST a CONSISTENT 4-tool player. Elite Major would be a CONSISTENT 5-tool player. |
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