Perfect Game, baseball’s largest and most comprehensive scouting service, unveiled their top prospects from various summer collegiate leagues. The PG evaluations came from personal observation, contact with scouts and input from league managers. The Northwoods League was in the top tier with 50 prospects evaluated. Madison’s Kyle Gaedele (Valparaiso) topped the list after a great 2010 season with the Mallards.
Gaedele, an outfielder, had a very productive season while being named to the 1st Half All-Star team and the Postseason All-Star team. The 6’3’’righty showed his versatility while he hit for average, power and showed great speed. He finished 3rd in the NWL in homeruns (9), 5th in stolen bases (26) and in the top-15 in batting average (.315), slugging percentage (.498), and RBI (38).
NWL MVP Steve Nyisztor (Rutgers) of the St. Cloud River Bats was 2nd on the Perfect Game list. The Toms River, NJ native had an outstanding 2010 in the NWL as he hit .306 with eight homeruns, 14 doubles and 18 steals. Nyisztor was joined by Sam Selman (Vanderbilt) of the Mankato MoonDogs and NWL teammates Cody Asche (Nebraska) and Zeke DeVoss (Miami) of the Duluth Huskies in the top five.
Four pitchers and Jordan Smith (St. Cloud State) of the Willmar Stingers rounded out the top ten. Ray Black (Pittsburgh) of Brainerd, NWL Pitcher of the Year Jason Wheeler (Loyola Marymount) of St. Cloud, Brad Schreiber (Purdue) of Green Bay, Jordan Smith and Madison Boer (Oregon) of La Crosse were PG’s six thru ten on the list.
A pair of Battle Creek Bombers made the list as well. Outfielder Sean Deegan (Penn State) came in at #42 after posting a solid campaign in his first season in the league. Deegan finished with a .299 batting average and led the Bombers in several offensive categories including hits (73), runs (32), doubles (19), triples (5) and stolen bases (15). Also making the top 50 was right handed pitcher Corey Chaffins (Eastern Michigan) at #48. Chaffins joined the team in mid-season and compiled some impressive numbers including a 2.89 ERA and 37 strikeouts in 37.1 innings pitched this season.
The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America.
