Valley League prospect reports

Official league website: www.valleyleaguebaseball.com
2014 Summer Collegiate top prospect index
Valley Baseball League top prospect list

The Valley Baseball League is one of the oldest collegiate summer leagues in the country, with its roots dating all the way back to the very late 1800s. In addition to having a rich history, the league also, again, possessed several intriguing college prospects.

While the Harrisonburg Turks captured the regular season best record distinction with a strong showing during the summer months, the Waynesboro Generals captured the overall crown by going 6-2 in the VBL playoffs.

In terms of individual awards, Florida International first baseman Gunnar McNeill had a fabulous summer at the plate, while on the mound, St. Joseph's imposing lefthanded pitcher Jake Harper showed outstanding command and consistency.


Year established: 1923
States represented: Virginia, West Virginia
No. of teams: 11
Regular season champion (best overall record): Harrisonburg Turks (29-13)
Postseason champion: Waynesboro Generals
No. 1 prospect, 2013: Max Povse, rhp, Staunton Braves (UNC Greensboro)
First 2013 player selected, 2014 MLB draft: Max Povse (3rd round/Braves)

Player of the Year: Gunnar McNeil, 1b, Staunton Braves (Florida International)
Pitcher of the Year: Jake Harper, lhp, Front Royal Cardinals (St. Joseph's)

BATTING LEADERS

Batting average: Gunnar McNeill, 1b, Staunton Braves (Florida International) (.402)
Slugging percentage: Gunnar McNeill, 1b, Staunton Braves (Florida International) (.604)
On-base percentage: Nick Sinay, of, Front Royal Cardinals (Buffalo) (.539)
Home Runs: Andrew Yacyk, 1b, Charles Town Cannons (Liberty) (10)
RBI: Gunnar McNeill, 1b, Staunton Braves (Florida International) (50)
Stolen bases: Justin Harris, of, Charles Town Cannons (Emporia State) (31)

PITCHING LEADERS

Wins: Logan Onda, rhp, Harrisonburg Turks (UTSA) -- Jake Harper, lhp, Front Royal Cardinals (St. Joseph's) (5)
ERA: Keegan Long, rhp, Front Royal Cardinals (St. Joseph's) (1.61)
Saves: Austin Goss, rhp, Waynesboro Generals (South Carolina-Upstate) (9)
Strikeouts: Michael Carpenter, rhp, Winchester Royals (Va. Commonwealth) (54)

BEST TOOLS

Best athlete: Stephen Kerr, ss, Charles Town Cannons
Best hitter: Gunnar McNeill, 1b, Staunton Braves
Best power: Gunnar McNeill, 1b, Staunton Braves
Best speed: Stephen Kerr, ss, Charles Town Cannons
Best defender: Matt Rose, 3b, Harrisonburg Turks
Best velocity: Heath Slatton, rhp, Staunton Braves
Best breaking stuff: Mike Vinson, rhp, Strasburg Express
Best command: Philip Taylor, lhp, Waynesboro Generals (North Georgia College)


TOP 10 PROSPECTS

1. Matt Rose, 3b, Harrisonburg Turks (Georgia State/JR in 2015)
Georgia State has a rich history of cranking out some very solid hitters and overall players, and Rose is the newest player to take that torch. Rose, a 6-foot-3, 190-pounder, finished the spring with a .312 average, 11 homers and 34 RBI, but took a big step forward this summer with a .342 average, six homers and 29 RBI. Rose, in addition to having a pro body/frame, showcased several tools this past summer. He showed plus power at times, a consistent offensive approach, and also starred as an elite defender with well above average defensive skills and a strong arm from third to first base. Rose finished the summer on the Cape Cod League after shining in the VBL.