Baseball: Bauer is a pitcher headed for big-time status

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Let me go on the record: Hart right-handed pitcher Trevor Bauer is headed for big-time performances in college and the major leagues.

He ranks right behind the three best prep pitchers I’ve seen in the last 30 years--Jack McDowell, Bret Saberhagen and Jeff Suppan. That’s two Cy Young Award winners and a National League Championship Series MVP.

I base it on the ability to throw strikes, mental toughness, good velocity and intelligence. Bauer, a junior who went 12-0 this season, decided on Saturday that he’s going to graduate in December and enroll at UCLA. He’s a huge pickup for the Bruins, and barring an injury, he’ll be a real star on and off the field with his 4.2 grade point average.

Hart Coach Jim Ozella said, ‘He’s very savvy about the game and knows what he needs to do to be successful.’

-- Eric Sondheimer