Up | 2007Scout | 2007Showcase | 2007Futures | 2007Fall | 2006Scout | 2006Showcase | 2006Fall

Recapping the 1st ever NY Nine Fall Season....
The 2006 New York Nine fall season offered our student-athletes optimal exposure to the collegiate and pro scouting communitites. By playing 28 games in 7 weekends, the Nine ensured that their players would not only stay sharp, but have the choice of where they wanted to play on a given weekend. Aside from 11 early scholarship commits (and growing!), 25 players sent to the nation's most scouted single amateur event (Perfect Game's World Wood Bat National Championship), 12 upperclassmen (2007 grads) ranked in the Northeast's top 200 and 44 of the area's top players offered top flight coaching and competition, while never sacrificing showcasing and instruction for any given win. (Our philosophy in the fall is to get our players maximum reps, minimizing chance of injury and give even playing time to all). We lost zero players to any type of NY Nine related injury, and have been praised for handling our student-athletes, and training them, in a "professional manner".

PITCHERS

Seniors

The returning anchor of the 2006 NABF 3rd place finishing scout team, Hugh Henry (Mount Vernon HS, 2007), and current reigning Westchester County Strikeout King, will be bringing his loose arm and 90+ MPH fastball back to anchor the Scout team in 2007. The U Pitt bound Henry posesses top-of-the chart athleticism, a solid 12-6 curveball and hard slider which he uses to offset the power fastball with late life. If you question Henry's competitiveness and toughness, consider that two hours after being informed of his grandfather's passing, Henry fired a one-hitter in the national semi-final, only to lose 1-0 on an unearned run.

Newcomer Sean Lucas (Beacon HS, 2007) showed scouts why he is considered to be one of the top left-handed pitchers in this part of the country. The University of Virginia commit posesses a 90+ mph with sink and run, shows signs of a plus change and solid curve. Lucas posted a 0.88 WHIP and 1.12 ERA this fall. Look for Lucas to become a major prospect in the next 12 months.

Fireballer Ken Ferrer (Plesantville HS, 2007) opened scouts eyes at Perfect Game in Jupiter, Florida by touching 93mph. With a loose arm and power slider, the Elon Phoenix will be bringing in a future weekend conference starter in the fall of 2007. Ferrer will be looked upon to anchor a deep Scout team staff next summer.

The Demon Decons of Wake Forest are adding LHP Ryan Burke (Poly Prep HS, 2007) to their powerhouse squad next fall. Burke posesses a clean arm and at 6'2 offers the type of projectable frame that quality programs are searching for. Burke works in the mid-80's with a tight 12-6 curveball and good feel for his changeup. Burke is another quailty addition to a potentially deep 2007 pitching staff.

Anthony Velazquez (Bayside HS, 2007) might be undersized at 5'8", but is the quintessential "big game" pitcher that you look for when building a pitching staff. After becoming the first ever NYS high school pitcher to hurl back-to-back perfect games, Velazquez brought his 84 mph FB, 12-6 and backup curveballs, and plus changeup to the Nine last summer. With competativeness at the top of the charts, and a work ethic and attitude to match, Velazquez is the type of pitcher you find yourself rooting for - and he delivers the goods.

At 6'6" and 225 LBS, George Isabel (George Washington HS, 2007), still hasn't finished growing into his size 17 shoes. Armed with an 86 mph FB, and curveball which continues to improve, Isabel should become a solid follow. A hard worker who loves to play baseball, Isabel is a late developer who might have pro potential.

Senior righthander Andy Hoffman (Beacon HS, 2007) posted spectacular numbers this fall for the Nine. With a 3-1 record in 27 2/3 IP, Hoffman only allowed a TOTAL of 20 baserunners for a 0.76 Whip. By adding a miniscule 0.73 ERA to the mix, Hoffman made his push for serious time on the 2007 scout squad. Less than a year removed from having his labrum repaired, Hoffman's FB is back in the low 80's with a knucke-curve that is beginning to show signs of being a plus pitch.

John Jay Cross River High School LHP Joseph Valvano uses his average-to-better changeup, and low 80's FB to induce ground ball after ground ball. Valvano is first learning the art of pitching, and should continue to get better as his 5'10" 145 LB frame continues to fill out. With a top-rate attitude, and willingness to work, Valvano should become a solid collegiate player in the next 24 months.

