PHILIPPINES – The current pool of Baseball Philippines superstars have been the same faces over the last 5-10 years. Some aging and some late bloomers. They have kept the level of the game where it should be and have not shifted into reverse at the very least. In fact, these veterans have done a very good job of keeping MLB quite interested in the Philippine Baseball Program.

Today, the game is evolving at a rate so fast that in the span of two full seasons of Baseball Philippines, the superstars of tomorrow have begun to emerge. The hard-working current collegiate stars have begun to overshadow the stars of the past.

Slick fielding, base swiping, and the most entertaining yet, these talented youngsters bring the thunder almost every at bat. With names we are only beginning to hear – yet know that they will be the names we’ll continue to hear in the future.

Though there are many names that stand out today in the youth department, Marvin Malig (Manila Sharks), Vladimir Eguia (Batangas Bulls), Miguel Corcuera (Cebu Dolpins), and Mathew Laurel (Batangas Bulls) are at the top of the list. These emerging Filipino superstars are already making a difference in the Philippines domestic league.

Eguia has blown into the scene and is regarded as a workhorse that throws a plethora of innings (though some have talked about over use), and yet remains effective until his last pitch. The southpaw often throws up to 120 pitches a game without losing zip on his fastball, or movement on his offspeed stuff. He has already caught up, if not eclipsed, some of the top pitchers in the country today.

Bombers Miguel Corcuera, Marvin Malig and Mathew Laurel say it in the batter’s box. The three sluggers have opposing dugouts and crowds holding their breath with every swing of the bat. The talented trio are consistently among the leaders every series in home runs and RBI’s.

Both Corcuera and Maling are currently the only active players in Baseball Philippines to hit multiple homers in a single game, and continue to baffle pitchers with their skillful approach. In addition to power, both hit for average and have never batted lower than .300 in any season.

Corcuera, a right-handed hitting first baseman, is a Ryan Howard-like slugger who also displays a good glove in the field.

Malig has been showing signs of a John Olerud-type player because of his sweet swing and defensive prowess.

Though these names have been mentioned, a slew of other young stars continue to impress and fill the shoes of past heroes. Slick fielding thirdd baseman Jerome Bacarisas, lightning quick and nuclear-charged arm center fielder Jarrius Inobio, and submarine pitching specialist Romeo Jasmin are only a few of the talented prospects that have vets trying to keep their game up.

And even though these veteran players are fearing their playing time will go down, or lose their starting roles to kids who run faster, hit harder and throw stronger, they also realize they helped make the next superstar by keeping their skills elevated. It also does the country one better, by getting the Philippines a step closer to returning to Asian supremancy in baseball as we once were.

Courtesy of BaseballPhilippines.com

Tags: Philippines