I've been lucky enough to be coaching six days a week during the spring. Again, thanks to Josh for allowing me to do it. Over the last several summers, I've coached across the country, coaching summer baseball at the 15-17u levels. On top of coaching, I did color commentary for a network called The Prep last week, and I'll be doing a few more of those this season.
I've enjoyed coaching, coaching against, or spectating plenty of Michigan baseball commitments through all of those avenues. Last week, when I commentated on the Liggett/Orchard Lake St. Mary's game, eight Michigan commits played on the field that day.
So here's what I saw from that game! I'll likely follow up with a few more of these through the summer, especially if I see out-of-state commits.
Before we get into it, let me explain baseball recruiting on a surface level. Programs in the NCAA's Division I level can give out a maximum of 11.7 scholarships per cycle. Some programs have the funding to fulfill all 11.7, and some don't. MOST at the D-I level are fulfilling the 11.7, but the lower-end D1s aren't able to in some cases.
Guys come in, and you're basing the school's expectations for him on his scholarship percentage. Out-of-state guys almost always get less unless they're a centerpiece in the class because out-of-state tuition costs the student a lot more and the school to fulfill the scholarship.
Because scholarship percentages are private information, I don't have pinpoint percentages. I'll give a general projection of what I see the prospect doing at U-M.
Liggett
Jarren Purify (SS), junior, ~5'11", 160 lbs
Throws: R Hits: R
High scholarship guy viewed as the best shortstop prospect in the 2023 class statewide. It's arguable as the state is not only mega-talented as a whole, but another shortstop in this class may end up better than him when it's all said and done. Purify's athleticism is off the charts with 6.6-6.7 speed out of the box to go along with a legit hit tool that plays to all fields with power—tested out with exit velocities of 95+. He hit a first-pitch home run off of OLSM in Game 2 of the double-header. He is rangy with good lateral movement at shortstop and throws it anywhere from 85-90 across the diamond. The glove tool is above avg. A junior who is seemingly getting stronger by the day, he's not a project as he's already a complete player compared to most juniors. However, the upside is sky-high, and Purify has the ceiling to be a high draft candidate out of college. He will propel his way into draft talks out of high school if he has a hot summer, too, especially as a shortstop.
Projection: Everyday SS or 3B, top of the order but can be a middle guy, too. Chance he gets taken out of high school, but expect him to head to Michigan at this juncture.
Reggie Sharpe (2B), sophomore, ~ 5'7", 145 lbs
Throws: R Hits: S
The Ying to Purify's Yang up the middle for a Liggett team that's a heavy favorite to win a third-straight D3 state title. Sharpe, from what I know, is a preferred walk-on. Again, these things are private, but that's what I've gathered. The glove and range are both a plus as Sharpe will seamlessly stick at the 2B position in college. He's been a switch-hitter the last two seasons I've watched. However, he stuck on the right side against a plethora of righties against OLSM, which signals to me his hands are slower on the left side, hence why he stuck on one side against the velocity of OLSM's staff. Small at 5'7" and lacks D1 strength at 145 lbs. He still gets it up to the upper 80s with his exit velocities while running a 6.7 60 and throwing it in the low-to-mid 80s across the diamond. Uses his speed and high IQ to swipe bags with excellent reads leading to good jumps. Lots and lots of room to grow and fill out his frame, but his contact tool at the plate, baseball IQ, and undeniable defensive skills are enough for Michigan to take him. They took him as a freshman without playing a high school game, too, as he was a phenom in 12u/13u summer ball and the Little League World Series.
Projection: Program guy who, without a growth spurt or strength bump, won't be a draft guy but will win you ball games with his ability to do the little things, like timely hitting, swiping bags, and making plays at 2B.
Kurt Barr (RHP), senior, ~6'2", 160 lbs
R/R
From Ontario, but travels to play at Liggett. Nasty RHP who funnels well with tons of pitchability. Throws the FB right around 86-88 and up to 90, but with a late arm, side run that fools the batter. I've been told he mixes in a sinker, too, which makes him all the more difficult to hit since you're looking at two different FBs, and both aren't flat/straight. The slider is his out pitch and breaks horizontally, changing planes in the low 70s. In the upper 70s, his changeup is an underrated pitch because it has splitter-like action. The body, 6'2", 160, suggests he has a lot left in the tank. The delivery is relatively easy, too, which further indicates the velo will rise without a high risk of injury. A lot to like here.