Alex Magid (John Jay Cross River HS, 2007) is a finesse pitcher who had some solid outings for the Nine this fall. Posting a 2-1 record, Magid fired a complete game shutout vs. the Long Island Mariners, as well as led the team in appearances with 8. An agressive pitcher, Magid (a senior, but just turned 17) should continue to improve over the offseason, and with added consistancy could compete for a spot within the organization.

John Jay HS enigmatic right-handed senior, Dan Pargament, is one of the more interesting pitchers in the area. When right, Pargament brings a heavy, low 80's FB and tight curveball to the table. Inconsistancy is the biggest thing that Pargament has to overcome, which should come with hard work and mechanical improvement.

Juniors

White Plains High School LHP Josh Herzenberg showed signs of becoming the type of crafy lefthander that coaches love to have on a pitching staff. Herzenberg presently works in the high 70's with pinpiont accuracy, and offsets the FB with a curve and change that grade at average right now, but will become better. Herzenberg is agressive and wants the ball, as evidenced by his shutout of the Long Island Mariners, and five innings of one-run ball vs. the Bayside Yankees this fall. His solid 1.29 ERA and 1.15 WHIP show the consistancy that should make Herzenberg a solid collegiate option in 2008.

Offensive Players

Seniors

The statement "good things come in small packages" refers perfectly to NY Nine 5'3" outfield hopeful Marcos Castro (Academy of Arts and Sciences, 2007). Castro posted an OBP of .500 while swiping 9 of 11 bases. Along with 11 walks, he made pitchers pay if they entered the strike zone going 11 for 33 (.333). An above average runner with a plus arm, Castro made a strong push for a slot on the '07 Scout team.

Jeremy Lopez (Beacon HS, 2007) posesses the strongest infield arm in New York City. Having been as high as 91 mph across the diamond, Lopez set the bar high enough for the University of Maine to bring in the former Harlem LL world series star. Lopez has playable hands, above average instincts and arm, and is very, very tough. A gap-to-gap hitter with power for position, Lopez will be back to help the scout team improve on their 3rd place national finish of 2006.

UNC-Greensboro bound John Cuccharella (Somers HS, 2007) proved to be one of the bigger gamers in the area over the fall. Cuccharella is one of those players who doesnt do anything spectacularly, but does everything very well. He saved his best for last, tearing up the WWBA World Championships in Jupiter, Florida. Cucchiarella won games with his bat, his glove and his speed. You won't find a bigger gamer.

Quite possibly the best athlete in the NY Nine organization, Jeremie (JJ) Flores (Beacon HS, 2007) is loaded with potential. A plus runner with a plus arm, JJ is first starting to come into his own. Arguably the best outfielder in the PSAL, JJ can get on the mound and finish off games with his 91-mph fastball and power slider. With the tools that scouts look for, and an attitude to match, it will be interesting to see what pans out for this top-quality young man.

Duke University got themselves a ballplayer by recruiting Thomas Lucciano. (Fox Lane HS, 2007) Lucciano, the nation's highest scorer in the SPARQ test (measures sport specific athleticism) posts sub 6.5 speed in the 60 yd dash, a quality gap-to-gap bat with some pop, and a 1st rate attitude on and off the diamond. Lucciano posted a .464 BA with stunning .606 OBP this fall, while swiping 7 of 8 bases.

Raymond Quinones (George Washington HS, 2007) will be bringing his tremendous natural talent and unmatched passion for the game of baseball to UNC-Greensboro. Quinones, one of the leaders during the '06 Scout team's 3rd place national finish, has power to all fields, an 87 mph arm in the hole, and good instincts on the bases. Besides being invited to every major showcase and tryout in the area, Quinones is a player who should see his personal stock rise as June gets closer.

George Washington High School has a wealth of talent. Carlos Fermin anchors the hot corner with playable hands, average arm and solid instincts. Fermin will make some noise this year with his stick, however, as he displays tremendous raw power with the wood. Not overly vocal, Fermin lets his game talk for him. In limited action, due to his tournament/showcase schedule, Fermin posted a .417 OBP, and 50% of his hits this fall went for extra bases.

