SDSU Baseball Recruiting Class for 2016 Gets High Marks

San Diego State Recruits Heavy on Pitching

The Aztecs recruiting class counts 10 pitchers among the 17 recruits on the 2016 roster. I like the way coach thinks; can never have enough pitching. I've had people bark at me saying that the other positions are important too but one good pitcher on the mound can shut down a lineup when he's on. One great position player can be avoided by the smart pitcher but you still gotta face that filthy stuff when you hit. Let's see what the Aztecs have.

David Maldonado, INF, Temecula Valley HS, Temecula, CA
He hit .422 and 2 his senior year. That kind of year garnered him a position on the Riverside County All-Star team. Quite an honor. Cal-Hi sports named him to its All-State team also.

Niko Navarro, INF, Los Osos HS, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Niko was good enough to be considered the 89th highest rated prospect for the mlb draft and that includes college players. That alone says something. Could find no stats.

Anthony Lepre, C, Valencia HS, Agua Dulce, CA
Teams always need a good catcher and Anthony could be one. He hit .319 and 4 his senior year and it was least productive year. Second ream All-league.

Addison Hull, OF, Eastside Catholic HS, Woodinville, WA
Addison hit .364 and 1 his senior season.

Mike Diamond, RHP, Paradise Valley CC, Scottsdale, AZ
Mike went 3-2 and 2.53 his sophomore season. He had 18 strikeouts in 21 IP.

Dominic Purpura, LHP, Orange Coast CC, Hinsdale, IL
If nothing else, he played for a winner as OC won the California State title in 2015, oh, he won the MVP while they did it. He was 5-1 and 2.53 in 81 IP. He had six starts in 20 appearances so he knows both roles as a pitcher. He doesn't appear to be a power pitcher but he pitched a complete game shutout in the state playoffs.

Dustin Jack, RHP, Bradshaw Christian HS, Elk Grove, CA
Dustin was 1-1 and 1.64 in seven appearances with one start. He had 21 IP and 26 strikeouts with about an equal number of walks. He must have a big upside as the walks are a definite red flag. Throw strikes, kid. Good size at 6'4" and 190.

Jordan Verdon, INF, Granite Hills HS, El Cajon, CA
He hit .417 in only 12 ABs so I think those may be incomplete stats especially so since he made the All-league team. Oh, yeah, he was drafted in the 24th round by the Mets so he must be ok. He didn't sign so do you think he'll get a chance to get some time on the field? You betcha, Red Ryder.

Dean Nevarez, C, Eastlake HS, Chula Vista, CA
He hit .405 and 5 his senior year which garnered him All San Diego Section.

Kenny LaPierre, RHP, Granite Hills HS, Alpine, CA
Couldn't find a lot but I did find he made an All-Academic team so he can play and should do well in school. A perfect world in my book.

Chris Collins, RHP, Notre Dame HS, Sherman Oaks, CA
I found his name on a few watch lists before the season started so he was picked up on the radar.

Connor Briare, LHP, Feather River CC, Granite Bay, CA
Junior college transfers are always expect to help right away. Connor should be able to. He was 10-0 in 12 starts. His ERA was a sparkling 1.88 in 67 IP with 51 strikeouts. AND, he's a lefty. I'm mystified by the lack of awards.

Jeff Kross, RHP, Upland HS, Upland, CA
You want big? How about 6'7" and 225? He's a dominating presence on the mound if nothing else. He was 3-1 and 4.10 in 29 IP. Could turn into a power pitcher but he walks a bit too many for my blood.

Jordon Wyke, RHP, Centennial HS, Las Vegas, NV
He was 6-4 and 1.54 in 51 IP. He had 48 strikeouts in those innings. He made All-Nevada according to one list.

Adrian Orozco, RHP, Southwestern CC, Chula Vista, CA
Another good juco transfer as he was 9-2 and 1.96 in 12 starts. He was tied for the team lead in strikeouts with 53 in 92 IP. Pretty good control, too.

Kyle Merkel, RHP, Bishop Alemany HS, Valencia, CA
Kyle was 3-1 and 1.48 in 42 IP in 2015. He struck out 33 in those innings.

Ryan Glazner, OF, Yuba CC, Colfax, CA
He hit .366 and 1 for Yuba. He made Academic All-Conference which bodes well for his future.

According to Collegiate Baseball, the Aztecs made the "others" list for top recruiting classes. For the Mountain West that's about as good as it gets. Keep your eyes open for Jordan Verdon, David Maldonado, Niko Navarro, Dean Nevarez, and Connor Briare for future impact.