The reasoning was that college scouts weren't as interested in seeing players they couldn't recruit. While getting exposure for more players who have not committed is a noble goal, it is also important to have the best possible players competing against one another.

This is one of the best tournaments in the country, thanks to the work of a tireless group of volunteers and the Phillies, who, among other contributions, allow the teams to play the semifinals and final at Citizens Bank Park.

Unique when it started in 1986, the Carpenter Cup now competes against countless showcase events year-round in terms of attracting scouts.

"One of the ultimate goals was to give high school baseball players an opportunity to get scouted," said Stan Parker, the baseball coach at Chestnut Hill Academy, one of the Carpenter Cup founders and the tournament's executive secretary. "And, in a way, we have had to change with the times."

Parker said approximately 165 colleges and major-league teams were represented this year, about 20 more than last season.

Barry Davis, the head baseball coach at Rider University, likes the idea of giving underclassmen the most exposure.

"I understand both sides of argument," he said. "But from a coaches standpoint, I like the rule because it doesn't do our program, or anybody else's, any good to see players who have already signed."

Still, without many of the Division I players, the competition has suffered. It's most glaring with pitching.

Parker said the Carpenter Cup Committee, as it does every year, will reevaluate this issue. Each year, the committee meets to discuss ways to improve the tournament.

Could there be a compromise, in which the best players compete and enough underclassmen are on display for coaches to scout?

Davis mentioned having some sort of all-star game with the Division I players, and that got us thinking about this proposal.

Why not have an all-star game consisting of three Division I recruits from each of the 16 teams picked by their respective teams? Split the 48 players on two teams and have them play prior to the Carpenter Cup championship.

Then make the Division I recruits who weren't picked for the all-star game eligible to compete in the Carpenter Cup tournament. There would still be enough spots for quality underclassmen.

This way, the Carpenter Cup would have the top players able to participate in one form or another.

It doesn't seem fair that a player is unable to compete in such a prestigious all-star event simply because he was good enough to attract a college baseball scholarship.

Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225 or mnarducci@phillynews.com.