Top Tier Baseball - Optimistic about 2007 - Talent and Chemistry
February 4, 2007 —
Coach Tolan - “We might not win every game. But our passion and “will” to win will be relentless”
Head coach Tolan is focused on taking the Top Tier baseball program to become one of the premier programs in the nation. Tolan’s plan for the future is simple: “win through hard work and dedication, with a primary focus on doing things the "right" way both on and off the field. We might not win every game. But our passion and “will” to win will be relentless.”
"We are very excited about this group of players some of them are new and some have been playing together for about three consecutive summers. Our past 18u teams have been tremendous. However, this team is going to have great talent with unbelievable team chemistry. The team is also extremely well balanced with speed, defense, power and some big time pitching with lots of depth. The only impediment that we might run into is the draft taking away some of our players, It was a big blow losing Joe Benson and Zach McAlister in last years draft (2nd round, Minn. Twins, 5th round New York Yankees). But, we are thrilled on how everything has turned out for them. However, our depth is one of our greatest assets.”
“Our goal for 2007 is to get into the Connie Mack World Series in Farmington, New Mexico and make these players become impact players when they step on their college fields as freshmen.”
Tolan’s review on Top Tier players –
Outfielders:Pete Cappetta Committeed to University of Illinois – Tremendous, versatile athlete that could play SS or Outfield. Once he fills out he could possibly be a five tool player. Strong arm. In the outfield he chases balls down like a gazelle. Great work ethic.
Kevin CraneUncommitted. Kevin ran into an arm injury that is now fully healed. He is a definite five tool player – No park is too big for this kids power. Tremendous impact player.
Casey McMurray Committed to University of Illinois – Five tool player, old school type player that plays through any injury. Explosive bat speed. They don’t make players like this anymore. He might be quiet in the dugout, but he can change the outcome of the game with his bat or glove.
Ian Goldberg Committed to Tufts University – Outstanding makeup with a sweet lefty swing that sprays to all fields with serious gap power and bunts well for base hits.
Dain Hall Committed to University of Villanova - Solid multi-position player. Plays INF/OF exceptionally well. Extremely fast – Steals bases and tracks down balls in the gap effortlessly, Great athlete with power.
Jared Levi Uncommitted – Solid hitter, great bat speed, explosive swing to all fields, great attitude and plays hard.
Infielders:Matt Burch Uncommitted – First Basemen that hits well to the opposite field. Great work ethic and will develop into a power hitter.
John Williams Committed to Parkland College – Third Basemen/First Basemen - Very intriguing player to many MLB teams. One of the hardest swinging 18u players. Extremely fast hands with a strong arm. Great frame – 6’3 – 235 lbs.
Derek Graham Uncommitted – Solid multi-position player. Infielder/Outfielder – Solid defensive skills, strong arm with good gap power to all fields. Injured last year but is coming back stronger than ever.
Jordan Rosenberg Uncommitted – Third Basemen/First Basemen – Recovered from Tommy John surgery. Pretty amazing how fast he recovered. Good gap power that will generate a lot of RBI’s. Hard worker that should have a good upcoming season.
Andrew TrepelUncommitted - SS / 2B – Great situational hitter that is projected to hit with lots of power. Hard-nosed and good feel for the game. Smooth glove. The kid knows how to swing it.
Josh TolanCommitted to Purdue University – SS / 2B – Solid defensive skills with great range. Smooth line drive swing to all fields. Hard-nosed, Lead off type hitter. Has led in Stolen Bases for the past 2 years. Creates havoc on bases.
Catchers:Cameron McConnell Committed to Notre Dame – One of the best arms in the nation, excellent skill sets behind the dish. When he gets that bat going, he will be a tremendous draft pick.
Brett Van Asdlen Uncommitted – Power hitting catcher, blocks and frames well, accurate in-game thrower. Work horse behind the plate. Very intriguing power once he develops better balance. MLB teams like his pro type body – 6’4”-225 lbs. I love his hard-nosed attitude.
Pitchers:Nick Chmielewski Committed to University of Illinois – RHP that many MLB teams are extremely interested in. This summer Nick should be sitting low 90’s and occasionally lighting the gun at 95 mph. Great competitor that always wants the ball.
Casey Crosby Committed to University of Illinois – The 6’4”, 195 lbs, lefty might be the most sought after pitcher in Illinois. Dominating type pitcher with an explosive fastball and has strong command on both sides of the plate. This summer Casey should be an effortless low 90’s and occasionally touching 94 mph. Upside is unlimited.
John Flanagan Uncommitted – This 6’6”, 220 lbs front line lefty pitcher has all the scouts buzzing. Explosive fastball (93mph) with big league movement, dominating, effortless type pitcher with unlimited potential. Nasty 11-5 breaking ball that cork screws batters in the ground. His biggest skill are his live arm and unbelievable mound presence.
Steve Godawa Committed to Valparaiso University – RHP that has a live rubber arm that has allows him to make a couple appearances in a weekend. Good fastball (89 mph) with solid secondary pitches, paints corners. Will be primarily used to set up and close.
Gerry Martinez Committed to Parkland College – RHP that gets ahead in counts, throws a heavy ball with late life, effortless delivery, dominates hitters with solid mechanics. Should be throwing 90+ by the summer.
Grant Monroe Committed to Duke University – RHP 6’4, 205 lbs – Great size, very athletic, Poised and competitive on the mound. A groomed dominating pitcher with fluid mechanic's, sneaky quick velocity, fires a heavy ball and has great mound presence. Should be throwing 90+ by the summer. Knows how to kick it in a higher gear in pressure situations.
Kasey OuradaUncommitted – RHP 6’3”, 190. Good size. Live arm. Mentally tough. Strong work ethic, Tall lanky (will fill out nicely), very coachable, works well under pressure. Wins every time he steps on the field with filthy stuff. Very crafty and is always working ahead in the count. Throws a lot of grounders. He is an infielders dream pitcher.
Eric WymanCommitted to University Illinois Chicago – Big athletic lefty - 6’3”, 210 lbs Deceptive velocity (89mph), challenges all hitters, fearless on mound, nasty slider to right handers, pitches to both sides of the plate, deceptive move to first, great poise and composure. Knows how to win.
Kyle Ayers Committed to Parkland College – RHP 6’4”, 210 lbs – Big hard throwing (91 mph) righty. Great frame that projects well. Is a sleeper that will make a name for himself soon.
Top Tier is almost finished with it’s recruiting and will be announcing two more big name pitchers very soon.
