On Wednesday I charted the home opener for Chatham against their Eastern Division rival, the Orleans Firebirds. What looked like a short pitchers' duel morphed into a dramatic 13-inning game. Ricky Oropesa launched a towering 3-run walk-off shot to deep right, traveling all the way to the fire station across the street, to win it for the Anglers. I choose to highlight two Orleans players that stood out, however, knowing I will have the opportunity to see Oropesa many times again.
Pitcher of Highlight
Marcus Stroman, Orleans/Duke, RHP/INF, Fresh., Medford, NY, Draft Eligible: 2012
Height: 5-09, Weight: 180
Game Stats: 2.0IP, 0H, 0R, 0BB, 1K
College Season Stats: 6-4, 5.31ERA, 57.2IP, 64K, 25BB -- .265AVG, 2HR, 20RBI, 11SB
Comments: Stroman is a two-way freshman at Duke, who mostly played middle INF and came out of the bullpen for the Blue Devils. He was drafted out of high school in New York in the 18th round by the Nationals, but held his commitment to play at Duke. He is an exceptional athlete and student -- Stroman was named Louisville Slugger's Player of the Year for New York, lettered four years in basketball, and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars.
Stroman didn't disappoint this spring at Duke as a true freshman. His pitching was the real highlight, including posting a stifling 64/25 K/BB ratio. Stroman's bat was not quite as impressive, but solid for a second baseman. He showed off his wheels too, grabbing 11 stolen bases.
Stroman is listed at 5'9" tall (maybe with 2 inch spikes) but possess excellent arm strength despite his stature. Coming on in relief for the Firebirds, Stroman regularly hit 95 mph on the gun. Stroman also features a side sweeping 85-mph slider that has the chance to be a plus-pitch.
I like Stroman's athleticism, but his arm strength is much more valuable on the mound than at second base. I will continue to look for Stroman to come out of the bullpen for the Firebirds and light up the gun as the summer progresses.
Player of Highlight
Kolten Wong, Orleans/Hawaii, INF/OF/C, Soph., Hilo, Hawaii, Draft Eligible: 2011
Height: 5-09, Weight: 190
Game Stats: 6AB, 3H, 1HR, 1R, 1RBI, 3SB, 0K
College Season Stats: .357AVG, 57R, 7HR, 40RBI, .436OBP, .534SLG, 19SB, 36/20 BB/K
Comments: Kolten Wong shares many similarities with Stroman. Both are great athletes and were high school standouts in two sports (Wong in baseball and football); both are undersized at 5'9"; both were academic scholars; and each stuck to their collegiate commitments. Like, Stroman, Wong is not a new name to scouts either. Even though Wong grew up on the island of Hawaii, he was heavily recruited and was drafted in the 16th round in 2008.
During his freshman year at Hawaii, Wong was sensational. He was recognized as a Freshman All-American in just about every publication. Last summer, Wong made the roster for Team USA. This past spring, there was no sophomore slump for Wong. He showed he can do just about everything with 7HR, .357AVG, 19SB, .970OPS, and most impressively a 36/20 B/KK ratio. His position is listed as "INF/OF/C" on the website which speaks to his athleticism and versatility, although he played every game at 2B for the Rainbows (and yes, that is the baseball team's official nickname).
In this game, Wong put on a show of his various tools. He had 3 hits with no strikeouts. He slammed one home-run to deep right-center. He was a thief on the base paths with 3 stolen bags (he did get caught once). Overall, I was really impressed with Wong's tools and the way he played the game, 100% the whole time. He is incredibly difficult to strike out and makes solid contact almost every at-bat. Wong could be a high round draft pick next year.
Others to Watch:
College Season Stats: .357AVG, 57R, 7HR, 40RBI, .436OBP, .534SLG, 19SB, 36/20 BB/K
Comments: Kolten Wong shares many similarities with Stroman. Both are great athletes and were high school standouts in two sports (Wong in baseball and football); both are undersized at 5'9"; both were academic scholars; and each stuck to their collegiate commitments. Like, Stroman, Wong is not a new name to scouts either. Even though Wong grew up on the island of Hawaii, he was heavily recruited and was drafted in the 16th round in 2008.
During his freshman year at Hawaii, Wong was sensational. He was recognized as a Freshman All-American in just about every publication. Last summer, Wong made the roster for Team USA. This past spring, there was no sophomore slump for Wong. He showed he can do just about everything with 7HR, .357AVG, 19SB, .970OPS, and most impressively a 36/20 B/KK ratio. His position is listed as "INF/OF/C" on the website which speaks to his athleticism and versatility, although he played every game at 2B for the Rainbows (and yes, that is the baseball team's official nickname).
In this game, Wong put on a show of his various tools. He had 3 hits with no strikeouts. He slammed one home-run to deep right-center. He was a thief on the base paths with 3 stolen bags (he did get caught once). Overall, I was really impressed with Wong's tools and the way he played the game, 100% the whole time. He is incredibly difficult to strike out and makes solid contact almost every at-bat. Wong could be a high round draft pick next year.
Others to Watch:
- Ricky Oropesa (Chatham/USC) --- hit one of the farthest HR I've seen on the Cape
- Mark Ginther (Chatham/OK St.)
Around the Cape:
- Eric Pfisterer returned to Wareham for his second stint on the Cape and pitched masterfully: 7IP, 3H, 2BB, 0R, 9K
Where I'll be next:
- Harwich, June 18th
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