Projection: Rotational starter with draft buzz out of college. High ceiling due to his pitch design being college-ready out of high school.
Preston Barr (3B/RHP), sophomore, ~6'2", 170 lbs
R/R
Michigan kept it in the family by taking Preston the younger brother of Kurt, who has the same body at 6'2" but is a bit heavier at 170 lbs, and it does him good. Testing-wise (meaning, not in-game), he ran it up to 89 this offseason. Against OLSM, he sat in the mid-80s. He is similar to his brother in a lot of ways. Offspeed is a curveball, whereas Kurt's is more of a slider, though I believe they're trying to effectively add a second breaker in the mix. Barr's size suggests he might end up better than Kurt, but Kurt's the more polished prospect as it stands now. Preston is likely a pitcher-only at the next level. Again, body, genetic pool, and an older brother in his ear all suggest a steady ascension for the younger of the Barr brothers.
Projection: He will undoubtedly pitch at U-M, but we need to see how he progresses as an upperclassman in '23 and '24 before we start labeling him a starter or reliever.
OLSM
Nolan Schubart, 1B/RF, senior, ~ 6'6", 210 lbs
Throws: R Hits: L
Every bit of what his measurables are listed at, if not more. A presence in the box, which is almost always pitched around to. Struggled against Liggett with swings and misses on off-speed that started inside the hands and fell below the shins or in the dirt. However, he did just hit a ball on Monday against Country Day about 430 ft, if not more, to dead center. He had a slow summer, which cooled off his once red-hot draft stock. Believe he was viewed as a potential first-rounder. One of the biggest bats in the country in the 2022 class, playing for Team Elite, one of the top organizations in America. Michigan might luck out here and get Schubart on campus and in the program for three seasons. Exit velocities are absurd, it wouldn't shock me if he's hit up to triple-digits, but the test numbers sit at around 98mph. Do not discredit the rest of his game, though, as he can play both 1B and RF but sticks in RF for an excellent OLSM OF. Runs at an elite pace for his size, 6.83 60 (Perfect Game), and throws it 90+ from the OF and up to 90 across the diamond from 1B to 3B. There's still a chance his bat and absurd upside get him drafted, but the question is if he'll get the number he's looking for at the slot he's picked. I'd say, right now, it's more likely he'll end up in Ann Arbor.
Projection: Immediate impact player at U-M, middle of the order bat quickly
Jack Crighton, 3B, senior ~6'3", 180 pounds
R/R
A natural bat-to-ball hitter whose hit tool is draft-worthy. This is a guy that immediately blends into your lineup anywhere he goes. The hand speed, pitch selection, and ability to hit all fields with power make for a deadly combo at the plate. Crighton is sneakily OLSM's most-feared hitter in the two-hole, not because he's going to hit every ball out, but because he's going to contest every count and, more times than not, find a way on base. He's not dead-pulling or fooled on off-speed, he's hitting all pitches to all fields, and it's a sight to see. The frame needs more muscle, and it's happened already, but still, room to grow physically. That'll happen at Michigan, especially with the frame he has. He's also absurdly quick out of the box; Perfect Game recorded a 6.43 60-yard dash out of him. No, I don't think that's an everyday speed for any human, but Crighton is lightning-quick. Throws it 86mph across the diamond, so you'd like to see those numbers go up, but again, that's testing, and in-game, it fits in just fine.
Projection: Multi-year starter with a legit shot at starting as a freshman alongside Schubart. It's difficult to keep a guy off of the field who is as quick, smart in the box, and has as much pop in the bat as Crighton has. Not sure about the draft buzz here, so almost positive he'll end up a Wolverine.
Jasen Oliver, SS/RHP, junior, ~6'0", 180 pounds
R/R
Oliver has never been a showcase guy, so the testing numbers and measurables are not a resource, so I'm going purely off the eye here, along with what I've been told from scouts who have watched him and gunned him on the mound—bulked up in a big way in the offseason. Came into 2022 wowing coaches with the physical leaps he's taken. The lower half is strong as an ox with an upper body that is long and lean but still strong as hell. At the plate, he has a long swing that's gotten short-ish in the past year, which is allowing him to hit better to all fields. As a freshman/sophomore, he was a dead pull, but that's improved immensely -- an opposite-field home run against Liggett is evidence of that. He hits for power and finds gaps regularly. Picks up spin out of the pitcher's hand at an advanced level, which makes him an accomplished off-speed hitter. He isn't Crighton quick, but he's around the 6.8-9 mark if I had to guess. Again, testing numbers aren't there, so that's simply a guess based on him being a step slower than Purify/Crighton. The glove tool has become arguably his best, starting at shortstop for the No. 1 team in the country and making it look easy, too. Throws it in the low 90s, high 80s across the diamond, though it wouldn't shock me to see him throw it mid-90s if he showcased. He is not as rangy as Purify because he doesn't move as well laterally. However, it's not enough of a difference to call Purify the better shortstop. Oliver is OLSM's closer, too, working quickly with a windup that moves so fast the ball is out of his hands before the batter can load up properly. Timing off of him can be a nightmare in a one-inning scenario, hence the closer position. FB was up to mid-90s in winter, but in-game I believe it's been 88-91. Mixes in two secondaries with a CB/CH. Dominant type of mental makeup on the mound.
