Q & A With Top Prospect Nick Burdi

A member of the 2011 class, Nick Burdi is a 6'3 175 RHP out of Downers Grove South in IL. A commit to Louisville, Burdi is currently the 48th ranked prospect, respectively, in his class and a strong spring/summer will only better his cause.

1. Congrats on signing with the Louisville Cardinals. Was this an easy decision for you and what were some of the other schools that were recruiting you and at the top of your list?

1. Louisville is a great place and I am truly blessed for the opportunity that they have given me. When I first drove into the campus I knew this is the place I wanted to continue my baseball career. Coach McDonnell has done a great job down there turning the program around, also Coach Williams has a great track recorded of getting his pitchers to the next level, Coach Lemonis is a great guy and has treated me great ever since we first met. Overall this program is going in the right direction and that's what made me make the decision of choosing the University of Louisiville. Other top schools that were on the top of my list were LSU, FSU, UNC, and Clemson.

2. At what point in your life did you realize you were a gifted player and could do something special with the game of baseball?

2. Baseball had been apart of my life since I had been growing up, but I didn't think that I would be in the position that I am in today. I was just an average player my whole until my freshman summer when I saw my fastball jump up to 86 mph. This is when I realized that I was given a special talent for the game of baseball.

3. What is your favorite personal baseball memory?

3. My favorite baseball memory would have to be getting 3rd place in the state tournament this past summer.

4. Who is your favorite baseball team and your favorite player?

4.My favorite baseball would have to the Boston Red Sox and I enjoy watching Josh Beckett and John Lester pitch for them. My favorite baseball player would have to be Josh Beckett.

5. What pitches do you throw and where do they usually clock in at?


5. I have 4 pitches that I throw a fastball, change up, curveball, and slider. My fastball goes any where from 89-92 mph, change up 78-80 mph, curveball 75-78 mph, and slider 80-83.

6. What are some of you expectations this spring with your high school team and this summer personally, with showcases and tournaments?

6. This spring are high school team is counting the days down till the season starts. We feel that we have the chance to do something special and get our name out there. We expect nothing but perfection this year and want to win a state championship. This summer will be pretty busy for me, I will be attending Area code showcase, silver and black showcase, and PG Nationals. Also my goals for the summer is to be apart of Team USA, Aflac and Under Armour All-American games. I will most likely be participating in the WWBA 18u and 17u Georgia tournament.

7. Being a nationally ranked player, does it make you want to strive harder and how does it effect your daily life and how you go about playing?

7. The way I look at being nationally ranked is that there is 47 kids out there that have been working harder then me and I need to get to there level. Kids at my school like to give me a hard time for being ranked nationally but I just laugh and let them have good time with it. I play even harder being ranked because people are looking at you do the right thing on the field so I try to do everything right and set a good example.

Q & A With Top Prospect Tyler Greene

Tyler Greene, a 6'3 175 SS out of Lassiter High School in Boca Raton, FL, recently answered a few questions for the blog. Heading into his junior year, the Georgia commit currently ranks at number 40 in Perfect Game's latest rankings.

1. Congrats on signing with the Georgia Bulldogs. Was this an easy decision for you and what were some of the other schools that were recruiting you and at the top of your list?

Thank you, and yes this was a very easy decision for me. I always loved the University of Georgia and wanted to be a bulldog the minute I saw the campus. At the time I had a lot of SEC scools after me and USF which was where my brother had signed to. But for me I always wanted to go to Georgia so there was no other schools I had in mind.

2. At what point in your life did you realize you were a gifted player and could do something special with the game of baseball?

I realized my 7th grade year when I started on the Varsity team at Coral Springs Christian Academy that I had a chance to do something special with my life.

3. What is your favorite personal baseball memory?

I dont really have a favorite memory yet Im just thankful that I get to go out and play the game of Baseball everyday.

4. Who is your favorite baseball team and your favorite player?

My favorite Baseball team is probably my hometown team the Baltimore Orioles. My favorite player is Alex Rodriguez.

5. Have you talked to any of the other players committed to Georgia or with other nationally ranked players?

Yes, I have talked to Sam Bragg, Ralston Cash, and Hunter Cole who are all going to Georgia. I also talked to a lot of great nationally ranked players as well I try to surround myself with people who want the same thing that I do.

6. What are some of you expectations this spring with your high school team and this summer personally, with showcases and tournaments?

