Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S

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Moose

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #300 on: May 31, 2011, 12:00:19 PM »
from Amirs twitter

Amir_Garrett amir garrett
For all who doubt me watch what I do in college, yall gone see my real game mark my words #stjbb

Another recruit that is coming in with a chip on his shoulder.



The character and moxie these kids have is off the charts.
Remember who broke the Slice news

Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #301 on: May 31, 2011, 12:10:35 PM »
from Amirs twitter

Amir_Garrett amir garrett
For all who doubt me watch what I do in college, yall gone see my real game mark my words #stjbb

Another recruit that is coming in with a chip on his shoulder.

I really love the attitudes of our recruits.

MCNPA

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #302 on: May 31, 2011, 01:02:56 PM »
from Amirs twitter

Amir_Garrett amir garrett
For all who doubt me watch what I do in college, yall gone see my real game mark my words #stjbb

Another recruit that is coming in with a chip on his shoulder.





The character and moxie these kids have is off the charts.

I think Amir's main problem is that he's pretty new to the game and has no right hand.  He's a kid with a huge ceiling as a 4-year player, and can develop into a mirror od Duke's Dahntay Jones if he works on his right hand and perimeter game.  He actually has a deadly first-step going left, but his right side is what hinders him from being able to play more of a perimeter role thn he does right now.  IMO, Amir is a kid who can greatly improve under Dunlap and Rico, and if he just works on his handle and jumper, can be a force at sf in 2 years.  I think he'll help us right Away in areas like defense, steals, shot blocking, rebounding and on the break. 
« Last Edit: May 31, 2011, 08:35:43 PM by jumpinjohnny »

Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #303 on: June 03, 2011, 12:12:00 AM »
From Keith Law's MLB draft chat on espn.com today...

Grant (Wpg)


I think the name's Amir Garreth or something like that - star basketball recruit now throwing bullpen sessions for scouts. Legit prospect? Is it odd that he wouldn't play ball all spring but now apparently want to get drafted? Doesn't that make one question his desire to play on the diamond?
Klaw
  (1:48 PM)


Amir Garrett, wrote about him last week. Lot of scouts thinking this is a money grab, that he wants to get paid to play a little over the summer while he pursues the NBA at St. John's. Threw well in a few workouts and then was not good at the last one last week.

IcemanSTJ

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #304 on: June 06, 2011, 02:36:56 PM »
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/luke_winn/06/06/amir-garrett-st-johns-mlb/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_wr_a1


On May 4, the basketball team from Findlay College Prep, a powerhouse in Henderson, Nev., that annually features elite Division I prospects, gathered at College of Southern Nevada's baseball field. The players were joined there by 37 curious major league scouts.

Findlay's coach, Mike Peck, stood down the first base line with his daughter and one of his assistants. All but one of his players sat in the stands behind home plate, including Myck Kabongo, the five-star point guard who's expected to start for Texas next season, and Nick Johnson, the five-star shooting guard who's projected to start for Arizona. The day belonged to their teammate, Amir Garrett, a four-star small forward who's one of six Top 100 recruits signed by St. John's coach Steve Lavin, but who is no longer a certainty to suit up for the Red Storm.

Garrett was staging a one-man pitching audition a month before MLB's First-Year Player Draft, which begins on Monday. The 6-foot-5 lefthander cut an imposing figure on the mound, but neither his teammates nor the scouts knew what to expect. Garrett hadn't thrown in a game since June 2010, when he went straight from the NBA Players' Association's Top 100 Camp in Charlottesville, Va., to USA Baseball's Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C. There he showed some life in his arm, but walked seven batters in 4 1/3 innings. Garrett said he wasn't in baseball shape then; he believes that had he focused on the game -- rather than going to Findlay, which only has a basketball team -- he would have been a top 10 prep baseball prospect. Which is why he and his father, Darryl, decided it would be worthwhile to give pitching one more shot before the end of high school.

"My dad always tells me," Amir said, "don't let good talent go to waste."

