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To College and Pro Scouts: PEN Pitchers are very serious, well trained athletes. This is one of the very finest and most well-rounded training programs there is All PEN Pitchers below follow these mandatory concepts of training:
Nutrition/Recovery/Health
Cellular chemistry efficiency and optimal blood chemistry so the body has a chance to prepare and repair before, during and after performance and training. Rules: 1. Learn how to eat 9-13 servings of a variety of FRESH, RAW fruits and vegetables every day. 2. Alkalize, energize, combine, rotate, and enhance foods to fuel the body optimally and to cleanse at the cellular level for what is required and demanded to be successful and healthy as an elite athlete, on a daily bases. 3. Eliminate tobacco, processed foods, soda, sports drinks, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, bad carbs, bad fats and bad proteins. 4. Drink half your body weight in ounces every day. 5. Plan to sleep in 45 min increments. Try to wake up at either 7, or 8 1/2 hours sleep every day. Take a 45 min nap cycle in the afternoon before a workout as much as possible. See www.juiceplus.com/+jf84522 for more info on PEN nutrition program. Mechanical/Skill
Understand “stuff” or what good ball-flight really is FIRST. Mechanical changes only make sense if THE FLIGHT OF THE BALL GETS CONSISTENTLY BETTER and the feeling becomes more efficient and comfortable. Become your own best troubleshooter. There are many styles to mechanics. Know difference between “style” and “flaw”. Know certain laws of physics that apply to the pitching delivery: 1. Dynamic balance and linear directed force (center of gravity between balls of feet in direction toward home, into foot strike). 2. Posture Stabilization (minimal head movement through drive, foot strike, and launch) 3. Late TORQUE between hips and torso, then late shoulder torque (hyper-flexion). 4. Control the glove-arm in front at release . 5. Release point posture stability and finish. 6. Arm action torque and whip (late external rotation) with elbow flexed at around 90 degrees.
Advanced Human Movement and Pitcher-Specific Strength and Conditioning
Positions and movements prioritize injury prevention and are specific to baseball functions and overall athletic skill challenge. When training the body for strength and conditioning use total body integration…. feet to fingertips to constantly work the entire kinetic chain. Challenge the body to adapt to a variety of environments (hills, sand, beams, single leg work etc). Overload and underload this process with weight variation. Do not isolate body parts. Don't overlook the importance of a strong ATP energy system (short-term/high intensity explosive work). Joint integrity and stability, hypertrophic parity (strength of primary movers, secondary movers and connective tissues are all synchronized), and muscle density for optimal nerve function (quick twitch) ARE PRIORITY. Also, the prepare-compete-repair macro and micro cycles are smart and make sense for performance days.
Mental/Emotional (Brain Training)
Train the mind/body connection. M/E management combines mind/body with task and preparation. Understand that experience means combining “thinking” (conscious) with “feeling” (subconscious). The part of the brain that directs motion, rhythm, concentration and timing is trained just like a muscle. M/E Rules: 1. Commit to the simple concept of getting better in every way, every day, on your own! 2. Become your own best coach. 3. Expect more of yourself than anyone else will. 4. Be honest with yourself and know exactly what it takes to get better in all areas. 5. Stay in the present in competition. You are only as good as the next pitch (vent frustration appropriately). 6. Learn good breathing and relaxation habits. 7. When evaluating performance always talk positives first, and then end with a positive plan to either adjust or get better. 8. Have discipline (consistently do what’s right when no one is looking). 9. Learn good strategy. Know what it takes to get different types of hitters out.
All 4 are interdependent. You are only as strong as your weakest link
Current College Pitcher/ Pro ProspectsStephen Montalbano RHP Keystone PA. College Frosh. Originally from New Jersey. Recent PEN member (May '07) 6'3" Very live and loose arm with tons of potential. Has great ability to learn and adjust. Mid 80's now but only 18 and has plenty of physical maturity left in him.
Chris Smith 6'3" 170 lb Soph. RHP Ohio Domincan U. In PEN since '04 (Jr in HS) Originally from Chesterton, IN. See PEN Success Stories. Chris was the conference "pitcher of the year" as a frosh and an NAIA all-American. 1.76 ERA. Mid to upper 80's now with lots of room to grow still. Very hard/smart worker, very serious athlete with major league mission. Very healthy, no arm problems. For '07 Stats follow: http://panthers.ohiodominican.edu/sports/mens/baseball.aspx Chris will play in the Alaskan Collegiate League this summer Chris Smith Named AMC Pitcher of the Week (March 24, 2007)
 CEDARVILLE, Ohio – Ohio Dominican sophomore Chris Smith ( Chesterton , IN ) was recently named the American Mideast Conference Pitcher of the Week. Smith is the second straight Panther to be named the conference top player after Phil Franks earned the award last week.