Im expecting to have a great High School season and try to help Roswell High School and Coach Mike Powers win a State Championship. Throughout the Summer my goals are to make the Aflac and Under Armour game and also help East Cobb and Coach Baldwin win another National Championship.

7. Being a nationally ranked player, does it make you want to strive harder and how does it effect your daily life and how you go about playing?

It defiantly makes me work harder trying to show everyone that I should be Nationally ranked. It really doesnt effect my daily life I mean I do have a chip on my shoulder cause I not only want to be the # 1 player in the nation but also want to be the #1 2011 Draft Pick.

Q & A With Top Prospect Harold Martinez

Harold Martinez of the University of Miami just completed some questions for us here at the 2011 MLB Blog. Coming out of high school, Harold was being raved for his talents on the field and rather then signing with the Texas Rangers, he accepted the scholarship from the U, where he is today and is still considered a top prospect.

1. Were your summers with Team USA and down at the Cape some moments in your baseball career that helped you grow? I'm sure they are also times you'll never forget.

1- yea absolutely they gave me a great experience and playing with some of the best players in america really makes you rise your game.

2. What's your favorite personal baseball memory?

2- probably playing on national television in the Aflac game.

3. When choosing colleges, was Miami an easy choice for you being from around the area?

3-i never even considered another school. i've been a die hard hurricane since i've been in the country.

4. What are the teams expectations for this spring and what do you plan on doing this summer?

4-well we always have extremely high expectations at Miami. and our goal every year to become a national champion. and i'll play summer ball in the cape again.

5. Who's your favorite player and your favorite team?

5- my favorite team is the marlins and i have a lot of favorite players but Arod is probably the player i would like to be like the most.

6. Playing short stop in high school and 3rd at Miami, what position do you prefer?

6- well i love both but i really dont care which one i play. i just want whats best for the team.

7. Last question. Being one of the top players nationally for your class, how does that make you feel and what effect does it have on your dailly life?

7- well it just makes it nice to know people have me ranked good for my class. but it also gives me more motivation to hopefully make it one day to the MLB.

Q & A With Top Prospect Harold Martinez

Q & A With Top Prospect Daniel Norris

Hailing from Johnson City, TN, 6-1 170 Daniel Norris finds himself sitting atop the rankings for the class of 2011. He recently answered some questions for me and we will continue to track his progress through out the spring and summer.

1. Being not only the number one pitcher in the state, but you are the number one player in the nation, how does that make you feel and how does it effect your daily life?

1. It truly is a great feeling. It gives me a lot of confidence, but at the same time i have to remain on track and work harder everyday... "It is easier to become number one than to remain number one."

2. At what point in your life did you know that you were a gifted player and could do something special with the game of baseball?

2. Baseball has always been my life.. I realized i could do something special with baseball when i was baptized last year. I was baptized in my baseball uniform but not because i love baseball but because i realized the gift god has given me to reach out to other people that may look up to me.

3. What pitches does your repitoire consist of and where do all your pitches clock in at?

3. Fastball- topped at 96..consistant low to mid 90scureball-78changeup-82

4. What are your expectations for this spring with your high school team and this summer for travel ball and showcases?

4. for the upcoming high school season i would obviously like to win the state championship but if that doesnt happen i would like for our team to be respected by others by the way we play the game and our character.Summer ball- i would set my goal to make myself a better player and help lead my team to a national championship

5. What is your favorite personal baseball memory?

5. my favorite personal baseball memory is probably last summer playing in the connie mack world series in farmington, new mexico.. we had the opportunity to play in front of thousands of fans which is an experience that cant be matched until the next level

6. I've seen you have not committed anywhere yet. What schools are at the top of your list which ones have you liked the best so far?

6. just taking the decision to heart and making sure i make the right one but at the top of my list right now is probably clemson, vanderbilt and north carolina.

7. Last question. Do you keep in touch with other nationally ranked players that youve become friends with over the years?

Q & A With Top Prospect Ryan Harris

A commit to the University of Florida, Ryan Harris, a 6-1 185 RHP from West Palm Beach, FL, currently sits at number 17 according to the national rankings. With a fastball clocking in at the low 90's already, his ranking and fastball will improve greatly over time.

1. First off, congrats on signing with the Florida Gators. Was this an easy decision for you and what made Florida your choice over other top teams recruiting you?

