Preseason Top 25 Preview: No. 24 Fairport

March 17, 2016

Dan Cevette
Director, New York

After weeks of careful consideration, with schools in all classifications on the table including: NYC schools, private and catholic schools, public Class D through AA schools - We finally released our Preseason Power Top 25 Rankings.

Over 900 high schools were eligible for our Power Top 25. An executive team, comprised of 15 members scattered across the state, in conjunction with the NYSSWA was put together to help with all team rankings.

As the season begins our boots-on-the-ground scouting team will be out covering several HS games a week, compiling player and team data, that will be invaluable in accurately shaping this ranking. Today we take a look at our No. 24 ranked team on our poll, Fairport.

Fairport Team Preview

You have to go back a few years, 2013 to be exact, to when the Fairport HS baseball team last won the section V championship. Two seasons prior to that they won the championship as well (2011). It's been a few years but the Red Raiders, on paper, have the depth, and talent to make a run in 2016. Let's take a look at some of their impact players.

We have all heard this a million times, but good teams have good pitching. The Red Raiders aren't necessarily deep with arms, but they do have one-of-the-best in section V in 2016 RHP Matt Johnson (Monroe CC). Johnson is a bull-dog on the mound with a good-enough fastball (79-83 mph) to challenge hitters. His curveball is above average for high school with late 10/4 shape in the upper 60's. When Johnson is on the mound Fairport is tough to beat. Another arm sure to see valuable time this year is 2016 RHP Connor Ewing (RIT). Last summer we observed the 6-foot-0, 185-pound thick shouldered righty pound the zone sitting 80-84 mph with the heater, maxing out at 86. His curveball needed development when we saw him but it did show some promise of an out-pitch. Ewing, if he's worked hard this off-season, gives Fairport another strong option.

Pitching is very important to any teams success, but you still need to field the ball and score some runs. 2016 SS Sam Gueli gives the Red Raiders solid defense up the middle with above-average range. At the plate he's more of a contact-type hitter that puts the ball in play. 2016 1B Matt Buss (Fredonia) will be asked to drive-in some runs. Compact-strong fluid swing from the left-side that has the ability to hurt you in the gaps. He will also help on the mound as a left-handed-pitching option. Doing most of the catching should be 2016 C Mike Perlo (Monroe CC). Ranked No. 130 in the 2016 class (NY) Perlo brings a stocky build with athleticism behind the dish. Strong arm with pop-times ranging 2.02-2.20 respectively. At the plate he can hurt you in the gaps with a compact swing that generates impressive pop.

Others to Watch

+ Another high-end athlete to keep-an-eye-on is 2016 OF Jake Rugaber. High-end runner (6.81 60-time) that can track balls down roaming the OF, also shows an improving approach at the plate with more-than reasonable bat-speed.

+ 2016 C Christian Rizzolo (Fredonia) From July 23, 2015 - Stands at 6-foot-0, 155 pounds, with an athletic body build. He ran a 4.99 Home to 1^st from the left-hand side. Defensively- As a catcher, he throws with a clean loose action. He receives the ball with smooth, soft hands and has a clean transfer. He blocks the ball nicely and keeps everything in front of him. His pop times were consistently in the 2.03 range down to second base. His arm strength was at 75 MPH. Offensively- At the plate his setup is relaxed and very balanced, short stride, with a minimal back load. His hands are very compact and strong, swinging on a level plane with long/full extension through the ball, with a high finish through the ball. His exit velocity was 75 MPH.