Coral Gables High to host recruiting showcase

Because "there is a college for every athlete," as the press release (and the website) attest, Coral Gables Senior High School has scheduled a baseball recruiting showcase Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The target: "unsigned seniors, college players looking to transfer and upcoming high school juniors and seniors looking to get recruited," according to officials at Team USA College Recruiters, Inc.

Coaches include former UM player/Yankees prospect Rey Noriega. Among the success stories: Coral Park's Alex Castellanos, who went to Belmont Abbey (N.C.) College and was drafted in the 10th round by the Cardinals this year.

Cost is $70 in advance or $80 on the day of the showcase. E-mail (teamusacr@aol.com) or call (305-273-8904) for info.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Hosmer: Signing not imminent

A recent report in The Morning News (of Northwest Arkansas) late Wednesday indicated that the Kansas City Royals' signing of Eric Hosmer -- the American Heritage All-State first baseman-turned-No. 3 overall pick by the Royals -- "is a matter of when and not if."

The quote from J.J. Picollo, Kansas City director of player development:

"We wouldn't have taken him (Hosmer) if we didn't think we were going to sign him," Picollo said. "We were real happy that Hosmer was there (available). We had 15, 16 different reports on him and every one was very consistent in that he has a very, very high ceiling as an offensive player. Defensively, he has also been described as a Gold Glove guy."

Reached by phone Thursday afternoon from Ohio, where he is playing in his second year with the Midland Redskins summer team, Hosmer denied that the signing is imminent.

"I haven't decided anything," Hosmer told The Herald. "Probably around August we'll start cracking down on stuff."

Hosmer is signed with perennial baseball power Arizona State, and all indications are that Tempe, Ariz., remains a very real option for the 6-5 power hitter. That goes double because, as a Scott Boras Corp. client, Hosmer likely will command big bonus money from the Royals.

Meanwhile, from the way he describes his performace in the Cincinnati area, Hosmer appears to be building upon his reputation as one of the nation's top (former) high-school bats. Hosmer, who is DHing with the Midland Redskins, said he has two home runs through five games, and went 3 for 3 Wednesday with three doubles.

Hosmer said he'll be in Ohio into early August, with his pro vs. college decision likely coming soon after.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Last batch of All-State baseball

There was no shortage of Miami-Dade and Broward baseball players -- 27, to be exact -- honored on the 6A All-State baseball team, released today (along with the 5A team) by the Florida Sports Writers Association. Here they are...

6A:

• First Team: Ahmed Garcia (P, South Miami); Corey Witkowski (P, Flanagan); Rolando Gomez (IF, Flanagan); Rony Rodriguez (DH, Sunset).
• Second Team: Anthony Angulo (DH, Southridge).
• Third Team: Casey Delgado (P, Palmetto); Harold Martinez (IF, Braddock); Albert Faz (OF, South Miami).
• Honorable Mention: Joe Coto (P, Goleman); R.J. Fondon (P, Flanagan); Terry Roberts (P, Cypress Bay); Sam Robinson (P, Killian); Kevin Alexander (P, Taravella); Mark Lau (C, Cooper City); Brent Scarberry (C, Western); Alejandro Sanchez (IF, Flanagan); Mike Martinez (IF, Killian); Frank Solis (IF, Goleman); Anthony DeAngelo (IF, Western); James Young (IF, Southridge); Willie Medina (IF, Taravella); Luis Montesinos (IF, Palmetto); Roly Hernandez (IF, South Miami); Pablo Bermudez (OF, Miami Springs); T.J. Clarkson (OF, Coral Springs); Cody Stiles (OF, Taravella); Darnell Sweeney (OF, American).

5A:

• First Team: Michael Broad (IF, Nova).
• Second Team: Joey Housey (P, Nova); Brent Zimmerman (IF, Nova).
• Honorable Mention: Daniel LoCastro (P, St. Thomas Aquinas); Anthony Parilla (OF, Coral Glades); Conor O'Neill (OF, St. Thomas Aquinas).

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

All-State baseball: 3A and 4A

As promised, the 3A and 4A All-State baseball teams were released Tuesday by the Florida Sports Writers Association. And, as expected, American Heritage dominated (nine players total, four on first team). Here are the Miami-Dade and Broward honorees:

3A:

• First Team: JuanCarlos Sulbaran (P, American Heritage); David Villasuso (C, Florida Christian); Eric Hosmer (IF, American Heritage); Daniel Canela (IF, Gulliver Prep); Joey Belviso (OF, American Heritage); Adrian Nieto (DH, American Heritage).
• Second Team: Ryan Kahn (P, American Heritage); Leo Carrillo (OF, Florida Christian).
• Third Team: Ryan Arnold (P, Pompano Beach); Austin Yager (OF, American Heritage); Deven Marrero (IF, American Heritage).
• Honorable Mention: Joe Hone (P, Chaminade-Madonna); Dylan Wolchik (P, Coral Springs Charter); Anthony Tzamtzis (IF, LaSalle); Eric Acevedo (IF, American Heritage); Brandon Sedell (IF, American Heritage).

4A:

• First Team: Mark Alfonso (P, Pace); Luis Lumpuy (IF, Mater Academy).
• Second Team: Lucas Calderon (IF, Belen); Gabby Lima (IF, Cardinal Gibbons); Anthony Bondarenko (OF, Pines Charter).
• Third Team: Carlos Hechevarria (P, Pace); Chad Cabrera (OF, Archbishop McCarthy).
• Honorable Mention: Eric Whaley (P, Cardinal Gibbons); Chris Turino (IF, Archbishop McCarthy).

Teams for 5A and 6A are coming Wednesday...

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

All-State baseball teams: 1A and 2A

The Florida Sports Writers Association announced its 1A and 2A All-State baseball teams for 2008 on Monday. Here are the players honored from Miami-Dade and Broward:

1A:

• First Team: David Vidal (P, Brito Miami Private).
• Second Team: Chris Fabregas (OF, Brito Miami Private); Leonardo Rojas (DH, Brito Miami Private).
• Third Team: Samuel Diaz (P, Brito Miami Private); Ricardo Espinal (OF, Brito Miami Private).
• Honorable Mention: Yoenny Gonzalez (IF, Brito Miami Private); Manuel Machado (IF, Brito Miami Private).

2A:

• First Team: Felix Roque (P, Miami Christian); Ethan Perla (Util, Highlands Christian).
• Second Team: John Caballero (P, Dade Christian); Bryan Siddique (Util, Westminster Academy).
• Third Team: Mitchell Buerosse (P, Highlands Christian); Jairo Acevedo (IF, Miami Christian); Jonathan Escarza (OF, Westminster Christian); Eric Saavedra (OF, Miami Christian).
• Honorable Mention: Jonathan Kies (P, Highlands Christian); Nay Seldomridge (OF, Coral Springs Christian).

