Page 832 – Diamond Prospects

Recap: Richland Northeast Cavaliers at Ridge View Blazers

By: Lee Long-March 15, 2008 The Ridge View Blazers made for an inhospitable host on Friday night to the Richland Northeast Cavaliers in a region match-up. After surrendering a run in the top of the first, the Blazers answered with four runs in the bottom of the first, and seven more in the second to take an 11-1 lead en route to a 12-5 victory. … The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well. Username Password Remember Me Forgot Password

Socastee at Carolina Forest / West Florence at Conway

By: Austin Alexander-March 14, 2008 Two games separated by six miles, two different start times…sounds like a Diamond Prospects doubleheader! On Friday night, DP was able to pull into Carolina Forest at 4:15 for batting practice, pre-game infield/outfield and a 6:00 region battle between rivals. Across town, Conway hosted West Florence with the first pitch scheduled for 6:30. High hopes of catching the better part of two match-ups became a little scrambled when walks, errors and plenty of offense bogged down the first contest. But we made due and saw enough to recap for you… In the opener, the visitors jumped out to an early 3-0 lead when a lead-off walk, sac bunt and an RBI-single to left by David Rickenbacker scored Greg Pearson. Rickenbacker later scored on the backend of a double-steal. Tim Starkey’s run-scoring single pushed the lead to three. Chris Shover’s single in the second pulled the home team within two, Socastee 3-1. After a wild pitch allowed Socastee to tack on a third inning run, Carolina Forest stormed back in the bottom half when Gavin Torri’s two-run single and Cole Tompkins’ sacrifice fly knotted the score at four. Travers Woodward put the Braves up in the fourth but the Panthers’ Ryan Stewart (left) answered with a solo homer, 5-5 after four. The fateful fifth would prove too much to overcome for Carolina Forest. Two infield misplays and a dropped pop up eventually plated two runs. Though the Panthers staged a late rally and climbed back into the game, they fell to Socastee 9-8 in a conference match-up that could prove critical down the road for both clubs. Now to the nightcap! West Florence’s fate was sealed early on as Conway took a three-run lead into the fifth inning with their ace on the mound. The Tigers would tack on four late insurance runs but this one was in the capable hands on Colby Holmes (right). Arriving in the fifth, and only viewing nine outs for the visitors, only one ball was put in play against the right-hander, Chandler Smetana’s second hit of the game. They would be the only two hits Holmes would surrender during his 15-strikeout performance. Prospect Info: Socastee Braves David Rickenbacker-Junior, SS/Catcher: Rickenbacker (left) recently moved to South Carolina from Florida, what a nice surprise that had to be for skipper John Daurity! Rickenbacker has served mostly as the Braves’ catcher but showed plenty of athleticism in the middle on Friday. He showed every action and appearance that he is fully capable of playing shortstop at a high level…and word is that he is even better behind the dish. During batting practice, the kid gobbled up every single groundball he could get to, was turning double plays and never eased up. Rickenbacker hit in the three-hole and centered balls in all three AB’s that I saw. Swing is good, juice is adequate, runs enough. He was awfully good on this night and may just be a sure-fire player for quality programs to run a check on ASAP. Tim Starkey-Sophomore, Catcher: Also a utility guy, Starkey found his home with the gear on Friday night and proved that Socastee is as deep at the catcher position as any other time I have viewed in 2008. His catch and throw skills are solid and Starkey’s pegs were accurate in this game. I was not completely enamored with his swing in batting practice but Starkey proved me wrong against Carolina Forest pitching by having a big night at the plate out of the two-hole. Travers Woodward-Sophomore, 3B: Big, strong kid with plenty of pop in his right-handed bat. Woodward’s BP swing was very fluid as he juiced ball after ball; that stroke carried over to live pitching as he was on every pitch he saw on this night. This kid has a potent bat from the clean-up spot in the Brave line-up and projects to be a very good offensive threat. He played third base on Friday but a move to the other corner infield position appears likely in his future. Greg Pearson-Unsigned senior, INF/RHP: Pearson was the starting pitcher for Socastee and topped out at 73 but he projects much better as a position player. He looks very comfortable in the box and shows tremendous discipline as their lead-off hitter. Pearson (left) has had some success at this level and warrants a look from schools still in search of players. Notables: Gunnar Kines (Freshman, DH/LHP), Ayres Renfrow (Junior, OF) with a big-time Web Gem in rightfield and his out-stretched diving catch on the foul line! Prospect Info: Carolina Forest Panthers Ryan Stewart-Unsigned senior, SS: It makes no sense that this kid is still on the market. Plenty of power in his bat, a stronger arm than in previous viewings, improved hands and the kid runs well. Off to a good start in 2008, the right-handed hitter is playing for a future home and could be an impact in somebody’s line-up next spring. Matt Archer-Sophomore, Catcher: Good arm and pop times during a pre-game/workout setting. Impressed me immensely with his left-handed swing. To play the position and continue progressing in this game, Archer (left) must get stronger, BUT his swing is fundamentally sound right now. The kid has a feel for the game and appears to take his craft to heart. When it’s all said and done, Archer may end up being one of the better catchers in his class. Cole Tompkins-Sophomore, 3B: Tompkins’ coaches raved about his offensive start to the season and he proved why. The right-handed hitter is a very aggressive hitter that shows a pull-conscience approach but hits the ball on the button with regularity. Friday became a defensive struggle for him but the kid takes the game very serious and shows plenty of grit in every viewing. Notables: John Gump (Senior, 1B, Erskine signee), Justin Turbeville (Sophomore, INF), Chris Shover (Junior, RHP/DH), Matthew Jolly (RHP/OF), Josh Knab (Junior, OF) out due to sickness. Prospect Info: Conway Tigers Colby Holmes-Junior, RHP: Holmes (right) was …