Smith, a 6-foot-3 righthander, tossed a complete-game three-hitter to blank Urbana University , 7-0, in an AMC South Division game on Saturday. He struck out two and walked two in seven innings for ODU, ranked No. 24 in the latest NAIA baseball polls. The Panthers return to action this week as they host Cedarville University in a divisional match-up on Friday, March 30th. Game time is set for 1 p.m. '07 Stats (as of 4/4/07)
0.96 era 4-0 6 Starts 28.0 IP 16hits, 9 runs, 3 earned, 9BB's 22K's Current Unsigned '07 Grad PEN Prospects (as of March '07) Current Junior College Soph Prospects Dave Silwanowicz LHP Mott CC Flint Michigan. New PEN Member (April '07) Great student/crafty lefty. Lots of room to grow and become dominant small college pitcher. Has recently developed an outstanding breaking ball to go with his running fastball and change-up. Wants electrical engineering only. Email:
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Phone 586-557-7133   
Jordan Westra 6'4" RHP Kellogg CC Frosh. Topped at 92 in last start. Has an excellent breaking ball and is now learning a change. Tremendous projection...still has lots of room to mature and throw very hard. His delivery is now adjusting to give him much more leverage, deception and most importantly...command. He is also one of the hardest working guys in this program. Had an NJCAA World Series Start on May 29'07. Huge desire and ability to become a major leaguer. Update: Jordan has not only found HIS consistent delivery, he has made HUGE advances in his strength. Jordan has the tools to be drafted very high and pitch in the majors...without question. PH: 269-998-7442 Josh Weis 5'9" RHP Kellogg CC Recent PEN Member (Sept 07). Very solid/polished college prospect. Mid 80's with 3 solid pitches. Josh has one of the very best change ups I have ever seen. Command is getting much better. More info soon. PH: 989-798-4361
'08 PEN Prospects Mike Musary RHP Lake Orion HS MI RHP 6-1" 180 lb 3.96 GPA 33 ACT Has been flashing some of the best stuff I have seen as a senior pitcher in a long tome. He is only 83-4ish right now but his stuff is pure filth. He has a change up that is one of the best I have ever seen a HS pitcher have. His FB movement and location are at times jaw-dropping. Slider is also real sharp, hard and late with big or small movement. Mike has absolutely dominant stuff at about 60% of the time. He is also obviously very smart and will learn quickly. When he gets better at keeping things simple, he will be a solid D-1 prospect. Eamil:
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PH: 248-830-4304 Dustin Sutter RHP 6'1" 200 Lbs Eaton Rapids HS (Central Michigan.) Dunstin has a live arm with a unique side arm sling giving him lots of movement. He has been clocked at 83-84 mph as a Jr. Dustin has made some serious gains in the last year with his ability to repeat his delivery and throw more strikes. Dustin is a JC prospect with decent grades. He has been growing and getting much stronger in the past 6 months. Lot's of natural strength and dense muscle. 9776 Wilbur Hwy Eaton Rapids, MI. 48827 PH: 517-646-6547 Home 517-230-5546 Cell
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Anthony Narducci RHP Joliet Catholic HS 6'3" 220 lb RHP Great body. Big, strong, wide shoulders with power delivery. Has potential to throw very hard with a very stable and efficient delivery. Will have 3 pitches that work on a down plane. Has been clocked in the mid 80's however that should increase as his mechanics and strength increases. Anthony is a also a serious musician and wants to major in music in college. Email:
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Ph: 630-670-3250
Patrick Nawracaj (Nuh RAY see) 6'3 150 lb RHP Merrillville HS IN. Lean body but has a very clean arm action and delivery. Strength and physical mat0rity will make him a possible college star at any level. Life on ball and mechanics are very rare. Will have great command and stuff. Has potential to throw hard in future. Excellent prospect! Recent PEN Member (Sept 07) See more detail soon. Good grades, good attitude. email:
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Phone: 219-308-1974 or 219-662-0126 Sean White RHP 6'2" 195lb 3.7 GPA, 28 ACT Grand Blanc HS. Sean has been working extremely hard at getting his motion to get better and smoother. After just a few short months Sean has developed his delivery into a very clean, quick armed, deceptive delivery. His velocity is in the 80's but it is increasing daily as his delivery gets better. His best pitch is his breaking ball. It is a very sharp and nasty pitch. Sean is obsessed with becoming better every day. He has HUGE desire to become a great college pitcher. He loves to work and has the aptitude to keep learning at a very fast pace. Sean is also a solid hitter who had a .495 average as a Jr.. Sean is also a very likable person who will be a leader. PHONE: 810-730-7348 EMAIL:
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Charlie Markison LHP 6'2" 185 lb Chippewa Valley HS (Detroit.) Polished command lefty with great change-up and hard run and sink on fastball. Smart pitcher with a lot of baseball savvy. Breaking ball is a hard cutting action to get in on righties. Upper 70's in JR pre-season with lots of room to grow. Shows ability to become a D-1 pitcher.