The 3A and 4A teams are coming Tuesday, followed by 5A and 6A on Wednesday.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

American Heritage: Baseball America's Team of the Year

They went 31-2, won the 3A state championship, saw four players drafted -- including first baseman Eric Hosmer, who went third overall -- and staked a pretty solid claim to high school baseball's "mythical national title."

According to Baseball America on Wednesday, they got it. Writes Nathan Rode, quite simply:

The Patriots can add one more title to their resume: Baseball America Team of the Year.

This is their latest top ranking, adding to their No. 1 nods from USA Today and RISE Magazine.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

One we missed

In our Friday draft coverage, I unfortunately missed one local high school player drafted: South Broward left-handed pitcher Anthony Coletti, who was taken 1,405th overall in the 47th round by the Washington Nationals (profiled a bit, by The Herald's Jim Varsallone, here).

That means 11 high school players from Broward -- two on the first day, nine on the second -- were taken in 2008. Apologies to Anthony for the miss.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Nieto: The Orioles wanted me

He knows who owns his rights. Still, talented American Heritage catcher Adrian Nieto's future remains uncertain after this year's MLB Draft. The Washington Nationals took him in the fifth round Thursday (151st overall), but -- as negotiations stand -- there's no guarantee he will choose professional baseball over his commitment to the University of South Florida.

"Right now we're far from an agreement financially," Nieto told The Miami Herald on Friday, adding that he likely will fly to Washington soon to meet with the Nationals and general manager Jim Bowden.

A Major League contract could have been a lock, though. Nieto said he had an agreement in place with the Baltimore Orioles, who considered taking him in the second round -- where he was projected to be picked in some circles -- "but they still had another guy [available]," Nieto said. (That turned out to be high school outfielder Xavier Avery.)

And although the Orioles passed on him in later rounds, Nieto still hoped Baltimore would select him.

"They were willing to still pay me what I wanted," he said.

But the Nationals came calling instead, and now Nieto must close the gap between the two sides (he didn't offer a dollar figure Friday). All things considered, though, the switch-hitting catcher sounded far from upset with the outcome -- in fact, he said he liked being part of an organization that is "excited and pumped to have me."

"The Nationals said they really want me," said Nieto, who met with Washington officials last weekend. "They didn't want to lose me to anyone else.

"So obviously they did that because they're willing to pay me what I want. Hopefully."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft wrap

A few reflections on the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft, now that it's all over:

• Believe what you read/hear: Some publications had American Heritage's Eric Hosmer going near the top 15, but mostly in the seven-to-11 range. ESPN's Keith Law, however, heard Hosmer would be the third pick, calling it a near lock. Plus, Hosmer had a lengthy Tuesday meeting with the Royals, who visited him here in South Florida (pushing back my interview time with him, and understandably so). That all seemed to paint a pretty clear picture of Hosmer as the No. 3 pick.
• Don't believe what you read/hear: Catcher Adrian Nieto, Hosmer's teammate, was supposed to be a sandwich pick. Flanagan shortstop Rolando Gomez was supposed to go sometime in the first day. Heck, Braddock shortstop Harold Martinez was touted as a first-round pick before the season started. All fell, for various reasons (college commitments/bonus demands likely being among them). And then there was Greg Conver, a projectable pitcher from American Heritage who went undrafted despite getting some first-day talk. (Something tells me he won't suffer the same fate after three years at North Carolina State.) But the point is: With so many high schools, junior colleges and universities out there, it's easy to overstate a player's draft value -- or, in turn, overlook that same player.
• Heritage's great year continues: Sure, only Hosmer went as high as was hoped. But the 3A state-champion Patriots still had four players picked -- Hosmer, Nieto, right-hander JuanCarlos Sulbaran (30th round) and outfielder Joey Housey (50th round). That's the same amount as all of Miami-Dade County combined.
• Check back in three: Most of these high schoolers have college commitments, including Hosmer (Arizona State), Nieto (South Florida), Gomez (UM), Martinez (UM), Sulbaran (UF), Conver (NC State), Housey (Oregon) and many more. A couple might sign, but the rest could be hearing their names -- again -- in early June 2011.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft, Day 2 (with updates)

It was a long wait -- through Day 1's six rounds, and almost four more in Day 2 -- but Flanagan's star shortstop Rolando Gomez finally was taken, with the 349th pick overall (in round 11) by the Anaheim (they're not in Los Angeles) Angels.

Gomez arguably was the best Broward player this year behind American Heritage first baseman (and No. 3 overall pick) Eric Hosmer, but concerns about his size (5-7) and signability issues (including his commitment to University of Miami) might have caused the polished, instinctive player to slip.

**Update at the break** Through 15 rounds, we've got a break -- and we're still waiting for the second Miami-Dade player to be picked. However, Coral Park's Alejandro Castellanos (most recently with Belmont-Abbey College) was taken 305th overall by the Cardinals, joining a number of former Miami-Dade and Broward high schoolers to have been taken out of college this year. Among them:

Yonder Alonso (Coral Gables, UM, 7th overall to the Reds); Carlos Gutierrez (Columbus, UM, 27th overall to the Twins); Dennis Raben (St. Thomas Aquinas, UM, 66th overall to the Mariners); Alex Avila (Archbishop McCarthy, Alabama, 163rd overall to the Tigers); Christopher Dominguez (Gulliver Prep, Louisville, 167th overall to the Rockies); Richard Bleier (South Plantation, Florida Gulf Coast, 183rd to the Rangers); Daniel Farquhar (Archbishop McCarthy, Louisiana-Lafayette, 309th overall to the Blue Jays); Dominic De La Osa (Archbishop Carroll, Vanderbilt, 336th overall to the Twins); Michael Marseco (St. Thomas, Samford, 338th overall to the Brewers); Alberto Espinosa (Brito, Broward CC, 445th overall to the Royals); Daniel Cook (Westminster Christian, FAU, 447th overall to the Giants); and Joseph Coleman (Cape Coral, Florida Gulf Coast, 461st overall to the Cubs).

***Update: Martinez goes in 19th round*** Once considered a first-round talent, Braddock's Harold Martinez stayed on the board until the 573rd pick, where the Texas Rangers grabbed the 6-3 shortstop. Scouts pointed to a down year for Martinez as a reason for his potential slip, and now the Rangers must contend -- like Gomez -- with Martinez's commitment to UM.

***Update: Tigers pick Southridge's Young*** James Young, a 6-4 right-hander from Southridge, was taken 823rd overall (27th round) by the Tigers.

***Update: Reds end Sulbaran's wait*** American Heritage right-hander JuanCarlos Sulbaran, projected here as a late-first day/early-second pick, fell all the way to the 30th round, where he was grabbed by the Reds (899th overall). He could be headed to UF.

