All 17 pools, A through Q, for the 2014 WWBA World Championship will be released and previewed, one per hour, starting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, and wrapping up at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17. Be sure to check out the Perfect Game homepage as well as the main event page for links to the full tournament schedule (when released), standings, playoff bracket, scout blogs and feature stories leading up to and carrying through this year's WWBA World Championship to be held at the Roger Dean Sports Complex in Jupiter, Fla., Oct. 23-27.
Patrick Ebert's Projected Champion: Orlando Scorpions/Mets Scout Team
It took the EvoShield Canes a year longer to win the WWBA World Championship than what I projected, so I'm sticking with my pick to win it all from last year, the Orlando Scorpions/Mets Scout Team. From incredible star power in their starting lineup to depth on the bench and an equally deep pitching staff, the Scorpions stack up well not only against their pool, but well into the playoffs.
Todd Gold's Projected Champion: EvoShield Canes
There has never been a back to back champion in the history of the WWBA World Championship. While it's highly unlikely for any team to pull off such a difficult feat to survive a single elimination playoff format that features such talented opponents in every round, there is no denying that the Canes have the pitching staff to take down the title in 2014 as well. Their defense behind that dominant and deep pitching staff is also of championship caliber and the offense boasts adequate punch to overcome an occasional runaway inning and convert quality starts into W's.
Pool A
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Cardinals Scout Team/FTB Chandler
Mitchell Hansen, Cardinals Scout Team/FTB Chandler
The Cardinals Scout Team/FTB Chandler team returns to Jupiter with one of the strongest rosters on paper. The are led up the middle by their middle infield tandem of PG All-Americans Jonathan India and Ryan Mountcastle. Another PG All-American will patrol center in Mitchell Hansen, while Wyatt Cross and Herbert Iser form arguably the strongest catching duo. Bo Bichette, Chris Chatfield and Tyrone Perry add three more lethal bats to the lineup. On the mound the Cardinals can stack numerous low- to mid-90s arms, led by yet another PG All-American, lefthander Juan Hillman, and complemented by Jordan Gubelman, Sixto Torres and Altoon Coleman.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Baseball Northwest
While lacking a true marquee draft prospect and facing an uphill battle being placed in a pool with the 800 pound gorilla that is the Cardinals Scout Team, this is a well rounded squad with several underrated players who are set to open some eyes with their own ability.
What To Watch For: Cardinals Scout Team/FTB Chandler pitching depth
As is typically the case, this squad has the talent on the roster to be taken seriously as a potential title contender. What often separates contenders from champions in Jupiter is the pitching depth. The Cardinals will have a viable ace in All-American lefty Juan Hillman, and how deep they can get will have a lot to do with the performance of the rest of their staff. Michael Zimmerman will be a key member of this pitching staff, if he can perform at a high level and give the Cardinals a viable one-two punch of lefthanders along with Hillman they will be in good shape.
Pool B
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: CBA Marucci
Chris Betts, CBA Marucci
CBA Marucci is already a powerhouse program made up entirely of players from California, and recently claimed both the Upperclass and Underclass divisions of the inaugural PG California World Series. PG All-American catcher Chris Betts brings his swagger to Florida to provide leadership, solid defense and his impact lefthanded bat. The lineup should have no problems scoring runs thanks to Betts, emerging 2015 third baseman Tyler Nevin, Luke Williams, Niko Navarro and Kyle Hatton. Righthander Tim Holdgrafer was named the MV-Pitcher at back-to-back events recently, which speaks to his prowess on the big stage, while Bailey Falter, Austin Moore and Kyle Robeniol all throw strikes and minimize damage.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Baseball U
While they lack the talent that CBA Marucci and Texas PG Teal boast, Baseball U has a handful of solid prospects of their own and are a team that has played together for a long time. They fit a similar mold of the St. Louis Gamers in this regard as a whole that is better than the sum of their parts, but I'll give a slight talent edge to Baseball U in this regard making them the pick in one of the deepest pools in the field.