Email:
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Clay Vanderlaan RHP 6'0 190 lb Houston Texas. Cypress Ridge HS. Hit 92 at a showcase in fall '06 Recent PEN Member. See more detail soon. Recently (June '07) gave verbal commitment to Michigan State U. Congrats Clay!
Perfect Game REPORT: Clayton VanderLaan is a 2008 RHP/OF that attends Cypress Ridge HS and resides in Houston, TX with a 6'0", 188 lb. frame. Named to Top Prospect Team. Strong athletic build, very good looking prospect, long smooth arm action on the mound, good arm speed, very good sink and run on FB, good feel for CH, solid slurve, all pitches have very good life, great upside on the mound, good strength in his swing, lifts and pulls the ball easily, shows bat speed, good balance, good plate coverage, short bat path, good student.
Ron & Giulia (Julia) Vanderlaan Home# 281-890-7 Clay Cell# 281-386-6702 Clay's e-mail address -
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http://www.perfectgame.org/players/images/PlayerImages/06natudec495.jpg JD Osborne LHP MI 6'2" 170 lb Rochester Adams HS. 31 ACT/ 3.70 GPA. In PEN since June '06. Mid/low 3/4`slot. Another top '08 LHP in the state. Loose, live arm with a great slider and change. FB has a ton of run/sink at times. He is starting to show the consistency that will make him a solid D-1 pitcher. Very good basketball player, JD is showing serious stuff with velocity reaching low/mid 80's. Excellent student. '07 Stats (as of 4/16/07): 30 1/3 innings
23 hits hits 1.77 ERA
13 walks
22 k's
5 runners picked off 1-2 2 saves
Email:
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PH: 248-342-9716
Kyle Teague RHP MI 6'1" 160 lb. Oxford HS. 3.7 GPA. 24 ACT. Committed to Oakland University. PEN member since Sept '04 (8th grade) One of the top '08 RHP's in Michigan. 2nd Team All-State as a junior. Mid 3/4 slot. Mid 80's with 4 real good pitches. Breaking ball and change up are D-1 college out pitches right now (March '07) Breaking ball is unbelievable at times. Kyle has the stuff to be a dominant college pitcher. Email:
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PH: 248-425-7749 Kyles final HS stats for 07:
Innings- 71.3 K's- 109 Walks- 8 Earned Runs- 10 ERA- .98 W/L- 9/3 1-save
Connor Meilock RHP Lake Orion HS MI. 6'0" 175 lb. PEN since Jan '07 Real good athlete who is probably a primary positional player in college. Has a very strong bat and defensive skills. He is fast/quick and can really play the game. As a pitcher he is learning how to locate with movement, change speeds and throw hard (clocked at 84-86 already, march '07.) Braking ball is sharp, has feel for change-up and shows great movement at times. Strong arm, very athletic. D-1 prospect. Mark Shaver RHP WI Roberts, Wisconson St. Croix Central HS 6'0 165 Committed to U. of Duluth. PEN since Feb '07. Strong, hard throwing RHP with great feel on all pitch rotations. Marks breaking ball is outstanding; a true 12/6 yak with great bite. He can also throw a hard cutter very well and his change up is also very good. He has been recently clocked up to 86 on gun and will climb. Mark is a very dedicated pitcher who trains extremely hard, great makeup. He is also a wrestler. Mark definetily has D-1 potential and could be throwing up to 90 mph in next year. Has been hitting 85-86 this summer with a lower slot. Mark has a huge desire, great personality and love for the game. Address: 1126 140th St. Roberts, WI 54023 Cell 715-781-2868 Email:
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Michael Rizzo RHP Northbrook IL, Glenbrook North HS 6'2" 175 lb. In PEN since Jan '06. Very polished and smooth delivery with excellent body control. High 3'4 slot. Loose arm action getting real nice rotation and life. Throwing 78-83 in pre-season '07 with good curveball action at times. Has real good feel for a change-up with command and sink. Mike will change speeds and hit spots and can use off speed when behind in count. Mike is a very dedicated athlete who will continue to get stronger and better as he progresses through college. Good attitude, smart kid. With strength gains in next year, Michael is a solid D-1 prospect. '07 Stats: coming soon Email:
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Jed Bradley Signed at Ga Teck in Fall '07. LHP MI Utica Eisenhower. 6'5" 195lb. Fastball is 85-87 (Oct '07) In PEN since Jan '06. Definetely one of the top'08 LHP's in Michigan (now living in Alabama.) Excellent and consistent delivery. Very controlled but aggressive. High 3/4 slot, loose arm with square posture. Command and consistency are very solid. Great sink on FB at times. Great breaking ball, very sharp and hard (75-78) Has a very good change up also. Both his slider and change are college out-pitches. Jed is one of the most dedicated of all PEN pitchers. Email:
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Final '07 HS regular season pitching stats: 61 2/3 IP, 83 K's, 24 BB, 8 ER, 7 CG, ERA .91 Summer '07 Stats: 48 1/3 IP, 56 K's, 14 BB, 2 ER, 34 Hits, ERA .29 SEE VIDEO LINKS ON JED AT: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDO8fIp1jAE OR http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7CPOeVWe6Q Jed's most recent video : http://youtube.com/watch?v=OeqvhLteZC4
