WWBA World Championship: Part 3 of 3 Part Wrap-up

[Stotle]

Last article in the 3-part wrap on the WWBA WOrld Championship. These are big draft neames yet, but there are some interesting players that could generate higher interest as we move closer to the spring. Chances are you haven't heard of these kids even if you've been following on baseballamerica, pgcrosschecker or any of the other industry sites. Here are two players that will likely need to be overslot to buy away from college (as they don't project to go high enough for slot signings to buy them out of school). Both are interesting kids with good tool sets. Full article here -- http://www.pnrscouting.com/articles_wwbachampionship_pt3_11052009.html

Later Rounds

My Selection: Mark Payton, OF/1B/LHP, St. Rita HS (IL) | Tournament Team: Cangelosi Baseball. Last year’s Most Valuable Player in this tournament, Payton (pictured) had another strong showing in Jupiter, both at the plate and in the field. The left-handed hitter is incredibly quick out of the box, clocking-in twice under 3.8 seconds home-to-first in the games I saw. He has a compact stroke that produces surprising pop to the gaps, though he’ll likely need to get stronger for his game to translate to the pro ranks. With a wide and well-balanced set-up and load, he’s under-control and comfortable at the plate. In the field, Payton tracks well, sets himself up on his throws and shows enough arm for centerfield at the next level. It will be interesting to see how Coach Murphy develops him at Arizona State, should his drafting organization fail to lock him up next summer. With more strength and further development, he could compare favorably to former Sun Devil and second round selection in this past June’s Rule 4 MLB Draft, Jason Kipnis. Video of Payton at bat

.

Runner-up: TJ Pecoraro, RHP/SS, Half Hollow Hills West HS (NY) | Tournament Team: East Coast PG Gray. The biggest knock on Pecoraro right now is his frame, which is a bit thin in the hips and shoulders and is only currently filled out to the tune of 6’0” / 160 -- a bit on the small side for a pro prospect. There’s no denying his stuff has the potential to play at the next level, however, and certainly at the collegiate level (he’s committed to Vanderbilt). The righty can get his fastball up to 91/92 mph, and generally sits in the 88-90 mph range. Pecoraro utilizes a minimalist motion and generates his velocity with plus arm speed (while he can get his arm out early in back, he shields it well with his body, helping the ball to jump on the batter when he quickly rotates through). His slider has some tilt and can be an above-average pitch when he’s hitting his release point, sitting 76-78 mph for me. He also shows a good feel for a change-up, throwing it with solid arm speed and getting some depth on the pitch around 71-72 mph. In Saturday’s start against the On Deck O’s squad, Pecoraro went three shutout innings, striking out three and allowing two hits and a walk. I didn’t get a camera on him Saturday, but have video from earlier this summer at the Perfect Game Sunshine NE Showcase

. He should get some draft interest and could greatly raise his stock this spring, and certainly with a few years at Vandy under his belt.

[Greg Pappas]

Thanks for all the feedback... we'll keep an eye on the young men and I know I'd be pleased to see the O's take a shot at them.