Texas Three Step
Baseball America|September 01 2017

Three Lone Star State prospects broke out at Area Code Games in Long Beach.

Carlos Collazo
Texas Three Step

In years past, hitters have shown up and conquered Long Beach’s Blair Field, home of the Area Code Games and known for its pitcher-friendly environs. However, the 2017 edition of the event continued to be a showcase for the strength of the 2018 high school class: pitching. One scout in attendance said pitching depth lent the event more balance than last year’s Area Codes, even without an arm like 2017 No. 2 pick Hunter Greene.

Perhaps moreso than East Coast Pro, Area Codes allowed several under-the-radar prospects to make a name for themselves—and make this top 10 performers list.

1. SIMEON WOODS-RICHARDSON, RHP

Kempner High, Sugar Land, Texas

Woods-Richardson pitched on the event’s first day and made an immediate impression, striking out the side in his first inning on just 10 pitches. The Texas commit worked quickly, throwing a 90-92 mph fastball and mixing in a sharp 12-to-6 curve that was mostly 77-78 mph.

His second inning wasn’t as easy, and his breaking ball wasn’t quite as sharp, but he made another appearance three days later and touched 95 mph with his fastball.

This story is from the September 01 2017 edition of Baseball America.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September 01 2017 edition of Baseball America.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BASEBALL AMERICAView All
NOBODY'S PERFECT
Baseball America

NOBODY'S PERFECT

No. 1 prospect Jackson Holliday has one flaw in an otherwise airtight profile

time-read
4 mins  |
March/April 2024
ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Baseball America

ORGANIZATION REPORTS

At nearly every level of his professional career, outfielder Colton Cowser has taken time to acclimate. His major league debut last season was no different.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March/April 2024
ORGANIZATION TALENT RANKINGS
Baseball America

ORGANIZATION TALENT RANKINGS

For the second consecutive year, the Orioles enter the season with the best farm system in baseball.

time-read
10 mins  |
March/April 2024
WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN WITH NEW ROSTER LIMITS
Baseball America

WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN WITH NEW ROSTER LIMITS

No one can fully predict what will happen with the reduced 165-player minor league roster limits, but baseball officials weighed in with predictions for 2024, some of which we heard repeatedly.

time-read
5 mins  |
March/April 2024
NO MORE SLACK IN THE SYSTEM
Baseball America

NO MORE SLACK IN THE SYSTEM

The in domestic minor leagues creates consternation for farm directors

time-read
6 mins  |
March/April 2024
INTERNATIONAL TREASURES
Baseball America

INTERNATIONAL TREASURES

Why MLB teams value foreign professionals more than ever

time-read
10+ mins  |
March/April 2024
HIGH-FLYING BIRDS
Baseball America

HIGH-FLYING BIRDS

Learning from past success and failure in Houston, Mike Elias and his united front office remade the Orioles into winners— and they got there ahead of schedule

time-read
10+ mins  |
March/April 2024
ARIZONA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10
Baseball America

ARIZONA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10

Early promotions of star prospects led to a bit of a down season for the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2023
FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10
Baseball America

FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10

Even before the Rookie-level Florida Complex League season began, scouts who saw extended spring training gushed over the Yankees' talent, starting with shortstop Roderick Arias and 6-foot7 pitchers Henry Lalane and Carlos Lagrange. Outfielder John Cruz mashed 10 home runs as a 17-year-old.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023
SALAS COULD BE SPECIAL
Baseball America

SALAS COULD BE SPECIAL

When Ethan Salas arrived in the California League on May 30, he immediately displayed talent well beyond his years.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023