On March 6, following the conclusion of Findlay's regular basketball season, Garrett went to his hometown of Los Angeles to get instructions on a throwing program from Jaeger Sports. Its founder, Alan Jaeger, has developed a long-tossing and surgical-band exercise program that has benefitted pitchers such as Trevor Bauer, a UCLA righty who's expected to be a top five pick on Monday. Jaeger said Garrett's fastball was clocked in the mid-80s during that visit. Garrett stuck with the program in Nevada, and on recommendation from Orlando Cepeda Jr. of Legacy Sports Group, began receiving thrice-weekly instruction from Nick Aiello, the pitching coach at College of Southern Nevada, where phenom Bryce Harper played one season before going No. 1 overall in the 2010 MLB Draft.

"When Amir started here, he was pitching like a guy who was 5-9, not 6-5," said Aiello, who made key mechanical adjustments to stretch out Garrett's delivery. "Now, he's getting a ton of leverage."

Despite the fact that Garrett's unveiling was coming just two months after he'd returned to throwing, Aiello was confident it would be a success. He staked his reputation by telling scouting friends, in less refined language, that they would soil themselves when they saw Garrett's combination of size, athleticism and arm action in person.

With a horde of radar guns pointed at him on May 4, Garrett's fastball hit 92 miles per hour, then 93 and peaked at a stunning 96. News of it spread like wildfire among scouts; 22 more came back to see Garrett throw on May 24, and four more watched him on May 30. He hovered in the low 90s during the latter two sessions, which were less impressive, but he remains one of the more intriguing and mysterious prospects in this year's draft -- a David Price-sized lefty with an untaxed, explosive arm and barely any high school statistics. Jaeger, who has worked with scores of professional pitchers, said that the velocity Garrett was able to gain in just seven weeks was "mind-altering," and thinks he has yet to hit his radar-gun ceiling.

Like the scouts, Garrett's Findlay teammates were awed; many of them hadn't even known that he played baseball. When they found out about his arm, a few asked, "Why are you even here?" What they meant was, Why are you wasting time on basketball?

 
Garrett's size and athleticism make him a talented basketball player, but not an elite one; his mid-90s fastball could make him an MLB star.
Chris Williams/Icon SMI
Garrett must make a difficult decision by Aug. 15, the signing deadline for MLB draftees. Multiple scouts told SI.com that based on potential, Garrett will be selected on Tuesday, when rounds 2-30 of the draft are held. His stock could rise or fall depending on how serious teams believe he is about playing pro baseball; according to sources, the Mariners had Garrett in Seattle for a private workout on Sunday and remain interested, as do the Red Sox. Garrett could choose not to sign and attempt to be a two-sport athlete at St. John's, which also has a strong baseball program. He could choose to play hoops at St. John's and professional baseball in the offseason. Or he could skip college basketball altogether and go all-in on professional pitching. What will he choose? It depends on whom you ask.

Lavin has been monitoring Garrett's diamond dalliance -- the coach will regularly ask him, "What's the [radar] gun saying?" -- but fully expects Garrett to be a part of the St. John's program in 2011-12, with an option to try out for the school's baseball team. In a statement released through a school spokesman, Lavin said, "We have encouraged Amir to continue working to develop into the best basketball and baseball player he is capable of becoming."

Garrett, however, could not guarantee to SI.com that he'd be enrolling at St. John's this year. Going to Findlay to play high school basketball on a major stage was an opportunity he decided he couldn't pass up, but he says baseball is his "first love." His father, Darryl, chooses to describe Amir as "a baseball player who plays basketball," and said Amir will seriously consider heading to rookie ball this summer if the money is right. Posturing of this sort is common leading up to the draft, but for what it's worth, a source close to the family said if Garrett was selected in the first seven rounds and offered a bonus of around $1.5 million, he would "drop everything" and enter the minors.

"I tell the [MLB] teams that we've created a relationship with St. John's that's hard to break," Darryl said. "It's going to take something extra reassuring, financially, to make it worth our while."

Even Peck, who helped Garrett grow into the No. 68 overall hoops prospect in the Class of 2011 according to Rivals.com, acknowledged the allure of pitching. "In my heart of hearts, I think this baseball thing has to be extremely appealing in terms of money, and the longevity of a baseball career," he said. "It's not like Amir is choosing between the NBA or the MLB right now -- he's choosing between amateur basketball or pro baseball."

