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Michigan Mailbag: December 9th

December 10, 2014



By Brent Alwine and Dylan Hefflinger
Michigan Scouting Director and Michigan Editor in Chief/Regional Scout

Every week, PBR Michigan holds an interactive chat through Twitter with our followers. Our goal is to be accessible. This is your chance to take advantage of our expertise. Ask questions to Brent Alwine, Michigan Scouting Director, about the recruiting process, upcoming high school season, specific prospects, PBR events, or anything else that may be on your mind.

We would like to thank all who participated, we enjoy bringing you knowledge and expertise on players and programs in your area.

Next week, we will be answering questions on either Tuesday or Wednesday, stay tuned.

Eight of the top questions from the Ask.FM Q&A Session on December 9th


If a player is an above average fielder but a weaker hitter, does he have a legitimate chance to play college ball?

PBR: Defense wins championships! Still need to be able to handle the bat and be able to...

  • bunt for a hit and SAC
  • hit behind runners
  • hit/run

The answer is yes there is place for you to play do not give up, being a plus defender is a big asset to have.

Who would you say are the top 5 MIF in the 2016 class in regards to fielding?

PBR: In regards to defense, here are my top five.

  • Drake Titus - Orchard Lake St Mary's
  • Devin Hager - Walled Lake Northern
  • Thomas Miller - Saline
  • Drew DeVine - Marshall
  • Connor Sampson - Belleville

What velocity should a 2016 pitcher be looking to get to, to have a D1 shot

PBR: There is not a specific velocity you need to get to.

  • How do hitters react to your pitchers?
  • What's your strikeout to walk ratio?
  • What type of pitches do you command for strikes?
  • Do you compete?
  • Do you sustain the velocity over a game?

Those are factors that will determine what level you can or cannot pitch at.

There is a lot of great competition in Division 4. Who, in your opinion has the best shot at winning the state championship?

PBR: New Lothrop returns enough to repeat. Beal City and Kalamazoo Christian are both battled tested and return a core group of players that led them both to final four appearances. Look for Muskegon Catholic Central will have a big carried by some stud players.

I'm a class of 2017 player, is it too early to visit colleges that I am interested in? And is it too early to start sending stats and video to coaches at schools I am interested in?

PBR: Not too early at all. A lot of 2017 players are taking visits with some making commitments already. Be proactive in your recruitment and start contacting schools that you have interest in attending. Send your stats, spring/summer schedule, GPA/ACT score, high school/summer coaches name and cell phone numbers.

Do you like Saline's chances this year?

PBR: Saline has some big time players and some big time experience in those players. They also garnered a transfer that could be one of the states top pitchers. They will be chased all year as one of the top teams.

Who were the best MIF at the Lansing Open?

PBR: Top MIF from the Lansing Open would be.

  • Max Stevenson 2017 - Utica Eisenhower
  • Jake Ramont 2017 - Lansing Catholic Central
  • David Thompson 2016 - Harper Creek

Who do you think has the best shot to win the Division 1 state championship

PBR: Bay City Western is the team to beat hands down. They have won back-to-back titles and return a core group and add a transfer arm that has touched 90 mph.

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