He was a kid that wanted to go to Michigan and Michigan only. He did not showcase. He camped at Michigan, got the offer months later, and committed on the phone without pause. If he showcased, this is undoubtedly a guy who's on MLB radars out of high school next year with his trajectory. Being at OLSM should provide him enough exposure, but an excellent summer circuit from him in 2022 will do the same. We'll see.
Projection: Two-way impact player. On the mound, likely as a closer/reliever. On the field, duke it out with Purify; see who comes out the better man. In 2023, between Oliver, Purify, and Crighton, Michigan will have three in-staters on the left side of the infield who are draft guys out of college, can smash baseballs, run like the wind, and pick anything. I do not envy who makes the decisions there, but one of those guys will have to play some outfield or second base. You can't leave those guys in your dugout.
Buckle up! It'll be fun to watch how all of these guys progress and turn out as prospects. This is the golden era of Michigan baseball. OLSM has all in-staters on a nationally ranked roster that includes commitments to Clemson, Auburn, and Tennessee on top of the Michigan and Michigan State guys that round out the roster. Eric Bakich and Michigan have brought in suitable recruiting classes, but the ones that brought them to the CWS included a lot of scrappy Michigan guys, like Tommy Henry, Karl Kauffmann, and Jordan Nwogu. These incoming recruits competed on national stages against recruits heading to the likes of the SEC, ACC, etc. Not only were they successful, but they were also better in many cases.
This is definitely a group to follow and keep a close eye on if you like Michigan baseball, or if you want to get into it and haven't yet, this is a perfect time!
I've enjoyed coaching, coaching against, or spectating plenty of Michigan baseball commitments through all of those avenues. Last week, when I commentated on the Liggett/Orchard Lake St. Mary's game, eight Michigan commits played on the field that day.
So here's what I saw from that game! I'll likely follow up with a few more of these through the summer, especially if I see out-of-state commits.
Before we get into it, let me explain baseball recruiting on a surface level. Programs in the NCAA's Division I level can give out a maximum of 11.7 scholarships per cycle. Some programs have the funding to fulfill all 11.7, and some don't. MOST at the D-I level are fulfilling the 11.7, but the lower-end D1s aren't able to in some cases.
Guys come in, and you're basing the school's expectations for him on his scholarship percentage. Out-of-state guys almost always get less unless they're a centerpiece in the class because out-of-state tuition costs the student a lot more and the school to fulfill the scholarship.
Because scholarship percentages are private information, I don't have pinpoint percentages. I'll give a general projection of what I see the prospect doing at U-M.
Liggett
Jarren Purify (SS), junior, ~5'11", 160 lbs
Throws: R Hits: R
High scholarship guy viewed as the best shortstop prospect in the 2023 class statewide. It's arguable as the state is not only mega-talented as a whole, but another shortstop in this class may end up better than him when it's all said and done. Purify's athleticism is off the charts with 6.6-6.7 speed out of the box to go along with a legit hit tool that plays to all fields with power—tested out with exit velocities of 95+. He hit a first-pitch home run off of OLSM in Game 2 of the double-header. He is rangy with good lateral movement at shortstop and throws it anywhere from 85-90 across the diamond. The glove tool is above avg. A junior who is seemingly getting stronger by the day, he's not a project as he's already a complete player compared to most juniors. However, the upside is sky-high, and Purify has the ceiling to be a high draft candidate out of college. He will propel his way into draft talks out of high school if he has a hot summer, too, especially as a shortstop.
Projection: Everyday SS or 3B, top of the order but can be a middle guy, too. Chance he gets taken out of high school, but expect him to head to Michigan at this juncture.