Baseballville: Spring Training as a fan!

By: Morgan Frazier-March 13, 2008 Baseball is all around. High Schools have begun their seasons, colleges are in full swing, and Professional baseball teams are in Spring Training. I was fortunate enough to go to spring training this past weekend in Arizona. This trip was not intended to be all about baseball but after the first day, it quickly turned into a baseball bonanza! We were in the Phoenix, Arizona area, which plays host to 11 major league affiliates, this is the place to be,during this time of year. The weather is great, the atmosphere of fans, communities and baseball people is even better. For those that are not able to actually be on the fields playing during this special time of year, this is the next best thing. I was able to go and spend a few days with the Chicago Cubs and there minor league teams. However, there are several venues to explore in Arizona that are a quick drive away and give the same results. I wanted to see the Cubs work out more because of the players that were drafted from this area. It is good to recognize individuals especially the minor league players. Such players like Blake Lalli, a good friend (Gardner-Webb University), Marquez Smith, Kris Harvey, Tyler Colvin (Clemson University), Mitch Atkins from Greensboro, North Carolina, Chris Walker, (Georgia Southern University). This is just to name a few that I knew from either playing against or seeing in a college or high school uniform, I am sure there are more. Also, the Chicago Cubs host a group of coaches that are unprecedented, such figures as Ryne Sandberg, Jody Davis, Gerald Perry, Alan Trammell and Lou Piniella are some I grew up watching and am more familiar with. Although, there are plenty of personalities walking around that you may never recognize without a hat on, I will explain further. I have explained the experience many times like this. If you like going to a high school game and being really close to the field and seeing players at a arms-length distance, without paying to see them and actually being able to talk with players without having to buy a ticket or a parking pass, with little or no security, then you probably should make a trip. I do not want to mislead you, there are seldom “big leaguers” just walking around the facilities, you may catch one in a private lot here and there but they generally work out at odd times and are not on the minor league schedule, and while the minor league squads are practicing the major league teams are probably playing. Training facilities are basically set up like glorified youth showcase fields, with four or so fields, there are a huge 10-12 rubber bullpen areas, indoor cages, locker rooms, sports medicine area and parking lots. If you think that you would not be able to see any players or have the ability to talk with them, you are wrong. When players come out of the locker room there are some slight restrictions, rightfully so, because you must remember these guys are working and much of there career could depend on how they perform during this time. However, past that small restriction area, it is open gates galore. I honestly did not see one locked gate and only a few signs saying “Cubs Personnel Only.” During workouts there are some breaks for the players, it is at this time they are able to chat with fans, sign autographs and give out souvenirs. This is the best part of the experience getting to see players through the chain link, and not from binoculars or from a couch. I do have a few suggestions for you when you do go to visit a Spring Training site: Do your research. Know the parking of each place, do not think you will be able to park in big parking decks, where I was it was only residential homes charging to park in their yards. You should be able to know exactly where you want to go and who you want to see, with which team. I suggest pick up a magazine that has the Top Prospects list or a website that might help you familiarize yourself with all the players. Do not think you will go down there and slide by some people and scatter some facts around like you do during football season, these fans take it quite serious and they will sniff you out. Do not wear team gear if it is not the team you are going to see. If you make several stops wear something neutral, again fans that have followed teams their entire life do not take kindly to seeing other logos on their territory. Act like you have a clue about baseball, if you see guys running and working out do not ask for an autograph, just calmly wait until they are done, they are more than happy to sign. Do not actually step on the field where players are working out, if you are not a player do not try to act like one. Although, believe me, there was a thin line of an opportunity that I thought a ground ball would have been nice and that just maybe I could get a uniform! I think the Arizona sun got the best of me for that hour! Do not ask players questions that make them feel uncomfortable, “Have you gained weight?” “Have you lost a step?” “How hard do you throw?” “Why are you here?” Show up early and do not leave if you want a true feel of what these aspiring major leaguers do every day during spring training. It may not be the glitz and glamour you think. Do not think the minor league players stay in lavish hotels and great accommodations, as I found most of the players stay in hotels that I would be hesitant to stay in. Most “big leaguers” and top round choices …

