TB vs Div 1

[superfan]

Just curious...I was wondering if my DD will have a smooth transition from top tier So Cal TB to Div 1 next year... Any feedback would be appreciated.

Do both So Cal TB and Div 1 have similar strike zones?

If my DD TB ERA is 1.10 and Ks 11 a game, what could she expect of her performance in Div 1?

She's working on an off speed drop curve. What is the best off speed pitch?

She has an average change up. What is the best change up grip?

She commands rise/drop/curve and throws them inside/outside and high/low. Is that enough?

[freetacos]

If there is an upperclassman playing the same position, get ready for some pine time her freshman year.....unless she is the next J Finch

Lots of parents just can't figure this one out.

ft

[Blind Squirrel]

If there is an upperclassman playing the same position, get ready for some pine time her freshman year.....unless she is the next J Finch

Lots of parents just can't figure this one out.

ft

For many/most coaches who want the best 9 on the field, class doesn't matter. All four of the kids in my kid's class started from day 1 including the #1 pitcher. A freshman that the coaches think can hit better than most of her teammates is going to see the field. OTOH, it is unlikely a freshman is going to replace an All Conference upperclassman and there are always the parents with inflated, ignorant views of where their kid is really at compared to her teammates at the college level.

I'm not qualified to respond to the OP.

John

[NuNu's Dad]

Just curious...I was wondering if my DD will have a smooth transition from top tier So Cal TB to Div 1 next year... Any feedback would be appreciated.

Do both So Cal TB and Div 1 have similar strike zones?

If my DD TB ERA is 1.10 and Ks 11 a game, what could she expect of her performance in Div 1?

She's working on an off speed drop curve. What is the best off speed pitch?

She has an average change up. What is the best change up grip?

She commands rise/drop/curve and throws them inside/outside and high/low. Is that enough?

I'll give it a try from the perspective of a pitcher's dad. All answers assume good Mid major level competition. For Pac12/SEC/Big12 will be more challenging, and for conferences with only the automatic berths will be less challenging.

1) Yes it should be smooth. While all the hitters are better, most of the lineups don't look any scarier than the top 10 gold teams. The kids that struggle are the ones who need that 6 inches off the plate and mid calf high strike. If they can throw it on the white some of the time and keep it in the park, they will be fine.

2) Strike zone in college has generally been smaller than most 18 Gold strike zones. Similar to the tightest umps at Surf City 18U. Top is about the same or higher. Same zone inside as in gold. Outside is tighter but still have a little room off the plate for some umps. Low is much tighter: ball must be above the knees where they catch it and some want it mid thigh. Especially the taller umps.

3) Less strike outs & higher ERA depending on the teams you play. Say goodbye to many of the easy riseball Ks unless her velocity is 65+ (or 70 on the TV radar guns) or she has several other good pitches. ERA of 2-3 with 5-8 Ks a game is a good estimate. YMMV.

4) & 5) Off speed and Changeup: whichever one is the most deceptive, but one that is game ready. YMMV.

6) Yeah. All four corners are a plus, and she will be okay even if she doesn't have all that. Still have seen only a couple pitchers that can master a really good peel drop (that actually moves) AND a good riseball with at least 430 to 1030 spin with good location. May have one or the other, and most of their pitches are "cut" variations of one of them. I watched Ricketts this weekend and she throws a curve, drop, changeup and Rise. If they were at 60, 62, 48 and 60 she might need a bit more movement and better location. Of course they are at 65, 70 , ~45 and 65-70 mph respectively, which makes them LETHAL! (All speeds are my own calibrated eyeballs.)


The best way to look at it is if she throws to top teams in Gold, can get them out and keep you in the game, whether the zone is tight or big, she will be successful. That's my opinion, take it with a grain of salt.

[superfan]

NuNu's Dad, thanks for your insight, opinions, and well thought out response. You da man! After reading your post, I feel more relaxed about her transition from TB to D1.

While my DD has a great drop already or so we've been told it's her best pitch, I've always been more impressed with the peel drop. Who teaches that in So Cal?

[Sam]

A lot will have to do with where she plays (which conference), against whom, and if she actually sees the field. Recruiting promises are soon forgotten.