Wofford College (SC) got themselves one hard-nosed gamer in Joe O'Hagan. (Fordham Prep HS, 2007) O'Hagan is your quintessential catcher, bringing a sub 2.0 POP time, game calling intelligence, good hands and lateral movement to anchor your pitching staff. Joe had his toughness on display in Jupiter, Florida, while catching a staff of 90+ MPH arms - with a dime sized hole in his left thumb!

UNC-Greensboro stayed within the walls of the NY Nine to ink Joey Frabasile. (Fordham Prep HS, 2007) Frabasile was the 1st NY Nine member to head to UNC-G, bringing his soft, playable hot-corner hands, average arm and tremendous instinct. Don't mistake Frabasile's quiet demeanor for weakness, as this kid loves to be in the mix with the game on the line. A gap-to-gap hitter with a good, projectable frame, Frabasile should come into his own over the next 24 months.

PSAL Champion James Monroe HS provides us with another strong-armed backstop, Gabriel Molina. The 2007 Grad, quite simpily, knows how to win. The anchor of the Showacase team this past summer, Molina brings his potent bat back for 2007. Posting a .395 OBP this fall, including 50% of his hits as the extra base variety, Molina is constantly working to improve his game. A top-notch kid on and off the field, Molina figures to be in position for a huge 2007 season.

High Point (NC) bound Tyler Gionis looks like a man among boys on the diamond. The massive slugging first baseman Gionis (Fairfield HS, 2007) has the size, hands, and raw power that one looks for when trying to project ballplayers at the next level. With a positive attitude, and solid work ethic, Gionis should continue to position himself for a possible future past college in the game of baseball.

Fordham Prep's Robert Fondu is just the spark plug that many college programs might be looking for as the winter progresses. Fondu posted a .444 OBP in limited action this fall, showing his ability to get on base from both sides of the plate. Fondu makes solid contact and uses his sub 6.8 speed very well, both on the bases, and to track down balls in the outfield. His arm plays well in center and left, which he solidly showed at the WWBA/PG championships in Jupiter, Florida this past October.

Switch-hitting Russ Carrone (John Jay Cross River HS, 2007) is one of the more solid, yet widely unkown, players in our area. Carrone has a great feel for the game, with gap to gap power from both sides of the plate. His hands are playable in both the infield and outfield, however Carrone's arm has life and carry from the OF, which should increase potential opportunity with universities over the winter.

John Jay Cross River also provided the NY Nine with a very interesting player in Tyler Fillachione, a 2007 graduate. Fillachione stands 6'4" with tremendous wingspan and soft hands around the first base bag. Fillachione is also a "late birthday" putting him a year behind others in his graduating class. Posting good natural power for size, solid arm, and a high level of coachabiilty, Fillachione is the ideal player to learn under the proper collegiate coaching system. And if you want to know about bloodlines, Hank Greenberg is a relative.

2007 Regis HS graduate Thomas Zollo is the type of multi-positional player you look for in assembling a championship calibur team. Zollo quietly batted .400 this fall, with an absurd .750 OBP. Bringing Ivy-League grades and intelligence to the field, along with a level, line drive, gap-to gap swing from the left side, Zollo is a fantastic on field and clubhouse fit. From the bump, Zollo allowed only two hits in six innings, without surrendering a run this fall.

Felvin Recio is a late blooming offensive first baseman from George Washington HS. The 6' 195lb slugger is in the process of refining his swing to gain consistant contact. 67% of his hits this fall went for extra bases, as he posted a .300 OBP.

Joel Feliz came to the Nine late in the fall season. Feliz is a tremendously hard working catcher, who at 6' and 200lbs provides a solid target behind the plate. Feliz is a sub-2.0 catch and throw guy, with solid hands and good lateral movement.

Juniors


As a sophomore, Jean Carlos Rodriguez was among the nation's best catch-and-throw receivers, posting a sub 1.8 time at the Perfect Game, WWBA championships in October, 2005. Behind the plate, Rodgriguez has quiet hands and flawless body positioning. His pitch calling ability is well beyond his years, and he blocks as if he was a college junior. Rodriguez has played in the Dominican Republic and started over former minor league catchers - when he was 16! Offensively, Rodriguez has a level swing, with lift, and power to all fields. Reminds some of a softer framed Angel Salome.