AJ Fletcher RHP Highland HS (Northwest IN) 6'5" 165 lb. In PEN since age 7 (nephew.) AJ is just now (March '07) starting to show physical maturity and signs of being a serious prospect. His arm action and delivery are about as smooth as it gets. Has great feel for 4 pitches all with very good rotation and action. Only 77-79 now but at 6'5" and only 165 lbs, he has tons of room to grow. Similar to PEN pitcher, Matt Gerbe (currently pitching at U. of Michigan.) Looks very impressive to any experienced pitching coach or scout. Current and potential command are tremendous. Probably a JUCO prospect. email:
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UPDATE: AJ was an all-conference basketball player and team MVP and finished 3rd in the very prestigious "Calumet Region" in 3-point average. Wants to play both sports. Chris Heaney LHP 6'0" 170 lbs, Munster IN Mt. Carmel HS Chicago, GPA 4.31 8th in class. Crafty lefty with great ability to locate and change speeds. Velocity is increasing to 80's however Chris is probably not going to be a power pitcher but a command lefty with a great change-up. Has played varsity basketball at Mt Carmel since soph. year. UPDATE: MARCH '08 Chris gave up basketball to focus on strength. Chris has hit 85 mph several times in the last few weeks (from crow-hop.) Body is maturing really well. He has already developed the stuff and NOW the velo to become a top college LHP LATE BLOOMING LEFTY IMPACT GUY WITH GREAT GRADES!!! Email:
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Thomas Remillet RHP 6'2" 225 lb Grosse Pointe South HS Big body, strong heavy ball. Good prospect as both a player and pitcher (3rd base.) Good loose motion, live arm. Has ability to throw 3 pitches for strikes. See more info soon Mark Riashi RHP 6'2" 195 lb Groose Pointe South HS '07 ACT: 23 GPA: 3.1 High School stats - 4-2 W/L record, 2.73 ERA, 41 innings, 38 K's, 15 walks (All MAC Conf Academic Team, All District)
Summer - 4-1 W/L record, 2.44, 40 innings, 40 K's, 12 walks
Mark is a strong compact pitcher with arm strength to become a solid college pitcher at a high level. He has a great breaking ball at times and is now showing real good movement on his mid 80's FB . Mark works very hard and takes his game very seriously. He understands what he needs to do to become a dominant college pitcher. Mark is a guy who will make gains in velocity as the season progresses. Update: (Jan '08) Mark finished football season as a QB and is now in preparation for his senior season. His velocity is up considerably. He has been clocked at 85-88 mph and has a much more aggressive and powerful delivery. See video on the following link: http://vidego.multicastmedia.com/player.php?v=vc68h6n4 email:
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Address: 872 Balfour, Grosse Pointe Park, Mi 48230 Chris Whitney RHP 6'3" 210 lb Dakota HS '08 grad, MI Great body, strong with wide shoulders and big legs. Very clean arm action. Shows signs of having a great breaking ball and feel for 4 or more pitches. Bulldog on the mound! Competitor! Velocity is low 80's now but projects to climb. Recent PEN member (June '07). Great future..lots of desire and work ethic. More info coming soon. Potential D-1 player. Phone 586-747-1073 Chris is the type to get a chance to sign early (in Nov.) Parents Lance and Michele Email:
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Steve Munster 6'1" RHP Chipewa Valley HS Clinton Township Michigan Very strong body, Throws hard (83-86, Oct '07) and is developing great stuff. Has flashed a great curve ball at times. Steve is starting to show much more consistency with location and action. He has made remarkable improvements over the summer of -07. Steve has a strong, quick arm with tight spin and lots of deception. Very dedicated, loves to work. Address: 21750 Ulrich/ Clinton Township, MI 48036
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Phone: 586-295-8253 Andrew Stephen 6'0" 220 lb RHP Pickney HS New PEN Member (July "07). Huge desire and adjustability. Strong, thick body. Currently looks to be a small school prospect. Making tremendous improvements this summer / fall '07 email:
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Phone: (810) 231-1591 Stay tuned for more info soon. Phone:810-772-1615 Chicago Area '09 Grads Josh Biggs LHP Washington Township HS, Valparaiso, IN '09 Grad HUGE potential! Real solid, strong body, live arm, 3 legit pitches. Josh is flashing signs of being a top D-1 and pro prospect. Velo already 82-85. 3 great pitches including natural ability to throw a great change-up. Excellent athlete. VERY hard worker with a HS coach who is one of the best in the area. More info coming soon. Address: 3806 Liberty Dr. Valparaiso, IN 46383 Kevin Gates RHP Chesterton, IN 6' 175 lbs Throws low-mid 80's with very heavy action and rotation. Has 3 D-1 out pitches already and can throw them all from 2 different slots. Solid competitor with discipline. Excellent body strength and work ethic. Good student Phone: 219-730-0256