***Update: Reds raid Broward again*** The Cincinnati Reds apparently scout South Florida -- they took Coral Gables-turned-UM star Yonder Alonso seventh overall Thursday -- and didn't stop there. One round after taking Sulbaran, Cincinnati took another Broward pitcher -- Nova's Joey Housey, The Miami Herald's 6A-5A Pitcher of the Year -- with the 929th overall pick.

***Update: 35th-round break*** Through 35 rounds, here are some other college players drafted who went to Broward or Miami-Dade high schools: Chad Rose (McArthur, BCC, 497th to the Rockies); Mitch Houck (Cypress Bay, UCF, 524th to the Mets); Robert Lara (Nova, UCF, 585th to the Padres); Shawn Griffin (Chaminade-Madonna, Tennessee, 595th to the Royals); Brian Van Kirk (Westminster Academy, Oral Roberts, 639th to Toronto); Jorge Castillo (Gulliver Prep, FIU, 780th to the White Sox); Adan Severino (American, UM, 786th to the Twins); Elih Villanueva (Westminster Academy, FSU, 808th to the Marlins); Nick Arata (Nova, FAU, 841st to the Nationals); Reynaldo Cotilla (Miami Springs, MDC, 955th to the Royals); Jose Jimenez (Pace, U of Tampa, 1009th to the Angels); and Brian Pruitt (Florida Christian, Stetson, 1021st to the Nationals).

***Update: Another Avila goes to Tigers*** Archbishop McCarthy's Alan Avila Jr., son of Detroit Tigers assistant general manager Al Avila Sr., was taken in the 47th round (1415th overall) by his dad's team. If you'll recall, the Tigers on Thursday picked Avila's brother, Alex, for the second time; the Alabama catcher went in the fifth round, 163rd overall.

***Update: Killian's Miranda picked*** In the final round, Killian lefty Daniel Miranda was taken 1490th overall by the St. Louis Cardinals. Will he be the last local player drafted?

***Update: Belviso makes it four*** Nope. American Heritage outfielder Joey Belviso became the fourth player from the 3A state champion, joining Gomez in the Angels' organization (50th round, 1501st overall).

***Update: That's all, folks*** Here's the final round of college players who starred at local high schools: Yan Gomes (Southridge, Tennessee, 1192nd to the Red Sox); Clayton Suss (Cooper City, MDC, 1308th to the Diamondbacks); Alex Pepe (Highlands Christian, FAU, 1323rd to the Rangers); David Torcise (Westminster Christian, USF, 1403rd to the Reds); and Marcus Salmon (Sunset, MDC, 1438th to the Brewers).

Thanks for reading. That's a wrap, after 50 rounds and almost 15 hours...

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft update: Still waiting...

Well Day 1 is done, with Eric Hosmer celebrating, Adrian Nieto slipping and Jarrett Burgess surprising.

Now, with 44 rounds set for Day 2 (you can follow on MLB.com's DraftTracker, beginning at 11:30 a.m.), here are some players still waiting to hear their names called:

• JuanCarlos Sulbaran, RHP, American Heritage. Why he slipped: He's polished, but not oozing with potential (plus there were some rumored signability issues). Where he'll go: Early Friday, unless those rumors of a high bonus demand are true.
• Greg Conver, RHP, American Heritage. Why he slipped: One scout worried about a possible (though unsubstantiated) late-season injury. Where he'll go: If those concerns aren't too bad, the athletic, projectable hurler won't last long Friday.
• Harold Martinez, SS, Braddock. Why he slipped: A sub-par senior year. Where he'll go: It's uncertain, but someone will take a chance that Martinez wil regain his former form.
• Rolando Gomez, SS, Flanagan. Why he slipped: Size -- it's that simple. Where he'll go: Hard to imagine someone with his approach and instincts lasting too much longer, although he has that University of Miami commitment to contend with.

There's sure to be plenty of other local players selected Friday, too. Stay tuned.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft update: Dade's first pick

This one was a bit of a surprise. Although Braddock shortstop Harold Martinez long was considered the only first-day prep prospect from Miami-Dade -- some thought him a first-round pick before the season -- Florida Christian outfielder Jarrett Burgess snuck ahead of him Thursday, snagged by the Seattle Mariners in the sixth round (192nd overall).

Burgess wasn't really a big name in Dade this year, with Harold Martinez and Miami Springs outfielder Pablo Bermudez getting more attention.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft update: Father picks son

From the former South Florida high schools file, Archbishop McCarthy grad and University of Alabama catcher Alex Avila was drafted in the fifth round (163rd overall) by the Detroit Tigers, whose assistant general manager is ... Al Avila, Alex's father.

It's the second time the Tigers have picked Avila. They took him in the 34th round (1,020th overall) back in 2005.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft update: Nieto slips to fifth round

Eric Hosmer going No. 3 overall was no surprise. His friend, teammate and occasional battery mate Adrian Nieto falling to the fifth round, though, was.

One scout with whom I spoke seemed convinced Nieto was a top-three-rounds guy, thinking he could be a "sandwich" seleciton between the first and second. Nieto himself said he was told the same.

But, as the end of the first day neared (teams stop picking at about 9 p.m.), the Washington Nationals snagged Nieto with the 151st pick.

Now, like Hosmer, Nieto faces the decision of college vs. pro. The switch-hitting catcher could go to South Florida instead of signing with Washington.

His thoughts, as of Wednesday night: "Hopefully I get a fair offer," he said. "And if I don't get a fair offer, I'll go to school. ... [But] my ultimate dream is to play pro ball, and the main goal is to play in the Major Leagues."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

On the scene: Hosmer goes third

Ah, the beauty of high-def.

With a big crowd surrounding the high-definition television in Eric Hosmer's living room at his Cooper City home, anxiously waiting to see where the American Heritage first baseman got picked in Thursday's Major League Baseball Draft, a buzz started circulating among the family and friends who had gathered:

That other TV is faster. About two minutes faster.

So that's why there was an early roar from the back room.

And that's why everyone gathered in anticipatory silence when Bud Selig announced -- in beautiful HD, mind you -- that the Kansas City Royals indeed took the power-hitting, lefty-swinging Hosmer with the No. 3 overall pick.

Of course, Hosmer had an idea he was about ready to be taken when ESPN called American Heritage coach Todd Fitz-Gerald a couple of minutes before the roar. But -- as you heard, if you watched the ESPN2 feed -- he couldn't hear host Karl Ravech through the noise. And this was before everyone knew where he was going.

