Diamond Notes January 2005
1-31-05
Practices officially start a week from today, and many programs are finishing up their preseason camps.
A series of preseason articles begins today with my analysis of the 2005 5A pitching staffs.
Coach Jonn Freitas of the All Star Baseball Academy is now offering his VIP Program (Velocity Improvement Program) at locations in the Northwest and Southeast valley. The program is based on the training philosophy of Ron Woolforth of the renowned Can Am facility in Houston, Texas. Woolforth has essentially taken the teachings of names like Tom House, Paul Nyman and Allan Yeager and combined them into a training regimen that is second to none and that has proven to not only increase throwing velocity, but to properly condition arms. You can read more about the program here.
1-28-05
Wickenburg High School is in need of a varsity baseball coach after the sudden departure of the former coach. If you are interested in the position of know someone who fits the bill, you can contact Ron Bergman at 928-684-4577 (work) 928-684-7651(home) 928-671-1103cell
1-13-05
The NCAA continues to make progress on a series of academic reforms designed to legislate and enforce progress to degree standards among athletes. This week, the NCAA set a cutline Academic Progress Rate (APR) for Division 1 athletes that is roughly equivalent to a 50% graduation rate over a 5 year period.
The first penalties will be based on APR scores from 2003/2004 and from 2004/2005 and could begin to be assessed after December 2005. Basically, teams could lose up to a maximum of 10% of their scholarship limit For baseball, this could mean a loss of 2 scholarships for Division I teams. Increased penalties will ultimately be assessed to programs with a history of non compliance.
Another piece of baseball related news involves the change of the Division I baseball season proposed by the Baseball Issues Committee. The proposal would push back the start of official practices to February 1 and the first games to March 1. By contrast, ASU opens its season this year on January 28, and will play 18 games before the proposed March 1 date.
The proposed change is an attempt to help schools in cold weather climates by providing a "level playing field" with the later start date. The later start date will also push back the College World Series, some years into the month of July. No change is anticipated until 2007 at the earliest.
My primary concerns are twofold. One is the possible loss of games if the maximum number of contests is changed from its current 56. Another is the possible impact to the Collegiate Summer Leagues, with are wonderful venues for college players to get the opportunity to compete against high level competition in front of legions of professional scouts.
In local news, Mountain Ridge RHP Cory Burns attended the Perfect Game World Showcase in Fort Myers Florida last week and was very impressive. Cory threw 3 innings against a team of Puerto Rican prospects and allowed no runs while striking out 6.
1-3-05
I am deeply saddened to report that former North Canyon High baseball player Jason Smith lost his life last week while serving his country as a United States Marine in Iraq. Jason was a 2002 grad of NC and an All Region performer for the Rattlers in 2001 and 2002. Please keep Jason's friends and family in your prayers as they cope with their loss.
Jason Smith at the plate and on the mound for North Canyon
The AZ Smoke added another trophy to their collection this week by claiming the 16U Super Series Winter Nationals Championship. The Smoke finished the rain shortened event 7-0 and defeated the Phoenix Stars 11-0 in the title game. The Stars finished at 6-1 for the tourney and beat a very good San Jose Blaze team to advance to the championship.
Brandon
Macias with a base hit for the Smoke
The AZBA Scorpions captured the 15U Championship.