The odds would seem to favor Garrett in baseball, if he can harness the power of his arm. He's viewed as a potential Big East star in basketball, but not a one-and-done NBA prospect, and he'll have to fight for playing time as a freshman: Of the six high school players who signed with St. John's for next season, he is the lowest-ranked in Rivals.com's Top 150. In baseball, he is far more unique.

"There might be 100 players in the NCAA and NBA that can match his size and athleticism, whereas there might be five in the whole country in baseball," Aiello said. "I think he realizes that when he gets off the bus in A-ball, there won't be anybody who looks like him."

Garrett laments, though, that getting off a bus in a small town in Montana won't be nearly as exciting as getting off one at Madison Square Garden. Picking pitching would mean spending at least three-four years away from the spotlight. "No matter what I choose, I'll be missing out on something," he said. "I'm kind of stuck right now."

There are worse kinds of stuck. If -- or rather, when -- Garrett's name is called on Tuesday, he'll have enviable options.



Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/luke_winn/06/06/amir-garrett-st-johns-mlb/index.html#ixzz1OWRyTlb1
« Last Edit: June 06, 2011, 07:27:07 PM by jumpinjohnny »

NYCoffey

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #305 on: June 06, 2011, 02:42:21 PM »
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/luke_winn/06/06/amir-garrett-st-johns-mlb/

I know he can play both if drafted, but this article makes it sound like he has a price that will make him focus on baseball only.

TONYD3

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #306 on: June 06, 2011, 02:52:53 PM »
1.5 million is going to scare teams off (hopefully). Our current starter Hanson wasn't drafted until late because his dad was insisting on something similar.

SJU85

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #307 on: June 06, 2011, 03:26:35 PM »
Hansen (whose brother also played for St. John's and was a first round draft pick of the Red Sox after his Junior year and has pitched for them and Pittsburgh but is no longer in the MLB) doesn't throw lefthanded and that is always a premium.  Hansen does throw in the 90's though.  It all depends on where scouts think the upside is.

It would be a loss, but we still have several other wings.

Gumby

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #308 on: June 06, 2011, 04:03:25 PM »
It is always about the money.

Last I heard on JJ there was a potential signing bonus of $200K, now there is a shocking number of $1.5 million being thrown around.  There is no way some team is going to play $1.5 million to a kid who has not played for a few years.  I do not care what a radar gun recorded.

I believe we are hearing a good deal of rhetoric now as the draft approaches.

Talented two sports athletes over the past ten plus years have tended to go into football and basketball rather than baseball.  Spending time in the minors is not appealing to many young and talented kids today, especially when facing playing in the rookie and low/high Class A leagues. 

Amir, if he signed, would probably play in a limited season this year.  He could still play a full season of basketball at St. John's.

If the money is not there, he probably is better served by playing baseball with St. John's for two years while he also plays on the basketball squad.  He then moves from the potential ranks to a player with some credentials.  He increases his value and could then move into Double A or higher, if he has the pitching talent.

I spent time watching the young arms in the Cactus League this year.  Two things were apparent, they all seem to be very tall and can they throw.  Amir is an unknown in baseball right now.  If some team wants to throw big money at him to play baseball take it.  If not, go two sports at St. John's and see in a year or two which sport may be in his long term future.

Remember, the speed of any pitcher can be fleeting.  See Joba and Phil Hughes!

All things considered I believe Amir will be playing both sports at St. John's, unless he is overwhelmed by a signing bonus.

Gumby

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #309 on: June 06, 2011, 04:13:30 PM »
I wrote a longer piece on the other thread concerning Amir's baseball future.  Being 6'5" or 6'6" and being a left hitting 96 mph on a radar gun will not automatically get you $1.5 million.  Remember, Amir has not played high school ball for some time.

His size and potential have scouts interested, especially this year when there really is no consensus #1 pick.

Playing two sports at St. John's will give Amir the time to decide which sport to pursue.

So baring a $1.5 million bonus, we should see Amir play at least this year in CA.

Moose

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #310 on: June 06, 2011, 04:20:00 PM »
I wrote a longer piece on the other thread concerning Amir's baseball future.  Being 6'5" or 6'6" and being a left hitting 96 mph on a radar gun will not automatically get you $1.5 million.  Remember, Amir has not played high school ball for some time.

His size and potential have scouts interested, especially this year when there really is no consensus #1 pick.