Now he's got that big decision to make -- pros or college (he's signed with Arizona State) -- and it's one that doesn't seem like a lock either way. Sure, he's likely got a big signing bonus coming his way (Hosmer didn't want to discuss details Thursday, although it's been rumored he could ask in the $7 million range), but going to the Sun Devils and becoming even more Major League-ready isn't a bad option, either.

Whichever way he goes, he'll probably again be seen on TV sometime in the future.

And maybe, by then, every TV will be high-def.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft update: Beckham first, Hosmer third?

A few notes, with the draft approaches:

• MLB.com is reporting that high school shortstop Tim Beckham (from Griffin, Ga.) will be the No. 1 overall pick, going to the Tampa Bay Rays. That aligns with multiple mock drafts -- including MLB.com's and ESPN.com's -- and could bode well for Hosmer. Both scenarios see the Pittsburgh Pirates grabbing Vanderbilt third baseman Pedro Alvarez second, followed by the Kansas City Royals (who visited Hosmer on Tuesday) taking the American Heritage masher (ESPN's Keith Law  calls this "close to a lock," although indications are the Royals will take Alvarez if the Pirates go elsewhere).
• If the Royals don't take Hosmer, there isn't a mock around (not that I've found, anyway) that has him slipping past the Texas Rangers at No. 11. Hosmer even said Tuesday that the club told him as much.
• I caught up Wednesday night with Nieto, who will watch the Draft with his adviser and his parents. Refreshing perspective, from the catcher: Although he's hearing the same things everyone's reporting (first three rounds, possibly into the supplemental part of the first), Nieto insisted he's not getting caught up in projections. "It's good hearing that," Nieto said, "but at the same time, you don't know what to expect [until] it really happens."

Coverage of the first round begins on ESPN2 and MLB.com at 2 p.m.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

MLB Draft preview, high schools edition

The Herald's print edition Thursday profiled American Heritage first-round hopeful Eric Hosmer and assessed the Marlins' situation.

Now, here are some extended capsules from the Broward and Miami-Dade high schools scene, focusing on some possible first-day picks:

• Eric Hosmer, 1B/P, American Heritage. Projection: First round, possibly top-three. Why he'll get picked: Everything -- size, power, athleticism, character ... plus his potential as a pitcher, if the whole hitting thing doesn't work out. One scout's take: "He should be a Major League regular starter ... [but] he could go beyond that. He might be a superstar."
• Adrian Nieto, C, American Heritage. Projection: First three rounds, possibly even first. Why he'll get picked: He's a switch-hitting catcher with size, arm and power. One scout's take: "He's not afraid to throw the ball, which is what I loved about him."
• Harold Martinez, SS, Braddock. Projection: Fifth round. Why he'll get picked: Superior power and size (6-3) for his position. One scout's take: "He's not going to go as high as everyone thought he was going to go. ... Before the season, he was supposed to be a first-round pick."
• JuanCarlos Sulbaran, RHP, American Heritage. Projection: Fifth to seventh round, possibly jumping to the right team. Why he'll get picked: Polish and high-level production. One scout's take: "He's definitely got the potential to be a Major League starting pitcher -- maybe a fourth or fifth starter in the Major Leagues, but not a front-line guy."
• Greg Conver, RHP, American Heritage. Projection: Fifth or sixth round, but some team might want to take a risk earlier. Why he'll get picked: Pure potential, based on his combination of raw athleticism and size (a lanky 6-4). One scout's take: "Sulbaran is just more polished [and has] more pitching experience than Conver. ... If they were on the same page, Conver would definitely be the better prospect."
• Rolando Gomez, SS, Flanagan. Projection: Late first day, early second. Why he'll get picked: Plate approach and understanding of the game. One scout's take: "There's concerns about his size (5-7), his durability. ... I want to see him do it in college (at University of Miami), and then draft him three years down the line."

Of course, plenty of players could find their names called during the draft's two days (there are 50 rounds, after all) -- so by no means is this a complete list. In fact, MLB.com's Florida roundup also lists Anthony Angulo (Southridge), Joe Belviso (American Heritage), Pablo Bermudez (Miami Springs), Jarrett Burgess (Florida Christian), Joey Housey (Nova), Peter O'Brien (Braddock), Vickash Ramjit (Columbus), David Villasuso (Florida Christian), James Young (Southridge) and Kevin Youst (American Heritage) as prospects.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Two sport star or one sport millionaire?

Here's an interesting story by St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Bryan Burwell about the recent evolution of the Major League Baseball draft. As anyone that covers high school and college baseball recruiting will tell you, pro scouts are a cagey lot, prone to playing their cards close to their vests.  This paranoia permeates the whole process - all the way up to and including the draft itself - which is why MLB has failed to turn its annual amatuer selection into the high profile affair of its basketball and football counterparts.

But there is an unintended consequence of this secrecy. Sometimes, MLB teams play it so cool that the prospects themselves don't know when - or even if - they're going to be picked.  Take, for example, Sarasota High's Casey Kelly.

The talented right-handed hurler/quarterback will be tossing the ball that bounces funny this fall in Knoxville for the Vols before trading in cleats and heading to the mound in the spring. That is, unless something happens this Thursday.  If a club, knowing it won't have a shot at Kelly for another three years, uses a high pick to toss big cash at him, what will he do?  What would you do?  College experiences are memorable and important, but you can manufacture some pretty memorable experiences with a cool million in signing bonus.  Also, what if he doesn't pan out?  Division I-level compeition is one thing, but it's nearly impossible to split time in sports and be competitive on a professional level.  Sure, Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson did it, but they were freaks of nature.

A more apt comparison would be former Michigan QB/Yankees 3b Drew Henson, whose growth in each sport was stunted by his participation in the other. How can you devote the time you need to studying defenses when you have to hit 1,000 balls a day just to bat your weight? How can you build a book on pitchers' tendencies when you have to prepare for 11 world-class athletes that want to tear your head off? Henson couldn't, and he went down as a bust in both sports. Its difficult in college, and downright impossible in the pro ranks, a fact that Kelly will find out soon enough.

Old names, familiar faces, and a new strategy

The weather has gone from warm to hot, kids are trading in their high school jerseys for AAU and traveling team gear and here at the Miami Herald a fresh crop of college interns are finding their way through the newsroom.  All of this means one thing: summer has officially arrived.

On the Herald High School Sports Blog, you'll notice a few changes as well.

First, take note that a new "recruiting" category has been created.  This goes hand-in-hand with our pledge to bring readers unparalleled recruiting coverage this summer and into the next school year.  From now on, you can find out what's up in the recruiting world, up-to-the-minute, by visiting the site and choosing all of the "recruiting" stories.

Also, keep an eye on the Miami Herald's recruiting page for a new feature, daily, on the top athletes in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.  On Monday, Manny Navarro featured Palmetto's Jamaal Berry. Check in daily for fresh, web-only content.

