When it comes to the city’s top prospects, there is Nelson Rodriguez and everyone else.
The George Washington catcher is expected to be drafted high in June’s MLB First-Year Player Draft – and he performed well in Sunday’s Scout Scrimmage at American Legion in Brooklyn. But Kevin Martir showed it’s not just a one-catcher town.
The Maryland signee from Grand Street Campus had a big day offensively with two hits, also threw out a runner at second base and showed off an accurate arm and quick release from behind the plate.
“This was a big day for me,” he said of the 11th annual showcase, which drew 22 teams and a few cross-checkers. “I wanted to get seen, I wanted to show out. I’m very happy, I did pretty good.”
Though he has competed in showcases in front of scouts on several occasions, Martir said he was nervous on Sunday. He didn’t show it. The defensively sound backstop is keeping his options open for his future.
“It depends on the draft, how it goes,” he said. “If I get picked pretty high and the money is there, I don’t know. We’ll see what happens.”
Rodriguez performed well in his own right, throwing out two would-be stealers and also squaring up a few pitches. He put on a hitting display during batting practice as well. Several of the scouts on hand came to see Rodriguez, who many expect to follow Mike Antonio and Williams Jerez as recent top-three round selections.
“It feel good to be expected to get drafted high, but things changed,” the highly touted prospect said. “You have to wait for that day. When it comes closer, I’ll think more about it.
Molloy’s Ramon returns: Jonathan Ramon made quite a spring debut. In his first live action, he singled off Monroe Community College ace Jonathan Bobea to right field and rocketed a triple off Chaminade’s Patrick Madigan. Not shabby for someone who has missed the entire season up to this point with a pinched nerve in his back.
“I felt really, really good,” he said, smiling from ear to ear. “I was trying to come back for the playoffs, but this is a great opportunity to start playing again.”
Ramon was finally given the go-ahead last week to return to action and he began practicing with Molloy. Legendary coach Jack Curran held him out of games to be safe, but gave him the go-ahead to take a few at-bats in the Scout’s Scrimmage – he didn’t play the field. He expects to be in the Stanners lineup on Monday against Holy Cross, either at third base or designated hitter.
“I felt perfectly in place, exactly where I needed to be,” the Evansville-bound senior said. “I’m not a big fan of watching other kids play.”
Berkeley Carroll alum Paller makes impact: The lone player to compete in the showcase from a four-year college, Robb Paller showed what that experience has done for him. Columbia’s outfielder was impressive, rapping out three hits for the Youth Service team.
Paller, who will spend the summer playing for the North Fork Ospreys in the ACBL Hamptons Collegiate Baseball league, enjoyed a solid freshman year. He started 11 games and had nine RBIs this year as the Lions’ fourth outfielder and one of their top pinch-hitters. Columbia went 21-24 overall and 12-8 in the Ivy League.
“It’s tough,” he said of his role. “You’re always facing somebody good in a big spot.”
GW’s Sanchez targeting return: Fernelys Sanchez, George Washington’s speedy and skilled center fielder who has yet to play this spring because of a fractured left fibula, is hoping to come back for the playoffs. The senior began jogging this week and said it is possible he could play in Thursday’s matchup with rival Norman Thomas, if he’s cleared by then. He’s been told his fibula is healing properly.
“I’m not gonna go crazy,” he said. “I don’t want to play in one game and make it worse. I have to take it easy.”
He has committed to national JUCO powerhouse Central Arizona, but is also in talks with Virginia Tech, as is teammate Nelson Rodriguez. The draft remains a possibility as well. On Monday, Sanchez said he will send a copy of his last medical report from doctors to Major League Baseball, which will be distributed to every team.
“I don’t think a lot about the draft,” he said. “It it happens, great, but I can go to school and play ball.”
It has been a rough spring for the sculpted 6-foot-3 senior, who played such a major role in the Trojans’ PSAL Class A crown last year. To keep his mind off the injury, he has been around the team, attending games and practices, and has also built up his upper body in the weight room.