Introducing the No. 8 Prospect on Long Island

by Vinny Messana

Over the past few years, Commack has built up quite a reputation for developing some of the best talent in the northeast. First it was Charles Galiano in 2012, getting selected out of HS before attending Fordham–where he was selected again by the Milwaukee Brewers and eventually signed.

Two years later, it was Jesse Berardi, who was selected in the 40th round by the Philadelphia Phillies. He did not sign, but is now leading the Big East in HRs as a sophomore and is well-positioned to follow in Galiano’s path.

Once again, they possess one of Long Island’s best prospects, and he’s just a sophomore. 2018 graduate, James Cardinale, is that type of player that can put his name in that conversation.

“James has a tremendous work ethic and is a student of the game,” said his Head Coach Ed Boll. “He continues to get more aggressive as a base runner, hitting for power to the gaps and works daily on his pitching combinations. With James’s continued growth there is no doubt that he can become one of the top players in Suffolk County,”he added.

That is an understatement. Long Island regional scouts have already begun making their way to watch him play.

“He can absolutely swing it,” said an MLB scout. “He has a lot of Chase Utley qualities to his swing. Very strong in the wrists…gives him the ability to not roll over,” he added.

He is the starting right fielder for the Cougars on varsity in League I–no small task.Boll noted that he is among the top defensive outfielders in the league, as well.

To make him even more appealing, however, is his ability on the mound. That’s where he is planning to make an impact, too.

“If I had to choose,” he said. “I would choose to pitch.”

June 5th at Dowling College

He has yet to appear in a game due to the team’s starting pitching depth with upperclassmen, but having a southpaw that struck out 15 batters over eight innings while allowing just two hits last season as the closer is a nice weapon to keep in reserve. Especially when he hides the ball like Madison Bumgarner.

He was sitting 80-81 MPH with the ability to touch 84. That was as a freshman–at 160 lbs. Having added another year of experience and growth can only bode well for the Cougars as well as for his prospects moving forward.

By all measures, he possesses the type of skills to get him to the highest levels, but what really impresses people is his approach to the game.

One of the things that scouts raved about in regards to Berardi was his non-stop motor. That is something that Cardinale tries to emulate.

“Everyone knows the story when Berardi hit a popup to the first baseman that was dropped and when he picked it up, he was sliding headfirst into second base,” said Cardinale. “That’s what I want to emulate.”

Having that combination of hitting ability, defensive prowess, pitching acumen and work ethic is generally a recipe for success.

Keep an eye on Cardinale as he is quickly shooting up the ranks into the elite prospects of the region.