Uncommitted Prospect Watch: IF Jordan Simpson
September 14, 2011
With infielder Jordan Simpson, outfielder Ryan LeFevers (previously featured), and two-player Nick Edwards (previously featured), Moeller’s storied program is set to aim towards yet another state championship and continue sending student-athletes to the next level.
Prep Baseball Report caught up with the three players for their thoughts on the PBR event, the recruiting process, and playing for Moeller. Likewise, Tim Held, the head coach at Moeller, provided his thoughts on each of the young men.
This is the third part in a three part series.
Now, we focus on infielder Jordan Simpson.
Coach Held on Jordan Simpson: “In 2011, he played an outstanding third base for us showing great hands and a very strong arm. He really came into his own at the plate as the year progressed getting a lot of big hits for us as he cut down on his strikeouts. He has one of the top baseball IQ's that I have ever coached. He always knows where the ball should go and is always looking to take the next base. He will play third base or short stop for us in 2012.”
Jordan Simpson Q & A with PBR PBR: What was it like and what were your thoughts on participating in PBR's first southwest Ohio event?
Simpson:. I enjoyed participating in PBR's first southwest Ohio event. The event had structure to it and the members who ran the event knew what they were doing. The venue couldn't have been better and it is always a privilege to play at Prasco Park. The competition at the event seemed to be full of good players and even had some great players from southwest Ohio.
PBR: You were among the top infielders at the event, how much pride do you take in being fundamentally sound defensively?
Simpson: It is a great honor to be selected as one of the top infielders at any event, especially at an event such as this one. I take great pride in every aspect of my game. My defense has been something that I have worked very hard to develop over the years. Since I have taken so much time to develop my defensive skills, I take a lot of pride in being “fundamentally sound defensively.”
PBR: Is it hard to prepare for showcase events when you have to wait your turn for your drill?
Simpson: A showcase is a very difficult thing to participate in. I would consider myself more of a game player due to the way I play the game so a showcase is always a different challenge which requires focus. Honestly, I find that staying focused the entire showcase is the key to performing well. The game becomes easier when you can focus in on exactly what you’re doing.
PBR: What was it like to play this past season for Moeller? Finishing the season season ranked #1 in Division I, did you feel a target on your team last year?
Simpson: Playing for such a prestigious high school is a great honor. Even to make the team is a great honor. I consider myself lucky that I have the opportunity to go to a school like Moeller High School and be on the Moeller baseball team. On this team, there isn’t a soft spot on the field. All the kids that are on the field can really play the game so it almost seems like an all-star team. Finishing #1 in the State Poll is just a tribute to the program and the athletes that come in each and every year and perform. I think the entire 2011 Moeller Varsity squad would agree that there was a huge target on our back. Playing for Moeller is a tough enough task so when we were highly ranked in the state poll as well as various national polls it was all the more reason for teams to throw their ace against. I think the target will always be there just because each and every year Moeller’s athletes continue the tradition.
PBR: Is it easier to stay motivated in the offseason when you fall short of your goal of a state championship?
Simpson: Great question. I think it is much easier. Every team in the state wants to be that one team that finishes on top and wins their last game but only one team gets to do. We were almost the tournament favorite to be that team so when we lost to Vandalia Butler it really stunned me. I really realized first hand why you play the game. The paper doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is any given day when you have to go out and perform. This offseason will be a great opportunity for myself and the entire team to think about how bad we want state; I know I want it bad.
PBR: As you head into your senior year, what aspects of your game do you feel are a strength and which do you feel you need most work on?
Simpson: I find myself hitting the weight room nearly every day. I think that with the new BB-Cor bats being used this year that I will need the extra strength to have some power behind my swing. I think that becoming stronger is the thing that I need to continue doing and dedicating serious time to getting stronger. I honestly think that my greatest strength is the way I play the game. I love to go first to third on a single, score from first on a double, steal third, drop a drag bunt down, or get a guy in with a ground ball to second. I love baseball and I love the way I play the game. Those are two things that will never change.
PBR: Are there particular colleges that have shown interest that you are considering to attend?
Simpson: There are a handful of colleges who have shown interest. I am still undecided on college but am in talks with multiple schools. Among these schools are schools from the Big Ten, Horizon League, and the MAC among others.