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Tournaments  | Story | 10/27/2012

Yak West's All-American infield

Photo: Perfect Game

JUPITER, Fla. -- Call it a 10-week reunion for a trio that has already earned the respect and adulation of the amateur baseball community, a respect and adulation that may next come from the professional baseball community.

Perfect Game All-Americans Dominic Smith, John Paul (J.P.) Crawford and Chris Rivera -- the Nos. 5-, 7- and 11-ranked prospects, respectively, in the class of 2013 -- are playing in the same infield at this week's PG WWBA World Championship for the first time since they were starters for the West Team at the Perfect Game All-American Classic in mid-August.

They are the starting first baseman, second baseman and shortstop for head coach Mike Garciaparra and the Yak Baseball West-GBG (Garciaparra Baseball Group) at the World Championship. It's only been 10 weeks since this trio of southern California prospects helped the West beat the East, 7-6, in the 10th annual Classic at the San Diego Padres' PETCO Park.

Smith was 1-for-4 with two RBI, a run scored and a stolen base at the Classic. Crawford was 1-for-4 with a run and two stolen bases and Rivera was 1-for-3 with a run. They are the only PG All-Americans on this Yak West-GBG roster but seven others are top-200 prospects in the 2013 and 2014 classes. The pro scouts gather in a cluster of carts when the team plays.

"Having two of the best hitting middle-infielders in the country playing with each other is pretty exciting, and obviously they draw a lot of attention," Garciaparra said Saturday morning. "And then we've got Dominic playing at either first base or the outfield to show his versatility, and a lot of people haven't seen him in the outfield so that's why we have him out there."

This is the second trip to the PG WWBA World Championship for both Smith and Rivera, and the first for Crawford. Smith was 4-for-6 with a double and three RBI in Yak's first two games this weekend (a win and a loss) and Crawford was 3-for-6 with a double. Rivera got off to an 0-for-4 start.

"I'm really happy to be down here because I know there's going to be a lot of real good pitching and real good competition," Crawford, who is from Lakewood, Calif., said Saturday. He also said that after what he's already experienced during his Perfect Game career, he's able to stay relaxed in front of the hundreds of MLB scouts. Bottom line, he's just enjoyed the ride to this point.

"I've met a lot of new people and a lot of new friends, so it's been a great experience," he said.

Smith, from Los Angeles, was obviously settling back into the WWBA World frenzy nicely.

"I'm glad to be down here playing amongst the top talent, and I'm glad that I was invited down here to play," he said. "It's a great experience with hundreds of scouts out here, and it's a great weekend . It's great for the people to come out here and watch some of the top talent that will be playing in the big leagues one day.

"I'm just having a blast and taking it all in and just having fun."

Rivera played on the Marucci Elite team that won last year's PG WWBA World Championship national title but decided to play this year with a team made up of about 99 percent Californians.

"I won it last year with (Marucci Elite), but it means a lot more to me this year because I'm playing with a lot more guys that I know," he said. "I'm playing with Dominic and J.P. in the infield, and it makes it all the better because we were (PG) All-Americans. It's a pretty special time out here.

"I played with quite a few of these guys that are out here right now, and a lot of these guys that are out here right now I just met, but they're all really cool," Rivera continued. "I've been having a good time with them at the hotel and out here playing games."

Smith was at this event a year ago with the Marlins Scout Team, although all his other PG tournament experiences have been with Yak Baseball West. The 6-foot-1, 210-pound left-handed hitter and pitcher with 6.9-second speed (60-yard dash) and 92 mph arm velocity has grown up a lot in the past year.

"My first year down here last year, it was overwhelming, playing in front of all those scouts," he said. "Now I'm older, I feel more relaxed and I know what to do and what to expect. I'm playing the game I've been playing since I was a little kid, and I'm having fun doing it."

Smith and Crawford have both verbally committed to Southern California -- Rivera is uncommitted -- and five other Yak Baseball West-GBG prospects have committed to D-I schools. The All-American threesome is all projected as 1st round picks in June's MLB First-Year Player Draft, and Garciaparra feels this event is a must-attend for everyone on his roster.

"It's very important for them to be here," Garciaparra said. "If you just walk around and see all the golf carts and see all of the pro scouts walking around, and you see all the colleges and some of our guys are uncommitted guys. It's a big deal for them to be seen on this stage, the biggest stage in the country for amateur baseball."

The southern California kids came as far as anyone to be here, but at least they're playing together, even if it's 3,000 miles from home.

"In California, we play together a lot, and actually we play together with Yak a lot," Smith said. "I love playing with those guys, and one day I just wish to play with them again. It's great playing with them and they're great players and great teammates, and I really love them."

Crawford concurred:

"I grew up with them, so our chemistry is really good together," he said. "I'm having a good time (playing with them) and this being our last tournament together, we've got to what we've got to do."

All three All-Americans know this leg of their baseball journey is coming to a close. They'll have one final spring high school season and then can begin anticipating the MLB amateur draft or a possible collegiate career. Either way, the next leg of the trip is mere months away.