Finally, you'll notice some new - yet familiar - names on the blog.  Along with recruiting guru/columnist Larry Blustein, the Herald has added three new faces to the blog. Miami Herald writers Judy Erwin, Justin Azpiazu, and myself, David Quinones, will each be contributing on a regular basis.

Now that that's done, onto some news. Monday was a big day for Ferguson baseball.  The program got its first ever NCAA signee when centerfielder Harold Holness inked a letter of intent. Holness will take his All-Dade second team and Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star credentials to Barry University, joining coach Marc Pavao's Buccaneers. Still no word on whether Pavao has shored up his bullpen, which faded down the stretch of what might have been a successful 2008 season if not for key injuries.

-David Quinones dquinones@miamiherald.com

ESPN's Law: Hosmer No. 3 to Royals

With the MLB draft approaching (June 5-6), mock drafts are proliferating. ESPN.com's Keith Law released his first-round projections Friday, projecting American Heritage first baseman (and possible pitching prospect) Eric Hosmer as the No. 3 overall pick to the Kansas City Royals.

Here's what Law wrote in his Insiders-only mock about Hosmer, predicted to be the top prep player picked:

The Royals had sworn off Scott Boras clients after a tough negotiation with Mike Moustakas last summer, but they apparently have decided to have just one more for the road after seeing Hosmer's tremendous upside as a hitter. (They can quit any time.) Brian Matusz also is a consideration here.

Hosmer is the only South Florida high school product projected among the top 30 picks, although Law recently suggested in a blog post that Hosmer's teammate, catcher Adrian Nieto, could go right after:

The Mets are very interested in American Heritage (Fla.) catcher Adrian Nieto, a switch-hitter who has a strong arm and projects to hit for power. Nieto could go in the sandwich round, where he has several suitors, and shouldn't last beyond the second round.

As for Braddock shortstop Harold Martinez, though, the news wasn't as good:

Braddock (Fla.) shortstop Harold Martinez didn't play well on the first day of the Sebring high school showcase on Friday; his swing has gotten longer and he was struggling with routine plays in the field. He also looks a little bit heavier than he did last summer, when he was one of the best players at the AFLAC All-American game.

(Meanwhile, on the Canes front, Law had Yonder Alonso going sixth to the hometown Marlins, but did not have highly touted Jemile Weeks among the first 30 picks.)

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

A national championship?

Much was made at the Herald's All-Broward breakfast last Thursday about American Heritage's possible "national championship" in baseball, after the Patriots won the 3A title last Tuesday.

So, with no official national championship in high school baseball, did American Heritage join Miami Northwestern football in winning that "mythical national title"?

Here's a rankings roundup, as of Tuesday afternoon:

• Baseball America: No. 1 in their nearly month-old rankings (April 29), although it's hard to believe the Patriots did much to unseat themselves at the top.
• USA Today: No. 1, as of Monday, the biggest rankings win for the Patriots after their title.
• RISE Magazine: No. 1, as of last week (before they won the title).
• MaxPreps.com: No. 2, curiously behind Georgetown (Texas), which has a 22-7 overall record.
• Rivals.com: No. 4, as of May 21; expect that one to go up.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Baseball's new regional format

A few things of note, following up on today's story about baseball's new regional format (a best-of-3 series, as opposed to one game):

• As noted, eight of the nine South Florida baseball coaches said they liked the idea behind new format -- at least a little -- considering it a fairer way to decide who goes to the state final four. The only dissenter: Goleman coach Manny Yanez. "I kind of liked the one-game format," said Yanez, whose team swept its regional. "...Nobody's playing two out of three or three out of five in basketball or football."
• Miami Christian's Armando Rodriguez wasn't emphatically in favor of the new system -- his team lost two straight to Bruce Charlebois' squad after winning the first -- preferring a best-of-3 format in the state final (Paul McLaughlin of the FHSAA addressed this in the story, though, saying time restrictions will almost certainly prevent that from happening).
• Nova coach Pat McQuaid was concerned with the quick turnaround for 2A and 5A schools, whose semifinals in Sarasota began Wednesday -- not so much because of what happened (weather allowed all regionals to end Saturday, as scheduled), but what could have happened (what if weather pushed them back to Monday?). "Hopefully they'll come to a consensus so they rotate that around a little bit [among classes]," McQuaid said.
• Brito's Pedro Guerra, through an interpreter, was the only coach not to openly question the doubleheader (easily the most contentious issue). "As long as you train the players," he said, "there's not going to be a problem."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

A few signings...

This story in today's Herald highlighted a few signings from Archbishop McCarthy (which took place today at the school). Here's an updated list, with a couple of corrections/additions/updates:

• Football: Carlos Gonzalez, Bridgewater (Va.); Billy Scott, Concordia (Wisc.).
• Basketball: Jamar Gopie, Elms (Mass.); Jimmy Nolan, George Mason (walk-on); Mike Savery, Methodist (N.C.).
• Baseball: Alan Avila, Nova Southeastern; Sal Costanzo, Vassar (N.Y.); Chris Turnio, Nova Southeastern.
• Softball: Katie Mansilla, North Carolina St.; Alexa Martinez, Auburn.
• Soccer: Matt Delisle, Stetson; Kelsey Dunning, St. Thomas; Christine Mastandrea, Ave Maria (Fla.).
• Track: Andrew Deleo, Clemson; Alex Hueck, Mars Hill (N.C.); Gus Vazquez Milan, Kansas St.
• Wrestling: Colby Borchetta, Michigan State.
• Also, Armani Appolon (basketball/volleyball) and Jonathan Ramirez (football) still are undecided, according to the school.

Elsewhere in Broward, Cooper City basketball player Cayla Aaron will sign Monday with Fairmont (W.V.) State, a Division-II school that won the West Virginia Intercollegiate Conference's tournament last season and was ranked as high as 10th in D-II. She'll receive a full scholarship.

Congrats to these students, and athletes/parents/coaches/readers -- as always -- are encouraged to keep us posted on any other signing news.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

ESPN love for 2 Patriots

They have bigger things to worry about -- at least in the short term -- with the 3A state baseball title on the line next week, but American Heritage first baseman/pitcher Eric Hosmer and catcher Adrian Nieto appeared on Keith Law's top 60 draft prospects list (available to Insiders only) on ESPN.com.

For non-Insiders: Hosmer came in at No. 5, also the second-rated high schooler on the list. Nieto is 39th.

Also, three University of Miami players -- St. Thomas' Dennis Raben (26th), Yonder Alonso (18th) and Jemile Weeks (30th) -- are top-60 players.

The draft is June 5-6.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

In case you missed it...

