Coach Tim Corbin and Vanderbilt's baseball team currently has five public commitments to the program, with more likely on the horizon in the near future.
The group is headlined by Connor Harrell, a 6-foot-3-inch, 190-pound outfielder from Houston. With very good speed and power, Harrell has a batting average of .428 for his career with 23 doubles, 12 triples and four home runs.
Anthony Gomez of Nutley, N.J. is a 6-foot, 180-pound shortstop/third baseman who can make contact to all fields. Perfect Game USA, baseball's largest scouting service, rates him as an elite prospect with definite professional potential. He is also a solid pitcher with a fastball in the upper 80s.
Vanderbilt fans may recognize Regan Flaherty of Portland, Maine due to his family ties. Older brother Ryan Flaherty was a star shortstop for the Commodores from 2006-08, and was drafted in the second round (41st overall) by the Chicago Cubs in the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft. At 6-foot-1-inch and 165-pounds, Flaherty is noticeably smaller than his brother, but he has the bloodlines to continue the family tradition in the Black and Gold.
Nathan "Nate" Gonzalez is a 5-foot-9-inch, 195-pound catcher out of Clermont, Fla. Very solid defensively, Gonzales is also a capable hitter with above-average speed for his position.
The newest commitment to the Commodores is Jack DeAno of Wheaton, Ill. A 5-foot-11-inch, 180-pound right-handed pitcher, he throws the ball in the upper 80s and is also a capable outfielder if called upon. He has excellent speed and is a strong batter as well. DeAno is a standout on the gridiron in the same conference as Commodore football commitment Charlie Goro.
Major League Baseball has a different draft system than any other professional sport, giving high school- and college-aged athletes the opportunity to declare for the draft without losing their college eligibility. If an athlete enters the draft and is selected, he has the option of either signing with that team or honoring his college commitment.
Vanderbilt recruits have historically been very successful in improving their draft stocks by coming to Vanderbilt, as evidenced by 2007 top overall pick David Price (originally drafted in the 19 round in 2004) and 2008 second overall pick Pedro Alvarez (14 round in 2005).
NCAA bylaws prohibit coaches, athletes and staff members from commenting on a recruit until he signs a National Letter of Intent. The Vanderbilt Hustler will get Coach Corbin's thoughts on his recruiting class once the athletes have officially signed with Vanderbilt.
