Jared Carrier
Director of Scouting, NY

AROUND THE CAGE

This week we strike up a conversation with recently committed 2017 INF Joseph Greco (Bellport HS), the 34th ranked player in the most recent 2017 rankings. Greco is a highly athletic 6-foot-1 180 SS who will be taking his abilities to NCAA D1 Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.

Leading off

PBR: What’s the biggest part of your game that has improved over the last year?

GRECO: The biggest part of my game that has improved from last year is definitely my baseball IQ and my arm strength. At the end of the summer I was consistently hitting 87-88 touching 89.

PBR: What is an area you would like to become more consistent with? 

GRECO: I would like to be more consistent with my backhand play.

PBR: What was the biggest thing you’ve been able to take away from the PBR experience? 

GRECO: Having the opportunity to showcase with some of the best players in the northeast and having PBR really promote me to colleges.

MIDDLE INNINGS

PBR:  Best position player you've had the opportunity to play against or with and why?

GRECO: I had the opportunity to play with and against 2017 Brian Morrell (Shoreham-Wading River). First off he is one of the best teammates you could have. He has a great bat and the quickest hands I have ever seen. He had 12 homeruns last year and every time he gets up there is a possibility that he will go yard. NOTE: Morrell is committed to Notre Dame as a RHP.

PBR: Toughest opposing pitcher you've faced and why? 

GRECO: Toughest pitcher I ever faced was 2015 LHP Nick Fanti (Hauppauge). He has insane control with his 90-92mph fastball and has great command of secondary pitches especially his nasty slider. Always has you guessing. He currently plays in the Phillies organization.

PBR: Current or former pro player that you would like your game to emulate? 

GRECO: I would like my game to emulate Dustin Pedroia. He is hard nose and gritty and gives 100% every game.

CLOSING IT OUT

PBR: Give us 3 goals for this upcoming 2017 season. 

GRECO: My #1 goal this upcoming season is to win leagues, work on improving my numbers from last year, and be bigger and stronger than last year

PBR: What were the deciding factors on choosing Sacred Heart? 

GRECO: The deciding factors were location because I wanted to be close enough for my family to come and watch because they are my biggest supporters and it is in a really nice town and has a beautiful campus, money, liking the coaching staff and the teammates, I went to a showcase and met with the team and coaches and they were great so I liked that. Also getting the chance to start as a freshman.

PBR: How are you hoping to contribute during your freshman year as a Pioneer?

GRECO: I hope to be able to compete for a starting spot and if i cant then work hard everyday and be a great teammate and have a positive attitude everyday.

EXTRA INNINGS

PBR: Ok, let’s finish with some fun...Favorite pre-game snack or meal?" 

GRECO: Favorite pre-game snack would be my protein bar.

PBR: Most embarrassing moment on a baseball field?  

GRECO: Most embarrassing moment on a baseball field would be the time i hit a ball in the gap and tripped coming out the box and then while I was rounding first I tripped again and had to be held to a single. My teammates never stopped making fun of me and saying there was a "sniper in the trees".

PBR: Superstitions?

GRECO: My superstition is to warm up the same way every game, have the same throwing partner, stand in the same spot. Nothing can change.

 PBR: Nickname? The story behind it?  

GRECO: My nickname is Goose and one of my best friends Brad Malm gave me this while I was pitching and no one knows how it came about but it stuck the whole summer season.

PBR: Choose your eternal walk up song (Edited Versions of course). 

GRECO:  "Views" by Drake