SJSU's Small Class of Recruits Boasts Quality not Quantity

Spartans Have Small Recruiting Class

But that is to be expected as they lost only a few to graduation and none to the draft. They have some quality here so read on.

Joe Balfour, RHP, Mt. Hood CC, Sherwood, OR

He's not the biggest guy at 5'10" and 170 pounds (I've heard he's grown) but his stats are big. He was a closer as a freshman at St. Martin's but transfered to Mt. Hood where he became a starter and blossomed. He was 10-1 and 1.19 in 98 IP and gave up only 68 hits and walking nine. That's a WHIP of under 1.00 He was the conference MVP and will get a good shot at starting with the Spartans.

Brendt Citta, C/OF, Leland HS, San Jose, CA

Brendt may be the prize of the class. I've heard rumors that he may have decided on the juco route which would be a mistake considering his talents. I don't know the whole story and I seldom dig. This time I did; I checked with someone in the athletics department and he said Citta is on campus, in classes, and participating in fall baseball activities. Whew! Anyway, he's a great get for Coach Nakama. He has good baseball size at 6'2" and 200 which translates well to both catcher and outfield. He hit .421 and 5 his senior year and pop is rare at SJS. If he's as good as his awards say he is, then you can expect to see him starting his freshman year; probably in the outfield.

Cal Koga, C, Kauai HS, Lihue, HI

Nakama has been getting some pretty good talent out of Hawaii and here's another. He was POY for Kauai in 2014 but I could find little on him for 2015. Hawaii can be tough in terms of getting info on players. If nothing else, Nakama has good ties in Hawaii. He could use a Kolten Wong or two.

Aaron Pleschner, INF, Carlmont HS, Belmont, CA

In his only full year of playing time Aaron hit .278 and 1 in 90 AB's. He'll be a project if he makes the team.

Overall, two really good recruits in Balfour who should plug in to one of the weekend spots and Citta who could start in the OF and also bring a lot to the lineup. Two guys to help a poor lineup? Not bad, says I. Just as an aside, Jeremy Polon, a 2016 commit, made MaxPreps second team California All-State for large schools. More on him next year.