Michigan Insider: Updated Class of 2017 Player Rankings (March)
March 16, 2017
By Aaron Wilson and PBR Staff
PBR Michigan Director of Scouting
Michigan Insider: Updated Class of 2017 Player Rankings (March)
As the winter showcase season comes to an end and the spring season being right around the corner, we at PBR Michigan would like to take a look at the Class of 2017 Player Rankings.
Our staff evaluated talent all across the great state of Michigan during the fall/winter seasons and we have had the pleasure of seeing a large group of solid players, both in the spring and summer. Prospects are popping up left and right, making velocity jumps, improving 60-yard dash times and showing more power with the bat.
With that being said, we will look into “What’s New At The Top”, some “Rising Prospects”, and take a look at some of the top uncommitted prospects.
To view the entire list of 280 prospects please click here.
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What's New At The Top
As we move into the start of the 2017 season with tryouts just happening and the spring season right around the corner, we have just a few minor shake ups with our top four prospects playing a little musical chairs. Sam Weatherly is sitting in the #1 seat with Adam Proctor moving into the #2 spot after a brilliant Super 60 performance. Steve Mann will hold down the #3 spot followed by Jeff Criswell. These four guys will keep area scouts as well as cross checkers busy this Spring.
Obie Ricumstrict and Jesse Heikkinen maintained their spots at #5 & #6 respectively. Both of these guys could potentially hear their names called in June.
After brilliant performances at the Preseason All-State event, which brought in some of the top players across Michigan, we have a little shakeup in the back-half of the Top 10. Now ranked #7 Joe Wiemer (Cincinnati commit), #9 Zavier Warren (Central Michigan commit), and #10 Kyle Bischoff (Toledo commit), these three absolutely tore it up at the event. #8 Luke McGuire remained in the top 10, moving up two spots.
Joe Wiemer, OF/RHP, Bedford
Scouting Report: 6-foot-5, 205-pound physical freak athlete had a great performance at the Preseason All State. Running the fastest home to 1st time (3.98), tied the top OF velocity (95 mph) and registered the second highest exit velocity (100 mph). Wiemer also flashed a 90 mph fastball on the mound.
Zavier Warren, C/SS, Birmingham Groves
Scouting Report: 6-foot, 190-pound prospect is a swiss army knife showing skills to play anywhere on the diamond. His best position at the next level is most likely catcher as he possess soft hands, quick feet, and a strong throwing arm. That is a enough but add in the fact that he’s a switch hitter and arguably the top pure hitter in the state it’s easy to see why Warren climbed the rankings.
Kyle Bischoff, RHP/OF, Utica Eisenhower
Scouting Report: 6-foot-1, 180-pound prospect is raw on the mound but has very good athleticism not to mention a tremendous work ethic. His command has steadily improved and at the Preseason All-State event he displayed it. Showing good command with a low-90s fastball that sat 92-93 mph. Also has a sharp late breaking slider that is an out pitch already. Do not be surprised to see area scouts visit Eisenhower baseball games.
The Risers
Mike Maher (pictured right) continues to get better. A big time athlete, who played varsity football as a defensive back. Behind the plate has a good pop time, strong arm, and runs a 6.65 60-yard dash. Knows how to handle bat as well. Maher jumped to the #23 spot.
OF/RHP Wyatt Thomas joined the list at #32, a 6-foot, 180-pound prospect had a breakout performance at the MSA Scout Day earning an invitation to the Preseason All-State Event. Thomas is the state’s best kept secret. Well now the cat is out the bag, look for schools to flock to Fowlerville.
Also rising up the list to #33 is Jacob Pershern, 3B/RHP from Avondale, had a stellar performance at the Preseason All-State event. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound prospect had one of the top INF velocities (87 mph), posted a 96 mph exit velocity and showed the ability to work off the mound.
Top Uncommitted Prospects By Position:
Below we look to name the top 2-3 prospects in specific categories for the 2017 class. Beyond the top three, there are numerous prospects that can help a collegiate program in some capacity.
- Top Right-Handed Pitchers: Josh Waalkes, Benjamin Thomas
- Top Left-Handed Pitchers: Scott Granzotto (pictured right), Haydin Brandt
- Top Catching Prospects: Mike Maher, Alex Crump
- Top Corner Infield Prospects: Jacob Pershern, Jacob Lico
- Top Middle Infield Prospects: Connor McCarron, Tyler Randick, Wyatt Rush
- Top Outfield Prospects: Wyatt Thomas, Joey Hiser, Jordan Brown
- Top Two-Way Prospects: Dalton Riddle, Brant Rago, Treyvin Groesser
For now, check out the Top 280 from Michigan in the class of 2017:
MICHIGAN CLASS OF 2017 RANKINGS
| Rank |
Name | State | School | Class | Pos | Commitment |
| 1 | Sam Weatherly | MI | Howell | 2017 | LHP | Clemson |
| 2 | Adam Proctor | MI | St. John's | 2017 | C | Michigan State |
| 3 | Steve Mann | MI | Detroit Country Day | 2017 | OF | Duke |
| 4 | Jeff Criswell | MI | Portage Central | 2017 | RHP | Michigan |
| 5 | Obie Ricumstrict | MI | Mt. Pleasant | 2017 | SS | Cincinnati |
| 6 | Jesse Heikkinen | MI | Holt | 2017 | LHP | Michigan State |
| 7 | Joe Wiemer | MI | Bedford | 2017 | OF | Cincinnati |
| 8 | Luke McGuire | MI | Sterling Heights Stevenson | 2017 | RHP | Eastern Michigan |
| 9 | Zavier Warren | MI | Birmingham Groves | 2017 | C | Central Michigan |
| 10 | Kyle Bischoff | MI | Eisenhower | 2017 | RHP | Toledo |
***** To view the entire top 280, please click here.