1 .Deciding on Florida was a pretty easy decision to make for me. Florida was my top pick because I really like Coach O'Sullivan and i believe that he can help me develop as a player. Also I’ve always been a Florida baseball fan and they have one of the top programs in the country

2. Do you see yourself long term as a pitcher or as a postion player?

2. I see myself in the long run as a pitcher

3. When pitching, what pitches does your repitoire consist of, where do each of the pitcher clock in at and what is your favorite to throw?

3. I throw a fastball (4 and 2 seam) a splitter and a slider

4. Being a nationally ranked player, does it make you want to strive harder and how does it effect your daily life and how you go about your pitching?

4. Being nationally ranked doesn’t really make a difference in my daily life being recognized as one of the nation’s top players is an honor but I try not to get to caught up in rankings. I work hard and try to get better everyday to get better and be a better competitor. Being nationally ranked is just a bonus.

5. What's your favorite personal baseball memory?

5. My favorite baseball memory is from last year in a school game when i went 4 for 4 with two singles, a 2 run homerun and a walk off grand slam. We beat our rival team 7 to five and I had 6 RBI’s.

6. Who's your favorite baseball player and favorite team?

6. My favorite Pro baseball team is the Cardinals; favorite player might be either Rick Ankiel or Mariano Rivera

7. Last question. Have you talked to any of the other recruits, as there are a lot, that have already signed with Florida?

7. Yes i have talked with some of the Florida recruits. I am Real good friends with Kyle Smith who recently committed in the past few months and i am friends with Winker who I saw in Gainesville at the UF vs. FSU football game.

Q & A With Top Prospect Dillon Howard

Dillon Howard is a RHP out of Searcy, AR. As of Perfect Game's most recent rankings for the class of 2011, the 6'2 200 pitcher curently checks in at number 6 respectively.

1. When in your baseball career did you figure out that you were an elite player and could do something special with the game of baseball?

1. When I joined the Midland Redskins

2. Whats in your pitching repitoire and where do they clock in at? What's your favorite pitch to throw?

2. I throw a fastball,changeup, and a curveball

3. Whats your favorite personal baseball memory?

3. The bottom of the pile after winning the AABC World Series with the Midland Redskins

4. As a top ranked player in the nation and number one in your state, does it affect your daily life or how you go about pitching?

4. No

5. What are your teams expectations this year for this spring and your plans for this summer with tournaments and showcases?

5. We expect to be strong contendors for a State Championship. I play with the Midland Redskins in the Summer.

6. Last question. Have you given a verbal commitment to any school yet? If not, what are some of your favorites high on your list?

6. I have not verbally committed anywhere

Q & A With Top Prospect Philip Pfeifer

Philip Pfeifer, a 6'0 195 LHP out of Farragut, TN, recently spent some time filling out answers for me. Currently sitting at number 31 nationally, a good spring and summer will deffinately raise his ranking. His fastball, one of his pitches, currently sits in the low 90's.

1. What are some expectations for this spring with your high school and this summer with travel teams and showcases?

1. This year it's our team's goal to win state again. It would be a state record to win three championships in a row. The past two years we have worked hard on and off the field to win, and this year is no different.

2. At what point in your life did you know you were gifted in baseball and could do something special with the sport?

2. My freshman year I hoped to make the JV team but ended up making varsity and going 13-1

3. Whats your favorite personal baseball memory?

3. Losing to our rival freshman year to put the taste of defeat in my mouth, then winning state that same year to make me crave winning.

4. As a top ranked player in the nation, does it affect your daily life or how you go about pitching?

4. My day is pretty average, only with a lot of practice instead of other hobbies. I love being at the field, so I enjoy it.

5. Who is your favorite player and favorite team to folllow and why?

5. Whitey Ford, because he attacked the zone and took on hitters even though he was only 5'10 and didn't throw as hard as some of the power pitchers of his time. My favorite team is the Yankees, because they're good at winning and hate losing.

6. Do you stay in touch with other top prospects? Like who?

6. Nicky Delmonico and I go to school together so it's pretty fun traveling to stuff with him, and I also keep in touch with all the guys I have played with on the 16u and 18u USA teams.

7. Last question. Have you given a verbal commitment to any school yet? If not, what are some of your favorites high on your list?

7. No, I have decided to wait until this coming summer or fall to make up my mind, after I have a chance to think about where I want to go. I believe that waiting until then will give me the opportunity to get a good enough idea.

