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By Jordan Chiero and Dylan Hefflinger
Ohio Director of Scouting / Editor in Chief/Scout 

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Ohio Insider: Updated Class of 2017 Player Rankings (July)

As the summer showcase season is getting closer to the end, we at PBR Ohio would like to take a look at the Class of 2017 Player Rankings.

Our staff evaluated talent all across the Buckeye state during the spring/summer seasons and we have had the pleasure of seeing a large group of solid players, both in the spring and summer. Prospects are popping up left and right, making velocity jumps, improving 60-yard dash times and showing more power with the bat.

With that being said, we will look into “What’s New At The Top”, some “Rising Prospects”, "The Newcomers", "Sleeper Prospects" and take a look at some of the top uncommitted prospects.

What's New At The Top

The biggest movers into the Top 20 were a trio of right-handed arms Evan Miller, Jake Schrand, and Cory Brooks.

Evan Miller, RHP, William Henry Harrison HS, 2017
Previous Ranking- 104
Updated Ranking- 12
Scouting Report: The recent Xavier commit stole the show at this year’s Top Prospect Games after a strong high school season that had him sky rocket up the rankings. Miller has one of the more live arms the 2017 class has to offer running his fastball up to 90 mph. He was able to locate the pitch to both sides of the plate with substantial run to his arm side. Doesn’t have a big time frame but his velocity has made a substantial jump from last season and with his clean arm action and armspeed don’t be surprised if there is still some velocity left in there. Offspeed has been playable up to this point and will need to continue to improve as he gets ready for the next level.

Jake Schrand, RHP, Colerain HS, 2017
Previous Ranking- 46
Updated Ranking- 19
Scouting Report: Another guy that really improved his stock at the Top Prospect Games. Jake was far from an unknown coming into this summer but showed major improvement from the last time we saw him. The velocity is there as he sat 87-89 mph and ran it up to 90 mph on and the offspeed stuff is improving. Where he stood out even further was his demeanor. It doesn’t take long to see his confidence in his ability and obvious competitive nature as he came right at the best uncommitted hitters the state has to offer.

Cory Brooks, RHP, Hilliard Darby HS, 2017
Scouting Report: Very few players have improved their stock over the past calendar year more than he has. Brooks burst onto the scene with an impressive winter workout and dominate spring performances. What immediately stands out is his build and athleticism, looking more like a top position player prospect than a pitcher. We had the chance to see him multiple times during the spring which earned him a spot in this year’s Top Prospect Games. The arm action is clean and the armspeed is there. His fastball will sit anywhere between 84-88 mph and has ran it up to 90 on more than a few occasions. Offspeed is behind his fastball but has improved since the spring. Whoever lands him is going to have a lot to work with.

The Risers

There were several players who made significant jumps as well. Our spring coverage and early summer events were vital to identify players who had taken their game to another level. 

Cael Baker, C, Gahanna Lincoln, 2017
Previous Ranking- 47
Updated Ranking- 22
Scouting Report: The Cincinnati commit has really matured physically since the last time we saw him. We were able to get out to see him a ton as he lead the Lions to another deep playoff run. Time will tell whether he sticks behind the plate or slides over to first base but there are no questions about his hit tool. This guy flat out rakes and his production this year earned him the honor of being named the Division 1 state Player of the Year. The physical tools are obvious with advanced strength and batspeed but what really impressed was his approach at the plate. He very rarely goes out of the zone or gets himself out early in the count, and isn’t afraid to hit with two strikes. However, if he gets what he’s looking for there is no hesitation with pulling the trigger and more often than not he does damage.

Trevor Pittman, RHP, Eaton HS, 2017
Previous Ranking- 152
Updated Ranking- 34
Scouting Report: The recent Kent State commit earned an invitation to the Top Prospect Games this spring and didn’t disappoint with his performance. This was our first real look at Trevor and it was impressive enough to make a huge jump in the rankings. The right-hander comes out of the Dayton area and is a physical presence on the mound at 6-foot-3, 200-pounds. Was anywhere from 85-88 mph with his fastball and touched 89 mph several times on a downward plane. His breaking ball has signs of sharpness and should continue to get better as he matures. Also showed feel for a changeup. 

