punchout,
A few come to mind at the younger ages, that still have a chance to shine at the 16u-18u level, and beyond. No names out of respect. A few were extremely tough early, and a few maybe not but have the horsepower to get there potentially still (upside).
What do you think about Simpson at Miami, and Sito at CSU? Think either of them have a chance to take their teams and carry them strongly into post-season?
Not sure about Simpson, although VERY good. Sito is intriguing as athletic and competitive as she is .... not sure what either has around them in support though??
Good luck to the softball Bucks, from a passionate Alum!!
I think Simpson and Sito are VERY good pitchers Are they in the same catagory as the Finches, and Ostermans?. I don`t think so(not many are) Personally I think both of them are playing in conferences below their talent level. The MAC plays good softball with its top teams. The horizon League is somewhat below the MAC. I think either kid could have played at least in the Big Ten. I am sure they have their reasons for attending the schools they did. Life is not all about softball, being happy and getting the education of your choice needs to be first. Some kids find both at very competitive sports schools, and others are more comfortable getting their education at smaller schools.
You are right about the athletes surrounding pitchers. A pitcher can only hide a teams weaknesses for so long. Both pitchers instantly gave their teams a better chance at being successful.I know Simpson has another really good pitcher to help her from the Columbus area.
Having a kid who pitched in the Big Ten, I know the difference between a very good pitcher and a great pitcher. My kid was very good in summer and high school as a player. She was not as good as the best pitchers in the Big Ten (All but one was from the west coast) She got hurt before getting to her potential as a pitcher (although she did shut down a few top ten teams)but hitting wise she caught up to the west coast kids as she moved to center field.
I have seen great hitters like Vanderink come to Ohio St, not really ready for college pitching. But she and other Ohio girls developed to be excellent hitters. Vanderink becoming an All American is case in point.
Katie Chain is one of the best pitchers to come out of Ohio. She set all the Ohio St pitching records. Those records have since been broken by, you guessed it, two west coast kids (Juarez and Reeder) Juarez should have been an All american and Reeder did become an All american.
I have no doubt if our Ohio kids had the same advantages as the west coast kids with the proper training, the great competition to play against constantly, and the weather to play in year round, they would be more ready come their freshman year in college.