Glen Peterson RHP Chesterton IN 6'3" 230lbs Big body, huge legs. Very clean arm action and delivery. Throws low-mid 80's with down plane and run and sink at times. Curve ball is his out pitch. Glen has tons of potential. He is a very good student and retains information very well. Glen is the type of pitcher that could make very large gains in velocity as his functional; strength increases over the next year. Email:
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Address is 200 Roosevelt St. Chesterton, IN 46304
phone number is 219-405-3982
Michigan '09's Brett Meltzer 6'3" 175 lb LHP Chippewa Valley HS, Clinton Township, MI Tall, lean very loose arm lefty with a good breaking ball. Has tons of projection as a dominant college pitcher. Brett's body is just now starting to fill out and get strong. His velocity has picked up considerably in the past few months. His delivery is very smooth and fluid with good feel for his 3 pitches, FB, CB and Change-up. Brett has the ability to become a top D-1 starter with draft potential but has a late blooming body. At times he flashes stuff that can really open some eyes! Functional strength in the next year is crucial however he shows the desire and commitment level to get it done. 20585 Leelanau Trail, Clinton Township, MI 48038 Email:
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PH: 586-263-4951
Brett cell is 586-489-8296 Tyler Haggerson 5'11 185 lb RHP. Birmingham Seaholm HS. Born to pitch! This young man can flat out throw. He has one of the best breaking balls for a high school age guy that I have seen in a long time. He is very compact with a very clean / quick arm action. He can now compliment his nasty breaking ball with some run and sink on his fastball and change. The job Tyler has done in the past couple months (Aug -Oct, '07) to clean up his delivery, giving him much better stuff, is remarkable. He is showing signs of being a great command pitcher also.Address: 920 North Glenhurst Dr., Birmingham 48009 PH: 248-227-9307 Parents Mike and Michelle Email:
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Matt St. Clair 6'2" 160 lb RHP Cranbrook Kingswood HS... Lean body, live arm. Still growing and has potential to be a power pitcher with D-1 and or draft future. Matt loves the game and loves to train hard. He is a recent PEN member (Oct. '07) and is cleaning up his delivery VERY quickly. His life on his ball is very sharp. He has the genetics to become a top college arm with the attitude to compliment his physical abilities. PARENTS: Frankk, Ursula ADDRESS: 5350 Inverrary Lane, Commerce Twp MI, 48382 PHONE: 248-684-0456 CELL: 248-875-2937
E-MAIL:
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Mathew Mallino RHP 6'0" 165 lbs. Parkway Christian HS Sterling Heights, MI. One of the very strongest arms of all '09 PEN pitchers. Already throwing mid to upper 80's with a GREAT breaking ball. Recent PEN member (Aug '07) Delivery is currently evolving and being evaluated. Matt is also a very good QB on football team. Great athlete, great student. More details soon. Top '09 RHP prospect! Address: 38855 Santa Barbara, Clinton Township, MI 48036
Hayden Fox LHP Dakota HS, Macomb, MI 6'2" 155 lbs. 3.5 GPA 118/593 Rank. Very lean and loose lefty with tons of potential. Throws upper to low to mid 80's now (winter '07) with potential to throw well in the upper 80's with 3 really solid pitches. Breaking ball is outstanding now. Excellent student !! Update: Gaining MUCH more knowledge and ability to throw 3 pitches. Future major college or draft player. GREAT work ethic!!! Outstanding student. Summer Stats: 32.2 innings pitched, 5-0 record. ERA 1.29, 21 hits allowed (20 singles). 29 Strikeouts, 14 walks, 4 pickoffs. Opponents batting average .188 '07 Fall League Stats: 18 innings pitched, 3-1 record, ERA 1.38, 26 strikeouts, 4 walks, 5 pickoffs. Topping out at 84 mph now (Dec '07) sitting at 82-83
Email:
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Address: 51213 Shadywood, Macomb, MI 48042 Phone: 586-992-3066
Kevin Peraino RHP Chippewa Valley HS, Macomb, MI 6'1" RHP Very strong body/live arm. Throws an effortless 78 mph now (summer '07) Has really nasty sink on 2 seamer then compliments it really nice with a tight slider. Will pitch with consistency and command. Still growing and getting better.UPDATE: Kevin is flashing very rare stuff and command for a high school pitcher. Has had GREAT movement and command as summer '07 progresses. Kevin could be as good as any PEN pitcher. His ability to make great pitches is very rare for his age. Very interesting young prospect!!! Adddress: 45675 Heatherwood Lane, Macomb, MI 48044 Phone: 586-263-0156 Brett Kauten RHP Utica Ike HS, 6'0" 185 Very strong body with a loose arm. He is currently (Dec 07) throwing 80-84 mph with tremendous sink and run at times. He also has a very solid breaking ball and change up. His delivery is smooth and effortless with good body control. He pitched a complete game this summer with 12 K's and one walk. Bret is a very good overall athlete also. He plays middle infield and is one of the top hitters in his area. He also plays wide receiver on the varsity football team (4.55/ 40 yd dash). Excellent student: 3.7 GPA (ACT coming soon) Address: 4101 Pierce Dr., Shelby Township, MI 48316