Playing two sports at St. John's will give Amir the time to decide which sport to pursue.

So baring a $1.5 million bonus, we should see Amir play at least this year in CA.

Correct me if I'm wrong but would the same rules apply to Amir.  If he doesn't sign with the team that drafted him by Aug 15th, he then cannot be drafted until completing his Jr. year of college.  In other words we most likely see 3 yrs of him.
Remember who broke the Slice news

Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #311 on: June 06, 2011, 05:21:40 PM »
Hasn't played baseball in a few years , you say. What I would like to know is why couldn't he play summer baseball instead of AAU Basketball?

Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #312 on: June 06, 2011, 05:35:25 PM »
hed have to get drafted in the first round to get a million. My friend got drafted in the fifth and his was around 280,000.

I really hope amir plays basketball for us. Hes the real wild card of the class. Theres a chance he could end up being the best player when all is said and done
*wipes ketchup from his eyes* - I guess Heinz sight isn’t 20/20.

Moose

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #313 on: June 06, 2011, 05:42:43 PM »
hed have to get drafted in the first round to get a million. My friend got drafted in the fifth and his was around 280,000.

I really hope amir plays basketball for us. Hes the real wild card of the class. Theres a chance he could end up being the best player when all is said and done

It's not crazy.  But for someone like Amir its far fetched.  Kid's get millions as the draft moves on.  Rare but it does happen.  Usually because of injuries, college commits or crazy agent ala Boras.  See below for last year's numbers.  5th, 6th and even 8th rd had million dollar plus bonus.

http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=4890

Remember who broke the Slice news

Dan

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #314 on: June 06, 2011, 06:18:55 PM »
Sometimes teams abandon the MLB slotting advice for players during the draft.  Let's say a player says he will attend college unless he receives a 1.5 million dollar bonus.  This will scare many teams off who cannot afford that investment or scare teams off that do not want to upset the commissioner's office.  However teams like the Yankees and Red Sox who consistently overslot players, have been known to draft guys in the 8th round and pay them a million dollars because they see them as first round talents that slipped through the cracks due to signability issues.  Now I think this is a possibility for Garret, but not a strong possibility...he hasn't played in a few years and that might prevent a team from taking such a huge gamble.
« Last Edit: June 06, 2011, 06:19:43 PM by Dan »

DFF6

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #315 on: June 06, 2011, 06:42:30 PM »
I would NOT be suprised if Amir gets a baseball offer he can't refuse.  A 6'5 lefty consistently throwing low 90's after only two months with a pitching coach; virtually no high school arm mileage, AND being an athletic freak (at least for the MLB, he's off the charts), makes Amir, IMO, too good a prospect for some teams to pass up.  The question is not when he gets drafted, it's whether he's taken in the first 3 rounds.   
« Last Edit: June 06, 2011, 06:44:08 PM by DFF6 »

Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #316 on: June 06, 2011, 07:17:21 PM »
If Garrett goes, and Harkless is ruled ineligible (though I think he will be eligable), then it's going to be a LOOOOOOOOOOONG year in 2011-2012.  Doesn't mean the long-term future isan't bright, but the immediate future might be rough.

Moose

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #317 on: June 06, 2011, 07:23:40 PM »
If Garrett goes, and Harkless is ruled ineligible (though I think he will be eligable), then it's going to be a LOOOOOOOOOOONG year in 2011-2012.  Doesn't mean the long-term future isan't bright, but the immediate future might be rough.

Like you said I wouldn't worry about Harkless so much.
Remember who broke the Slice news

Dan

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Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #318 on: June 06, 2011, 07:52:56 PM »
I'm only really worried about Lindsey.  I think Garret will be fine and Harkless is not even an issue.  They're just making sure there.

Re: Amir Garrett - SF - Findlay Prep - Las Vegas, NV - ST. JOHN'S
« Reply #319 on: June 06, 2011, 08:52:19 PM »
[tweet]http://twitter.com/JeffEisenberg/status/77889122429190144[/tweet]

[tweet]http://twitter.com/JeffEisenberg/status/77889141181923328[/tweet]

[tweet]http://twitter.com/JeffEisenberg/status/77889153462845440[/tweet]

Looks like good news for us.