World Championship Pool Preview for CBA

Patrick Ebert's Projected Pool Winner: CBA Marucci

Chris Betts, CBA Marucci

With the exception of Texas native Luken Baker, a righthander that is currently ranked as the 62nd best prospect in the class of 2015, the CBA Marucci roster is compiled entirely of California players, 14 of which (of 21) hail from the 2015 class. Righthander Kyle Molnar, who has been ranked at or near the top of his class since the initial 2015 rankings, and catcher Chris Betts provide the star power. Molnar has been throwing in the low-90s since early in high school, and continues to improve as a pitcher, while Betts will be one of the hardest hitters in attendance, regardless of class. Bryce Fehmel, Niko Navarro and Jordan Pearce are proof that Betts is far from a one-man show in the lineup, while Bailey Falter, Austin Moore, and Kyle Robeniol do the same with Molnar and the pitching staff.

Todd Gold's Dark Horse: Tri-State Arsenal
This is one of the deepest pools in the field, and it's tough to pass up the Reds Midwest Scout Team here, but the Aresnal just has too much firepower not to take them. PG All-American lefthander Devin Smeltzer leads a pitching staff that features one of the top 2016 pitchers in the class in righthander Tyler Mondile, who appears to be ready for the big stage after a big showing at the WWBA Underclass World Championship. 2015 shortstop and third baseman John Aiello is one of the premier prospects in that class and he should already make a big impact this year as an underclassmen.

Impact Matchup: Reds Midwest Scout Team vs Tri-State Arsenal
This should be the matchup that draws the most golf carts, as arguably the biggest powerhouse teams of their respective regions square off with significant pool implications on the line. Reds outfielder Jeren Kendall arrived on the national scene late and he will be an important player to watch for crosscheckers as he looks to build on his breakout showing at the Area Code Games.

Team	Top Pos. Player	RK	Class	Top Pitcher	RK	Class	Manager
CBA Marucci	Chris Betts	15	2015	Kyle Molnar	8	2015	John Paino
Palm Beach Select 17U	Cody Wilson	T1000	2015	Hunter Whitman	HF	2015	John Ober
PG Crimson Bandits	David Santos	T1000	2015	Forrester Smith	HF	2015	Mike Dubet
Reds Midwest Scout Team	Jeren Kendall	59	2014	Gabe Jelley	341	2014	Andy Stack
Tri-State Arsenal	John Aiello	13	2015	Devin Smeltzer	67	2014	Bob Barth