Inside The Rankings: 2019's Primed to Climb
January 17, 2018
The New York 2019 rankings are constantly being updated and expanded quietly the more we see player's through our scouted events. An overall updated rankings will be released this March for the 2019 class with a major overhaul in store. But today we take an inside look at some RHP's in the class of 2019 that are primed to climb come spring. Full list of the current 2019 NY rankings here.
 |
Sean Clifford RHP / 3B / Albertus Magnus, NY / 2019Rankings StateRank: 112 / POS: 31
Currently sitting at No. 112 overall in New York's 2019 class, Clifford should see his stock start to climb come spring/summer. Standing 6-foot-4, 195-pounds the size is ideal with super long legs, and we see still more physical gains in his future. Mechanics are clean and repeatable, arm-action is fluid, full extension out in front from a mid-3/4 slot. Fastball last summer peaked the low 80's with angle, while he throws more of a slider for an off-speed offering that the spin needs to continue to tighten up. BOLD PREDICTION: Clifford's velo spikes to the mid-upper 80's, and the slider becomes "razor-blade" this summer. Commitment to a division-one northeast program soon to follow. |
 |
Bryce Jackson RHP / 1B / Jamestown , NY / 2019Rankings StateRank: 135 / POS: 36
Ranked at NO. 135 Jackson is a player we have grown very fond of over the past year. We first spotted eyes on him back in Feb. of 2017 at our Winter Open where the big-bodied RHP sat 76-77 mph with signs of promise in his frame. What we like most about Jackson is when we made a few suggestions for improvements he took them to heart. Fast-forward to the WNY ALL-Star Games this past Sept. and Jackson was sitting 80-82 (6 mph jump) and showing more confidence on the mound with all pitches. The even better news is we don't think he's done just yet. There's more body control and strength in the future, with an emphasis on increased flexibility in lower half, and a consistent arm-strengthening program are key. BOLD PREDICTION: Jackson leans out this spring and shows more lower-half flexibility and strength helping him gain 2-3 mph on the fastball. He breaks out this summer at the NYS Games. |
 |
Charlie Bruning RHP / 1B / Royalton-Hartland, NY / 2019Rankings StateRank: 137 / POS: 37
Currently at No. 137 but expect that to change come early spring/summer. Bruning works from a burly build at 6-foot-1, 215-pounds and brings strength to the mound and corner positions. For me, I see his future playing out on the mound. The mechanics are sound, the arm-swing is short but no restrictions, and the hand-speed out in front is athletic. This past summer at the NYS Games he sat low-80's with the appearance of harder velo watching from the side. Due to his aggressive hand-speed his slider has late sharp sweep. BOLD PREDICTION: Bruning spends the off-season taking care of some physical limitations and comes out this spring blazing. Would not be surprised to see 84-87 mph velocity from the WNY hurler. Attends the NYS Games this summer and it's a wrap. |
PAST INSIDE THE RANKING ARTICLES
UPCOMING EVENTS
| New York Winter Open | NY | 02/11 | Paul Gerry Fieldhouse - Loch Sheldrake, NY |
| Rising Stars Winter Showcase | NY | 02/11 | Paul Gerry Fieldhouse - Loch Sheldrake, NY |
| Preseason All-State West (NYS Games Trials) SOLD OUT | NY | 02/19 | Pinnacle Sports Campus - Victor, NY |
| Preseason All-State Downstate (NYS Games Trials) | NY | 02/21 | House Of Sports - Ardsley, NY |
| Preseason All-State East (NYS Games Trials) | NY | 02/22 | All-Star Academy - Latham, NY |
| Preseason All-State Long Island (NYS Games Trials) | NY | 02/23 | All Pro Fieldhouse - East Setauket, NY |
| Rising Stars Instructional Showcase | NY | 02/25 | Spencerport, NY |