Inside the Rankings: Top 10 Class of 2021 LHP

ROBERT EVANS LHP / ALL HALLOWS, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Controlled, effortless pace on the mound. Clean arm action with little restrictions; up to 89 at NYS Games in 2019.

First Glimpse: Last Chance Preview; October 2018. Worked 80-82 with feel. Impressed by his composure.

Breakout Performance: 2019 NYS Games

The Future: The Eastern Kentucky commit has been on our radar since day one and really put himself on the map at the 2019 NYS Games. Frame has filled out; now checks in at 6-foot-1 208 pounds. Next step is to see that velocity hold ground in the upper 80's now that he has shown the ability to touch it.

BRIAN REINKE LHP / HONEOYE FALLS LIMA, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Strong build; high 3/4 arm slot with ability to pound his FB down in the zone. Above average action/depth to CB. Worked 86-88 at 2019 Future Games.

First Glimpse: Campus Series - St. John Fisher; August 2018. Went out in less than ideal conditions and worked 79-81 while showing athleticism on the mound.

Breakout Performance: 2019 NYS Games

The Future: The Richmond commit is better every time we see him. Reinke is a player that will benefit from PBR's commitment to data this summer as his spin rates on the breaking ball might put in a high class across the country.

RAFE SCHLESINGER LHP / SACHEM EAST, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Long and lean with athleticism. Arm action is easy and the delivery repeats. High waisted build with room for additional gains; presently mid to upper 80's with more on the way.

First Glimpse: Spring 2019

Breakout Performance: Spring/Early Summer 2019...made waves with his verbal commitment to Miami.

The Future: Our looks have been limited at Schlesinger but we like what we see. The upside is huge from a physical standpoint. Presently in the 6-foot-3 180 pound range; he'll be on pro scouts radar come spring of 2021.

ITAI SPINOZA LHP / FAYETTEVILLE MANLIUS , NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Compact, athletic frame with a quick arm out in front. Works in the low 80's, mixes in a big time leg kick and can hide a sweeping breaking ball at 72-73 MPH

First Glimpse: Scouting a Tournament; Early June 2018. Worked 79-81, touching 82 with a tight, sweeping breaker. Appeared in NYS Games 3 weeks later.

Breakout Performance: Preseason All-State - Southern Tier; February 2019.

The Future: Not only does Spinoza have plenty to offer on the mound but he handles the bat extremely well and has been up to 90 MPH from the OF. Could be a corner OF/LHP out of the pen at a fairly high level. Currently uncommitted. 

XANDER BURCH LHP / THOMAS A. EDISON, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Athletic, dual player who has a high contact approach and is smooth around the bag at 1B. On the mound he can mix and match and makes his living at the bottom of the zone. Works low 80's, touching 85 MPH at 2019 NYS Games.

First Glimpse: Campus Series - St. Bonaventure; July 2018. Showed well as a position player. Worked 79-81, touching 83 MPH on the bump.

Breakout Performance: 2019 NYS Games

The Future: At 6-foot-0 160 pounds there is plenty to be had in the weight room which we believe will allow for an uptick in velocity. Handles himself well as a position player which could also play into his long term projection. Currently uncommitted. 

BILLY ROZAKIS LHP / XAVIER , NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Athletic 6-foot-0 180 pounds 180 pounds; Low 3/4 slot with plenty of arm-side life to his FB. Pounds the strike zone. 

First Glimpse: NJ Rebels Scout Day; June 2019

Breakout Performance: NY/NJ Border Battle; October 2019

The Future: Rozakis has a tremendous upside. The frame will handle a velocity uptick and and he's shown feel for the CB and CH. Excited to see him at the 2020 NYS Games this summer.

MARC DENUNZIO LHP / WESTLAKE, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Projectable build at 6-foot-2 175 pounds. Extremely long and fluid arm action with some whip at 80-82 MPH.

First Glimpse: 2019 NYS Games

Breakout Performance: 2019 NYS Games

The Future: DeNunzio checks off all the boxes in what you want see from a pitcher at this point. The 2020 NYS Games will be a huge stage for him to show off his recent gains. Definite follow this summer as we feel he's ready for that next jump.

CHRIS AUCLAIR LHP / BALDWINSVILLE, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Large, filled out frame at 6-foot-3 235 pounds. Continuous bumps in velocity since our first look. Big CB with the ability to pitch.

First Glimpse: Scouting a tournament; June 2018. Impressed with his ability to work through a line up at only 72-74, touching 75 MPH. 

Breakout Performance: Preseason All-State - West; February 2019.

The Future: The one thing that we've noticed since day one is AuClair's ability to show 3 pitches; specifically being able to land his big breaking at any point. He has the frame and was up to 82 MPH last summer; be on watch for another increase in the velocity department.

BRADYN COLETTA LHP / ADDISON , NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Slight, athletic build at 5-foot-10 140 pounds. Handles the bat as well and was up to 85 from the OF showing additional arm strength. Shorter arm action on the mound at 81-83 with feel for CB.

First Glimpse: Preseason All-State - Southern Tier; February 2020.

Breakout Performance: Preseason All-State - Southern Tier; February 2020.

The Future: Coletta jumped into the rankings during the latest update with his efforts back in February. Our staff is excited to track his progress in the near future.

JACOB CRYSTAL LHP / CICERO NORTH SYRACUSE, NY / 2021

Quick Hit: Frame to dream on at 6-foot-2 155 pounds with long levers. Arm action is easy going and in sync with his delivery. Up to 82 MPH this past preseason.

First Glimpse: 2019 Last Chance Preview; October 2019. Worked up to 79 MPH on the mound while also working out at 1B.

Breakout Performance: Preseason All-State - Central; February 2020

The Future: Much like several of his left-handed counterparts in the top 10, Crystal has a projectable build with an arm that works at low effort. The summer of 2020 will be a huge one for him. We look forward to seeing him at the NYS Games this July.