What To Watch For: CBA Marucci third baseman Tyler Nevin
After beginning to emerge as a top prospect in the 2015 class as an underclassmen, Tyler Nevin suffered a UCL injury that has kept him out for parts of the past two years. He has begun to make up for lost time with impactful showings on the national scene over the past three months while serving as a designated hitter as he works his way back from the elbow injury. Jupiter will be a big opportunity for him to establish himself as a top prospect heading into the spring of 2015. Scouts have gotten to see him hit on the national stage in the late summer and early fall, but this will be the first opportunity for most to see him perform defensively at third base.
Pool C
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags
Cadyn Grenier, Ohio Warhawks
A gritty group of players comprised almost entirely from North Carolina, the Dirtbags always play a discipline, cohesive style of baseball, rarely beating themselves on the field. The offense starts with Eric Jenkins, a dynamic outfielder with game-changing speed and a knack for getting on base. Once on, it will be up to big bats such as Beau Myers, Steven Oakley and Jacob Washer to drive Jenkins in. Although there isn't one can't-miss arm the Dirtbags have a solid staff of pitchers that command and change speeds well. Trey Benton, Matt Bridges and Trevor Newman each peak right around 90 mph and will likely be turned to to carry a significant load.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Palm Beach PAL
In the 2013 Pool Preview it was written of Palm Beach PAL "anyone who has followed WWBA action closely over the years knows that Palm Beach PAL grinds out at-bats at every spot in the order, make intelligent decisions defensively and is not a someone that a team with title hopes wants to see in their pool," and this year's version continues that tradition. 2016 lefty Kyle Farjad gives PAL an ace they can turn to against the talented Dirtbags or Ohio Warhawks to give themselves a chance at winning either difficult matchup to take control of the pool.
What To Watch For: Warhawks' Vegas Shortstop Show
The Ohio Warhawks roster boasts the top prospect in each of the next two draft classes from Las Vegas in shortstops Cadyn Grenier and Nick Quintana. They both play shortstop, which means that their pitching staff will have plenty of help behind them, whether they form a double play combination or share the left side of the infield with one another. Both have the tools to become top two round draft picks in their respective years and Grenier will draw significant attention in Jupiter.
Pool D
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: East Cobb Baseball
Jalen Miller, East Cobb Baseball
ECB will be without their dynamic leader, Daz Cameron, but still should have no problem scoring runs thanks to dynamic table-setter Reggie Pruitt being followed in the lineup by shortstop Jalen Miller and catcher Chase Smartt. Connor Bennett, Nick Bush, Brock Love and Zach Goodman all have significant tournament experience on the mound and stand out as part of a deep stable of arms. East Cobb Baseball usually pulls the top underclass players from their usual East Cobb Astros team for the WWBA World Championship, and have done so again this year with a handful of talented 2016s, as Brock and Elliott Anderson, Matthew Cole, Malique Foreman, Thomas Johns and Zac Kristofak are all poised to make significant contributions.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Syracuse Sports Zone
Not only will the rising stock of outfielder Ryan McKenna draw significant scouting interest in Syracuse Sports Zone, but he'll have plenty of help around him. Righthander Jake Nelson made a big impression in the tournament opener last year as a junior and he joins Ronnie Rossamando at the top of their rotation to give them a solid one-two punch on the mound. 2016 righthander Ian Anderson looks to follow in Nelson's footsteps this year after making a big impression in his PG debut at the Underclass World Championship last week. Another junior, catcher Ryan January will also be counted on for big production as a power bat from the left side while splitting time behind the plate with impressive defensive catcher Domenic DeRenzo. While drawing East Cobb has been a brutal pool throughout much of the tournament's history, there is reason to believe that Syracuse has the horses to take the pool this year.
What To Watch For: East Cobb Rebound
Last year the defending champions put up a disappointing 1-2-1 effort, getting outscored 20-12. Without several of the program's top prospects and several in-state rivals coming into the tournament with lofty expectations, it will be up to the current group of East Cobb players to turn things around as they look to carry on the tradition of success that East Cobb has enjoyed throughout much of the WWBA World Championship's history.
