By Shooter Hunt
National Crosschecker

 

With the spring release of PBR’s 2018 National Rankings, On the Hunt, takes a different approach this week to highlight some of the top players (committed or uncommitted) in the class. While a good number of the players have been committed, and written about in the past, there are some updated notes and new commentary. The uncommitted players, of which there are four, are potential front-end talent who have the ability to bolster a recruiting class, and perhaps lead a school to a championship in the near future.

 

Max Alba, RHP, Franklin HS, WI, 2018
The broad-shouldered, 6-foot-5, 190-pound Alba is, undoubtedly, the most coveted 2018 left uncommitted. After making a name for himself at last August’s Future Games, Alba had suitors from coast to coast from every major conference in the country. Alba quarterback’d the Franklin Sabers to a runner-up finish in Wisconsin’s state playoffs, and then hit the hardwood where he averaged more than 18 points and eight rebounds. Somehow, Alba was able to fit some throwing into his busy schedule, and he showed up to PBR Wisconsin’s Madison Preseason I.D., and looked like he had been training for the day for months. Showcasing impressive live arm with plus strength from a drop and drive delivery, Alba (three days after finishing basketball) ran his fastball up to 93 mph in a bullpen setting. The physically impressive right-hander completes a simple, compact delivery that releases out of a high ¾ slot with a heavy fastball that he commands to both sides of the plate. More impressively during the bullpen was his ability to snap a vicious slider that ran up as hard as 80 mph. The pitch features tight spin with tilt, and already may be a plus swing and miss pitch. Alba also possesses a near 12/6 curveball thrown around 70 mph with multi-tier break that he commands for strikes. Overall, Alba appears to have the arsenal needed to be a difference maker at the next level, and will likely be a sought after draft commodity. However, whichever school he decides to go to (if he shows), will have a possible program changer added to their 2018 recruiting class.