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Michigan Insider: Updated Class of 2017 Player Rankings (August)

August 26, 2016

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By Aaron Wilson and PBR Staff
PBR Michigan Director of Scouting

Michigan Insider: Updated Class of 2017 Player Rankings (August)

With the summer showcases coming to a close, Prep Baseball Report Michigan takes a look at the 2017 rankings. Many new prospects come into the rankings while many prospects have made jumps, some drastically. Below we will take a look at “What’s New At The Top”, “Rising Prospects”, and some of the top uncommitted prospects.

To view the entire list of 260 prospects please click here.

For insider information and scouting notes from the PBR staff during the 2016 spring season visit the 2016 Michigan Scout Blog by clicking here.

Interested in attending a PBR Michigan event? Check out our schedule by clicking here. 
 

What's New At The Top

Steve MannAs the summer months went on, 2017 prospects kept improving and while a few new surfaced. The #1 and #2 spots remain the same as Steve Mann (pictured right) and Sam Weatherly maintain their positions. RHP Jeff Criswell moved to the # 3 position after a strong high school season and big time summer. RHP Brenden Lovell jumped up a couple slots to the #7 slot as the rest of the top 10 remained intact.

Criswell, a 6-foot-4, 190-pound RHP exploded on the summer scene last summer at the 2015 Future Games and committed to University of Michigan. Has seen his fastball up as high as 94 mph with little effort and a solid 4 pitch mix. Criswell is the state’s top RHP and will garner a ton of attention entering the Super 60.

Lovell, a 6-foot-3, 175 pound wiry athletic framed RHP with room to fill out also had a solid summer. Flashing his fastball up to 91 mph paired with two offspeed pitches. Committed to Western Michigan University.

The Risers

Mike MaherThrough our summer coverage and events we were able to see a few guys join the rankings as well as take big leaps. RHP Branden Posky joined the rankings at the 18th spot, while C/OF Mike Maher (pictured right) and OF Joey Hiser saw significant raises in their rankings.

Posky, a 6-foot-1, 175 pound athletic RHP burst on the scene at this summer’s Top Prospect Games. Working from a ¾ arm angle with great arm whip his fastball sat 85-87 mph with good arm side run. Also showed 2 breaking balls with sharp late break. Posky recently committed to Purdue.

Maher, a 6-foot, 170 pound versatile catcher has displayed the ability to play all over the diamond. During the unsigned senior games he ran a 6.65 60 yard dash. Maher has quick hands and is very athletic. 91 mph exit velocity as well as popping a 1.94-2.09 to 2B. In the outfield shows an aggressive approach while throwing 82 mph. 2015 Future Games participant.

Hiser, a 6-foot-1, 175 pound OF prospect. Has a good feel for the outfield and shows good range. Projects as a corner OF. Has a smooth slight uphill swing from the leftside. Threw 88 mph from the OF.

Top Uncommitted Prospects By Position:

Bryce DavisBelow we look to name the top two to three prospects in specific categories for the 2018 class. Beyond the top three, there are numerous prospects that can help a collegiate program in some capacity.

For now, check out the Top 260 from Michigan in the class of 2017:

MICHIGAN CLASS OF 2017 RANKINGS

Rank
 Name State School Class Pos Commitment
1 Steve Mann MI Detroit Country Day 2017 OF Duke
2 Sam Weatherly MI Howell 2017 LHP Clemson
3 Jeff Criswell MI Portage Central 2017 RHP Michigan
4 Adam Proctor MI St. John's 2017 C Michigan State
5 Obie Ricumstrict MI Mt. Pleasant 2017 SS Cincinnati
6 Jesse Heikkinen MI Holt 2017 LHP Michigan State
7 Brenden Lovell MI Vicksburg 2017 RHP Western Michigan
8 Blake Dunn MI Saugatuck 2017 C Western Michigan
9 Nate Jones MI Battle Creek Lakeview 2017 OF Eastern Michigan
10 Luke McGuire MI Sterling Heights Stevenson 2017 RHP Eastern Michigan


***** To view the entire top 260, please click here.