Recap: Newberry Bulldogs at Saluda Tigers

By: David List-March 12, 2008 Diamond Prospects found itself at the new Saluda High School on Tuesday night for the first region match-up of the year for both Newberry and Saluda High. Both teams consisted of veteran players who anchored their team, along with a young supporting cast that showed they could play with their older counterparts. … The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.

Recap: Ben Lippen at Augusta Christian

By: DP Staff Writer-March 11, 2008 In a rematch of 2007’s State Championship series and Diamond Prospects’ #1 vs #2 SCISAA clubs, Ben Lippen took on the three-time defending state champion Augusta Christian. It was a mild, but cloudy afternoon in Augusta and the pitchers seemed to be well ahead of the hitters at this point in the early season… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.

Recap: Myrtle Beach Seahawks at North Myrtle Beach Chiefs

By: Austin Alexander-March 11, 2008 Crosstown rivals went head-to-head on Tuesday night in a Region VI-3A battle that did not have a dull moment. Myrtle Beach traveled to North Myrtle Beach High School and sent senior Bill Lackey to the mound to oppose sophomore John McInnis. McInnis had a 5-pitch first inning and then doubled in the… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.

Recap: Gaffney Indians at Byrnes Rebels

By: Nick Nickles-March 11, 2008 DP was in Spartanburg County when the Gaffney Indians traveled to Duncan Tuesday night to take on the Byrnes Rebels in a Region 2-4A contest. Gaffney started sophomore power pitcher Tyler Wilson and Byrnes countered with senior ace Joseph Moorefield (right). The arms dominated this game early, with both pitch… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.

Recap: Strom Thurmond Rebels at Airport Eagles

By: Lee Long-March 10, 2008 The Airport Eagles defeated the Strom Thurmond Rebels on Monday night to garner a region victory via the 10-run rule. The Eagles rode the pitching arm of Griffin Spires who pounded the zone with strikes from the left side. Meanwhile, the line-up of the Eagles was led by senior Zach Sharpe and sophomore lead-off hitter … The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.

Recap: IP Classic

By: Austin Alexander-March 6-9, 2008 Another year, another formidable cast of teams and players! The 2008 International Paper Classic opened with a route and the first day of action concluded ten hours later on a walk-off double at 2:32 in the morning! Opening Day saw 40+ evaluators pass through the gates to view some of South Carolina’s… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.

Recap: Newberry at Greenwood

By: Nick Nickles-March 5, 2008 DP traveled away from the major interstate highways on Wednesday to Greenwood County in hopes of finding some quality baseball action. Newberry Bulldogs made the trek north to take on the Greenwood Eagles in non-region action. Greenwood would send their junior ace, Christian Powell, to the mound. Newberry would coun… The new DP website is here. For all the great DP content, subscribe. If you have any login/subscription issues, please contact our support team. Your feedback on the new experience is appreciated as well.