Inside the Rankings: 2017 Risers

April 8, 2016

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

This week Wisconsin’s 2017 rankings were updated and expanded from 85 to 100. We’ve highlighted the top 10, dove into the new additions and today we will take a look at the biggest risers in the rankings.

Mentioned in our introduction to the updated 2017 rankings, Indian Trail RHP Ryan Hoerter made one of the bigger jumps in the class, moving from No. 31 to No. 9. Hoerter made a big jump this winter, getting closer to filing his projection. His fastball velocity jumped into the upper 80’s along with more dynamic secondary offerings leading to more swing and misses.

The biggest jump in the class goes to RHP Jack Anderson from Pulaski HS. Anderson was a top 60 prospect after the 6-foot-6 right hander showed low 80’s projectable stuff on multiple occasions this past summer. Fast forward to our Madison Preseason I.D. this past March and Anderson was sitting 86-87 mph touching 88 mph with a hard curveball at 72-75 mph. With all that being said there is still a ton of upside to dream on with Anderson even after jumping 45 spots into the top 15.

OF Zachary Nogalski (Marquette University HS) climbed into the top 20 after showcasing an improved tool set this winter. Nogalski improved across the board showing plus type tools, he ran a 6.86 60, and threw it 94 mph from the outfield.

SS Bryce Cross (Hortonville) jumped over 20 spots, showing premium defensive actions and a big jump in arm strength that should easily play now from the left side of the diamond at the next level. His attributes caught the eye of in-state Division 1 Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he recently made his verbal commitment.

Several arms made jumps this winter as well. RHP Charlie Peterson (Waukesha South) took his fastball up to 86 mph and looks like it still has more in the tank. Superior HS RHP Justin Reinkall sat 84-86 at the Minnesota Preseason All-State. LHP Matthew Osterberg jumped in the top 50 as the upside southpaw showed good feel for three pitches. Osterberg is off to a good start this spring as well, recently striking out 11 in five innings to grab a Coleman win this week over Crivitz.

For complete Wisconsin 2017 Player Rankings CLICK HERE.