Colorado 2019 Rankings Updated
November 20, 2018
Three weeks ago, our staff wrapped up the Class of 2019 Showcase at Metropolitan State College marking the 2019 showcase of the season, providing us a last look at the state’s top seniors 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 2019 class.
It’s been over two months since we last updated the Class of 2019 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 5th consecutive time, is Riley Cornelio (Pine Creek High School; Texas Christian commit). The top arm in Colorado, Cornelio’s stock has been steadily climbing, as he has also risen to No. 22 in the PBR overall rankings. Cornelio fastball continues to add velocity with the potential to be in the 94-95 mph range this spring. Cornelio also made the USA Baseball National 18U roster this past summer.
Justin Boyd (Legend; Oregon State), reclaims the No. 2 spot, the ranking he has had the last 4 2019 rankings. Boyd is a versatile athletic SS who could also start in CF. Boyd, PBR All-Colorado last spring, Boyd's numbers last spring were impressive playing in Continental League. Boyd would hit .485 while scoring 30 runs, stealing 12 bases, and driving in 17. Boyd also led Legend with 7 homeruns on the season. Legend will be a dark-horse in 2019 as a potential team to unseat Mountain Vista as 5A State Champions.
Sam Ireland (Mountain Vista; Minnesota) another top arm in the class and remains at the No. 3 spot. 6-foot-3, 195-pound RHP/1B. The two way player had a dominant season for the Mountain Vista Golden Eagles helping lead them to the 5A State Championship. With the ability to run his fastball up to 90-91 mph, Ireland on the mound went 11-1 in 72 innings carrying a 2.72 ERA. Ireland only surrendered 56 hits, and struck out 77 while also throwing a no-hitter. At the plate, Ireland led the state with 43 RBI's. Ireland clubbed 11 homeruns, to go along with 8 doubles while hitting .400. Ireland was name PBR Colorado as their player of the year which you can read here.
Derek Shaver (Grand Junction; Wichita State) lands back in the top 10 checking in at No. 4. After an ACL injury sidelined Shaver in 2019, Shaver worked hard to get back into baseball shape and had a successful summer and fall circuit. His increased size and strength was evident. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound, physically-advanced, athletically built, right-handed hitter, could arguably have the best bat in the class. On the mound, Shaver can also run his fastball up 87-88 mph.
2B Drew Stahl (Mountain Vista; Washington State) rounds out the top five. Stahl has electric hands and features the rare combination and potential to hit for a high average and power, with speed at the next level. Bats and throws right. Stahl had an impressive year at the plate helping the Golden Eagles win their first 5A State championship. Stahl led the Golden Eagles with a .444 batting average in 81 at bats. Stahl drove in 35, with 8 doubles, 3 triples, and 5 homeruns while scoring 38 runs. His OPS was. 1.340.
LHP Graham Osman (Colorado Academy; Arizona State), recently committing to ASU, Osman has been rising at a fast pace since the fall of 2017. One of our biggest risers in our last 2019 ranking update, Osman moves from 22 to 6. With a projectable frame at 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, and loose arm action, Osman has seen his fastball velocity increase from lower 80’s last spring, to 87-88 this fall.
A couple of athletic outfielders Tayler Aguilar (Northridge; Grand Canyon), and Bryce Matthews (Chaparral; Arkansas take up the next two spots at 7 and 8. Both are 5-tool players with physical frames.
Rounding out the top 10 are two right handed pitchers in Clayton Burke (Mountain Vista; Oregon), and Eric McKnight (Heritage; Arkansas-Little Rock). Both can run their fastballs up into the lower 90’s. Burke will be looking to get back on the mound again this spring after having a minor shoulder issue last spring.
CLICK HERE for the complete Class of 2019 Rankings.