Colorado Top 50 Countdown: No. 7 Broomfield Eagles

March 13, 2018
John Cackowski and PBR Colorado Staff

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Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 50 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage.

Like any preseason ranking for any sport, last year our list created a lot of fun conversations, debate, and opinions among players, coaches, and families. To see what we got right, and what we got wrong in 2017 Click Here

What makes our list unique is it combines all classifications (1A through 5A), and leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 50 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage.

Factors that are considered when creating the Top 50 List are the following:

- How many current players are returning that are in PBR Colorado rankings
- How many overall players committed or non-committed are returning
- How many starting pitchers are returning
- Success the previous season
- History of success in the program

* We expect the teams in the Top 50 Countdown will compete for at least a district playoff spot in 2018

Team No. 7: Broomfield Eagles

2018 Preseason Rank: 7
2017 Preseason Rank: 5
2017 Record: 20-7
Conference: Front Range League
CHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Garren Estes
2017 Playoff Run: Lost in 5A State Title Game
2017 Final Rank: 4
Returning Offensive Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 3
Returning Innings on Mound: 42
RBI's returning: 66

STAT RAT: 2.43 team ERA in 2017, there are some large shoes to fill and we will see if the 2018 squad is up to the task.

X-FACTORS: With the results of last year, Broomfield will be 100% of every teams’ focus. How does this team handle elevated expectations in 2018?

BOTTOM LINE: Coach Estes and the Eagles are primed and ready to go for 2018. They return a pitching staff that pitched late into May. Yes, graduation made a dent, but this is a talent rich program that will get everyone’s best shot. Don’t be fooled by just the pitching, the Eagles can swing it, they have several hitters returning who hit over .400 last year. The balance and experience that Broomfield has in 2018 has them in the serious contender conversation.

Players to Watch

Mitchell Morales LHP / OF / Broomfield , CO / 2019

Rankings StateRank: 7 / POS: 1

Morales has so much projectablity don't be surprised if by the time it's all over he is competing with Riley Cornelio with that top spot. 6-foot, 155 pounds, Morales has a lankly frame that you can see has multiple more inches to grow. Fastball was 83 mph but is on you quick. Batters couldn't do much against him. Arm is loose and easy. To see video from this weekend click here. At the plate stands tall, narrow stance, has backwards toe-tap stride, and has quick hands to the ball. Sprays the ball all over the field. Registered a 82 mph exit velocity. Could speed up actions in outfield, but has a strong arm at 82 mph. Ran a 7.30 60

Last year he hit .435 with 27 hits and 22 RBI. He added 19 inning son the mound, but that number will go way up this year.

Ben Peterson RHP / SS / Broomfield, CO / 2018

Rankings StateRank: 29 / POS: 11

6-foot-1, 185-pound right hand hitting RHP/SS. At the plate he stands balanced and narrow. He uses a slow load and a long stride on the pitch. Weight drives hard through the zone. Swing path is slightly uphill with good extension after contact. He shows quick hands on the swing and exit velocity is 85 MPH. Swing is simple but the ball jumps off his bat. In the field he shows good instincts and athletic actions. He has soft hands and a quick transfer to his throwing hand. He delivers from a high ¾ arm slot with accuracy. Arm velocity was 80 MPH. On the mound he is mechanically sound, after balance he sinks and drives hard to the plate. Landing is in-line with the plate with good extension out front on the pitch. Arm slot is high ¾ and he does a nice job of keeping his arm speed consistent on all of his pitches. Fastball was 86 MPH with good location down and on the inner half. He also showcased a 73 MPH curve with sharp 11/5 break and finished his showcase with a 74 MPH change with late sink.

Zachary Macosko RHP / OF / Broomfield , CO / 2019

Rankings StateRank: 44 / POS: 13

6-foot, 175 pounds. Bats and throws right. High hips and strong long legs stand out. Arm is loose and works well with lower half. Lands inline to the plate. Will fall off to 1B at times. Looks like he's going to grow 4 more inches. Fastball was 76-80 for strikes. Arm speed is same as fastball on curve and change. Both sit at 64-65 mph range. Curve had 11/5 tilt. Good athlete. At the plate has open stance and closes down with leg kick stride. Level swing through zone and good extension through ball. Good live round. Has bat speed. Produced 87 mph exit velo off tee. Quick feet in OF and strong arm at 82 mph. Ran a 4.40 home to first. Athlete to follow.

At the Preseason All-State he looked good and primed for a big season.

Jonah Cox SS / Broomfield, CO / 2020

Rankings StateRank: 28 / POS: 4

6-foot, 169 pounds. Bats and throws right. Advanced hitter for his age. Really like swing. Stance is tall, and load is smooth back. Generates good bat speed through the zone, and bat stays in hitting zone for long time. Does have some pull tendencies at times right now, but meets the ball out in front with authority for a freshman. Generated a 84 mph exit velocity off tee. Like his size as well. At short has good hand to glove exchange, and quick release across diamond with accuracy. Has very good range glove hand side, and good footwork. Was 77 mph across diamond. Top 2020 prospect in Colorado.

Tanner Garner C / OF / Broomfield, CO / 2018

Garner had big 2017 season hitting for a 464 average with 32 hits, 16 RBI and 9 doubles. Look for him to lead the Eagles offense as they get going in 2018.