Preseason All-State Preview: A Look at the 2023s

preseason all-state - a look at the '23S

We're nearly two months out from Colorado's 2022 Preseason All-State Showcase in Denver. The roster is already loaded with talent, everywhere from the 2022 class to the 2025 class. 

We're going to begin breaking down some of the rosters for our upcoming events, beginning with some of the top 2023s who will be attending our Preseason All-State event. All five of these names had strong 2021 seasons and all of them are still uncommitted. 

JT Shank 1B / OF / Rock Canyon, CO / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 7 / POS: 1 Shank will certainly be one of the most intriguing upperclassmen at the Preseason All-State. The 6-foot, 190-pound 1B/OF has feel to hit from the left side and swings with intent, looking to do damage with bat speed and quick hands through the zone. While it looks like the lefty bat will be the carrying tools, the athleticism is still evident in his game at first base. One of the top uncommitted prospects in the State of Colorado.

Sage Hurley SS / 2B / Mullen, CO / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 25 / POS: 5 Hurley had a great 2021 season and it was capped off by a strong showing at the 5280 Showcase in November. He ran a 6.62 in August and that athleticism is evident at shortstop where he has good footwork, range and overall feel for the position with arm strength of 77 mph. He has a clean swing from the right-side with quick hands and good rotational acceleration. He consistently has top exit velocities in the low 90s and his overall offensive game will continue to elevate as he gets stronger.

Marcus Romero OF / 2B / Legacy, CO / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 26 / POS: 3 Romero is a name that jumped out at the Future Games this summer with his athleticism and projectability. 6-foot-3, 180-pounder with plenty of room to fill out and continue improving his toolset. Runs a 6.70 60 and is 3.70 home to first. He’s a balanced hitter with a direct bat path and there’s already some strength there with plenty more to come. The athleticism plays in the outfield where he’s been up to 83 mph. Looking forward to seeing him in February and we’re interested to see if there’s any additional strength there.

Jake Paczkowski C / SS / Heritage, CO / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 34 / POS: 4 We saw Paczkowski back in February at the Underclass Invitational and he stood out with a whippy swing from the right side and his quick release behind the plate. At just 5-foot-11, 165-pounds, there’s plenty of room for growth and it will be interesting to see where he’s at come this February. He does a good job of using his lower half to generate power, producing a top exit velocity of 89.

Nolan Phillips SS / RHP / Palmer Ridge , CO / 2023 Rankings  StateRank: 37 / POS: 7 We also saw Phillips this past February at the Underclass Invitational and he proved his ability to play on both sides of the ball. The 5-foot-7, 145-pound RHP/SS’s fastball sat 85-87, topping out at 88 and also spun a curveball. He was 3.94 home to first with exit velocities of 91 from the left side, as well 85 across the diamond. Lots of tools in his game so it will be interesting to see how they’ve progressed as he’s grown.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
Denver Preseason ID	CO	01/23	Slammers South
Northern Colorado Preseason ID	CO	01/29	DBAT Norco
Super 60 Pro Showcase	NATIONAL	02/06	The MAX - McCook, Ill.
Preseason All-State (Invite-Only)	CO	02/27	Marucci Clubhouse
Rising Stars ID	CO	02/27	Marucci Clubhouse - Castle Rock, CO
Northern Colorado Rising Stars ID	CO	03/13	DBAT Norco - Windsor, CO