It’s not often that an All-Star Game involves intriguing decisions as to who will start or even make the roster.
The 2017 Grand Slam Challenge will require those decisions. And that has everything to do with the amount of superior talent on the island at the shortstop position–specifically the class of 2017.
In a typical year, any one of the following players would probably be starters–but obviously the decision will be much harder when you consider all the Div-I talent.
Try this one on for size. Here’s a rundown of the top guys in alphabetical order with their college commitment in parenthesis:
Joe Barbuto, North Babylon
He hit .306 last year with an absurd .521 OBP. His Head Coach stated that he provides stability from the SS position that the team has not had in years. Also, a very respected leader in the dugout for a young team that graduated 14 seniors last year.
Rob Giovanelli, Manhasset (New Haven)
He has been lauded for his in-game intensity, his slick fielding skills and his line-drive ability. He may end up on the mound in the college, where he has touched 88 MPH.
Kenneth Gordon, Babylon (Flagler)
Gordon has garnered interest from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and has a chance to get drafted this season. He is hitting .500 in the early going of the season, thanks to a line drive swing that produces a 96 MPH exit velocity. He has not been getting pitched to since being moved to the third-spot in the order, though, as teams are not taking their chances with him beating them. He still finds a way to score, due to his 6.3 speed. He stole 36 bases and scored 24 runs last season in 20 games. Very smooth defensively as well.
Joe Greco, Bellport (Sacred Heart)
A very skilled two-way player, he hits the ball all over the field with his 93 MPH exit velocity. He has plus speed and has a steady glove in the field. He also went 5-1 on the mound last season.
Jake Liberatore, Bayport-Blue Point
He hit .492 and scored 27 runs as a junior. He has been a part of a winning program and is a very reliable glove, athletic movements, quick release and accurate throws.
Brad Malm, Pat-Med (Albany)
Malm is off a terrific start to the season despite getting pitched around a lot. He has added some pop to his game–as evidenced by his opposite-field three-run home run last week at Sachem East. He is more of a gap-to-gap hitter despite the added pop. He is arguably the slickest fielder of the bunch. He can make all the plays, makes them look easy and has a rocket arm across the infield at 90 MPH. Very confident fielder that makes accurate throws as well.
Brian Morrell, Shoreham-Wading River (Notre Dame)
The reigning Carl Yastrzemski Award winner is a five-year varsity player that has earned all the praised heaped on him. His starts have generated lots of buzz from the local scouts and his start in the Dominican Republic was in front of several high-level decision makers in the Philadelphia Phillies organization. He has the ability to be a top-4 round draft pick. In the field, he has very good lateral agility and smooth hands. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to throw 92 MPH across the diamond either.
Mike Palazzolo, Hills East (Stony Brook)
A four-year varsity player, Palazzolo went from a defense-first player to a well-rounded player. He has very good pop for a slender middle infielder thanks to great bat speed. He batted .325 with 16 RBI last season. He is also a demon on the bases, often stealing second and third base in the same at bat. The Stony Brook-commit is on the draft radar as well.
Mike Ruggiero, Smithtown East (Wagner)
One of the more under-rated players around, he has done nothing but win in his career. This year he is the leader of a young, but talented Smithtown West team. He is their ace, but also their best hitter. He is a very smooth fielder that is capable of making any play required of a SS.
Andrew Russell, Kellenberg (Colby)
He has been described by scouts as a “heady player that is a catalyst at the plate”, very cerebral and intellectual player. Certainly a valuable skill set for any player to possess.
Anthony Siroka, Sachem East (Pittsburgh)
Siroka is considered one of the best bats in the class. He is regarded as a physical player with a professional body and swing. He generates tremendous power with his lefty swing and plays a very slick SS. He has been getting attention from at least two Major League clubs. Also, throws 86-89 MPH on the hill and is the ace of Sachem East.
Oliver Tavares, Deer Park (Farleigh-Dickinson)
Tavares is such a hard-worker that Jose Reyes has taken a liking to him and spent a lot of time working out with him in the off-season. Has developed good pop at the plate, having batted .348 with 20 RBI and is as good defensively as it gets.
Nicholas Trabacchi, Smithtown West (UMBC)
Trabacchi put himself on the map with a terrific junior season and UMBC awarded him for his feats. He was just shy of being named All-County but had very good numbers including 25 RBI. It is unclear whether he will be a SS or pitcher at the next level but he also touches the upper 80s with his heater and was 6-2 with a 2.20 ERA on the mound.
Greg Tsouprakos, West Islip (Pace)
After winning the Long Island championship as a junior, he will now be asked to be the leader of a team with high-expectations. He is a very smart player, makes all the plays and possesses a high-level of intellect. He handles the bat very well, hit .345 last year, does the little things necessary to win and can steal bases. Had a very good summer, boosting his stock greatly.
Chris Wasson, Massapequa
An elite athlete that is also an All-County wide receiver, Wasson is regarded as a threat at the plate and a stolen-base threat on the base paths. He is a respected leader in the dugout among his teammates and can handle the bat very well.