Q & A With Top Prospect Christian Montgomery

Christian Montgomery, a RHP out of Lawerence Central in Indiana, stands 6-1 24o and is ranked 23 nationally for his class of 2011.

1. What are some expectations for this spring with your high school and this summer with travel teams and showcases?

1. some epactations is to get better.

2. At what point in your life did you know you were gifted in baseball and could do something special with the sport?

2. when i skipped coach pitch and went straight to kids pitch at the age of 6.

3. Whats your favorite personal baseball memory?

3. hit a walk off HR in the state tourney at the age of 12.

4. As a top ranked player in the nation, does it affect your daily life or how you go about pitching?

4. i really dont worry much bout that leave every day like a teen and have fun. pitching wise i strive to get better still.

5. How was the Junior National Showcase in Minnesota and how did that help you out as a player?

5. the junior showcase was great, it really got to let me see what type of talent was out here and as a player it told me i had to work.

6. Last question. Have you given a verbal commitment to any school yet? If not, what are some of your favorites high on your list?

6. No, Florida Atlantic, LSU, Texas, Lousville, Kentucky, University Arizona

Q & A With Top Prospect Carson Baranik

Carson Baranik, a top prospects out of Bossier City, LA, recently commited to play with the LSU Tigers. The 6'3 205 RHP respectively sits at number 35 on a national level.

1. First off, congrats on signing with the LSU Tigers. Being a LA kid, was this an easy decision for you to make? What were some of the things that geared you more towards LSU then to some of the other schools that wanted you?

1. Being from Louisiana you grow up wathcing LSU and hoping one day you get the chance to be there. I also had interest in going to Arkansas or Texas because they are both great academic schools and have alot of oppertunities on the field but in my heart it was LSU all the way.

2. As a pitcher, what pitches do you have in your repitoire, where do they clock in at and what is your favorite pitch to throw?

2. I have a 2-seam fastball witch i throw 90% of the time and it has been clocked as fast as 94 mph. I throw a spike curve at 74-75, a slider that has been up to 85 and a change thats around 80. My favorite pitch to throw would have to be the slider because its always been my go to pitch even if the counts 3-2 so i just have alot of confidence in it.

3. What was your favorite personal baseball memory?

3. My favorite would have to be pitching in the pg national showcase, you just played the best guys in the country and it was alot of fun.

4. Being a nationally ranked pitcher, does that have an effect on how your pitch and on your daily life outside of baseball?

4. Being nationaly ranked is a great honar and i know alot of other players would like to be in my position but i like to think of all this as a long term race and not a short term race. Im not were i want to be yet so it just gives me motivation to work even harder.

5. Who's your favorite baseball player and favorite team?

5. I don't have a favorite team but my favorite player would have to be Justin Verlander.

6. Do you see yourself long term on the mound or in the field?

6. Im defenently a pitcher

7. Last question. As you are a future Tiger, do you try to get in touch with other players who have commited there, as I know there have been a few others in your class already. And do you keep in touch with other nationally players you have played with and against?

7. Defenently, im friends with Jake Cave and Joushua Bell. I try to get in touch with other players that are highly ranked but its sometimes difficult since we all live so far away.

Q & A With Top Prospect Nicky Delmonico

The 26 ranked prospect according to Perfect Game, Nicky Delmonico, just finished answering questions for the site. He is listed at 6-3 208, attending Farragut High School in Knoxville, TN.

1. What are some expectations for this spring with your high school and this summer with travel teams and showcases?

I think we have a good shot to win another state championship. We have a lot of good guys that know how to win. In the summer I plan on getting stronger and quicker for my Senior year.

2. At what point in your life did you know you were gifted in baseball and could do something special with the sport?

When I played for the 16u USA team. It gave me the confidence that I could compete with anyone on the field.

3. Whats your favorite personal baseball memory?

Being the Bat Boy for my Dad at the University of Tennessee. Greatest time in my life.

4. As a top ranked player in the nation, does it affect your daily life or how you go about playing?

Baseball is what I love.. It doesn't effect my daily life but makes me push myself to be the best.

5. Who is your favorite player and favorite team to folllow and why?

Derek Jeter and the Dodgers. Derek jeter plays the game right and is a great teammate. He always gives his teammates the glory rather than himself. The Dodgers have a lot of good guys that like to play the game.