Pool E
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Dulin Dodgers/Rockies Scout Team
Ke'Bryan Hayes, Texas Scout Team Yankees
There are seven SEC recruits on the roster of Dulin Dodgers/Rockies Scout Team, three each to Ole Miss and Mississippi State, and that doesn't include Bulldogs recruit and PG All-American Austin Riley. The Dodgers have enough arms to make up for Riley's absence, including Trysten Barlow and Ethan Small from the 2015 class as well as 2016 righty Jason Barber. Two of the top arms from the 2017 class, Weston Bizzle and Hugh Fisher, will also be thrown into the fire to get a taste for high pressure situations. Underclassmen will also help power the offense, as 2016 shortstop Grae Kessinger is a force at the plate, on the basepaths and on defense, while powerful 2016 switch-hitting catcher Thomas Dillard provides a lethal bat for the middle of the lineup.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: SGV Arsenal
The most talented roster in the pool belongs to the Texas Scout Team Yankees, but historically scout teams' focus on showcasing players and the corresponding managerial strategies and pitcher usage prevent these types of teams from playing at the level of their talent. Thus it becomes a difficult choice between the Atlanta Blue Jays and SGV Arsenal with the edge in experience going to the Arsenal. This is a deep pool with parity and should be one of the more exciting races.
What To Watch For: Development of Von Watson
While he was a bit behind the development curve in terms of pure hitting during the summer showcase circuit, the thundering bolts that Von Watson managed to drive off of his back foot to the opposite field made a huge impression. If the intermittent months between those loud showings and Jupiter have brought improvement we may be in store for a breakout performance by the Dulin Dodgers/Rockies Scout Team outfielder who also possesses interesting speed and arm strength. A breakout week from Watson could be the spark that pushes the Dulin Dodgers to a deep run.
Pool F
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Elite Squad Prime
Daniel Reyes, Elite Squad Prime
As with any Elite Squad Prime team, there are no shortage of bats, and the biggest of those this year comes in the form of PG All-American outfielder Daniel Reyes. Reyes has been named to the All-Tournament team at 10 different PG events, starting with the 2012 WWBA World Championship during his sophomore year in high school, so, it's clear he has a knack for stepping up at big, national events. Lucius Fox, Jr., Dominic DiCaprio and Julian Infante pair steady gloves up the middle of the defense with their proven bats. Frank Bartow, Andrew Cabezas, Christian Demby and Isaiah Musa can all touch the low-90s and provide valuable innings, while Anthony Molina is one of the top prospects in the 2016 class thanks to his live arm that produces easy mid-90s heat.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: D-BAT
While underclass pitching is the least predictable commodity to build a team upon, pitching depth is the key to surviving a tournament with so much parity of talent. Even though D-BAT's impressive pitching staff is young, they make up for their lack of experience with both quality and quantity, making them a viable threat to contend a year ahead of schedule. Righthander Blair Henley made a huge impression at the PG Underclass All-American Games in August, not only showing control to both sides of the plate with a lively upper-80s fastball that peaked at 90, but his slider was devastating in that outing and is a valuable weapon. He is joined by lanky lefthander Kyle Muller as well as righties Caleb Kilian and Derek Wells in arguably the deepest starting rotation in a pool that features a perennial powerhouse. While this is a tough pool with Elite Squad Prime looming large, this young D-BAT team cannot be overlooked.
What To Watch For: Sandlot Scout Team righthander Corey Zangari
Power armed righthander Corey Zangari will make a heavily anticipated appearance that should draw a huge scouting turnout given the combination of his arm strength and the need for national level scouts to build upon a limited evaluation history. Given his brief track record on the mound his showing in Jupiter will be especially amplified.
Pool G
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: EvoShield Canes
Ashe Russell, EvoShield Canes
The EvoShield Canes once again head to Jupiter with a loaded roster, and could very well be the first team to ever claim back-to-back WWBA World Championships. It always starts with their pitching staff, which again is formidable, thanks to the presence of a pair of PG All-American righthanders in Ashe Russell and Beau Burrows, who shared MV-Pitcher honors at the 17u WWBA National Championship this past July. Throw in Logan Allen, Noah Burkholder, Hunter Parsons and Nolan Watson, just to name a few more, and they have enough arms to go deep in the playoffs. Desmond Lindsay has served as the heart and soul for the lineup this summer, and is surrounded by proven offensive performers such as Danny Blair, Xavier LeGrant, Brad Debo, Ryan Johnson and L.T. Tolbert.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team
While I generally avoid scout teams as darkhorse picks due to the fact that showcase teams are at an inherent disadvantage, there is just way too much power up and down this Blue Jays lineup to not pick them. If any team in this pool is going to dethrone the defending champion Canes it seems likely that it's a team with a lineup that boasts sluggers Demi Oromoloye, Tyler Williams and Michael Hickman. They will have a couple of quality choices on the mound to turn to against the Canes, with Canada's top 2015 pitching prospect in Mike Soroka, as well as hard throwing Ryley Gilliam.
