I forgot to mention that I will be using some of the statistics/data collected from these games for Inside Edge, and also that I will be adding video links for some of the players.
Chatham Anglers:
1. Logan Verrett, Baylor:
· Has clearly been Chatham’s top pitcher this season with his 1.05 ERA and 0.76 WHIP over 34.33 innings pitched. Verrett throws all 5 of his pitches for strikes on a consistent basis, and has kept hitters off balance using mostly his slider and changeup while mixing in the occasional curveball or splitter. Tends to work away from most hitters, but has shown the ability to come inside when necessary (especially against right-handed hitters). Fastball velocity is fine at 88-93 mph, and doesn’t lose much as the game goes on since he is so efficient (averaged 3.5 pitches/plate appearance through first 3 starts). Excellent K/BB ratio of 30/5, and has only allowed 3 extra base hits the whole season, so it’s easy to see why Verrett has been so successful.
2. Aaron Westlake, Vanderbilt:
· Westlake has proven that he can hit for both power and average this season against tough pitching (.291 AVG, .481 SLG). His plate discipline is somewhat of a concern though. He tends to chase a lot of pitches up out of the strike zone, and his 20/5 K/BB ratio is pretty bad, even for a power hitter. His big frame naturally projects him as a first baseman, but he seems to be athletic enough to possibly play a corner outfield position as well.
3. Rick Oropesa, USC:
· Oropesa could arguably have the most raw power of anyone in the Cape League this season, and is able to drive the ball to all parts of the field. However, he has struck out in 35% of his at-bats so far this summer (Ryan Howard of the Phillies strikes out in 25% of his at-bats), and has not been a good hitter with 2 strikes (chases 57% of pitches out of the zone with 2 strikes). He has been able to draw walks and get on base though as shown by his .340 OBP despite only hitting .211. He is also very athletic for his size, which makes him a much better fielder than I expected.
4. Derek Self, Louisville:
· Self has shown incredible command allowing only 3 walks in 36 innings, but only 13 K's. His Opp. BA of .203 and Opp. SLG of .271 are a product of him pitching to contact so much, but those numbers will almost certainly be higher once he starts facing pro hitters. However, if he continues to develop his secondary pitches and control both sides of the plate, I believe he can be an effective pro starter.
5. Brian Humphries, Pepperdine:
· Relatively low .246 BA might be unlucky considering "well-hit avg" is .260 (over 50 points higher than MLB avg). Has shown that he can hit for power, as he leads the Anglers in extra base hits (10 doubles, 1 HR). Biggest concern is plate discipline. 31/9 K/BB ratio is not very good for someone consistently hitting at the top of the order. Only 7 BB's in 220 at-bats this season at Pepperdine as well.
Other players to watch:
Chris Munnelly, North Carolina
Matt Brazis, Boston College
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