Jacob Webb, RHP, Fairborn HS, 2017
Previous Ranking- 155
Updated Ranking- 30
Scouting Report: What a difference a year made for Webb. Last year we saw him at 81-84 mph with his fastball and he showed up at Top Prospect Games this year running it up to 90 mph and sitting 87-89 mph. The scary thing is there is still more in there once he uses to learn his lower half more efficiently. With his 6-foot-4 frame and room for growth mechanically his upside is very appealing. 

Aaron Levy, SS, Princeton HS, 2017
Previous Ranking- 164
Updated Ranking- 32
Scouting Report: The recent Ohio University commit has grown and put on good weight from last season and the physical maturity translated to his game, especially at the plate. Levy was far and above the top bat at our Cincinnati Preseason Preview, earning himself an invitation to the Top Prospect Games. Left-handed hitting infielders are in high demand and few across the state swing it like he does. He has a very aggressive approach at the plate and creates a ton of energy into contact. He gets his barrel in the zone early, giving himself a large margin for error in timing to punish fastballs and react to breaking balls while maintaining aggression. In the two events we saw him he recorded multiple extra base hits and wasn’t bothered by velocity. Has the hands to stay in the infield with the arm and athleticism to move to the outfield if need be.

Samuel Frontino, SS, NDCL, 2017
Previous Ranking- 96
Updated Ranking- 49
Scouting Report: Moved into the Top 50 after an impressive performance at the Top Prospect Games and strong summer. This kid can flat out play. A prototypical lead off hitter with an advanced approach and knowledge of the strike zone. Has much more juice than his size would indicate and gets the most out of his body with his swing style. In the infield he has the footwork and glove skills to play anywhere with the arm to play on the left side of the infield. Maybe even more impressive than his physical skills was his baseball IQ. Whether it was repositioning himself at shortstop after reading a swing, checking the outfielders when he was on second, or taking an extra base he was consistently locked in. Whoever gets him is going to get a good one.

THE NEWCOMERS TO TOP 100

Collin Sammons, RHP, Batavia HS, 2017
Scouting Report: Sammons made the move into the top 100 with two strong summer performances. At our Cincinnati Preseason Preview and he was impressive enough to earn an invitation to the Top Prospect Games where he showed he fit right in with some of the top uncommitted talent in the state. The right-hander is a good athlete on the mound with clean arm action. Has a quick arm and sat 84-86 mph with his fastball, running it up to 87 mph at both events. Spins an impressive 12/6 curveball that drops of the table at 76-78 mph.

Henry Von Hollen, RHP, Big Walnut HS, 2017
Scouting Report: Another Top Prospect Games participant that came on to the scene during the high school playoffs where he was the guy for Big Walnut. The upside is obvious as he stands 6-foot-7 and will sit 82-86 mph with his fastball. Surprisingly athletic for his size with a low effort delivery. Held his velocity for his entire start in the playoffs. Has feel for his curveball that is an average pitch at this stage.

Matt Kirk, OF, Milford HS, 2017
Scouting Report: A left-handed swinging outfielder that had an impressive performance at the Top Prospect Games. Very fluid throughout his swing sequence and doesn’t let velocity speed him up. Still growing into his 6-foot-3 frame and with his efficient, fluid mechanics at the plate any added strength will translate to added juice in game action. Sprayed the ball all over the field in batting practice and recorded 4 hits in the game.

Sleeper Prospects

Charlie Gordon, RHP, Defiance, 2017
Scouting Report: Charlie is now over a year and a half off of TJ surgery and really turned the corner late in the summer season. Physically and mentally, Charlie is close to being back to 100% and after a hardworking fall and winter, it will be interesting to see where he is on the mound. The next ace of the Bulldogs will look to increase his velocity over the winter months and Coach Tom Held is looking forward to seeing him progress. "Next goal is to get Charlie to the 90 mph club". 6-foot-1, 175-pound athletic build. On the mound the righty uses a smooth, repeatable delivery. Gordon throws from a loose, high-¾ slot with the ball coming out with ease. His fastball sits 83-86 mph topping out at 87 mph with occasional sink and run. Showcases a sharp 12/6 breaking ball with good late life at 65-68 mph. His changeup has some cut to it with good arm speed at 70-71 mph.