PEN Pro Pitchers '07 updates
Jeff Gerbe '07 stats. Detroit Tigers A Midwest League 10 games, 23.2 IP, 0.76 ERA, 11 K's, 5 walks. See more on Jeff in PEN Success Stories
Now moved into a starting rotation Gerbe, patient Whitecaps two-hit Wizards Converted reliever goes career-high seven innings in resumed game By Ryan McConnell / Special to MLB.com |
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 Jeff Gerbe has found a new niche since converting to a West Michigan starting role. (Emily Smith/MLB.com) ADVERTISEMENT |
 Whether it's as a starter or reliever, Jeff Gerbe is dominating the Midwest League this season. Gerbe (1-0) surrendered two runs -- one earned -- on two hits in a career-high seven innings as West Michigan edged visiting Fort Wayne, 4-2, on Monday. The 22-year-old allowed just a third-inning walk and a single in the fifth through his first 6 2/3 innings before yielding another base hit and hitting two batters in the ninth. He relieved starting pitcher Chris Cody when rain halted the proceedings Sunday. "I felt really good out there," said Gerbe, who finished with three strikeouts and one walk. "My slider was working and the defense behind me was outstanding." Gerbe has a 1.26 ERA and two saves through 35 2/3 innings and is holding opposing batters to a .195 batting average. He recently got moved into the Whitecaps starting rotation after tossing 20 1/3 consecutive scoreless relief frames. The 16th-round selection in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft said his spotty performance for Class A Short-Season Oneonta last season -- 1-4 with a 5.08 ERA in eight starts -- provided the necessary drive to improve. "Last year gave me a lot of motivation. I was pretty frustrated," said Gerbe, who pitched through an injured hip last year. He responded by working out at the gym "six times a week" in the offseason. "I made a lot of adjustments to clean up my delivery," he added. "If I didn't, something was going to break down." Brett Jensen retired the final two batters for his 11th save. Cody set down the first four batters in order before rain suspended the game. Michael Bertram put the Whitecaps (31-24) on the board with an RBI single in the first. Ryan Strieby and Gorkys Hernandez hit back-to-back run-scoring doubles in the fifth. Deik Scram chipped in an RBI fielders' choice in the eighth. Javis Diaz delivered an RBI groundout and later scored on shortstop Audy Ciriaco's throwing error in the ninth for the Wizards (24-31). Fort Wayne starter Andrew Underwood (3-5) took the loss after giving up a run on one hit and a walk while fanning one in one inning. Steve Delabar yielded two runs on three hits and three walks with a strikeout in 3 1/3 innings, and Wilton Lopez gave up a run on two hits in one frame. Ryan McConnell is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs. See Latest article on Jeff in Detroit free pressat http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070701/SPORTS02/70701006/1050 Guitar-playing Gerbe blossoms West Michigan right-hander's stock skyrockets July 1, 2007 BY JON PAUL MOROSI FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER One year ago, Jeff Gerbe's status as a Tigers prospect was unclear. Gerbe, a right-handed pitcher from Shelby Township, had a 5.38 ERA during his final spring at Michigan State, before shoulder tendinitis forced an end to his summer at short-season Class A Oneonta after only eight starts. | Advertisement OAS_AD('ArticleFlex_1'); | He returned to metro Detroit for the off-season and worked on a shoulder-strengthening program. Assigned this year to Class A West Michigan -- close enough to home that his family has watched him pitch -- Gerbe compiled a 2-0 record and 1.27 ERA in 14 games (four starts) and was named a Midwest League All-Star, before soreness in his pitching shoulder forced him to miss his most recent turn in the rotation. The Tigers don't think the injury is serious. He will probably miss one or two more starts -- good news for a 22-year-old who has quietly had one of the best seasons of any pitcher in the Detroit farm system.
"He's gone from a guy who we signed to see what he could do to a top prospect," West Michigan manager Tom Brookens said. "No question about it.
"He showed up to spring training on a mission. He was in great shape."
This season Gerbe has lived at the Rockford home of Carmen and David Cox, the same host parents who housed top prospect Cameron Maybin last year and pitching prospects Dallas Trahern and Jair Jurrjens in 2005.
"I'm staying in the Cameron Maybin Suite and using Dallas Trahern's comforter," Gerbe said, with a smile. "I'm trying to channel Cameron's work ethic and Dallas' sinker."
Gorkys Hernandez, arguably the system's best position player who isn't Maybin, also is living with the Cox family this year. Because Hernandez does not have a U.S. driver's license, Gerbe has been entrusted with making certain that both he and the star centerfielder arrive at the ballpark on time.