What To Watch For: Canes power arms matchup with Blue Jays power bats
There is going to be a lot of scouting interest in two speed/power combination outfielders with fast rising stock in Demi Orimoloye and Tyler Williams. Scouts will be paying extra attention to how they handle facing high quality pitching in Jupiter, and they will be sure to see just that when they match up against the EvoShield Canes. They will each have a chance to prove themselves against some of the best that the high school ranks have to offer, whether that's a power arm like Ashe Russell or Beau Burrows, or an advanced pitchability arm like Logan Allen.
Pool H
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Florida Burn
Austin Bergner, Florida Burn
Winners of this year's WWBA Florida Qualifier, the Burn finished as the runner-up at least year's WWBA World Championship and have proven to be a near-lock to make the playoffs at every event they attend thanks to a disciplined, well-knit group. There are quite a few underclassmen sprinkled in the Burn's Jupiter roster, most notably in the form of pitching. Austin Bergner, Brian Brown, Jordan Butler and Nick Long are the most notable of this group, and all four shined at the recently completed Underclass World Championship. Long, Rylan Thomas and Shane Shifflett provide valuable two-way roles, while Justin Cohen and Deacon Liput help pace the offense.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Royals Baseball Club
There's no chance I'm picking against the Royals this October, at any level. While the known prospects like power armed righty Donny Everett are impressive, this is a club that is known for bringing highly talented under-the-radar prospects. One such candidate is New Mexico corner infielder Jared Mang, who opened eyes with his bat against similarly formidable pitching at the 17u Perfect Game World Series in Arizona. This is a tough pool and the Diamond Devils are also a strong contender on paper, while the young talent of Georgia PG Texas Orange makes them dangerous. The Richmond Braves are also a strong organization that is coming off a run to the finals of the Underclass World Championship a week ago.
What To Watch For: The Unexpected
This is perhaps the most unpredictable and wide-open pool in the field. The favorite Florida Burn are a very talented group with plenty of experience winning and are coming off a run to the championship game last year. But the Burn graduated a lot of 2014 talent and their talent is relatively reliant on underclassmen for a pool favorite at this level of competition. The Royals Scout Team are reliable in unearthing impressive hidden talent and their known commodities already make them a strong club, though the scout team approach to lineup decisions typically holds them back. There isn't a weak team in this pool and all five teams have a realistic chance of winning it. Which individual player will emerge as the top 2015 draft prospect is equally unpredictable, and is similarly anticipated.
Pool I
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: GBG Marucci
Greg Pickett, Chandler Baseball
GBG Marucci has been one of the brightest, fastest-rising travel teams in recent years, and this year's roster headed to Jupiter is loaded with 23 D-I commits. PG All-Americans Kyle Dean and Lucas Wakamatsu highlight an offense that includes other notable tournament contributors such as Spencer Steer, Jagger Rusconi, Will Proctor, Brendon Davis and Ryan Fineman. The staff is just as deep as the lineup, with numerous pitchers to turn to that currently throw in the upper-80s to low-90s, with a healthy balance between the 2015 and 2016 classes. Brendan Illies is one of several talented players that will contribute both at the plate and on the mound as Mike Garciaparra's biggest problem may be finding time for all of his players to compete.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Chicago Scouts Association
The Chicago Scouts Association's trio of impressive tall pitchers in Drake Fellows, Fitz Sadler and Liam Jenkins give them the requisite starting pitching to compete, and combined with their athleticism up the middle with Charlie Donovan and Jeremy Houston, gives this team the pitching and defense to make a run.