6. Last question. Have you given a verbal commitment to any school yet? If not, what are some of your favorites high on your list?

No. Growing up, being around the SEC. I would like to play in that conference.

Q & A With Top Prospect Archie Bradley

Archie Bradley, the number 3 prosepct in the nation for the 2011 class, recently answered some questions for me. The 6-4 210 RHP pitcher is at the top of his class and will be at the top of the draft as well in 2011.

1. When did you realize that you were an above average player and could do something special with the sport of baseball?

1. i realzed that i was special at baseball probally around my freshman year when i was slected to go to the area code games

2.What player and team do you follow and why?

2. i follow the atlanta braves....dont really have a areason i just bobby cox and the braves

3.Any decision made on college yet, any front runners or are you going to wait to see how things pan out this year? Is football and baseball in college a possibility or are you going to focus on one sport?

3.i have no clue about college yet,or at least where im going. every school is a front runner right now and football will play a bih role on where i attend college. i plan to be a dual sport athlete in college

4. What are your pitches and where do they sit?

4. i throw a 2 seam and 4 seam fastball that sit anywhere from 88-94 sometimes touching 95-96

5. Being a top nationally ranked prospect, how does that make you feel and does it have an

impact on your life?

5. being a top prospect is pretty cool and the only impact it has is it makes me want to work harder to be the very best prspect in the nation i just like to thank god for the abalities he gave and keep working harder and harder

Q & A With Top Prospect Dillon Maples

I just talked to top draft prospect Dillon Maples, a 6-1 170 RHP out of Pinecrest High School in West End, NC. According to Perfect Game's lastest rankings, Dillon sits at number 11 respectively.

1. What are some expectations for this spring with your high school and this summer with travel teams and showcases?

Expectations are pretty high for me this year in high school because we are supposed to win states and the conferance. With showcase just keep on devloping pitches and learn the chang up.

2. Whats in your pitching repitoire and where do they clock in at? What's your favorite pitch to throw?

Fastball, curve, slider, and chang up witch I hardle throw. My favorite is the slider or curve I feel like I can throw it at anytime and it gets me out of a lot of jams.

3. Whats your favorite personal baseball memory?

Winning the World Wood Bat this summer with the canes, it was crazy.

4. As a top ranked player in the nation and number one in your state, does it affect your daily life or how you go about pitching?

Well as far as pitching, no I attack hitter the same way. It dosent effect my daily life at all, you cant think about that kind of stuff. The people that do are going to get passed. I just try to work hard each and every day.

5. Who is your favorite player and favorite team to folllow and why?

Mariano Rivera by far is my favorite. I just love the way he goes at hitter with no fear. They know what is coming and they still cant hit it. I dont really follow a team I just follow players.

6. Last question. Have you given a verbal commitment to any school yet? If not, what are some of your favorites high on your list?

Well this is in no order but ECU,UNC,SC (south carolina) Clemson, and VT and where ever I go I wnat to kick for football. I have already talk to a some of the coaches and they have said I have a spot on the team to kick.

Q & A With Top Prospect Adam Griffin

The other day I talked with Adam Griffin, a 6-1 175 RHP out of Forsyth Country Day High School in North Carolina. He recently commited to the Tar Heels and currently sits at number 12 in the class of 2011 respectively.

1. First off, congrats on signing with the UNC Tarheels. Being a NC kid, was this an easy decision for you to make? What were some of the things that geared you more towards UNC then to some of the other schools that wanted you?

1. it was a easy decision because i have always wanted to go there since i was a kid.

2. As a pitcher, what pitches do you have in your repitoire, where do they clock in at and what is your favorite pitch to throw?

2. fastball, slider, and change up. favorite pitch is fastball. topped at 95 and consistently at about 88- 92

3. What was your favorite personal baseball memory?

3. there are to many

4. Being a nationally ranked pitcher, does that have an effect on how your pitch and on your daily life outside of baseball?

4. no not at all just try to have a good time with my friends and family.

5. Who's your favorite baseball player and favorite team?

5. favorite baseball player is big papi, and favorite team is the Red Sox

6. Last question. As you are a future Tarheel, do you try to get in touch with other players who have commited there, as I know there have been a few others in your class already. And do you keep in touch with other nationally players you have played with and against?

