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An Early Look at the Class of 2017

February 28, 2014

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

The high school baseball season is scheduled to kick off in roughly one month signaling the introduction of the Class of 2017 to scholastic competition. While it is early to predict how strong this class might be, following are a few prospects that have stood out to date that are likely to contribute to their varsity programs early in their high school careers. The initial PA Class of 2017 rankings will be released in June after the completion of the state championships.

Matt Gorman, SS/RHP, 5-11 170, R/R, William Penn Charter, 2017
Measureables: 82mph arm (SS), 87mph exit velo, 84-85mph FB, 87mph exit velo

Gorman earned "Top Prospect" honors at the Elite Prospect Showcase in November. The 5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed hitter started from an open stance and exhibited good pre-swing rhythm in his round of batting practice. He showed solid bat speed (87mph exit velocity), a short path, and an advanced feel at his age for creating backspin. On defense, Gorman's feet, hands, and arm (82 mph across the diamond) would all be quality for a high school senior, let alone a player who has yet to play a high school game, while he completed the slow roller play with ease.

On the bump, Gorman starts with an overhead rocker out of the wind-up and throws from a three-quarter slot. His quick arm generated a lively fastball at 84-85 and two solid secondary offerings - a biting curveball at 69-70 that he commanded well and a change-up at 77-78 for which he has a solid feel. Gorman also possesses solid bloodlines, as his older brother Joey is a sophomore southpaw at Saint Joseph's University.

Shane MuntzShane Muntz, C/RHP, 6-2 225, R/R, Malvern Prep, 2017
Measureables: 2.00-2.05 pop, 75mph arm from crouch, 85-86mph FB, 95mph exit velo

Muntz has the physical size of a major prospect and the skill set to match. The primary catcher has quality pop times and plenty of arm strength for a player his age. He is a two-way prospect already sitting in the mid-80s with his fastball. The freshman also has tremendous bat speed with legitimate power potential. 

Trent VietmeierTrent Vietmeier, RHP/3B, 6-2 180, Montour, 2017
Measureables: 83-86 mph FB (Tops at 87)

Vietmeier participated in the East game of the Under Armour Future Series this past September in Jupiter, Florida. He was one of only two participants in the game not from Florida or Georgia. The athletic righty sits in the mid-80s with the ability to run it to the plate at 87mph. Vietmeier is a three sport athlete whose frame should continue to develop along with his abilities on the mound.

Other freshmen to watch

Nick Amey, OF, 5-10 155, R/R, Emmaus, 2017
Measureables: 4.35 Home-to-1B, 78mph arm strength, 79mph exit velo

Austin Baker, 1B, 6-0 185, L/L, Governor Mifflin, 2017
Measureables: 4.58 Home-to-1B, 73mph arm strength, 84mph exit velo

Christian Fedko, 3B, 5-10 165, R/R, Vincentian Academy, 2017
Measureables:  75mph arm strength, 81mph exit velo

Maxx Harpalani, 3B/OF, 5-8 150, R/R, Pine Richland, 2017
Measureables: 4.84 Home-to-1B, 80mph arm strength (OF), 82mph exit velo

Joey Lancellotti, OF/RHP, 5-10 190, R/R, Archbishop Wood, 2017
Measureables: 82-84mph  FB

Charlie Varriano, 3B, 5-9 180, R/R, Hempfield Area, 2017
Measureables: 4.63 Home-to-1B, 68mph arm strength, 86mph exit velo


additional class news

February 25 - Updated Class of 2014 Rrankings
February 26 - Updated Class of 2015 Rankings
February 27 - Updated Class of 2016 Rankings


Additional PA news: