By Nathan Rode
National Supervisor

One of the main focuses of summer baseball is the upcoming draft. Scouts crisscrossed the country the last few months to start compiling information on 2016 prospects that they will put under a microscope until next June. It’s a track they play on repeat. In doing so, they often get an early glimpse at some prospects that “play up.” OF/LHP Daniel Cabrera (John Curtis Christian HS, LA) is a 2017, already verbally committed to Louisiana State, and was a staple at such events like the Tournament of Stars and East Coast Professional Showcase.

Unfazed by older competition, Cabrera went 5-for-10 at the Tournament of Stars and was named to the 40-man trials roster for the 18U National Team. He made the second cut, when the roster was reduced to 28, after going 3-for-9. Before going to the last phase of trials with Team USA, Cabrera made a stop in Tampa for East Coast Pro and went 3-for-13, though he struck out just once in four games. While it was a long summer, Cabrera certainly gained from his experience playing with prospects a year ahead of him.