By: Nick Nickles-January 17, 2008
On a blistery cold night in Laurens, the Dorman big league squad hooked up with the Laurens big league team in hopes of getting in a game with worse weather imminent for the upstate area throughout the rest of the week. Temperatures at game time were in the upper-30’s and by night’s end the frost was forming on the grass across the playing surface. DP was there to take in the action, and the better players shined regardless of the numbing conditions. Dorman continued their thrashing of pitching by throwing up twelve runs in six innings, and any high school that doesn’t have a solid arm should be prepared to score a lot of runs to keep up with this Dorman team in 2008.
Prospect Info: Dorman Mariners
Dylan Cole-Junior, RHP/C: Cole (right) worked his fastball in the 85-87 range and was very consistent in delivering strikes on the night. His curveball was 69-71 range with an occasional change at 71. His breaking pitch had some loop. It was slightly above average and yielded some good results. Cole is more of a max-effort guy. His fastball can be a little flat at times, but his off-speed pitches keep the hitters in check. He controlled his curveball very well tonight, and could throw it for a strike at anytime. Cole is a stout-bodied kid, and carries a bulldog approach to the bump. Cole has a great offense to fall back on this season, and his approach is aggressive and he’s attacking the opponent’s line-up.
Tyler Crocker-Freshman, C: The youngster is not out of place on offense or defense. Crocker looks good at the plate and has a solid approach. He worked counts in his favor and delivered results tonight with quality at bats. Crocker has a good arm from behind the dish and he did a good job handling the pitchers on the night. Crocker is a definite guy to watch over the next couple of seasons.
T.J. Young-Junior, INF: Young continues to solidify his game. He has a nice approach at the plate and he attacked the middle of the field on this night barreling a couple of balls to centerfield. He fought off some good pitches and battled until he got something of his liking or walked. He is very patient hitter and doesn’t get himself out by taking chances. He understands the importance of getting on base and when to take a pitch in a count. Young plays the game the right way and it’s starting to show with positive results.
Aaron Everette-Junior, OF: Batting in the eight-spot in the line-up for Dorman, Everette elevated a fastball to left that came very close to leaving the ballpark. It’s guys like Everette that make this team special offensively because, from top to bottom, they can all make some noise in the batters box. Competition is great, and he can provide that for players hitting in front of him if they have a lapse in production during the season. Everette is a part of a solid group of juniors at Dorman.
Hunter Cole-Freshman, RHP/SS: The freshman was 80-82 with the fastball tonight and threw a late breaking curveball at 68-71 with a sharp break. Cole has good stuff and projects very well on the mound. His fastballs have some good riding action to right-handed hitters. Cole was pitching and getting strikeouts by mixing it up. Cole is a special player in the making.
Prospect Info: Laurens Devil Rays
Allen Staton-Freshman, SS/2B: The freshmen will see some playing time on the Varsity at Laurens High. Staton has plenty of arm strength to deliver the ball to first base from short, but will play second base with Tori Patterson having earned the rights to protect the six-hole. Staton has some juice in the stick and quick hands for a ninth grader. His actions in the field need a little spring-cleaning, and Coach Dale Nelson will have him squared away fundamentally before the regular season begins. Nelson’s track record with his players indicates they tend to grow up quickly and produce.
Kyle Waters-Unsigned Senior, C: The senior does a good job behind the plate and can handle a pitching staff. He blocks balls and receives the baseball well and can throw a little bit. Waters also had a hit in this game and he does a nice job going backside with pitches. He needs to improve more offensively during his senior campaign but does have a decent hack. Waters can be a serviceable addition to a college baseball roster after high school.
Travis Burnside-Junior, OF/RHP: Burnside (left) led off the game with a laser to right-center. Burnside brings an athletic x-factor characteristic into his game. He can be the difference on any given night for his club. The question for Burnside is whether his best contributions are going to be in the outfield or on the mound in the future. It is difficult to determine at this point, mainly because Burnside is a plus runner and plays an above average centerfield. Burnside is a legit two-way player at the collegiate level, and will continue to get pro attention over the next two years of high school.
Note: These games are Big League qualifying teams playing for an opportunity to be selected for an all-district team, and have no connection with high schools or with the SCHSL.