Next year's top players to watch

The 2007 baseball season has only been over a little more than a week and people are already asking me who will be the top players to watch in 2008.

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Well, obviously Nolan Belcher is the first name that comes to mind, and there are several other no-brainer picks as well. Players such as Mike Leverett and Russell Gamblin, of Harlem; Tyler Bourdo and Travis Cerasuolo at Augusta Christian; Kevin Millward, Jeff Rice, and Teddy Leverett from Evans; not to mention Belcher's Greenbrier teammates Nick Page, Patrick McGowan and Dalton Gress.

Those are easy picks, but who are the players you have not heard of? Well, many are trying to make a name for themselves this summer and I will have a more complete list this winter. However, several players are worthy of a sneak peak.

Heading the list is a trio of rising sophomores at Evans. Trust me, Ricky Beale must have a smile from ear to ear thinking about the prospects of having this group as possible three year starters.

Tyler Barden - Barden was one of the best arms in middle school ball a couple of years ago. He looks like Evans' catcher of the future. He will become a definite power guy and should eventually find a home in the middle of the Knights order.

Tevin Nelson - Nelson will be a fixture in centerfield for the Knights. He might be the best prospect in all of Columbia County right now among position players. He has blazing speed that should allow him to chase down plenty of would-be base hits, and also turn his singles into run scoring opportunities. He reminds me a lot of former Silver Bluff CF, and Pittsburgh Pirate Draft, Demetrius Washington. However, I think if Nelson really dedicates himself he could be better one day.

Corey Holloway - Holloway might not be on as fast a track as Barden and Nelson, but he will become a big time player at Evans before his career is over. He is a tremendous athlete, who at times does not get the credit due to playing along side Nelson the past few years.

Greenbrier's shortstop position is in good hands for the next three years thanks to Ben Morgan. If Morgan adds some size he will be a great prospect in a few years. He has an amazing feel for the game.