What To Watch For: Chandler Baseball-GBG Marucci matchup
These two teams are both deep on position prospects and their head-to-head matchup will offer one of the deepest collections of talent on one field you can find at the amateur level. There is also the Kyle Dean rivalry element to add intrigue, as the PG All-American outfielder played for Chandler during the 17 Perfect Game World Series this summer.
Pool J
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Houston Banditos
Cole McKay, Houston Banditos
Big arms are what the Houston Banditos are all about, and none are bigger on the Banditos than PG All-American flame-thrower Cole McKay. Christopher Paddack, Jiovanni Orozco and Nash Walters give the team three more quality arms, as the Banditos may turn to those four to carry them through pool play and into the playoffs. Although Paddack is more about command and changing speeds, Orozco and Walters, like McKay, can bring it, with Walters in particular opening eyes of late. Another PG All-American, infielder Kody Clemens, as well as 2016 outfielder Conner Capel, serve as the catalysts on offense while big Joe Davis provides the thunder in the middle of the lineup. Catcher Garrett Wolforth and 2016 middle infielder Andres P. Sosa help solidify the defense up the middle.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: East Cobb Astros
This pick comes down to one pitcher; Braxton Garrett. The rave reviews he drew from scouts at the Underclass World Championship in Fort Myers last week suggest that his team should be favored in any matchup he pitches in. While the depth of Central FL PG Royal and the Rays Scout Team make them strong candidates here, the opportunity for the Astros to use Garrett against the heavily favored Banditos gives them the best shot to pull the upset.
What To Watch For: Hawaiian righhander Ian Kahaloa
While the Houston Banditos roster features a couple of Perfect Game All-Americans and 22 players with commitments to Division I programs, it's under-the-radar righthander Ian Kahaloa who scouts will want to make a point to see. Kahaloa seized the opportunity of the increased visibility at the 2014 Hawaii state championship thanks to first rounder Kodi Medeiros. After shining in the spotlight as a junior, Kahaloa has made a couple of successful trips to the mainland where he has opened some eyes, and Jupiter will be his best chance to show scouts what he can do against high level competition. He is tentatively schedule to pitch on Saturday.
Pool K
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Marlins Scout Team
Josh Naylor, Ontario Blue Jays
The Marlins Scout Team always brings together an intriguing collection players, usually one full of extremely talented ballplayers but players that scouts haven't had extended looks at. Although J'Mar Smith spent significant time on the summer showcase and tournament circuit, the extremely athletic, quick-twitch outfielder will be watched with great interest to see how his game has progressed. Infielder Nico Hoerner and shortstop Delvin Perez, the No. 1 prospect from Puerto Rico in the 2016 class, add two more exciting, toolsy players to the roster. DeMarcus Evans and his steady low-90s heat fronts a pitching staff that also offers intrigue, which includes lefthander Jaret Hellinger and righthander A.J. Spencer.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Team Rawlings
While they will obviously miss 2014 first-round draft pick Michael Chavis from last year's pool winning squad, the fact that the only team in the pool with more talent on paper is a scout team will help their cause. Flamethrower Jonathan Hughes fronts a pitching staff that includes two of his fellow Georgia Tech commits in Burton Dulaney and Keyton Gibson, as well as Georgia commit Shane Tucker.
What To Watch For: Marlins Scout Team-Team Rawlings matchup
The top prospect in the pool is PG All-American first baseman Josh Naylor of the Ontario Blue Jays, but from a playoff implications standpoint the Marlins-Rawlings matchup is likely the most important matchup in this pool. The outcome of this game has the potential to put the pool up for grabs or allow the winner to run away with it, depending on the outcome, and the other three teams will be paying close attention as well.
Pool L
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Marucci Elite
Nick Shumpert, Tri-State Arsenal
The Louisiana-based Marucci Elite team has always done a very good job assembling some of the best talent from across the country, and once again this year will be led by a strong pitching staff highlighted by PG All-American lefthander Hogan Harris. Brennan Breaux, Ty Harpenau and Al Pesto had three more power arms from the 2015 class, in addition to two of the top 2016 righthanders in Greer Holston and Easton McGee. Although their lineup doesn't offer the same star power as it has in recent years, they have plenty of versatility from a deep pool of infielders that includes Morgan McCullough, Dylon Poncho, O'Neal Lochridge, Josh Smith and Brody Wofford. Catchers Michael Benson and Alex Webb as well as outfielder Luke Farley offer three more big bats to contend with.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Tri-State Arsenal
This was already a solid squad before the addition of PG All-American shortstop Nick Shumpert, who adds both athleticism up the middle of the defense and a dangerous bat to the lineup. There is a lot of youth on the roster which holds them back from being the favorite, but they're a strong contender in their own right and a tough draw for Marucci Elite.