Gerbe is an early riser. Hernandez is not. So the expression Muevete! -- which means "Move!" -- has become an important part of Gerbe's developing Spanish vocabulary.
Gerbe, who plays an acoustic guitar in his spare time, listens to edgy rock music during his commute. So Hernandez has -- whether he wants to or not -- heard plenty of Taking Back Sunday, Plain White T's, Silverstein, and, especially, Senses Fail.
"Gorkys likes that one," Gerbe said.
Hernandez is a rising star in the farm system, and Gerbe may ultimately take on similar status. The organization thought enough of him that, when a spot starter was needed at Double-A Erie, Gerbe was summoned there and aced the test, with two earned runs in six innings.
His best start since moving to the West Michigan rotation -- seven innings without an earned run against Dayton on June 16 -- came with Tigers assistant general manager Al Avila in attendance at Fifth Third Ballpark.
"He's popped up on a few people's radars this year," Tigers pitching coordinator Jon Matlack said of Gerbe.
Gerbe throws a hard-to-hit sinking fastball that tops out around 94 m.p.h., and his slider and change-up have shown improvement since the year began.
"He's just what the organization is looking for," Brookens said. "He's a hard-throwing right-hander with movement on his fastball."
Contact JON PAUL MOROSI at 313-223-4097 or
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. Kris Regas LHP Sioux Falls Canaries Off to a great start once again. See http://canariesbaseball.com/ for stats see more on Success Stories See Kris's Current Stats at:
http://www.americanassociationbaseball.com/stats/siouxfalls.html
John Huizinga RHP St, Paul Saints Currently playing in Mexican league ('fall '07) Signed '07 Grads Chris DeGuilio RHP 6'3" 240 lb 3.8 GPA Andrean HS, IN. Low-Mid 80's (top 86 in fall '06), high 3/4 slot, big hard curve. good cut in on lefties and real solid change-up. Consistency and command are becoming very strong. Workhorse in any roll. Has potential to throw near 90 mph soon. Has D-1 ability. Had great season for Hammond Cheifs in Summer '06. Committed to Valparaiso U.
Scott Handley LHP 6'0" 180 lb Lake Central HS, St. John IN 3.2 GPA Mid 3/4 slot. Low 80's four pitch command lefty with great stuff and a quick/compact arm and delivery. Change-up is an out pitch, slider/cutter are also nasty. Strong body/resilient. Good Jr season stats in season and summer. Pitches in all rolls. Very healthy, recovers quickly. Works fast/aggressive and has great mound p. Strong D-1 prospect Phone: (219) 313-6400.
Signed at one of the very finest Junior College baseball programs in th nation...South Suburban CC in Ill. Congrats Scott!
Sean Green RHP Chesterton HS, IN 6'7 " 200 lbs Down plane with sink and run, command is good. Slider is one of the very best around the Midwest. Top 10 Rounds??? Has feel for change and off speed. Almost perfect mechanics. Smooth and consistent. Sean has an an average to above ML FB now. Slider is slightly above and change has potential to be an out pitch also in pro ball. Now working on cutter that has been looking great.Signed at Jacksonville University in Jacksonville Florida then Drafted in June by Tampa Bay. See latest news link for feature on Sean below: http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/03/29/sports/indiana_prep_sports/doc1ffbd2393c0e4f6b862572ac007fc97e.txt Michael Sudbury LHP 6'7" 200 lb Munster HS, IN. 3.5 GPA Strong body, hard throwing/hard working D-1 prospect, possible draft. (New PEN Member, signed March "07) Clocked in upper 80's as a junior. Delivery has gotten better quickly. Breaking ball is an out pitch with great action. Good athlete, plays basketball. (219) 934-9088 Signed in May '07 at Ohio Domincan U. Nick Tritschler RHP 5'11" 160 lb Mt Carmel HS , 4.0 GPA Chicago. Contrast pitcher with multiple arm slots. Great stuff and good command. 78-82 in high slot, 78-80 in lower slot. Great sink/slider and deception. Arm is quick and clean. Has lots of room to grow. Very effective with 4-5 pitches. Has stuff to be effective at many D-1 programs. Threw a 7 IP NO HITTER vs. Providence on 4/30/07. Total stats coming soon. Committed to Central Michigan University in July '07
Brett Shinkin, RHP 6'0" 175 LB Romeo HS 3.8 GPA. In PEN since summer '05. Loose arm with mid/high 3/4 arm slot. Live arm, real sharp stuff at times, heavy ball. Throwing low-mid 80's. Lots of improvement in past 8 months. Very hard worker. Showing signs of being dominant and putting up great numbers this season. Has been looking very consistant in '07 pre- season. Has the stuff to be a D-1 pitcher. Decent LH hitter/athlete.
