Sunday, June 3, 2001
[ PRO BASEBALL DRAFT ]
Preps waiting FOR BRANDON LEAGUE and Bronson Sardinha the hard part is about to begin.
for big call
Having shown their stuff
on the field, local high schoolers
wait to see if anyone noticedBy Jason Kaneshiro
Star-BulletinThey've done all they can on the diamond, now its just a matter of waiting for a phone call that will determine their futures in baseball.
"It's kind of like waiting for the last day of school," League said. "It just seems like it's never going to come."
League, a right-handed pitcher from St. Louis, and Sardinha, a shortstop from Kamehameha, expect to be selected on the first day of Major League Baseball's first-year player draft, which starts Tuesday and runs through Thursday. They lead this year's crop of local high school stars hoping to play professional ball.
Baseball America magazine rates League 53rd overall in its rankings of the nation's top 100 draft prospects, and 34th out of 67 pitchers listed. Sardinha is 80th overall and ninth among 12 shortstops on the list. The national publication forecasts both to be selected somewhere between the second and fifth round Tuesday.
League's name has been in the notebooks of pro scouts since his dominant sophomore year with the Crusaders. He posted more than 100 strikeouts in both his sophomore and junior seasons and tossed five one-hit games in his career.
A 6-foot-2, 185 pound frame, loose three-quarter delivery and moving fastball clocked in the mid-90s are League's greatest assets. He also throws a slider, change-up and curveball, and he struck out 75 batters while walking just 10 in 60 innings last season. The Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed the most interest this spring.
"The key about Brandon is he's still a kid at heart and he just loves to play," said St. Louis coach and Philadelphia Phillies scout Dean Sato.Said Sardinha: "What's very good about him is his composure. He could be losing by 10 runs but he'll have the same composure. Some guys, after a hit, they get all upset. But if you watch him you see the same composure the whole game."
Both League and Sardinha left lasting impressions on the scouts as a members of the U.S. Junior Olympic team last summer, and have committed to attend Pepperdine University if the draft doesn't go to their liking.
If Sardinha opts for college, he would be the third member of his family to matriculate to Malibu. Dane Sardinha is the school's career home run leader and was drafted in the second round by the Cincinnati Reds last year. He is now a catcher with the Reds' single-A team, the Mudville Nine. Duke Sardinha recently completed his sophomore season with the Waves.
Bronson hit .391 for Kamehameha this spring with six doubles and two home runs and has been contacted by the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox.
The 6-2, 210 pounder has been honing his left-handed swing using a wood bat since the Warriors season ended May 1, and toning his physique by working with University of Hawaii strength coach Tommy Heffernan.
"With his physical makeup and his ability, he's almost guaranteed to be drafted in the top five rounds," Sato said. "He has a major league arm ... but his bat is what is the most impressive. He can do anything."
Said League: "He knows what kinds of pitches he can rip. He can take any pitch you throw him and drive it to the opposite field if its on the outside corner, or if its over the plate he'll hit it up the middle.
"His power and strength are so unbelievable, you have to be careful and think twice about what to throw to him."
League and Sardinha will be sitting next to their telephones Tuesday, waiting for a call they've been dreaming about since childhood. And both are anxious to make the leap to the next level.
"If I do get that call I'll be ready," Sardinha said. "I think I've been preparing well enough where I wouldn't miss a beat."
While League and Sardinha are the marquee members of this year's class of draft hopefuls, a number of others could get a call from the pros. Following is a brief look at some of Hawaii's top prospects:
Keli'i Alcon (Molokai), 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, shortstop: Aside from his raw physical tools, Alcon's understanding of the game and baseball instincts give him an edge. He can hit to all fields and is a smooth fielder. He was also the emotional leader for the two-time state champion Farmers in 1999 and 2000.
Chad Bailey (Campbell), 6-5, 190, left-handed pitcher: Potential is the key word for Bailey's draft hopes. He struck out 42 batters in 30 innings, posted a 1.16 earned run average for the Sabers this season and tossed a no-hitter against Waialua. His fastball tops out at 87 miles per hour and he may gain more velocity and movement as he grows into his body. He also throws a split-finger fastball, slider and curve.
Milton Grado (St. Louis), 6-0, 180, third base: A solid all-around athlete who played both shortstop and third base in his career, but his best shot in the pros might be as a catcher. He has a strong arm, runs well and hit .475 for the Crusaders last season.
Hubert Pruett (Kamehameha), 6-2, 230, right-handed pitcher: Pruett could follow former Warrior teammate Kahi Kaanoi, a seventh round pick by the Kansas City Royals last year, into the pros. His fastball registers in the high 80s and he throws a heavy ball that's difficult to drive. He may add velocity as he develops physically and hones his mechanics.
Mark Rodrigues (Kauai), 6-2, 170, left-handed pitcher: Rodrigues' athleticism and lean build could earn him a shot. He was an all-state pick as a volleyball player and throws consistently in the low to mid 80s. He struck out 14 batters in a game this season. His even-keeled demeanor on the mound is another plus.
Other players who may get a call this week include:
Ricky Bauer (Mid-Pacific), pitcher: The Interscholastic League of Honolulu Player of the Year. A heady pitcher with a nasty slider.Keli'i Correa (Kamehameha), outfielder: A powerful hitter who may have potential as a pitcher as well.
Stephen Green (Moanalua), outfielder: A young talent blessed with raw physical tools.
Daniel Kawahakui (Kahuku), pitcher: Dominated the Oahu Interscholastic Association East this year with a fastball in the low to mid 80s.
Nick Tudisco (St. Louis), catcher: His speed and arm strength may lead to a move to the outfield.
Blaine Umeda (Iolani), first base: One of the best pure hitters in the state.