Reggie Sharpe (2B), sophomore, ~ 5'7", 145 lbs
Throws: R Hits: S
The Ying to Purify's Yang up the middle for a Liggett team that's a heavy favorite to win a third-straight D3 state title. Sharpe, from what I know, is a preferred walk-on. Again, these things are private, but that's what I've gathered. The glove and range are both a plus as Sharpe will seamlessly stick at the 2B position in college. He's been a switch-hitter the last two seasons I've watched. However, he stuck on the right side against a plethora of righties against OLSM, which signals to me his hands are slower on the left side, hence why he stuck on one side against the velocity of OLSM's staff. Small at 5'7" and lacks D1 strength at 145 lbs. He still gets it up to the upper 80s with his exit velocities while running a 6.7 60 and throwing it in the low-to-mid 80s across the diamond. Uses his speed and high IQ to swipe bags with excellent reads leading to good jumps. Lots and lots of room to grow and fill out his frame, but his contact tool at the plate, baseball IQ, and undeniable defensive skills are enough for Michigan to take him. They took him as a freshman without playing a high school game, too, as he was a phenom in 12u/13u summer ball and the Little League World Series.
Projection: Program guy who, without a growth spurt or strength bump, won't be a draft guy but will win you ball games with his ability to do the little things, like timely hitting, swiping bags, and making plays at 2B.
Kurt Barr (RHP), senior, ~6'2", 160 lbs
R/R
From Ontario, but travels to play at Liggett. Nasty RHP who funnels well with tons of pitchability. Throws the FB right around 86-88 and up to 90, but with a late arm, side run that fools the batter. I've been told he mixes in a sinker, too, which makes him all the more difficult to hit since you're looking at two different FBs, and both aren't flat/straight. The slider is his out pitch and breaks horizontally, changing planes in the low 70s. In the upper 70s, his changeup is an underrated pitch because it has splitter-like action. The body, 6'2", 160, suggests he has a lot left in the tank. The delivery is relatively easy, too, which further indicates the velo will rise without a high risk of injury. A lot to like here.
Projection: Rotational starter with draft buzz out of college. High ceiling due to his pitch design being college-ready out of high school.
Preston Barr (3B/RHP), sophomore, ~6'2", 170 lbs
R/R
Michigan kept it in the family by taking Preston the younger brother of Kurt, who has the same body at 6'2" but is a bit heavier at 170 lbs, and it does him good. Testing-wise (meaning, not in-game), he ran it up to 89 this offseason. Against OLSM, he sat in the mid-80s. He is similar to his brother in a lot of ways. Offspeed is a curveball, whereas Kurt's is more of a slider, though I believe they're trying to effectively add a second breaker in the mix. Barr's size suggests he might end up better than Kurt, but Kurt's the more polished prospect as it stands now. Preston is likely a pitcher-only at the next level. Again, body, genetic pool, and an older brother in his ear all suggest a steady ascension for the younger of the Barr brothers.
Projection: He will undoubtedly pitch at U-M, but we need to see how he progresses as an upperclassman in '23 and '24 before we start labeling him a starter or reliever.
OLSM
Nolan Schubart, 1B/RF, senior, ~ 6'6", 210 lbs
Throws: R Hits: L
Every bit of what his measurables are listed at, if not more. A presence in the box, which is almost always pitched around to. Struggled against Liggett with swings and misses on off-speed that started inside the hands and fell below the shins or in the dirt. However, he did just hit a ball on Monday against Country Day about 430 ft, if not more, to dead center. He had a slow summer, which cooled off his once red-hot draft stock. Believe he was viewed as a potential first-rounder. One of the biggest bats in the country in the 2022 class, playing for Team Elite, one of the top organizations in America. Michigan might luck out here and get Schubart on campus and in the program for three seasons. Exit velocities are absurd, it wouldn't shock me if he's hit up to triple-digits, but the test numbers sit at around 98mph. Do not discredit the rest of his game, though, as he can play both 1B and RF but sticks in RF for an excellent OLSM OF. Runs at an elite pace for his size, 6.83 60 (Perfect Game), and throws it 90+ from the OF and up to 90 across the diamond from 1B to 3B. There's still a chance his bat and absurd upside get him drafted, but the question is if he'll get the number he's looking for at the slot he's picked. I'd say, right now, it's more likely he'll end up in Ann Arbor.
