Edenton Adds another Husker and Aztec
Published on March 24, 2014 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Edenton Steamers News Release
EDENTON, N.C - The Edenton Steamers of the Coastal Plain League announce today the signing of two more players for the 2014 summer season. Jake Placzek (pronounced PLOT-zik) and Cody Thompson will suit up for the Teal and Black this summer.
Placzek comes to the Steamers as a 5-9, 175-pound sophomore from the University of Nebraska in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference. Thus far this spring, the Lavista, N.E. native has been the everyday third baseman or shortstop for the Cornhuskers after spending his 2013 summer playing for the Hays Larks in the Jayhawk League. In 115 at-bats, Placzek finished with a .339/.497/.483/.980 slash line, adding 30 walks to 22 strikeouts and going 26 of 27 in stolen base attempts. At season's end he was named the ninth-best prospect by Perfect Game CrossChecker in the Jayhawk League, as well as rated the fastest base runner and earned postseason first-team utility honors.
PGC had these comments to say about Placzek following last summer: "most offensive-oriented shortstop in the league; hit .339 with two homeruns and 18 RBIs, also successful on 26 of 27 steal attempts; has good pop in smallish 5-9, 175-pound frame. He makes solid contact, runs extremely well, but was worn down late in the summer after playing sparingly at Nebraska as a freshman. There are differing opinions among scouts on his value at shortstop, some like his range and arm strength, while others believe he may be a better fit at third base in the long run."
Placzek parlayed a huge summer in the Jayhawk League into an everyday role this spring for Nebraska. He capped last summer with 25 errorless chances at short and a .412 on-base average in four games at the NBC tournament after the Larks secured their second consecutive league title. Placzek, this spring, has posted a .323 batting average, .416 on-base average and a .369 slugging average. He has added nine walks and sparkling defense (.942 fielding average and a 4.78 range factor) while splitting time between shortstop and third base. He possesses great leadoff skills with the ability to hit for average and some power; along with a high walk rate, he is also a base-stealing threat. Placzek joins previously announced Nebraska teammate Josh Roeder on the 2014 roster for the Clams.
A redshirt-freshman from San Diego State University in the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference, Thompson is a right-handed, multi-inning setup man for the Aztecs this spring. Hailing from Granada Hills, C.A, the 6-1, 185-pounder spent last summer pitching for the Kitsap Blue Jackets in the West Coast League. In 17 appearances he logged 25.2 innings, including one save, a 1.05 ERA, .90 WHIP, .181 batting average against, held opponents to a .225 slugging average and struck out 26 hitters to issuing only six walks.
Thompson is a young arm that is already making good on his considerable ceiling with a strong showing so far this spring. He is coming off a dominant turn last summer in the Pacific Northwest and is quickly emerging as a go-to guy in the Aztec bullpen. Thompson has quality stuff and advanced feel and command that allow him to pitch aggressively without fear. A future starter based on his arsenal and intangible qualities, he is able to succeed in short leveraged outings or go one time through the order. To date this spring he is 2-0 in seven appearances over 10.1 innings pitched, during which he has allowed only 10 base runners, held opposing hitters to a .139 batting average against and given up just one extra base hit while striking out eight. Thompson will join previously announced San Diego State bullpen mate Brandon Thomas this summer on the Steamers staff.
The Coastal Plain League is the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 18th season in 2014, the CPL features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. The CPL has had over 1,100 alumni drafted and 65 of those - including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander - make their Major League debut; while another notable alum - Russell Wilson - won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at CoastalPlain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (as CPLBaseball).
Coastal Plain League Stories from March 24, 2014
- Edenton Adds another Husker and Aztec - Edenton Steamers
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