Inside the Rankings: 2020 Newcomers
December 7, 2017
This week is all about the 2020s and we’ll wrap up our coverage of the updated Wisconsin Rankings with a look at notable newcomers to the list. The 2020 class in Wisconsin has been expanded to 35 with includes 10 new names to the rankings. For reference, be sure to check out our top ten and risers as well.
CLICK HERE for complete Wisconsin 2020 Rankings.
The highest new addition to the list comes in the top 15 with RHP/1B Arthur Liebau (Homestead). Liebau is a strong bodied 6-foot-1, 190-pounds who shows two-way abilities but may project best on the mound. He has present arm strength that yields an 81-83 mph fastball, while also showing the ability to command it at the bottom of the zone. His curveball is a hard 12/6 type with good feel and also shows a fading changeup that he can throw for strikes.
Behind Liebau is physical first baseman Lukas Broske (West Bend West). Broske is a 6-foot-4, 180-pound right-handed hitter with pop in his bat. As a freshman Broske was one of the leading hitters on a West Bend West state championship team that went 33-0.
Rounding out the top 25 for new additions are LHP/1B Brady Renfro (Antigo), C Blake Carey (University School of Milwaukee) and RHP Sabastian Kloss (Whitnall).
Renfro is a talented left/left two-way player who shows some pop in his bat and a quick armed low 80’s fastball. Renfro could legitimately play either way at the next level, but may see more opportunities as a left-handed pitcher. Catcher Blake Carey also swings it from the left side with some strength and has above average catch and throw skills. On top of that he’s a multi-sport athlete and big contributor on the ice for the Wildcats as one of their top point scorers.
Sabastian Kloss is a right-handed arm at 5-foot-10, 170-pounds who routinely has been sitting in the low 80’s. Kloss has a loose whippy arm with above average feel for his secondary stuff.
Five new players were added in the 30’s, RHP Nolan Vincent (Germantown), INF Mitchell Alba (Franklin), C Matthew DePrey (Sun Prairie), RHP/1B Nick Smith (Waunakee) and RHP Phillip Harper (Wauwatosa East). Vincent, Smith and Harper are all upside right-handed arms, Harper with a slightly better frame at 6-foot-4, 170-pounds. All showing they can control a low 80 fastball and drop their secondary pitches for strikes. Smith has a playable hit tool as well showing well above average right-handed pop for his age. Mitchell Alba, younger brother of Max Alba (Franklin, 2018, North Carolina) is an infielder who can handle the bat well. While, DePrey is a solid defender behind the plate, above average hitter and has an athletic frame that should project.
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