Bourne 3, Orleans 1
For the second time this summer, the CCBL had a set of scheduled doubleheaders. I'm not crazy about the idea because it gives the game a high school feel since the games only last 7 innings. But if it gives the players a few more days off, I understand the reasoning behind it. As indicated by the scores, both games were dominated by the pitching. I have yet to see a game where the offense has really shined. I expect the bats to start coming around in the next few weeks, especially with the guys from the CWS showing up. I am going to highlight two players that were consensus Freshman All-Americans a year ago and then had superb sophomore years at their schools. For sure these two will hear their names in the first few rounds of next year's draft.
Player of Highlight
Ryan Wright, Bourne/Louisville, 2B/SS, Soph., Fort Wayne, IN, Draft Eligible: 2011
Height: 6-01, Weight: 198
Game Stats (2): 6AB, 1H, 3RBI, 0BB, 0K
College Season Stats: .366AVG, 17 2B, 16HR, 80RBI, .413OBP, .638OBP, 20/26 BB/K
Comments: Ryan Wright is a versatile prospect from Louisville, who will most likely end up as a second baseman (although he has a chance to stay at short). His first spring with Louisville was noteworthy when Wright started 60 games for the Cardinals at 4 different positions: LF, RF, 3B, and SS. He hit .335AVG, 5HR, and 66 RBI and was named a Freshman All-American. This year he started at short and led Louisville in most offensive categories. He had a 1.051 OPS and a .449 wOBA, two stats which shout future success at the next level. He has some speed with 22 stolen bases during his two years. Wright is a Team USA invitee.
Wright has a great bat. He has quick, strong hands and his bat speed is faster than most on the Cape. He does wrap the bat around his head slightly, but it is easily correctable. His glove is a huge asset in the middle infield. He has good range and is sure-handed at either SS or 2B. But his arm is average, which is why I think he'll eventually move to 2B.
I think undoubtedly Wright is one of the top 50 players in the country eligible for the next year's draft. He has produced at all levels. If Wright is moved to second, he possess 3 plus tools (average arm and speed) at the position and it's where he will be most valuable.
Pitcher of Highlight
Anthony Meo, Bourne, Coastal Carolina, RHP, Soph., Cranston, RI, Draft Eligible: 2011
Height: 6-01, Weight: 180
Game Stats: 6IP, 0ER, 4H, 1BB, 6K
College Season Stats: 13-2, 2.61ERA, 96.7IP, 6HRA, 94/34 K/BB, 1.20WHIP, 8.75 K/9
Comments: Anthony Meo is one of the top flame-throwers in the collegiate ranks. Meo is originally from Rhode Island, and it's always good to see a New England guy succeed. Of course, success would be a great understatement to what Meo has accomplished in his two seasons at Coastal Carolina. The right-hander has been down right oppressive to hitters, completing two of the best pitching seasons in CCU history. Meo was a Freshman All-American after posting a 9-2 record and 2.93ERA with 68K and only 32BB. This spring Meo was arguably the best college pitcher in the nation as his stats above indicate. He was accordingly named Big South Pitcher of the Year and District IV Player of the Year by the NCBWA. He has been invited to the Team USA try-outs.
Meo does not have overwhelming size. He stands 6-foot-1 and only weighs 180. Without question he will have to add some strength to his frame in the future. He pitches from a high 3/4 to almost a straight overhead arm angle and uses a full-effort delivery (which could scare some clubs off). His fastball is a bullet and sits about 92-94 with glimpses of 95 and 96. Two negatives are his fastball is quite straight with little movement and he has a tendency to leave it up in the zone too much. He compliments his fastball with a hard cutter at 87-89mph. The pitch has significant break for a cutter at that speed. Meo's off-speed stuff needs work however. His change and curve are basically non-existent and he doesn't have much confidence in them. He will surely need to add those pitches to his regular repertoire if he is to remain a starter. Otherwise, Meo could fit nicely into a MLB bullpen with his arm strength.
If Meo goes onto dominate the Cape or on Team USA, his stock could soar as high as late first-round. Even with some slip-ups, he is lock to go in the first few rounds.
Others to Watch:
- Scott Woodward (Bourne/Coastal Carolina)
- Tommy LaStella (Bourne/Coastal Carolina) .... Bourne has to be quite pleased with this trio from CCU
- Tony Zych (Bourne/Louisville)...consistently touching 95-96.
Around the Cape:
- Jack Armstrong (Wareham/Vanderbilt) is back on the Cape. Look for him to have another strong summer.
Where I'll Be Next:
- Orleans, June 30th
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