6. Yeah i do, i talk to them all the time, yes i talk to some friends that are nationaly ranked players to.

Q & A With Top Prospect Preston Tucker

I recently talked with Preston Tucker, a sophmore at the University of Florida. Preston is the first college player to complete a Q & A with me and had a great season last year. The 6'0 215 first basemen out of PlantHigh School in Florida, batted .364 with 15 home runs and 85 RBI's on his way to becoming a First Team Freshman All-American. I project Preston to go in the first round, with his name being called sooner then later.

1. First off, a little belated, but congrats on being selected to the 2009 Freshman All-American Team. Did the year go as you expected or was it even better? What did making this team mean to you?

1. Thanks. I set very goals for myself in the beginning of the season so when I struggled in the beginning, it did not go how i would have liked. But at the end, my stats were where i hoped they would be.

2. The Gators seem to have a good core of players from last years team and the coaches brought in one of the better recruiting classes in the country for this year. What are the expectations of the team this year and what are you guys doing to accomplish them?

2. This year's team looked great during the fall. We are not nearly experienced as we were last year but there is a ton more talent on this team. We have a bunch of freshmen who are step in and become impact players from the start of the season.

3. Was commiting to Florida out of high school an easy decision for you?

3. It was a very easy decision. I wanted to be close to home so it was convenient and coach O'Sullivan was very enthusiastic about having me become a part of the program so i felt very comfortable from the beginning. Some other schools I considered were FSU, Miami, Clemson and Duke

4. What is your favorite personal baseball memory?

4. My best memory is the 3-run HR at georgia to tie the game in the 9th. We had won the first two games in dramatic fashion and were on a big win streak. It allowed us to sweep the series and was a huge swing in the SEC east standings.

5. What are you plans for playing ball this summer?

5. I am playing for the Orleans Firebirds in the Cape Cod League.

6. Being one of the top players nationally for your class, how does that make you feel and what effect does it have on your dailly life?

6. Obviously there's a bit of a sense of pride but football kinda overshadows everything else here at UF so not much in my everyday life has changed haha

7. Last question. Who is your favorite player and your favorite team to follow?

7. I've lived in Tampa my whole life so my favorite team is the Tampa Bay Rays. A couple of my favorite players are Ken Griffey, Jr. and Justin Morneau.

Q & A With Top Prospect Hudson Boyd

I just finished talking with nationally ranked RHP Hudson Boyd out of Fort Myers, FL. The 6-2 230 pitcher from South Fort Myers High School currently sits at number 24 nationally, but that is sure to go up as the spring and summer circuits approach.

1. First off, congrats on signing with the Florida Gators. Being a Florida kid anyway, was this an easy decision for you to make? What were some of the things that geared you more to Florida then to some of the other schools that wanted you?

1. I went to Florida for a prospect camp and fell in love with everything. I just knew I wanted to be a Gator. I really love the city of Gainesville and just knew I wanted to spend my college years there.

2. As a pitcher, what pitches do you have in your repitoire, where do they clock in at and what is your favorite pitch to throw?

2. I have a fastball that will be anymore from 88-94. A change-up that's anywhere from 83-85. My curveball is about 79-81. I don't really have a favorite pitch because I think they all are equally effective in certain situations so it's hard to have a favorite that I always go to.

3. What was your favorite personal baseball memory?

3. I can't say I have one favorite baseball memory. I have a lot! But if I had to choose I would have to say this past summer that I spent up at Midland. It was a lot of fun because the only thing we really did was play baseball and hang out. I made a lot of friends that I still keep in contact with and hope to see this coming summer when I go back!

4. Being a nationally ranked pitcher, does that have an effect on how your pitch and on your daily life outside of baseball?

4. It doesn't effect how I pitch that much. I know what pitches I need to execute to be successful. As far as outside of baseball it's still the same pretty much. Just when I go out with friends I'm introduced as "This is Hudson; He's going to UF to play baseball." My family keeps me grounded and my friends still rag on me so life hasn't changed too much.

5. Who's your favorite baseball player and favorite team?

5. My favorite player is Scott Rolen. He's out there everyday playing through pain. He's a good guy to copy in my opinion. I like to watch the Cardinals play because they play as a team and they have a blue-collar approach to the game.

6. Last question. Have you talked to any of the other recruits, as there are a lot, that have already signed with Florida? 11's Kelly and Harris or 12's McCullers Foody, Winker, Kendall?

