By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director

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There is a new No. 1 prospect in Indiana’s 2017 class.  RHP Chandler Ferguson (Lafayette Jefferson HS, IN) put himself atop the 2017 rankings after a strong performance at the Hoosier Holiday Showcase on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis.

We have known about Ferguson for a while now, hearing about him from pro scouts in the area after he was up to 92 mph early this fall, but had yet been able to see him in person. Fortunately, for us, he attended Sunday's event. 

As soon as Ferguson checked into the event we knew he was going to be special.  Simply put, he looked the part, boasting an athletic and strong build at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds. He backed up our previous assumptions during his bullpen session with an electric arsenal of pitches and ultra-quick arm.  The fastball gets on you quick from a high-3/4 arm, showing lots of life at 86-88. He projects to add a lot more velocity in the very near future.  What was really impressive was his ability to throw the breaking ball. It showcased to be a potential plus pitch, with sharp break at 74-75 and he threw it consistently in the strike zone. He also flashed some of the best knuckle balls we’ve seen at 77-78 with lots of movement.