The 2018 rankings in New York have been under construction for the better half of three-years (since these player's were freshman). Lot's of mix-ups, switches, new faces rising, old faces falling, and several player's holding their own in a talent rich graduating class. 

Today we breakdown some of top the right-handed pitching in the 2018 class. Who's trending up? Who's on the rise? Who needs a big spring? We are your No. 1 source for amateur baseball here in the great state of NY.

Our top ranked RHP in NY's 2018 class is Lenny Torres (Beacon HS) who is likely to hear his name called at some-point in this years MLB Amateur player draft (June). We have tracked the St. John's commit since August of 2015, where he then displayed loose whip-like arm-action with a mid-80's FB from a lean frame. Fast forward to now and the 6-foot-2, 200-pounder has continued to develop both on the mound and physically. His arm works back and clean with fast-twitch hand-speed and extension out in front, mid-90's fastball (96 peak) with a power slider in the upper 70's - low 80's with late tight shape. Hard nosed competitor that projects at the back-half of a bullpen at the next-level.




Our next highest ranked RHP is Tim Buchek (Windsor HS). The Central Connecticut State commit is no stranger to PBR New York. Through five events the Southern-Tier standout has always made his presence felt - either with his arm or his bat. He has the size and strength (6-foot-2, 200-pounds) to really take-off on the mound once he gets into a consistent collegiate program. He's already been up to 88 mph with the fastball but he still needs polish as a pitcher. Off-speed works at the high-school level but will need to be much faster/tighter attacking college hitters. Don't be surprised if Buchek finds another gear this spring, and over the next few years at the D1 level - time will tell, worst case Central Connecticut will benefit from his big power potential at the plate.



Coming in at No. 10 in the 2018 rankings and No. 3 on this list is Erubiel Candelario (Kipp College Prep). Our scouting staff first watched Erubiel throw at our ENY All-Star Games (Sept. 2016) and we instantly loved what we saw. Very athletic arm from a loose 3/4 power slot with a fastball ranging 84-87 mph but easy effort. The curveball shows tight spin with power shape, and there's a consistent feel for a changeup using that whippy-FB hand-speed. When we saw him nearly a year later, he hadn't made any real jump so he fell off some scouts radar - but not ours. We think Candelario has a chance to play baseball for a long time, especially once he physically develops.



ON THE RISE (SPRING CLIMBERS)

Sal Fusco (Colonie HS) Quick arm, FB in upper 80's from wiry build, full effort.
Connor Fenlong (Gouverneur HS) Large burly frame, 87-90 arm with lofty ceiling.
James Filippelli (Niagara Wheatfield HS) Lean build with size, 85 + arm with CB feel.
Thomas Bednarski (Alden HS) Solidly built 6-foot-1, 190-pounds, up to 89 with tight spin on CB.
James Flood (Red Hook HS) Sturdy frame, long arm-action, easy velocity in upper 80's, three pitch mix.

SLEEPER

Mathew Miller (Benjamin Cardozo HS) 6-foot-0, 190-pounds with the ability to throw from multi-arm slots. Fastball will sit in the mid-upper 80's and there's plenty more in the tank, off-speed has late shape. True student of the game with tremendous work ethic.




UPCOMING EVENTS

New York Winter Open	NY	02/11	Paul Gerry Fieldhouse - Loch Sheldrake, NY
Preseason All-State West (NYS Games Trials)	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