By Doug Freeman
Florida Scouting Director

We've seen a lot of movement and shakeups made to this edition of the 2018 Florida Rankings which includes a multitude of newcomers including one shooting all the way into the top 10 and four more in the top 45.

The most noticeable newcomer coming in at the No. 9 spot is the uncommitted SS Nander de Sedas (Montverde Academy, FL).  The 6-foot-1 185 pound middle infielder played most of the summer up an age group with the 17u FTB Tucci team and fit right in. He is lean, athletic and quick twitch with good hands, range, and enough arm to see him staying at short. At the plate there is still some length from both sides of the plate, but there is good bat speed along with above average power potential. When he did play with his age group, he truly stood out with athleticism both in the field and at the plate. Expect to see Nander continue to be a high end prospect as he has more at-bats and continues to fill out.

Coming in at No. 20 is the uncommitted RHP Carter Stewart (Eau Gallie HS, FL).  The big, strong 6-foot-5, 200-pounder was impressive this summer, showing an 85-87 mph fastball early in the summer and making a jump by the end sitting 87-89 touching 91 mph. Stewart has late life on the fastball and has a simple delivery with an easy arm action. He already looks the part of a Friday night starter at the next level and as he continues to develop his off speed stuff, look for him to be a high end draft prospect come next year.

At No. 35 is another uncommitted RHP Ryan Wimbush (William T. Dwyer HS, FL). A lanky and projectable 6-foot-3, 165 pounder,  Wimbush shows and over the top arm action which is a little shouldered, but still produces a fastball ranging from 88-90 mph with late life. To go along with the fastball, he mixes in a slider that ranges from 74-75 mph with some late action. The arm works very quick and projects to throw much harder as he logs innings and continues to fill out.

At No. 38 is Florida State recruit RHP Jack Anderson (Jesuit HS, FL). At 6-foot-2 170 pounds, he works at 86-88 mph on the fastball with late life with a loose, easy, over-the-top arm action. He has a good feel for pitching, holding runners, pace of the game, and more advanced tendencies than other pitchers in his class. His slider works at 73 mph with tight spin and late action. He is a projectable arm with above average feel who will continue to get better as he gains strength and utilizes his strong lower half. 

Finally, coming in at No. 41 is Tennessee recruit SS Austin Knight (Bolles School, FL). The high waisted 6-foot-1 170 pound shortstop isn’t overly flashy, but just seems to make all of the plays and have solid, competitive at-bats. He has above average range, with an average arm and good hands that should see him staying at short. Offensively, he has a compact level swing with a good approach and some gap-to-gap power. He still has room to fill out and continue to get better. Overall a very solid all around player.