Sports

Scout’s Scrimmage offers city’s top prospects platform to impress

The city playoffs are on the horizon in each of the CHSAA, PSAL and private leagues. Over the next week, seeding and division titles will be determined.

Sunday, however, is arguably more important, at least on an individual basis – that’s because the area’s top prospects will convene at American Legion in Brooklyn for the 11th annual Scout’s Scrimmage, a showcase in front of scores of major-league scouts.

Organized by New York Nine president Ian Millman and Youth Service director Mel Zitter, the event is expected to draw representatives from close to 30 teams. Millman expects not only area scouts, but cross-checkers and even a few front office types.

“There’s some firepower coming in,” Millman said.

It began in 2002 as the brainchild of Zitter, a former scout with the Tampa Bay Rays, and Pirates area scout Buddy Paine, who passed away from pancreatic cancer two years ago. Millman, the former Francis Lewis coach and an associate scout with the Toronto Blue Jays, has filled in for Paine.

There will be two teams, a group of Youth Service players facing the rest of the area’s top prospects, which will be coached by Millman. The event includes extended batting practice beginning at 8:30 a.m., infield-outfield and a nine-inning scrimmage.

“The best part about it is all the best city kids every year are all at one place,” one scout who frequents the showcase said. “It makes it easy to get your last look at all those kids that you might have interest in. You get to see them all at the same time. Some of the city teams aren’t as talented as others. In that game, you’re getting the best pitching against the best hitting. It really makes it worthwhile.”

Millman’s group will feature George Washington catcher Nelson Rodriguez, who is considered the city’s top prospect and may follow in the footsteps of recent top picks Mike Antonio of GW and Williams Jerez of Grand Street Campus. Grand Street Campus’ Maryland-bound duo Jose Cuas (shortstop) and Kevin Martir (catcher) will also be on hand, as will Horace Mann center fielder Harrison Bader, who has signed with Pittsburgh, and Boston College-bound shortstop Gabe Hernandez of Xaverian will also be on hand.

“The scouts are obviously coming to see a handful of people, but as this game has always shown, it’s a great opportunity for other guys to not only go in the draft in June, but enhance their value,” Millman said. “It’s a big day for a lot of guys.”

Millman moved up the event last year so it is before many clubs have their pre-draft organizational meetings, which can help area talent. Two years ago, for instance, Monroe outfielder Melvin Garcia shined and he was taken by the Blue Jays in the 33rd round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Most importantly, for the first time in several years, the weather is expected to hold up. Last year’s game was delayed a week.

“We’re looking forward to getting out with some sun and giving the kids great elements to display their skill set,” Millman said. “We haven’t had that in a while.”

zbraziller@nypost.com