Updated Colorado 2021 Rankings
December 20, 2018
Two weeks ago, our staff wrapped up the PBR Colorado Showcase 2018 season with the Denver Metro Prospect ID, and the Northern Colorado Prospect ID providing us a last look at the state’s top 2021 prospects before we head into the offseason. Coming out of the fall season, we’re all set to reevaluate and update the class rankings, and we’ll start by taking a closer look today at the top-10 prospects in Colorado’s 2021 class.
It’s been over two months since we last updated the Class of 2021 Rankings. We’re due for an update.
With that, let’s look at the revamped top-10 prospects.
At the top, retaining his No. 1 spot for the 4th consecutive time, is Cale Lansville (ThunderRidge High S School; Louisiana State Commit). The top arm in the class, Lansville stock has been steadily climbing, currently ranked No. 61 in the PBR overall 2021 rankings, Cornelio fastball continues to add velocity with the potential to be in the 93-94 mph range by the time he graduates. Lansville also made the USA Baseball National 15U roster this past summer.
Landon Boyd (Legend; Oklahoma Commit), reclaims the No. 2 spot, the ranking he has had the last 4 2021 rankings (No. 161 overall). The switching hitting catcher was impressive during this year's future games, which ended up helping Boyd secure a commitment to Oklahoma. Sturdily built at 5-foot-11, 185-pounds with strong wrists and forearms, Boyd has a simple approach at the plate with his hands separating straight back in conjunction with a short stride before allowing his quick hands to whip the barrel through the zone on a flat plane. Impressive ability to work gap to gap from both sides of the plate at the Future Games, and there is likely much more power on the way. Behind the dish, he presents a wide target with loose hips to go along with solid hands. His footwork is controlled and clean on throws to second base with accurate throws.
Radek Birkholz (Valor Christian, uncommitted) remains at the No. 3 spot. 5-foot-10, 165-pound SS is athletic at the plate with lightning quick hands. Hits from a balanced stance and generates good bat whip through zone with bottom hand finish. Pull side power. Advanced bat speed. 87 mph exit velocity. Good actions at SS with good glove to hand transfer. Gains good ground to 1B with 77 mph arm velocity. Was starting pitcher and winner for Valor in 4A state championship game.
Radek Birkholz 4-28-18
Greyson Carter (Fairview; uncommitted) stays at No. 4. Coming off an impressive Top Prospect Games, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Power pitcher showed off a fastball that touched 90. Has a drop and drive motion with good extension on the release. Arm is over the top and live. Fastball was 88-90 mph and over powered several hitters in his inning of work. He mixed in a 64-66 mph curve with tight spin and 11/5 break. Carter, also a switch hitter, at the plate he stands balanced with a slight crouch from both sides. He uses a big leg trigger to start the swing and loads hard on the back side. Swing is level through the zone with good extension out front. Exit velocity was 87 mph from both sides of the plate. In the outfield he takes good angles and has a big arm from an over the top slot. Arm played at 90 mph from OF.
JD Jones (Fairview; Miami Commit) moves up from 8 to 5. 6-foot, 190 pounds. Projectable frame. Recently committed to Miami, Jones has advanced catching skills. Jones has light, athletic feet behind the dish with good lateral mobility. Strong hand strength when receiving. Makes the catching position come easy. Gains good ground on on throw downs to second. Ball has good carry, pop-times of 1.9 to 2.0, arm velo at 75 mph. At the plate has an open stance, and has balance at the plate. Contact hitter with gap to gap power.
Alex Champagne (Heritage; uncommitted) Comes in at No. 6. 5-foot-7, 125-pound left hand hitting MIF. 5-foot-7, 125 pounds. Bats left throws right. Advanced bat speed for his age and size. Led all hitters with a 93 mph exit velocity at Underclass Invitational last spring. Advanced baseball instincts. Professional approach at the plate. Gets money's worth for sure at the plate. Simple load, short stride, then slight-up hill swing. Solid hands at SS with good hand to glove exchange. Quick feet. Gains good ground towards 1B. Can run. 4.15 home to first. Helped lead Heritage to 5A state championship game. Hit lead off all year for the Eagles.
Alex Champagne 4-18-18
A couple of right handed pitchers whose fastballs can reach the upper 80's, Ryan Depew (Grandview; uncommitted) and Alec Willis (Regis Jesuit, uncommitted) take up the next two spots at 7 and 8.
Rounding out the top 10 are two athletic players in 3B/RHP Logan Carlise (Chatfield; uncommitted), and OF Adam Moser (Fairview; uncommitted). Both can run sub 7 60s, have above average bat speed, and arms velos that play into the mid 80's.
CLICK HERE for the complete Class of 2019 Rankings.