"It's kind of heart-breaking that this is our last tournament together. If things work out, maybe sometime in the near future we'll get to play with each other (again), but it's awesome to play with these guys for the last time and it's a great honor to get to play with them because you never know what we're going to be doing in the future," Rivera said.

"It's been bittersweet, really," Smith added. "I've enjoyed all these years playing travel ball, and I'm kind of sad it's coming to an end; this is probably the last big tournament I'm ever going to play in. I'm just happy that I had a successful travel ball career ... and I'm just glad that God blessed me and I'm glad Perfect Game set up all these big-time events to help kids get seen. I'm just thankful, very thankful."


Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Midwest Invitational Scout Notes

Tyler Kotila
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Creighton Tuzzio (2024, Clarinda, Iowa) took the ball in the semi-final game and was able to get on the bump and carve for his team. Tuzzio is a taller 6-foot-6, 210-pound frame with plenty to like in the operation. The right-handed pitcher has a slower and more controlled operation as he works through the delivery. He lifts the leg up around the belt and then works through a three-quarters release with good whip through it. The fastball worked up to 86 mph on the fastball and held in the low- to mid-80s. He creates some angle on it with the taller & projectable frame. It runs arm-side and can be a problem for right-handed hitters. He also showed a low-70s curveball with a bigger 11/5 tilt to it and good depth to miss some bats. The Iowa Western commit threw 5.0 innings, allowing just 1 run, with 4 walks and 6 strikeouts to his credit.   There’s no surprise here, but...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

WWBA World Championship Pool Preview

Perfect Game Staff
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Pool A Team Top Pos. Player RK Class Top Pitcher RK Class Location Boston Red Sox Scout Connor Lane 500 2024 Tague Davis 59 2024 Boston, MA Cangelosi Sparks Tyler Bell  122 2024 Brady Chambers 500 2024 Lockport, IL Dirtbags National 2024 Dalton Wentz 74 2024 Riley Leatherman 251 2024 Sedalia, NC Florida Burn Colton Schwarz 214 2025 Presley Woodson 500 2025 Sarasota, FL Projected Pool Winner: Dirtbags National 2024 With one of the deepest and most physical lineups in the nation, the Dirtbags National 2024 club have been putting up runs in bunches. No hitter is hotter than Austin Irby, as the ECU commit is While sluggers Dalton Wentz, Will Craddock and Palmer Hornick won’t be in attendance, Lee Sowers, Will Brooks, Jon Young Jr. and spark plug Carter Richardson lead an offense that averages over 7 runs per game. They can cover ground on...
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Coastal Soph. Fall Invite Scout Notes

Todd Coffey
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Michael Flores (2026, NC) looking great through 4 innings pitched with 11 k’s. Great command and completely missing barrels. #2023WWBACoastalSophmoreFallInvatational pic.twitter.com/Oqd3WD0E05 — PG Coastal Scouting (@PG_Coastal) September 24, 2023 Michael Flores (2026, Mooresville, NC) put on an electric performance to watch for the SBA Futures 2026 in their matchup versus the Carolina Reds. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound, RHP did his job for his team today to keep them in the game. Flores throws with a high leg lift and creates some good motions towards the plate with his whippy action. Flores has a great feel for the zone and pounded strikes at a 66% rate. Flores generated swing and miss after swing and miss and it was clear he was in control out there on the mound. He sat in the 70-mph range to 79-mph range with his fastball with the ability to pinpoint it wherever he pleased....
Tournaments | Story | 9/26/2023

Fall Frenzy Scout Notes

Jason Phillips
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James Sherry (’26, Aiken, S.C.)- the 6-foot-1, 155-pound right-handed pitcher tossed a complete game for Xtreme Xposure Baseball-Bennett in an 8-1 win over 2 Way Athletics 16U. A primary outfielder, Sherry finished with 15 strikeouts and just one walk while controlling the zone at a 65% strike rate. Appearing in only his second PG tournament, Sherry turned in another great pitching performance after being selected to the All-Tournament Team at the 2023 16U PG Southeast Labor Day Classic. Aidan Petrocco (‘24 GA)- singles here into LF to load the bases for @643DPAthletics Primary MIF 2-for-4 w/ run scored on the day. #FallFrenzy @PG_Uncommitted pic.twitter.com/Ly7zEuRwyg — Perfect Game Georgia (@PG_Georgia) September 24, 2023 Aidan Petrocco (’24, Johns Creek, Ga.)- the 5-foot-9, 160-pound right-handed hitter for 643 DP Cougars 18U led the 18U Southeast Fall Frenzy...
Tournaments | Story | 9/27/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3-5

Kyler Peterson
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A high speed look at this 2B from Keon Johnson... #WWBAWorlds @PG_Georgia https://t.co/Ejl8GirIgk pic.twitter.com/ate7ro35cp — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 24, 2023 Keon Johnson (2026, Macon, Ga.) started off the morning loud, going down to get a pitch down and smoking a double that split the opposite field gap at a 92 mph exit velocity. The shortstop has one of the best hit tools in the class and has tremendous feel for the barrel. The swing is quiet and simple, staying loose through the zone. The ball jumps and the parts really work. At short, Johnson looked silky with good actions, range, and plenty of arm strength across. The game comes easy for the Georgia native, and still just 15, the all-around game is very well-refined for the age.  Jaxson Wood (2026, Hoover, Ala.) finished batting .500 over the tournament, including three extra-base hits. The primary...
Tournaments | Story | 9/25/2023