Archbishop Stepinac junior Alex Maruri is the big-game offensive player that most schools will be looking for in 2008. Maruri has a compact stroke which generates power to all fields. Maruri batted .444 with a .500 OBP this past fall, and is the middle-of-the lineup type of player that you can build an offense around. He posesses soft, playable hands at the hot corner, although a move to first base could also be a possibility.

Julian McWilliams (Beacon HS, 2008) has the type of tools that should keep college recruiters hanging around this season. McWilliams, at 6'1" and 175 athletic pounds, is starting to refine his game at the elite level. Already recognized by Perfect Game as a top player in this area, McWilliams' arm strength, athleticism, competitiveness and desire to excel should provide many collegiate options to this middle infielder.

If you're looking for a big bat, there might not be many bigger than George Washington outfielder Fernando Frias. Armed with plus power from the right side, Frias has the ability to turn a game around in any given at bat. Frias posesses an average glove and arm, however coaches are intrigued by his limitless power potential and work ethic. This 2008 graduate will have many baseball opportunities down the line.

Raymond Frias of All-Hollows High School is the exact type of player the New York Nine pride themselves on having. Virtually an unknown (right now), Frias is a complete player who has soft, playable hands and an average-to-plus arm (depending on whether he plays 3b or SS). Frias' 9 RBI led the fall program, along with his 10 runs scored (which tied for the lead). Frias is an above average runner, with instincts, as proven by his 7 for 7 SB attempts. Finally, his .383 OBP and only two defensive errors in 21 games show his consistancy. Frias is a player to watch.

One of the most pleasant surprises this past fall was returning OF Daniel Rosario (Sleepy Hollow HS, 2008). Rosario found his way into the lineup and using his level swing and relaxed approach, posted a .302 BA with a .404 OBP. Rosario's 8 RBI were second on the team. Along with top-notch coachability, Rosario is a gritty competitor who always seems to come up big in big situations.

Catcher Kyle Kalaka (R.C. Ketcham HS, 2008) can be described in two words - Baseball Player. His .421 BA and .458 OBP are only an added bonus, as Kalaka is a sub-2.0 receiver with a quiet body and soft hands. Kalaka returns for his second season with the Nine, and will be looked upon to provide leadership in '07.

Fox Lane High School second baseman Jon Holguin is an infielder with soft, playable hands and a nose for the ball. Holguin is a fierce competitor who can beat you with a line drive, a bunt, or a walk. Holguin's .444 OBP this fall gave the Nine a player who could get on, while also being a guy who could get a runner over, or bring him in.

Sophomores

The New York Nine might have two of the finest sophomore talents in the entire area. First baseman AliBay Barkley of George Washington High School, is slated to graduate in 2009. Barkley is a 6'4" 240LB power bat from the left side of the plate. Barkley has a naturally powerful swing, with loft, which generates immense power. Many feel he will break Manny Ramirez' single season HR record at George Washington - we wouldn't be surprised if it is as a sophomore. Oh, Barkley can hit 87 mph on the mound as well.

The other 2009 grad who has everyone talking is LHP/IF/OF Daniel Sorine (Eastchester HS). Sorine is a 6'2" 190LB utility player who will ultimately become a college ace or four-hitter. Sorine already posesses a gap-to-gap with power swing, which is level through the zone, and a keen eye which led to nine walks this fall, and an outstanding .520 OBP. In Jupiter, this '09 LHP touched 87mph, and will continue to generate a buzz long before his first collegiate recruiting call is allowed to come - this July 1st.

James Monroe high school's Carlos Jorge is a slick fielding middle infielder, who is a recent arrival from the Dominican Republic. There is professional potential written all over Jorge, as his 6'1 160lb athletic frame will fill out. His hands are soft and playable, his arm average-to-better, and range are plus. Jorge's instincts appear to be top-of-the chart as well.

Cardozo High School sophomore Jamal Vargas is the most raw player the Nine had this fall, but one of the most interesting. Aside from being the youngest player in the organization, this 6'0" 180lb athlete showed his versatility by catching, playing 3b and two outfield positions. Vargas is experiencing his first taste of elite level baseball, and warrants keeping an eye on, as his athleticism and frame are top-notch.