Five Broward baseball teams had regionals Friday night. The Herald was there for American Heritage's sweep of Chaminade-Madonna and the Highlands Christian-Miami Christian split, and had a bit on Flanagan's loss to streaking Lake Worth Park Vista (the Cobras now have won 29 in a row), but wasn't in Stuart for Nova's two-game loss to South Fork.

Here's some detail, courtesy of the Stuart News:

The Bulldogs hit six home runs to beat Davie-Nova 15-7 in Game 1 of the best-of-three regional final on Friday. In Game 2, South Fork clawed, gambled and sprinted for four fortuitous sixth-inning runs to beat the Titans 7-3 and clinch state berth.

Kyle Hunter, Dan Harper and Will Claunch all homered for South Fork as part of a seven-run fifth-inning of Game 1.

Nick Zaharion (2) and Blake Cilwick also homered for the Bulldogs. South Fork starting pitcher Tyson Young (5-3) didn't have his best outing, but he grueled through five innings and came away with the victory.

Nova's Game 2 starter Patrick Morris was handed a 3-0 first-inning lead and coasted through the front half of the game. Leading 3-1 in the sixth, South Fork's Robert Bednar reached on an error, the next two batter's singled and Kyle Hunter reached on a second error.

Tyson Young hit a pop up to short right field, but coach Mike Harper still sent Mike Beck from third. Beck scored easily after an errant throw. Spencer Dickinson followed with an infield single, and Harper gambled again, sending Kyle Hunter from second to increase the lead to 5-3.

That means, depending on the Highlands Christian-Miami Christian result (1 p.m. today), Broward could be down to one team in the 2008 spring high school season.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Win at all costs?

Two interesting conversations came about while writing stories about Nova baseball and Cooper City boys' volleyball -- both playing today with their seasons (possibly) on the line.

Sure, the teams led by Nova coach Pat McQuaid and Cooper City coach Warren Denise have plenty at stake (with both McQuaid's Titans and Denise's Cowboys fighting for a spot in their respective final fours) but during phone interviews this week, both coaches offered plenty of refreshing -- and pretty much unsolicited -- perspective on the importance of this weekend.

McQuaid (whose Titans won back-to-back state titles in 2004 and 2005):

"People don't realize how hard it is to get to this level, even the regional final game, because there's good baseball teams in South Florida ... and to get to the final four, that's phenomenal.

"You've got to be a little bit lucky, a little bit good, and things have to fall your way."

And Denise, whose team is at state for the first time in the sport's six-year FHSAA history:

"Only one of the eight teams is going to be the state champion. ... I think, in our culture today, that if, 'You didn't win it all, then you didn't do anything,' and, 'Second place is first loser' and all that stuff, I don't think that stuff is all positive.

"If it was only about winning a trophy or something, then none of it would be worth it. ... It's about teamwork and friendships and how you play the game. I know all that is cliche and sounds old, but there's a reason why it's a cliche: Because it's true."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Broward's next state-championship team

As in, who's it gonna be? American Heritage won the 3A softball title Tuesday. St. Thomas Aquinas (3A boys) and Westminster Academy (2A boys) claimed track titles. And in tennis, Cypress Bay (4A boys), St. Thomas Aquinas (3A girls) and American Heritage (2A girls) each won.

Now, here are the remaining team-title contenders:

• In softball, one team's still out there: Undefeated Pembroke Pines Charter, which plays Glen St. Mary Baker County in Friday's 4A semifinal.
• Boys' volleyball, whose state tournament also kicks off Friday, features two Broward teams: Cooper City (which plays Lake Mary in the quarterfinals) and Cardinal Gibbons (Boca Raton Spanish River).
• Baseball -- still waiting on its best-of-three regionals (they start Friday) -- has several teams still around: Flanagan (6A; it plays at Lake Worth Park Vista), Nova (5A; at Stuart South Fork), Highlands Christian (2A; at Miami Christian), and American Heritage and Chaminade-Madonna, set for a head-to-head matchup in 3A.

So who's next? You decide.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

American Heritage still No. 1

Here's the lead to RISE Magazine's latest national top-25 baseball rankings:

The Sunshine State took a big hit in the national high school baseball rankings as No. 2 Sarasota, No. 15 Plant and No. 17 Seminole all had their seasons ended in their respective regional playoffs. Sarasota won last year's Class 6A state title.

But, as writers Jon Mahoney and Matt Remsberg continued, it wasn't all bad news for Florida -- especially for fans of American Heritage, which on Monday kept the No. 1 spot for the second straight week after falling as low as sixth early in April.

The Patriots face Chaminade-Madonna this weekend in a best-of-three regional final. A win there moves them into next weekend's state final four.

American Heritage also is ranked No. 5 by Rivals/StudentSportsBaseball and No. 4 by USA Today, although both sets of rankings are at least a few days old.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Archbishop McCarthy's "guy behind the guys"

Know of any high schools with a director of baseball operations?

Archbishop McCarthy coach Steve DeMatties didn't.

"I've never heard of a baseball program at the high school level that has a director of baseball operations," DeMatties said.

That is, before this season -- thanks to the guy who hired the former Miami Beach and Stranahan coach: ex-Marlin Alex Fernandez, who took that very "director of baseball operations" position last fall for the Mavericks, after his son entered Archbishop McCarthy as a freshman (Fernandez also owns two StrikeZone stores, one of which is across the street from the school).

That new position has bred results -- and very visible ones. Not only did the Monsignor Pace graduate hire an experienced coaching staff (DeMatties was drafted by the Mets, while assistant Nelson Santovenia played for the Expos, White Sox and Royals), but he brought a new ballpark with him.

As in, new fencing, batting cages, dressing area, infield, sprinkler system -- pretty much everything.

Oh, and the Mavericks just completed the best season (19-7-2) in their history, hosting a regional game for the first time (although they lost 6-5 to Key West on Tuesday). Coincidence? Probably not.

Who knows if it'll continue. But DeMatties and Fernandez seem to think so.

"This is going to be the place to play," DeMatties said.

Added Fernandez: "I really feel good about building a great, all-around school for the baseball program.

"It's not only about sports, but about everything else. ... It's a learning facility for life, and I think that's very important."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

From the "late Tuesday" files...

Thanks to lightning delays/early deadlines, the Flanagan-Douglas 6A regional quarterfinal couldn't make Wednesday's Herald.

That's a shame.

Because Flanagan's 4-3, last-inning win was something to see (at least according to the coach's description).

Before lightning struck (read: before this writer had to leave in order to file a story from an earlier game, Archbishop McCarthy-Key West), Douglas was leading 3-0 after a fluky first inning in which a couple of dribblers turned into big hits. But Falcons starter R.J. Fondon had calmed down (he retired 10 in a row at one point), matching equally effective Douglas pitcher Stephen Colangelo.