Deep South Fall Invitational Scout Notes

Alex Dorso
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Patrick Kovacs (2026 Knoxville TN) was dominant in his outing in game two of pool play for Exposure National. The southpaw tossed three scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out eight. He showed plus command of the fastball dotting it to both sides of the plate while working off the corners at times. Patrick sat 75-78 topping at 79 multiple times throughout. He mixed in a tight breaking ball with two plane movement that he had no problem mixing in any count keeping the opposing hitters off balanced in the box. Coming from a mid 3/4s slot there was some deception within the operation making it tough to pick the fastball up out of the hand. The frame has plenty of athleticism within with plenty of more room for additional strength as he continues to mature. Kovacs should be a fun follow as he continues to progress through high school. Ryan Riojas (‘26 TN) drives this...
Tournaments | Story | 9/24/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Day 3

Troy Sutherland
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Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2 Extended look at Gunnar Garrison... 7 IP, 1 H, OER, 13 K, 1 BB (70% K) #WWBAWorlds @PG_FourCorners https://t.co/V89oASpD8r pic.twitter.com/tsP1mWCoNz — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) September 21, 2023 Colorado right-hander Gunnar Garrison (2026, Eaton, Colo.) was magnificent in his start for Slammers Anderson 2026’s. The big and physical 6-foot-4, 210-pound arm threw a complete game, seven inning, one-hit shutout, striking out 13 and walking one. The fastball had downhill life to it, sitting in the 85-88 range for the entirety of the game. Garrison held the velocity and reached back for his fastest bullet of the game, at 89, in the seventh inning. Finishing the outing with 70% strikes, he filled up the zone and went right at hitters. He also induced swing-and-miss on a curveball, featuring late...
Tournaments | Story | 9/22/2023

Northeast Qualifier Scout Notes

John McAdams
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Jack Harley (2024, Mendham, NJ) put together a dominant performance at the plate in the WWBA NEQ, leading his team to a coveted Jupiter bid while also earning MVP-honors. The 6-foot-1 left-handed hitter showcased his advanced bat-to-ball skills on several occasions. He batted .643 with two doubles, a home run and six stolen bases. Harley utilizes a repeatable, synced-up stroke with clean separation into launch. He has a great feel for the barrel and creates good strength at impact to all parts of the diamond. The future Hokie recorded a hit in all six of his games and proved to be a reliable bat at the top-of-the-order for Clubhouse 2024 EvoShield. Harley’s build offers a good balance of strength and athleticism, making him a well-rounded prospect with intriguing upside moving forward.  .#VandyBoys commit Aiden O’Connell (‘24, NH) is back on the bump in the #NEQ...
Tournaments | Story | 9/23/2023

Sophomore WWBA Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Vincent Cervino
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Nathan Caldwell (2026, Columbia, S.C.) looked the part in the batter’s box as the Team Elite three-hole hitter had one of the hardest hit balls of the day. There’s really impressive bat speed and the ability to create violence and rotational acceleration through contact. He missiled a single during the game and there looks like there’s going to be pretty significant impact potential long term. He’s a strong kid with good indicators and offensive tools to like. Drew Borkowski (2026, Huntley, Ill.) showed plenty to like in the arm as he got the start in game one on the day for GRB. At 6-foot-1, 170-pounds he’s got a lanky frame with long limbs and plenty of room for physical projection. It’s a quick arm with solid arm speed throughout and he opened up sitting 85-87 mph with the fastball. The fastball showed good sinking life and he used it to get a lot...
College | Story | 9/22/2023

Cape Cod Top 2025 Prospect List

Vincent Cervino
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Earlier this week we debuted our Cape Cod Top 100 Prospect List and mixed amongst the 100 names were some 2025 graduates who will be eligible for the upcoming 2024 MLB Draft. Below, each of the 50 names are eligible in 2025 and those listed with an "^" are continuing their careers at a new school this fall.  Name Pos. Team School Hometown State Adonys Guzman^ C Bourne Arizona Valley Cottage NY Aidan Jimenez RHP Chatham Oregon State Elk Grove CA Anthony Martinez 1B YD UC Irvine Fairfield CA Ben Jacobs LHP Bourne UCLA Huntington Beach CA Bradley Hodges LHP Hyannis Virginia Fleming Island FL Brady Neal C YD LSU Tallahassee FL Brody Donay^ C/1B Hyannis Florida Lakeland FL Caden Bodine C Bourne Coastal Carolina Haddon Heights NJ Cam Leiter^ RHP Orleans Florida State Island Heights FL Cannon Peebles^ C Cotuit Tennessee Mechanicsville VA Drew Faurot^ SS Orleans Florida State Tallahassee FL...
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