Keyaunte Jones, 3B/2B, St. Johns Jesuit, 2017
Scouting Report: A Top Prospect Games participant that can really swing it from the right side. Has fluid, efficient movements to his swing with a flat path and plenty of strength through contact. Has hit every time we’ve seen him including multiple extra base hits at Top Prospect Games. Keyaunte is much quicker than he is straight line fast and it shows in the infield. Has a quick first step with smooth actions. Feet work and the glove skills and instincts are there. Body type would suggest third base but has the tools to play second as well. Good player.

Nathan Fox, LHP, North Canton Hoover, 2017
Scouting Report: An athletic left-handed pitcher with a 6-foot-4 frame. Was very impressive at the Top Prospect Games showing command of all three of his pitches. Fastball is anywhere from 80-82 mph with the ability to use both sides of the plate. Both of his offspeed pitches are legitimate weapons. He throws his curveball hard (73-75 mph) with sharp break and very good depth. Changeup has run/sink making him effective against right-handers as well.

Jamaris Cook, LHP/OF, Elyria HS, 2017
Scouting Report: Doesn’t have ideal size or elite speed but is a talented, two-way prospect. On the mound the southpaw is 82-86 mph with a very loose arm and feel for his offspeed. At the plate his swing translate to game action with simple, yet efficient mechanics that allow him to consistently square balls up. Has good instincts in the outfield with an 88 mph arm. Ran a 7.20 60-yard dash while producing an exit velocity of 85 mph. Has a legitimate chance to do both at the right level.

Manny Garza, RHP, Rittman HS, 2017
Scouting Report: Very interesting prospect on the mound. Stuff is good right now with his fastball sitting 84-86 mph and a sharp breaking ball. His arm action is clean and has definite armspeed. Has a ton of room to grow with his lower half mechanically. With an efficient lower half expect that velo to rise and breaking ball to get better.

TOP UNCOMMITTED PROSPECTS BY POSITION:

Below we look to name the top 3-5 prospects in specific categories for the 2017 class. Beyond the top 3-5, there are numerous prospects that can help a collegiate program in some capacity. Our 2017 class is one of, if not the deepest classes we’ve had. There are number of players still on the board that could help out a college program in some capacity. Here are some of the top uncommitted guys at each position.

+ Top Right-Handed Arms: Jake Schrand, Cory Brooks, Jacob Webb

+ Top Left-Handed Arms: Logan Sabo, Collin Clark, Dylan Dupler

+ Top Two-Way Prospects: Josh Stover (pictured), Colton Bauer, Treyben Funderburg

+ Top Catching Prospects: Josh Glynn, Chase Wullenweber, Bubba Arslanian

+ Top Corner Infield Prospects: Keyaunte Jones, Joshua Powell, Hunter Hughes

+ Top Middle Infield Prospects: Samuel Frontino, Christian Tejada, Jared Kauffman

+ Top Outfield Prospects: Cade Pipoly, Matthew Walters, Matt Kirk, Ryan Jacobs

PBR OHIO CLASS OF 2017 TOP 350

Rank	Name	State	School	Class	Pos	Commitment
1	Tyler Brown	OH	Olentangy Orange	2017	RHP	Vanderbilt
2	Luke Waddell	OH	Loveland	2017	SS	Georgia Tech
3	Seth Lonsway	OH	Celina	2017	LHP	Ohio State
4	Xavier Moore	OH	Amherst Steele	2017	RHP	Ohio State
5	Jake Ruby	OH	Bishop Hartley	2017	OF	Ohio State
6	Dillon Dingler	OH	Jackson	2017	C	Ohio State
7	Brock Mathis	OH	Fairfield	2017	C	Louisville
8	Alex Theis	OH	New Riegel	2017	LHP	Ohio State
9	Collin Romel	OH	Olmsted Falls	2017	LHP	Kent State
10	Andrew Abrahamowicz	OH	Elyria Catholic	2017	RHP	Nebraska

***** To view the entire top 350, please click here.