By John Cackowski
State Director

With our recent 2017 rankings update reaching 160 players, there were many players that moved up, and also were new to the list. Below is a look at some of the top risers and newcomers after the fall and winter baseball season. We had a lot of new additions as we expanded our rankings from 100 to 160. CLICK HERE for complete Colorado 2017 Rankings.

Jack Winkler, SS, Chatfield
Winkler is 6-foot-1, 170 pounds. Bats and throws right. Winkler moved from 16 to 6 in the 2017 rankings. This was the first time we got a real good look of Winkler up close and he did not disappoint. He had one of the best rounds of batting practice of the day spraying hard line drives all over the field. He registered a 93 mph exit velocity off a tee. A well rounded athlete, Winkler ran a 7.06 which in time if he works on it can get that number to be a sub 7. Winkler flashed a strong enough arm across the diamond at 81 mph. With his athleticism, frame and tools, Winkler has put himself on the map as a top prospect in our state.

Drake Davis, RHP, Ralston Valley
Davis is 6-foot, 175 pounds. Drake Davis moved from 48 to 9 in the 2017 rankings. First time we have seen Davis and we came away impressed. He is as aggressive as a pitcher I have seen. Davis has a herky jerky motion which can be intimidating to a hitter, but he will probably have to tone down a bit not to exert too much energy, but he comes at you with 88 mph fastballs and he is all arms and legs. Despite everything going on in the delivery, Davis managed to fill up the strike zone. Aside from his fastball, Davis threw his changeup aggressively and for strikes.

Jack Radford, LHP/1B, Bear Creek
6-foot-3, 200 pounds. Radford is new to the rankings coming in at No. 28. Very projectable. Arm is loose, and gets good extension to plate. Comes from 3/4 arm slot. Fastball was consistently 82-83 touching 84 a few times. Sometimes arm can drag behind, then falls off to 3rd base side, but when he's all together on time he's very square and towards the plate.

Kalen Hammer, MIF, Rock Mountain
A 5-foot-9, 170-pound, right hand hitting SS/2B who ran a 7.11 60. Hammer is new to the rankings coming in at No. 30. Balanced at the plate with a slow load back and long stride on the swing.  Weight shifts forward at contact.  Swing path is level, can get more extension out front.  Exit velocity was 90 MPH.  Solid in the field with good instincts and quick feet to the ball.  Does a nice job of squaring up and delivering an accurate ball from a high ¾ arm slot across the diamond.  Arm velocity was 82 MPH.  Identified as the best fundamental player 2017 at this event.

Brock Downing, C, Ralston Valley
6-foot-0, 175-pound right hand hitting catcher. Downing is new to the rankings coming in at No. 33. Ran a 6.97 60.  At the plate he sets up open with a leg kick to bring him square.  Good extension through the zone with an uphill swing path.  He shows good pull power.  He had an 88 MPH exit velocity off the tee.  Behind the plate he showed soft hands and a quick release.  Pop-times were 1.94-2.00 with an accurate 75 MPH arm. This was the first time we have seen Downing. Was the fastest catcher at the event which could translate into other position options later if needed. A player who has been flying under our radar until now.

Morgan McIntosh, 3B/2B, Highlands Ranch
A 5-foot-9, 190-pound left hand hitting 2B/3B. McIntosh moved from No. 54 to No. 37. McIntosh ran a 7.41 60.  Starts open at the plate with a slight leg kick to come square.  Hands load back and drop slightly.  Swing path is uphill with good power to the right center gap.  Good lower leg drive and rotation produced a 91 MPH exit velocity.  In the field he has soft hands and good feet.  He showed well at 3B and we have seen him up the middle.  He has a good transfer to the throwing window and delivers from a high ¾ arm slot.  Arm velocity was 85 MPH with accuracy.  Identified with the best hitting approach 2017 at this event.