December2013

American Player Rankings

December 21, 2013

Team USA

These are my rankings of the best American players currently playing.  I have been to all of the big tournaments in the last four years to review players including AAU, Eerie, Midland, ASA Major, ISC, ISC II, Peligro Cup & NAFA Open.  I have also researched ASA, ISC &  NAFA web pages to get award winning input for players after reading comments on the JRdiamondbacks page regarding Team USA.  My input may not mean anything to some, but the game of fastpitch is one of my favorites and I just enjoy “watching ball.” 
 
  I am a retired sports writer and while the game does not get much attention, the selection committee should be considering these players as I feel they are at the top of the list for best American players & pitchers. 
 
In order:
1.       Matt Palazzo
2.       Josh Johnson
3.       Karl Gollan
4.       Tommy Crouch
5.       Lucas Goring
6.       Derek Zechman
7..       BJ Gullick
8.       Trevor Kelly      
9.       Tony Mancha
10.     Nick Mullins
 
#1-3
Matt Palazzo has been an ISC All World 2013. ASA All American Second Team in 2006, 2008 & 2013. NAFA AAA MVP in 2007. Hands down the best American hitter.  Palazzo may be one of the top five hitters in the game.  Struggles defensively but makes up for it with his power and consistent hitting.  Seems to be a great team guy and I watched him carry the California team in spots at the ASA & ISC this year.  Josh Johnson has been an ISC All 2nd Team World in 2013. ASA All American Second Team (2012). NAFA Open MVP (2011). He seems very streaky but is consistent enough to make my top three list as he hit the best pitchers in the game well the last couple of years at the ASA and ISC tournaments.  One of the few American players that I have seen that can hit all the top level pitchers well.  Good defensive outfielder as well and is on my pitcher list below.  Karl Gollan is a great threat at the plate.  Gollan is not an elite outfielder but his ability to pitch is why he ranks so high on my list.  He is the best American hitter besides Palazzo.  He has some limitations defensively but cannot imagine anyone hitting the top level guys like he can.  ISC All World First Team in 2013.  His years on the Black Sox and years playing for the top level teams speak for themselves.
               
#4-6
Tommy Crouch was an ASA Fist Team All American in 2012 & 2006. NAFA AAA MVP in 2009. Very consistent hitter that can hit all the top level guys.  He is a very sound defensive player that can play shortstop and all IF or OF positions well.  From talking with team managers/players, he seems to be a very strong team leader and was the best hitter/player on last year’s Angels team that finished 3rd.  Luke Goring is a scrappy, competitive player.  Cannot figure out why he wasn’t on the National Team in 2013.  Goring has been a 2011 ISC All World. ASA All American in 2011, 2009 & 2007.  One of the toughest outs in the game according to most. Can slap or hit for “gap-power.”  Good defensive outfielder. Derrck Zechman has been a 2012 ISC 2nd Team All World and 2012 & 2010 ASA All American.  He is probably the second most dangerous hitter behind Palazzo & Gollan.  Very unorthodox but gets it done.  Really not a versatile fielder but is sufficient and why he is not higher on the list.  Clutch, big game hitter though
 
 
#7-10
BJ Gullick has no notable awards but can play multiple infield and outfield positions.  One of the toughest American outs and hits to all fields well.  Has power and hits top level pitching, which according to my calculations, is in a group of about 10-12 Americans that can do that.  Trevor Kelly is an excellent receiver and a consistent contact hitter.  He was an ISC AW player in 2012 and ASA 2nd Team All American in 2010.  I have seen him play some 3rd base with club teams but I know he a fine catcher.  Trevor seems to move the ball well against the top tier throwers in the game. . I have only seen Tony Mancha at the ISC this year and AAU.  He is an incredible hitter when facing the lower level pitchers.  May need some time facing the “Big Boys.”  Not a defensive player but is also on my Pitcher’s List below.  Nick Mullins has the unfortunate opportunity of playing behind guys rather than starting for a team.  Good catcher and can play well at all defensive positions.  No notable awards but I have seen him hit all the top guys.  He just needs to play more on his team or get exposed somewhere else.
 
Pitchers in order:
1.       Paul Koert- We can only go off of knowing that he is an American citizen as I am confused as to why he I realize he pitched for Canada in March.  Koert is one of the top 12 pitchers in the world, let alone America.  Paul has won numerous ISC All World awards and ASA All American awards and he is a big game pitcher that takes the ball and wants to throw.
2.       Gerald Muziellar-ISC All World 2011 & 2013, ASA All American (2006, 2007 & 2012) NAFA (2008 & 2009) still one of the games top 15 pitchers.  Carries Fargo in both ASA and ISC play the last few years and can beat the top teams.
3.       Jeremy Holman- NAFA Major All World 2010.  Holman is the guy no one wants to face.  Has the best changeup in the game.  Has played for a mid-level team that doesn't compete in many ISCs or ASA Majors so only a couple of NAFA Open awards to his name.
4.       Tony Mancha-Throws hard and keeps the ball down.  Can compete with the big boys if he gets an opportunity to learn from playing against or with them.
5.       Karl Gollan-Holds down top teams with mixing speeds and great control
6.       Josh Johnson-Has all the pitches, not a ton of speed on the ball but I have seen him hold his own with all the best teams.
 
 
Terrance Hansen Sr.
hansent11@juno.com
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