The Patriotic Crew

Here is a ranking of the 8 guys that were called on by Team USA to represent their country in international play after starting the summer on the Cape. The national team ended up losing to Cuba in the finals in 10 innings. This group leaving definitely hurt the Cape's overall talent pool. I'd venture to say that all of them were in the top 30 in terms of prospects on the Cape:

1. Matt Barnes, RHP, Wareham/UConn, Height: 6-04, Weight: 203

• Ideal pitcher's body, great, loose arm action and repeatable delivery. Four pitches with varying command and feel for them all. He was the top pitcher in the CCBL for me. He maintains his low-90's FB deep into games (tops out at 96), which has good movement. The pitch can be his out pitch, along with his slider (more of a slurve, but he throws a slower curve). He seems to improve every start. He'll be a 1st round, possibly in the top 15 picks. If he improves his strength in his lower half, I think there is potential for more velocity.

2. George Springer, OF, Wareham/UConn , Height: 6-03, Weight: 200

 

• Elite athleticism and strength in his wiry frame. Potential 5-tool player. Tremendous bat speed with good pop for his size. He has an unorthodox stance that concerns me a little. His approach and plate discipline can improve. Another Huskie that is sure to go in the 1st round.

3. Jason Esposito, 3B, Orleans/Vanderbilt, Height: 6-01, Weight: 198

 

• Made Team USA when Anthony Rendon injured his ankle. Esposito has an above-average glove at third with a strong throwing arm. Good overall player. He has a some power and makes good contact. Nothing about his game is exceptional however.

4. Ryan Wright, 2B/SS, Bourne/Louisville, Height: 6-01, Weight: 198

 

• Good bat with surprising power. Hand-eye coordination is exceptional. I like his approach. Average defender at short, above-average at second-base. He just gets it done and plays the game the right way. I see him as Dustin Pedroia-type talent.

5. Mikie Mahtook, OF, Harwich/LSU, Height 6-01, Weight: 196

 

• Superb athlete (football and baseball star in HS) possessing plus speed, strong arm, and good defensive skills and range in the outfield. All questions will revolve around his bat. He has power, but teams will worry if he'll hit enough at the next level given the high number of strikeouts. With his athletic ability, I'd be surprised if he doesn't.

6. CJ Cron, C/1B/DH, Cotuit/Utah, Height 6-04 Weight: 230

 

• Plus power and plus hit average. He won't stay behind the plate. 1B/DH is likely. He left the Cape with a knee injury before the Team USA trials. He didn't play on the team because of the injury, but he would've surely made the roster - especially when his coach at Utah was the national team manager. For that reason, I put him on this list.

7. Alex Dickerson, 1B, Wareham/Indiana, Height: 6-03, Weight: 210

• He'll hit for AVG. He can spray the ball all over the field and has plus pull-power. Advance hitter and approach. None of his other tools stand out. Fringe speed, average glove, average arm. It's all about the bat with Dickerson. Some don’t like the swing – I think it’ll play at the next level.

8. Brett Mooneyham, LHP, Y-D/Stanford, Height 6-05, Weight: 235

 

• Big lefty that works in the low 90's. Yes, please. Except for one thing - Mooneyham has yet to have complete command of his pitches. He also doesn't have an out pitch (at least, for me, his slider isn't) and mostly pitches to contact. I have my doubts that he will ever put it all together. But some teams will fall in love with the body, velo, and his left-arm.