Then the sky lit up, the game stopped...and the fortunes of two teams, apparently, changed.

When play resumed (in the top of the fifth), the Eagles had runners on first and second with one out. Fondon walked the next batter to load the bases. Then Corey Witkowski came in, got the force at home and a flyout to end the inning (he would strike out four of his next five batters).

In the bottom of the sixth, outfielder Zach Jackson -- a strikeout victim in his first two trips -- tripled. Rolando Gomez knocked him in on a groundout (he reached on an error, actually) to give the Falcons their first run.

But that was just the beginning for Jackson, for the Falcons -- and for Gomez. First, Jackson drew a bases-loaded walk in the seventh to make it 3-2. Then came Gomez (profiled a bit here), who launched a two-run double off the left field wall to end it.

"Right person, right spot, all year," assistant coach Joe Chacko said.

Flanagan (20-7) faces Taravella on Friday. Here's hoping that game doesn't get delayed.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Last (or almost last) chance to see Gomez

A rare talent will be on display Tuesday night. Maybe for the last time in Broward (if his team loses). Maybe even for the last time -- for a while, anyway -- in South Florida (if the draft falls the right way).

So there's a chance the regional quarterfinal between Flanagan and Douglas (read about it in Tuesday's Herald) will be the last chance to see Falcons shortstop Rolando Gomez.

Watching Gomez against Cypress Bay last Thursday, it was easy to see why the guy is committed to the University of Miami (and expected to replace Jemile Weeks, if he leaves), why RISE Magazine ranks him the 25th-best senior in the nation. He doesn't have the powerful build of American Heritage's even-more-heralded prospect Eric Hosmer (Gomez is listed at 5-10, 160), the Flanagan star has presence. When he stands in the batter's box, he just looks like a stud middle-infielder.

He also swings and fields like one (despite booting a ground ball Thursday night, which coach Ray Evans called "uncharacteristic"). He's hitting around .500, has eight home runs and 30-plus RBI -- all while being the guy everyone knows to pitch around.

But let's let Evans get the last few words:

"What a joy to coach. I mean, the kid's a tireless worker. He's an unbelievable baseball player. He's got great athleticism. He's very talented. He's a quiet leader. He doesn't open his mouth much at all. He just goes out there and does his job. He's one of the best shortstops in the nation, bar none. Everybody knows that."

"When he gets up, it's almost like, 'Showtime.' He's going to get up, he's going to do something spectacular.

"He's a step above high school baseball, without a doubt. This kid is definitely going to be a professional baseball player. Maybe sooner than not. And we've gotten the opportunity to watch him play before he's there, and it's pretty neat to watch him grow."

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Deep breath...

...and exhale. It's about to get crazy. Starting Monday, district tournaments in baseball and flag football kick off. But that's just the beginning.

By week's end, we'll know this year's:

• Boys' and girls' tennis state champions (decided Monday through Friday; navigate this page for schedules, 4A through 1A)
• Track results for Divisions 1A and 2A (1A on Friday, 2A on Saturday)
• Water polo state champs, both boys' and girls'
• Softball regional finalists (Brackets: 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A)

Plenty of teams/individuals from Broward and Dade in all sports, and plenty of contenders. Keep checking the Blog and The Herald for coverage.

--Patrick Dorsey (e-mail)

Monday afternoon clicks

A few Broward-related links of interest to surf through, before all the districts (softball, track, water polo) and regionals (tennis) intensify this week:

• Undefeated Pembroke Pines Charter, already No. 1 in USA Today's softball Super 25, picked up another No. 1 ranking (this one from StudentSportsSoftball.com, a parter of Rivals.com). The Jaguars begin their quest for a district title Tuesday at Pompano Beach's Four Fields.
• MaxPreps.com released its boys' and girls' basketball All-American teams from 2007-08. American Heritage junior guard Kenny Boynton was named honorable mention on the boys' side. For the girls, Fabiola Josil (Coral Glades) was on the "other seniors considered" list, while Sandra Garcia (American Heritage), Joanna Harden (Ely) and Erica Wheeler (Parkway) earned "juniors to watch" status.
• Rankings shift: For whatever reason, American Heritage first baseman Eric Hosmer fell from No. 3 to No. 6 in the most recent Sports Illustrated-affiliated Takkle.com baseball rankings. Hosmer's teammate, catcher Adrian Nieto, also fell (from No. 21 to 26), and Flanagan infielder Rolando Gomez dropped from No. 33 to 66. Another American Heritage Patriot, though, jumped -- pitcher JuanCarlos Sulbaran went from No. 40 to No. 27.

--Patrick Dorsey

Thursday news & notes

Here are some Broward-related tidbits on this Thursday:

• In case you missed it, Pine Crest girls' lacrosse dropped a heartbreaker at Park Vista on Tuesday to fall in the first round of the first-ever FHSAA state championship bracket. The Panthers jumped ahead 11-8, but the Cobras stayed undefeated with a second-half charge.
• In the boys' bracket, a tough matchup with St. Andrew's is looming for Broward champ St. Thomas Aquinas on Friday, after the 19-1 power rolled past Miami's Gulliver Prep on Tuesday. Check out Friday's Herald for more on St. Thomas' squad.
• More love for American Heritage's Eric Hosmer: USA Today on Thursday profiled the first baseman, who signed with Arizona State but is a certain Major League draft pick.
• According to USA Today's boys' Super 25, Hosmer's Patriots are No. 8 in the nation. The girls' Super 25 came out a week ago, with Pembroke Pines Charter (now 23-0) ranked No. 12 -- but they should climb in the next edition.

--Patrick Dorsey

Pompano baseball on a mission, too

It was a typical scene at Tuesday's American Heritage-Pompano Beach baseball game: A handful of Major League scouts flashed their radar guns and stopwatches at some of the Patriots' sure draftees, while American Heritage (19-2) cruised to another win.

"Well," Pompano coach George Petik said afterward, "that's one of the best teams in the country."

But as the Patriots prepare for the playoffs and beyond, the Tornadoes have their own pursuit: the best season in Pompano baseball history.

Last year, they went 15-10 -- which Petik said was the best season since the early 1970s. Now they're 14-6, with five chances to pass the all-time wins mark (Petik thinks it's 17).

"We're just trying to create some tradition," said Petik, Pompano's coach since 2005.

The secret: "Dedication, changing attitudes, changing how kids think," Petik said. "Instead of it being a recreation program where you just show up during the season, it's an all-time thing.

"And guess what? As long as they keep score, we're going to keep trying to win."

Although it'll be tough, it could last beyond this year -- the Tornadoes lose five seniors from Tuesday's lineup, but their starting pitcher/No. 2 hitter, Kyle Bird, is a junior, and their No. 3 hitter, Pat Grady, is just a sophomore.

