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Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 50 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage. 

Like any preseason ranking for any sport, last year our list created a lot of fun conversations, debate, and opinions among players, coaches, and families. To see what we got right, and what we got wrong in 2017 Click Here

What makes our list unique is it combines all classifications (1A through 5A), and leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 50 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage.

Factors that are considered when creating the Top 50 List are the following:

- How many current players are returning that are in PBR Colorado rankings
- How many overall players committed or non-committed are returning
- How many starting pitchers are returning
- Success the previous season
- History of success in the program

* We expect the teams in the Top 50 Countdown will compete for at least a district playoff spot in 2018

Team No. 41: Fort Collins Lambkins

2018 Preseason Rank: 41
2017 Preseason Rank: 27
2017 Record: 10-9
Conference: 5A Front Range 
CHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Marc Wagner
2017 Playoff Run: N/A
2017 Final Rank: 84
Returning Offensive Starters: 4
Returning Pitchers: 
Returning Innings on Mound: 48
Returning RBI's returning: 47

STAT RAT: 
The Lambkins only hit .244 as a team last spring, however when they get on they run stealing 41 bases. Look for the Lambkins offense to improve in 2018 with the experience gained in 2017. 

X-FACTORS: 
The Lambkins need to address the pitching staff in 2018. In 122 innings pitched the pitching staff gave up 163 hits, and had a team ERA of 4.99. 

BOTTOM LINE: 
In 2017, the Lambkins got off to a hot start going 6-1 to start the season, but ran into some trouble wehn league started, and finished the year 4 and 8 causing the Lambkins to come within a few points in RPI of missing the playoffs in 2017. They proved they could win against good competition in 2017 with quality wins over Broomfield and Fairview to end the year. The Lambkins have a lot of young talent coming back. If they can create some starting pitching depth expect the Lambkins to be better then in 2017. 

 

Key Player Lost: 

 

Lane Brlecic SS / RHP / Fort Collins, CO / 2017 Brlecic hit .290 in 2017 leading the team with 8 doubles while driving in 16 runs. Also contributed on the mound going 3 and 1 throwing 22 innings.

 

Key Players Coming Back

 

Colby Shade OF / OF / Fort Collins, CO / 2020 Rankings  StateRank: 7 / POS: 1 Recently committed to Virginia. 6-foot-1, 165-pound right hand hitting OF. Fast-twitched player. High hips stood out, looks like there is a lot more room to grow. Probably will end up 6-foot-4, 190 pounds.  Most athletic player at the event. Runs like a deer. Pull-side power right now. Gets good extension through the ball and after. Could be Colorado's best talent by the time he graduates. Game seems easy for him right now. Last spring hit .360 as a freshman with 5 doubles and stole 6 bases.

 

 

Kellan Voggesser RHP / OF / Fort Collins , CO / 2019 Rankings  StateRank: 37 / POS: 10 6-foot-3, 190 pounds, Bats and throws right. Tall projectable frame on mound. Has drop drive delivery. Could stay a little taller in landing to create more down angle. Comes from a high 3/4 arm slot. Fastball sat 78-80 mph. Strike thrower. Liked changeup. Same arm speed as fastball, and sat 72-73 mph. with some fade. Curve had 11/5 spin at 68-70 mph. In 2017 Voggesser threw 17 innings, striking out 16 while carrying a 2.02 ERA, and will anchor the Lambkins staff in 2018.

 

 

Michael Field OF / Fort Collins, CO / 2018 5-foot-8, 160 pounds. Hit .295 last year driving 13 runs for the Lambkins.

 

Players Who Can Make An Impact

 

Enrique Villalobos RHP / Fort Collins, CO / 2020 5-foot-9, 150 pounds. As a freshman in 2017 threw 16 innings recording a 2-0 record. Looks to compete as one of the Lambkins starter in 2018.