What To Watch For: Tri-State Arsenal lefthanded pitcher Jason Groome
While we're still 20 months away from the 2016 MLB Draft, it is already clear that lefthander Jason Groome will be a significant prospect. The 6-foot-6 southpaw topped out at 92 mph at the Underclass World Championship last week and generates that velocity with a minimal effort delivery that suggest that there is significantly more velocity to come in the future. He will likely draw a huge crowd in the 2015 edition of the WWBA World Championship, it may be a smaller turnout this time around, but the scouts who do come to see Groome this go-around will certainly keep it in mind as a frame of reference to evaluate his development when the massive crowd joins them next year.
Pool M
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Midland Redskins
D.J. Wilson, Midland Redskins
The Redskins are built for a long tournament run, with a solid foundation built up the middle of the diamond with strong pitching, defense and speed. Outfielder D.J. Wilson provides a lot of that speed and will serve as the catalyst for a lineup that includes numerous top prospects from the 2016 class including catcher Tyler Duvall, infielders Gavin Lux and Austin McNicholas and outfielder Chase Murray. The staff is particularly loaded with southpaws that live in the upper-80s, such as Sage Diehm, Dion Henderson and Ty Hoecker, while Connor Kaiser will provide valuable two-way contributions.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Reds Midwest Scout Team
This team has made a habit of playing on championship Monday in recent years and after their showing the Kernels Foundation qualifier tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, this team looks quite formidable. While lacking an elite prospect, the Reds are a team that fits the description of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts due to the fact that they have both depth and versatility.
What To Watch For: Midland Redskins-Reds Midwest Scout Team matchup
This is one of the best matchups of pool play, with a pair of hand-picked teams that are deep and talented matching up in a game that could decide the pool winner. Both teams are aware of that and are likely to line up their pitching accordingly. The Redskins have an edge in the athleticism department but the Reds are well prepared having spent the fall competing together and thus should be sharp and ready.
Pool N
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Orlando Scorpions/Mets Scout Team
Brendan Rodgers, Orlando Scorpions/Mets Scout Team
If you had to choose only one team to follow during the tournament it would be hard not to select the Scorpions given the amount of star power on their roster. It starts with their game-changing shortstop Brendan Rodgers, the No. 1 ranked player in the 2015 class. Fellow PG All-Americans Kep Brown and Nick Fortes fortify both the offense and defense, while Nick Plummer, Ramon Alejo and Joe Skinner prove there will be no easy outs from top to bottom in this lineup. The pitching staff also features numerous arms, both lefties and righties, with the ability to pitch right around 90 mph. Righthander Cole Sands can bump the mid-90s as can 2016 hurlers Todd Peterson and D.J. Roberts.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Dallas Mustangs
The ace up thier sleeve is Antonio Santillan, and while the juggernaut Orlando Scorpions look like a nearly unmanagable opponent on paper, the Mustangs are the team in this pool with the best chance to knock them off.
What To Watch For: Brendan Rodgers
It might not be breaking news but the fact of the matter is that there will be a ton of attention paid to the No. 1 ranked player in the 2015 class, especially by organizations with a top ten pick in the upcoming draft. He was the leader of the Orlando Scorpions squad that made a run to the semifinals last year as a junior and he will be counted on to do the same again this year.
