Reader estuartj has been keeping tabs on the U-18s and Bryce Harper’s performances in comments here and there, so I thought I’d put together a recap so far of the tourney itself and the first three games.
The US national u-18 team (click here for the team selection announcement) is currently competing in the 2009 COPABE Pan Am “AAA” (18U) Championships in Barquisimeto, Venezuela. Everyone’s favorite ESPN scout Keith Law broke down the team and the trials on his blog here (insider only link I believe).
The team plays 5 games in 6 days this past weekend and the coming week. (schedule link here). Opponents will be Aruba, Argentina, Panama, Columbia, Cuba and Venezuala. The semis and finals are 10/2 and 10/3 (which look like locks for them to qualify for based on results so far).
Here’s a review of the first three games, Harper stats and other highlights:
Game 1: USA d Aruba 13-3. (box/gamer). Bryce Harper batted 3rd, went 1-5 with an RBI but played Center Field (a position that we had not previously considered for him). Other high 2010 draft prospect Nick Castellanos batted 4th and had a HR while going 1-3.
Game 2: Usa d Argentina 14-0. (box/gamer). Harper highlights: 2-5, 2 dbls, 2rbi, 1run, played the game as the Catcher. Delmonica and Castellanos again outshined Harper at the plate.
Game 3: USA d Panama 14-0 (box/gamer). Harper highlights: 2-5 1 double playing Center again. Uber-pitching prospect Jameson Taillon struck out 12 in 6ip for the victory while USA’s 4-5-6 hitters of Castellanos, Delmonico and Machada powered the team to victory.
The team plays three more games this week against better opposition, so we’ll do daily recaps here to keep tabs on some of the bigger 2010 draft prospects.
#1 by Jeff E. - September 28th, 2009 at 14:18
Please! will the Nats loose the red Walgreen’s BP tops!!!!!!!! everytime I see them play I have the urge to go pick up some beer and Doritos @ Walgreens….or maybe some medication from watching the young pitching mature……cheers!