Projection: Immediate impact player at U-M, middle of the order bat quickly
Jack Crighton, 3B, senior ~6'3", 180 pounds
R/R
A natural bat-to-ball hitter whose hit tool is draft-worthy. This is a guy that immediately blends into your lineup anywhere he goes. The hand speed, pitch selection, and ability to hit all fields with power make for a deadly combo at the plate. Crighton is sneakily OLSM's most-feared hitter in the two-hole, not because he's going to hit every ball out, but because he's going to contest every count and, more times than not, find a way on base. He's not dead-pulling or fooled on off-speed, he's hitting all pitches to all fields, and it's a sight to see. The frame needs more muscle, and it's happened already, but still, room to grow physically. That'll happen at Michigan, especially with the frame he has. He's also absurdly quick out of the box; Perfect Game recorded a 6.43 60-yard dash out of him. No, I don't think that's an everyday speed for any human, but Crighton is lightning-quick. Throws it 86mph across the diamond, so you'd like to see those numbers go up, but again, that's testing, and in-game, it fits in just fine.
Projection: Multi-year starter with a legit shot at starting as a freshman alongside Schubart. It's difficult to keep a guy off of the field who is as quick, smart in the box, and has as much pop in the bat as Crighton has. Not sure about the draft buzz here, so almost positive he'll end up a Wolverine.
Jasen Oliver, SS/RHP, junior, ~6'0", 180 pounds
R/R
Oliver has never been a showcase guy, so the testing numbers and measurables are not a resource, so I'm going purely off the eye here, along with what I've been told from scouts who have watched him and gunned him on the mound—bulked up in a big way in the offseason. Came into 2022 wowing coaches with the physical leaps he's taken. The lower half is strong as an ox with an upper body that is long and lean but still strong as hell. At the plate, he has a long swing that's gotten short-ish in the past year, which is allowing him to hit better to all fields. As a freshman/sophomore, he was a dead pull, but that's improved immensely -- an opposite-field home run against Liggett is evidence of that. He hits for power and finds gaps regularly. Picks up spin out of the pitcher's hand at an advanced level, which makes him an accomplished off-speed hitter. He isn't Crighton quick, but he's around the 6.8-9 mark if I had to guess. Again, testing numbers aren't there, so that's simply a guess based on him being a step slower than Purify/Crighton. The glove tool has become arguably his best, starting at shortstop for the No. 1 team in the country and making it look easy, too. Throws it in the low 90s, high 80s across the diamond, though it wouldn't shock me to see him throw it mid-90s if he showcased. He is not as rangy as Purify because he doesn't move as well laterally. However, it's not enough of a difference to call Purify the better shortstop. Oliver is OLSM's closer, too, working quickly with a windup that moves so fast the ball is out of his hands before the batter can load up properly. Timing off of him can be a nightmare in a one-inning scenario, hence the closer position. FB was up to mid-90s in winter, but in-game I believe it's been 88-91. Mixes in two secondaries with a CB/CH. Dominant type of mental makeup on the mound.
He was a kid that wanted to go to Michigan and Michigan only. He did not showcase. He camped at Michigan, got the offer months later, and committed on the phone without pause. If he showcased, this is undoubtedly a guy who's on MLB radars out of high school next year with his trajectory. Being at OLSM should provide him enough exposure, but an excellent summer circuit from him in 2022 will do the same. We'll see.
Projection: Two-way impact player. On the mound, likely as a closer/reliever. On the field, duke it out with Purify; see who comes out the better man. In 2023, between Oliver, Purify, and Crighton, Michigan will have three in-staters on the left side of the infield who are draft guys out of college, can smash baseballs, run like the wind, and pick anything. I do not envy who makes the decisions there, but one of those guys will have to play some outfield or second base. You can't leave those guys in your dugout.
Buckle up! It'll be fun to watch how all of these guys progress and turn out as prospects. This is the golden era of Michigan baseball. OLSM has all in-staters on a nationally ranked roster that includes commitments to Clemson, Auburn, and Tennessee on top of the Michigan and Michigan State guys that round out the roster. Eric Bakich and Michigan have brought in suitable recruiting classes, but the ones that brought them to the CWS included a lot of scrappy Michigan guys, like Tommy Henry, Karl Kauffmann, and Jordan Nwogu. These incoming recruits competed on national stages against recruits heading to the likes of the SEC, ACC, etc. Not only were they successful, but they were also better in many cases.
This is definitely a group to follow and keep a close eye on if you like Michigan baseball, or if you want to get into it and haven't yet, this is a perfect time!
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