6. I have only met Michael Kelly a couple of times. He seemed really cool and I'm excited to play with him in college. I did play with Lance McCullers this summer and I like Lance a lot. He's a good player and was a good teammate. He was also just a cool guy to hang with off-the-field.

Q & A With Top Prospect Andrew Suarez

I recently talked with LHP Andrew Suarez from Miami, FL and was able to ask the 6-2 190 pitcher some questions about baseball. As of Perfect Game's latest rankings, Andrew sits at number 14 respectively for the class of 2011.

1. First off, congrats on signing with the Miami Hurricanes. Being a Miami kid anyway, was this an easy decision for you to make? What were some of the things that geared you more to Miami then to some of the other schools that wanted you?

1. yeah it was an easy decision, its been my dream school since i was little.

2. As a pitcher, what pitches do you have in your repitoire, where do they clock in at and what is your favorite pitch to throw?

2. i have a 4 and 2 seam fastball, change up, curveball, and a slider. im 87-92.

3. What was your favorite personal baseball memory?

3. winning cooperstown.

4. Being a nationally ranked pitcher, does that have an effect on how your pitch and on your daily life outside of baseball?

4. not really, i still work hard to improve myself as much as possible.

5. Who's your favorite baseball player and favorite team?

5. im a big fan of clayton kershaw and cliff lee, and i have no favorite team, i like them all.

6. Last question. As you are a future Hurricane, do you try to get in touch with other players who have commited there such as 2012 grad Albert Almora, who is number 7 in his class respectively? And do you keep in touch with other nationally players you have played with and against?

6. yeah most of the miami commits are my buddies that ive known since i was little. yeah i still talk to most of the players.

Q & A With Top Prospect Tyler Beede

This past weekend I was able to chat with Tyler Beede, a 6-4 185 RHP from Lawrence Academy in Auburn, MA. In Perfect Game's lastest 2011 national rankings, Beede sits at number 15 respectively and that will only go up.

1. Being one of the youngest players at this years Area Code Games, do you think it helped you both physically on the field and mentally off it, knowing you could compete with older players at a national level?

1) good question, well ill take it back a step and tell you that I wasn't even selected to the area code team at first. I ended up on the team cause stetson allie couldn't go so they asked me to tryout again and thankfully I made it. Now going in to the area codes I didn't expect a lot of playing time, then they called on me in one the biggest games against the Milwaukee brewers team. I had confidence but I didn't think id do that well, after area codes I had a lot of confidence, I got more college looks and the doors just opened up from there. It helped everything

2. Whats in your pitching repitoire and where do they clock in at? What's your favorite pitch to throw?

2) I have the regular 4 seam fastball, 1130 to 7 curveball and my favorite pitch is my change, I throw that in any count. This summer I got it up to 93 and was consistently at 88 92

3. Whats your favorite personal baseball memory?

3) id say winning a national championship with the Virginia canes 16U team this past summer. It was unreal

4. As a top ranked player in the nation and number one in your state, does it affect your daily life or how you go about pitching?

4) it doesn't effect me at all really, it motivates me more than anything because each year I need to get better and I set pretty big goals, gotta get in the weight room ever day and out work those players ahead of me. The state is very good with talent in the 2011 class and ya I'm proud of it, but my goal is number one in the country, that's where I need to be. I work towards that goal everyday.

5. Who is your favorite player and favorite team to folllow and why?

5) josh Beckett cause he's a great pitcher and my mechanics and his are very similar. The red sox by far

6. Last question. Have you given a verbal commitment to any school yet? If not, what are some of your favorites high on your list?

6) yes I've recently commited to vanderbilt university down in Nashville Tennessee, its a wonderful school coaches are unbelievable and its a perfect fit for me.

Congrats to Anthony Rendon, Freshman of the Year

This years NCAA Freshman of the Year is Anthony Rendon of Rice University. The 5-10 180 infielder out of Houston, Tx had a year to remember putting up unfathomable numbers, .388, 20 hrs, 72 RBI's, .461 OBP and a .702 slugging percentage. He did all this in his first year of collegiate baseball and his coach, Wayne Graham went on to say ""He had the best freshman year we've ever had." Congrats again to Anthony and look for him to be in the top part of the fiirst round come draft day in 2011.

Welcome

Thanks for checking out our blog. Here you will find the best information on 2011 draft prospects, news, player interviews, mock drafts and anything else you can imagine. The draft is about two years away, so much will change and be sure to check in frequently to stay current. Any questions just ask.