'07 HS Stats (as of 4/19/07): W/L 3-0, 21 IP, 6 hits, 25 K's, 3 walks, 5 ER Signed at Wayne State June '07 Austin Evans, RHP 6'3" 175 lb Brother Rice HS Birmingham, MI. JUCO Prospect. Bulldog with 3 great pitches. Low 80's now (Feb indoors) with lots of room to grow. Live/quick arm. Leader. Very clean arm with great down plane and run/sink. Future could be 90 mph with serious pitchability. Has recent and very strong evaluation from Swingtown Showcase (December '06) in Sarasota Fla. (248)-931-0446 Signed at South Suburban College (Chicago Area) James Bertakis RHP 6'2" 200 lb Groosse Pointe South HS. A complete pitcher. Has the stuff and knowledge to win at D-1. Best pitch is change-up. It is as good as I have ever seen when it's on. Breaking ball and fastball command is good. Velocity is low 80's and gaining. James is a pure pitcher with excellent form and poise. Impact Midwest D-1 starter as a frosh in college. Healthy arm and body. Signed at Edgewood College in Madison Wisconsin in July '07
Billy Schlee, RHP 6'0" 160 lb Soph at Kellogg CC in MI, Current Starter (has also closed.) PEN since '04 (Senior in HS) 3.4 college GPA. Good stats as a JUCO frosh. Low 3/4 slot slinger with great stuff. Topped out several times at 88 in spring trip (Fla.) Impact D-1 guy. Can also run 6.6 60 yd dash. '06 Stats: 17GP, 27IP, 6 ER, 18 hits, 31 K's, 13 BB's, 2.53 ERA 3 wins 0 losses, 4 saves CURRENT '07 STATS (as of 4'5/07) 4 GP, 18 IP, 3 runs, 1 ER, 12 hits, 16 K's, 2 BB's, 0.50 ERA, 2 wins 0 losses, 1 save Phone:
Most Recent Start: Vs. Grand Rapids CC 5/2/07: 7 IP, 0 runs. 2 hits, 9 K's, 0 BB's, toped at 91 mph Was awarded KCC's student/athlete of the year. Signed at Jacksonville University on May 20th 2007 on scholarship May 26, 2007
Kellogg CC defeats Elgin CC 3-1 in NJCAA Division II
World Series
MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Kellogg (Mich.) Community College
starter Billy Schlee tossed a complete game one-hitter
to beat Elgin (Ill.) Community College 3-1 in the
NJCAA Division II World Series opening day Saturday.
Schlee allowed only one run and struck out seven.
Steele Lewis provided the majority of the offensive
punch for the Bruins, going 2-for-4 with two runs
driven in.
Brett Ehrlich recorded the lone hit for the Spartans,
while Rob Currie took the complete game loss. Currie
gave up three runs (two earned) in eight innings of
work, while striking out five.
Kellogg advances to take on Scottsdale (Ariz.)
Community College at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, while Elgin
will play Monroe Community College at noon Sunday in
an elimination game.
http://www.usabaseballstadium.org/
Tony Manville RHP Mt. Carmel HS Signed at U. of Iowa in Nov
Tommy Zelasko LHP Mt. Carmel HS Signed at Northern Ill. in Nov
Current College Pitcher/ Pro ProspectsStephen Montalbano RHP Keystone PA. College Frosh. Originally from New Jersey. Recent PEN member (May '07) 6'3" Very live and loose arm with tons of potential. Has great ability to learn and adjust. Mid 80's now but only 18 and has plenty of physical maturity left in him.
Chris Smith 6'3" 170 lb Soph. RHP Ohio Domincan U. In PEN since '04 (Jr in HS) Originally from Chesterton, IN. See PEN Success Stories. Chris was the conference "pitcher of the year" as a frosh and an NAIA all-American. 1.76 ERA. Mid to upper 80's now with lots of room to grow still. Very hard/smart worker, very serious athlete with major league mission. Very healthy, no arm problems. For '07 Stats follow: http://panthers.ohiodominican.edu/sports/mens/baseball.aspx Chris will play in the Alaskan Collegiate League this summer Chris Smith Named AMC Pitcher of the Week (March 24, 2007)
CEDARVILLE, Ohio – Ohio Dominican sophomore Chris Smith ( Chesterton , IN ) was recently named the American Mideast Conference Pitcher of the Week. Smith is the second straight Panther to be named the conference top player after Phil Franks earned the award last week. Smith, a 6-foot-3 righthander, tossed a complete-game three-hitter to blank Urbana University , 7-0, in an AMC South Division game on Saturday. He struck out two and walked two in seven innings for ODU, ranked No. 24 in the latest NAIA baseball polls. The Panthers return to action this week as they host Cedarville University in a divisional match-up on Friday, March 30th. Game time is set for 1 p.m. '07 Stats (as of 4/4/07)
0.96 era 4-0 6 Starts 28.0 IP 16hits, 9 runs, 3 earned, 9BB's 22K's Much more info including video clips and season stats coming soon |
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