New England Insider: Updated Class of 2017 Player Rankings (March)
March 17, 2016
By Dennis Healy, Trevor Brown and PBR Staff
Co-Director of Scouting
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New England Insider: Updated Class of 2017 Player Rankings (March)
A fresh start is upon New England, as we have been blessed with an extremely light winter thus far. The baseball season is right around the corner, an exciting time as guys get in the cages and on the mound to prep for the spring. Many schools head down south to get the cobwebs off and play in the warm weather while some stay in the Northeastern part of the country in hopes of getting some quality time in on the diamond.
That being said, we have had the pleasure of seeing a number of solid players this past fall and winter. Prospects are popping up left and right, making velocity jumps, improving 60-yard dash times and showing more power with the bat.
Covering six states, New England is a prime area for legit baseball talent and now we would like to bring to you the updated 2017 Player Rankings.
What’s New?
The 2017 Prep Baseball Report Report rankings were recently updated, and Ben Casparius, right-handed pitcher out of Staples HS in Connecticut holds the top spot. Casparius is committed to UNC.
The top positional player is Chris Lanzilli, a right-handed hitting shortstop out of Dexter in Massachusetts.
A couple players have moved up spots, Jared Shuster, left-hander out of Tabor Academy jumped into the top 10 and Jared Wetherbee (pictured right), a left-hander who reclassified, is now ranked in the top 15.
The Risers
Jared Shuster, left-hander out of Tabor Academy in Massachusetts is now ranked 7th as he made a significant velocity jump this fall at an event. He is a sought after left-hander who hasn't made a commitment yet.
Joseph Simeone, right-hander out of Groton-Dunstable is another arm who has electric stuff. When he gains command of his pitches, he could be a serious guy.
Jake Randolph of Exeter HS in New Hampshire moved up as well. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound left hander has a huge upside.
Jeff Walsh (pictured right), right-hander from East Catholic in Connecticut moved into the top 50 with a 87-89 fastball, to go along with a 77 mph slide ball.
The Newcomers
Henry Funaro (pictured right), right-hander out of Lowell HS in Massachusetts is new to the rankings. He showed plus stuff at the Western Massachusetts event. The fastball is heavy with sink, to go along with a plus slider and a feel for the minus pitch.
Nick Couhig, right-hander, who is committed to Boston College jumps into the rankings. The Falmouth HS product has a live arm.
Jake Bilodeau, two-way player out of Concord-Carlisle showed extremely well for us recently. The foot speed is plus and he can swing the bat. On the mound, he fits a reliever mode. Showed excellent athleticism.
Josh Eastman, right-hander out of Marshfield HS in Massachusetts has excellent stuff as well as a durable frame.
UNCOMMITTED
Top Right-Handed Pitchers: Henry Funaro, Josh Eastman, Joseph Simeone (pictured right), Dario Tarquinio, Sam Cooper
Top Left-Handed Pitchers: Jared Shuster, Jared Wetherbee, Owen Batchelder, Jake Randolph
Top Catchers: Craig Corliss, Anthony Clark, Michael Doyle, Nicholas Martin, Daniel Steiner
Top First Baseman: Ryan Hernandez, Steve Pickering
Top Third Baseman: Matthew Gray
Top Middle Infielders: Robert Regine, Ronan Chisholm, Matthew Graber, Kyle Cortese
Top Outfielders: Connor Mulligan, Frank DiOrio, EJ Perry
2-Way Prospects: Jonathan Mikosz, Michael Lisinicchia, Jake Bilodeau
New England Class of 2017 Rankings
| Rank | Name | State | School | Class | Pos | Commitment |
| 1 | Benjamin Casparius | CT | Staples | 2017 | RHP | North Carolina |
| 2 | Chris Lanzilli | MA | Dexter | 2017 | SS | Wake Forest |
| 3 | Blake Gallagher | MA | St. Sebastian's | 2017 | RHP | |
| 4 | EJ Perry | MA | Andover | 2017 | OF | |
| 5 | Jack Hodgson | CT | Choate | 2017 | RHP | Boston College |
| 6 | Robert Cerulle | MA | Phillips Academy | 2017 | RHP | |
| 7 | Beau Dana | MA | Deerfield Academy | 2017 | RHP | Georgetown |
| 8 | Jared Shuster | MA | Tabor Academy | 2017 | LHP | |
| 9 | Jason Hebner | CT | Newtown | 2017 | LHP | Fairfield |
| 10 | Matt Tabor | MA | Milton Academy | 2017 | RHP | Elon |
***** To view the entire Top 185, please click here.