--Patrick Dorsey

1,000 wins for Hofman?

Piper baseball coach Rich Hofman, inducted Sunday into the Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame, has plenty of numbers:

• Ten state championships (eight at Miami's Westminster Christian, two at Fort Lauderdale's Westminster Academy)
• Two national titles (at Westminster Christian)
• Ten state coach of the year awards
• Seven national coach of the year awards
• More than 200 former players who went on to play college baseball
• Forty professional baseball draftees
• Even one honor as Baseball America's High School Coach of the Decade (in the 1990s)

But Hofman, who entered Monday with 963 career wins, said he has an "arbitrary goal" of 1,000. Whether he gets there, though, is to be determined -- and not because he's on Piper's hot seat.

The 63-year-old native of Racine, Wis., came to South Florida in 1967 and has been coaching since, leading players such as Doug Mientkiewicz and some guy named Alex Rodriguez to big, big things. But, Hofman told The Miami Herald on Monday, the game might be passing him by. He loved being honored for his past, but wasn't as optimistic about his future.

How much longer does he plan on coaching? "Not too much," he said.

"The game is changing," he said. "The whole dynamics of coaching [are] changing."

What's changing: the rise of travel baseball and showcases, which Hofman said have "increased the ability level of a small group of players," but mostly are eroding the fundamentals of young players. Also, they've decreased the importance of the high-school coach.

"The high school coach isn't looked upon as the person that is most needed to be successful," he said, "and I think that has hurt the game quite a bit."

Travel baseball isn't all bad, to Hofman -- "I'm not opposed to kids playing baseball a lot," he said. "I'm just opposed to them not being taught the fundamentals of the game." -- but it's just not a game Hofman plays.

So that's what Hofman said he's trying to figure out. How much does he want to "fight" this trend? Enough to grab about three years' worth of wins, enough to get to that magic number?

Maybe, Hofman said. But if not, he still wanted to make one thing clear:

"I'm a little disappointed in the way high school baseball [is changing] and the direction that it's going, but I am absolutely ecstatic about the opportunity and the privilage that I've had in my career."

--Patrick Dorsey

Here we go again...

Pembroke Pines Charter softball is at it again. But they weren't the only teams in action Thursday:

• The Pines Charter Jaguars moved to 20 wins and no losses Thursday at the Kissimmee Klassic, winning another pitchers' duel (2-0 over Gulliver Prep). Check the box score here to see how another grind-it-out win played out.
• In non-tournament softball action, Cooper City's Kara Clauss (7-2) pitched a two-hit, 10-strikeout shutout in a 2-0 win against equally strong St. Thomas Aquinas. With these two teams, Pines Charter, Flanagan and a few others, Broward softball looks pretty strong this year.
• American Heritage baseball grabbed third Thursday at Palm Beach County's Gary Carter National Grand Slam Tournament, shutting out Wellington 8-0.
• Speaking of American Heritage, basketball player Kenny Boynton earned a Parade All-American bid for his play during his junior season. Read more here.
• Broward's first lacrosse district champion is...Pine Crest, whose girls' team downed St. Thomas Aquinas 11-8 on Thursday. The Panthers play Park Vista in next Tuesday's first-round play-in game. The boys' state representative will be decided Friday.

--Patrick Dorsey

Tournament update, Thursday edition

As expected, spring break hasn't exactly been a break for many of Broward's baseball and softball teams. Here's a bit of the tournament action that's going on:

• American Heritage dropped just its second game all season Wednesday, falling to Palm Beach Central in the semifinal of the Gary Carter National Grand Slam tournament. The 17-2 Patriots are in the bracket's consolation game Thursday against Wellington.
• Undefeated softball power Pembroke Pines Charter goes for another tournament win, this time in Central Florida for the Kissimmee Klassic (which also features Chaminade-Madonna and some teams from Dade). The Jaguars, you might remember, won their own Speedball tournament, then conquered the Nike Faster to First tourney in Orange County, Calif.
• Speaking of California, Cypress Bay baseball is in San Francisco this week, set to take on Menlo-Atherton (Calif.) High School Thursday afternoon (or evening, technically, with the time difference).

--Patrick Dorsey

Tuesday morning roundup

Just a few notes from Broward on this Tuesday...

• Local baseball powerhouse American Heritage won its opening game Monday at the Gary Carter National Grand Slam tournament up in Palm Beach County, 10-2 against Highlands Christian. Touted slugger Eric Hosmer also apparently won the home-run derby. Check out the bracket here; the Patriots are set to play East Boynton at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
• On the basketball rankings front: RISE Magazine, MaxPreps.com and USA Today have finalized their 2007-08 boys' basketball top 25s. State 5A champ Dillard stayed at the No. 18 spot in the RISE rankings, but didn't crack the other two lists. In Miami-Dade, USA Today listed Norland as its 24th-best team. As for the Rivals.com top 50, Dillard (No. 21), Norland (No. 38) and Boyd Anderson (No. 41) earned mentions.
• The first FHSAA district lacrosse tournaments started Monday, and Tuesday competition comes to Broward. The first girls' District 12 semifinal game (at St. Thomas Aquinas) starts at 5 p.m. The boys' District 11 semifinals (at Pine Crest) also begin at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
• Other baseball tournament action kicked off Monday, with Broward teams playing everywhere from Nova to Tallahassee to Golden Gate. More on that as the tourneys progress, along with softball and other sports.

--Patrick Dorsey

More rankings recreation

Can't get enough national rankings? Well, another batch came out today, as TAKKLE, Inc. (partnered with Sports Illustrated) launched its top-100 individual for boys' lacrosse, girls' lacrosse and baseball.

Although Broward and Miami-Dade were shut out by both lacrosse lists, baseball -- no surprise -- was a little different. American Heritage first baseman Eric Hosmer (bound for Arizona State in beautiful Tempe, Ariz.) showed up, and high -- he came in at No. 3, just edging fourth-rated Braddock shortstop Harold Martinez (profiled here).

In all, six players from Broward or Miami-Dade cracked the top 100:

• No. 3: Hosmer
• No. 4: Martinez
• No. 21: Adrian Nieto, C, American Heritage
• No. 38: Rolando Gomez, IF, Flanagan
• No. 40: JuanCarlos Sulbaran, P, American Heritage
• No. 93: Pablo Bermudez, OF, Miami Springs

--Patrick Dorsey

Baseball drama in District 14-3A?

When MLB-ace-turned-Pine Crest pitching coach Al Leiter (profiled here last week) first addressed the team in January, he had a message.

"He was telling us he knows about American Heritage and whatnot," junior Kyle Francis said, "but he's saying take on anybody -- it's like a David vs. Goliath [thing]."

So, up next: David vs. Goliath,