Top TN 2004 Short Stops

[REDSMAN]

Taylor Bates is not a great shortstop-period. He may be good which is fine. But he is not one of the top in the state. I do like the Sampson kid at Beech. Vol24, we already sent out schedules, so Coach Martin did not need to find another team.

[shrtstop2000]

hey redsman just curious to know what does it take in your opinion to be a good shortstop? just asking

[REDSMAN]

IT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AND WHO YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. AT THIS LEVEL, YOU WANT A KID WHO CAN MAKE ROUTINE PLAYS, WHO HAS YOUR BEST INFIELD ARM, AND CAN TURN THE DOUBLE PLAY. AS YOU GO HIGHER, YOU START TO LOOK MORE AT ATHLETICISM, FOOTWORK, HANDS, HOW GOOD ARE THEY AROUND THE BAG, ETC.... A KID CAN BE A VERY GOOD HIGH SCHOOL SHORTSTOP- BUT BE AN AVERAGE PLAYER ON THE GRAND SCALE OF THINGS. AS FOR BATES, I AM SURE HE WILL VERY GOOD FOR THE BEARS. BUT FROM A STANDPOINT OF RECRUITING HIM TO BE A EVERYDAY SS AT THE NEXT LEVEL, I DONT THINK SO..... NOW, HE MAY JUST PROVE ME WRONG AND BE THE NEXT JAY HOOD......

[REDSMAN]

IT DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AND WHO YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. AT THIS LEVEL, YOU WANT A KID WHO CAN MAKE ROUTINE PLAYS, WHO HAS YOUR BEST INFIELD ARM, AND CAN TURN THE DOUBLE PLAY. AS YOU GO HIGHER, YOU START TO LOOK MORE AT ATHLETICISM, FOOTWORK, HANDS, HOW GOOD ARE THEY AROUND THE BAG, ETC.... A KID CAN BE A VERY GOOD HIGH SCHOOL SHORTSTOP- BUT BE AN AVERAGE PLAYER ON THE GRAND SCALE OF THINGS. AS FOR BATES, I AM SURE HE WILL VERY GOOD FOR THE BEARS. BUT FROM A STANDPOINT OF RECRUITING HIM TO BE A EVERYDAY SS AT THE NEXT LEVEL, I DONT THINK SO..... NOW, HE MAY JUST PROVE ME WRONG AND BE THE NEXT JAY HOOD......

[ComeUpper]

How can you not have Zac Bowman of Knox Central not on the list?

[bizazz]

I've heard that Zach projects as a third-baseman at the next level.

[HiwasseeVol]

ComeUpper,

As Bizazz posted.... I think Zac Bowman is one of the best players in the state and will be on more than one list to come. He plays SS at Central, but I like him in other positions and where he may play past high school factors into these list.

[5eagleball]

Redman-- you look like a lowlife on this board... what kind of grown man that is a coach of High School baseball can go bashing on a starting shortstop for a highschool team? You obviously show some kind of jealiousy that you do not have a good enough shortstop at your school, whatever it might be... I play summer ball with Taylor Bates, and he is a quality middle infielder. With all the work he has put in and the success he has had he should be on this list. He plays in the TOUGHEST division in Tennessee High School Baseball, and he managed to lead the region's shortstops in batting average. Even if you do think that he is not worthy of this prestigous list, why would u state your opinion for everyone to see? It makes everyone think lesser of you, and could make some people angered. Until you get a good shortstop for your team, keep it to yourself.

[REDSMAN]

5eagle, first of all, I havent bashed anyone. Unless you cant read very well, I told you he was good-not great. Second of all, I could care less what anyone thinks. This was a discussion open to anyone the last time I checked. So if you cannot take part in this without getting your feelings hurt, then I suggest you go back to worrying about other things.

[5eagleball]

I suggest you dont talk to me like that-- who do u coach anyway? do u have the right to say someones not good when you probably were even worse?...until your team beats Taylor and the MJ Bears... just stop being a low life

[hatchet]

Mt. Pleasant High Schools Brandon Tuten and Chris "Bubba" Holt are

both next level players, they both also pitch and can make a college

lineup at either position. All I can say is come see 'em play.

[REDSMAN]

5eagle, you are right. I apologize. Bates is an excellent player. He is definitely the top ss in this area. I will now go back to being a low life, and will try to not offend you again. Sincerely, REDSMAN.