Pool O
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Team Elite Prime
Jahmai Jones, Team Elite Prime
Team Elite has made significant strides in recent years to turn themselves into one of the national powerhouses on the summer tournament circuit. Comprised of players mostly from the Peach State, this year's team will be personified by a handful of big bats at the top and in the middle of its lineup, including PG All-American outfielder Jahmai Jones, Bryce Denton, Michael Curry and Cam Shepherd. Nick Neidert provides valuable experience to a relatively young yet talented staff that includes 2016 hurlers Justin Glover, Zach Linginfelter and Christian Ryder. Team Elite offers a deep and versatile roster, with numerous two-way players able to provide meaningful innings.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Chet Lemon's Juice
The two-time champions find themselves with a tough draw, not only paired with one of the most talented teams in the field, but the pool also features depth. The wild card of the pool is Houston Heat ace Nick Perez, who could shake up the pool by knocking off whichever favorite the Heat use him against. This pool offers too many trains of circular logic based on the quality of pitching, and when each team may choose to use their arm that you can make a case for every single team in this pool. Team Elite Prime matches up with Mid-Atlantic PG Orange on Thursday, and it seems likely that they'll choose to use their top arm in that difficult matchup in order to have him available again for the playoffs, and that advantage gives the Juice the edge in a difficult pick. This is one of the best pools in the field.
What To Watch For: Team Elite Prime righthander Nick Neidert
The comand that Neidert showed consistently over the summer at WWBA tournaments and at the PG National Showcase make him one of the best present ability pitchers in Jupiter's loaded field. He has touched 93 mph with his fastball and he has shown prospect grade stuff as well, and even if he hasn't yet taken a step forward with his arsenal he should still be able to dominate whichever lineup he faces in Jupiter if he's on. Team Elite's offensive should generate enough runs to contend, so it will come down to pitching.
Pool P
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Lids Indiana Bulls
T.J. Collett, Lids Indiana Bulls
T.J. Collett has been ranked near the top of the high school players rankings for the class of 2016 since the list was released, as the lefthanded slugger's presence in the middle of the Bulls' lineup alone will help make their offense go. Collett isn't alone though, as Mitchell Garrity, Devin Mann and Luke Miller add multiple threats, and provide ample protection. 2016 lefthander Zack Thompson is the highest ranked pitcher of a talented staff that includes Ryan Feltner, Jordan Poore and Joe Vranesic. That gives the Bulls a healthy balance of bats and arms that should allow the team to find themselves in the playoffs come Sunday.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Team EvoShield
The EvoShield Canes organization is so deep that their second team is also a serious contender. As we saw in 2012 when FTB's second unit, Central FL PG Royal, made a run to the title game, we know that the nation's elite powerhouse organizations have enough depth that their second teams can advance deep in the tournament. This roster is half comprised of the EvoShield Canes' top 2016 prospects, highlighted by rangy shortstop Grant Bodison, as well as an infusion of talent from the West Coast Mariners squad that competed at the 17u PG World Series.
What To Watch For: The Class of 2016
The collection of junior talent in this pool is highly impressive. Five of the top 100 players in the class will be suiting up for teams in this pool and a handful more who are just outside the top 100 and have a chance to move up and join that group. Grant Bodison's athleticism makes him one of the most exciting and consistent players of the impressive group, while the power bats of T.J. Collett and Joey Polak offer the potential for fireworks. On the mound Zach Thompson, Spencer Van Scoyoc and Reid Schaller also show a lot of promise.
Pool Q
Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: Orlando PG Purple
Charles King, Dallas Tigers
Part of the Orlando Scorpions family of travel teams, the Orlando PG Purple may not offer the same star power as their big brother, but still stand out as the favorite in their pool. Tanner Campbell and Logan Gilbert pump their fastballs in the low-90s, while they have a handful of other reliable arms that pitch in the upper-80s with command and valuable tournament experience. A similar statement can be said about their lineup, as Matthew Coello, Jacob Corso, Justin Gesek, Evan Harold and Riley Hogan have plenty of game experience playing with one another, and three of those five are committed to D-I programs.
Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Dallas Tigers
Tough to pick against the St. Louis Pirates/Midwest Mets Scout Team here but the two-way ability of Ray Gaither and the upside of Charles King makes the Tigers a dangerous squad. Backing those two are M.D. Johnson and Shayne Nance to build a foundation for a strong pitching staff that gives them a slight edge over a Pirates club that is more offensive-minded than it has been in previous years.
What To Watch For: Dallas Tigers-St. Louis Pirates matchup
The second and third best teams in this pool are evenly matched and their hitting versus pitching matchup should offer several quality showdowns in which to evaluate, regardless of which quality arm the Tigers decide to turn to in this game.