Printer-friendly

Contact Author

May 31, 2012

Future Shock

Top 30 Draft Prospects: Part Two

by Kevin Goldstein

This is part two of Kevin Goldstein's 2012 Draft Rankings. Part One ran earlier in the week. This isn't a mock draft, but more of a general ranking of talent. 

16. Addison Russell, SS, Pace HS (FL)
Who he is: Russell helped his stock considerably this spring by showing up with a much thinner physique, with one scout saying, “he looks like a shortstop now.” He's athletic with smooth actions and a plus arm, and he has the size and swing for at least average power potential and maybe a bit more, although it will likely come with a good share of strikeouts.
Draft skinny: Russell has been creeping up boards, and while he's drawn some interest from teams in the 10-15 range, 16-20 is a more realistic expectation.

17. Gavin Cecchini, SS, Barbe HS (LA)
Who he is: The younger brother of Red Sox third baseman Garin, but a very different player. Gavin is smaller and more athletic, and a plus defensive shortstop who should stay at the position all the way up the ladder. He's a plus runner as well, and has outstanding baseball instincts. While Garin is arguably the best pure hitter in the Red Sox system, Gavin comes with questions about his bat. He has a smooth line drive stroke but little projection for power, so he'll have to develop a good approach to find his secondary skills.
Draft skinny: Pure shortstops in the draft are always a much-desired commodity, and Cecchini's name is in play for nearly every pick in the teens.

18. Michael Wacha, RHP, Texas A&M
Who he is: Wacha certainly passes the eye-test as a six-foot-six righty with long levers. His stuff is solid, with a plus fastball that sits in the low 90s and touches 95 and a true plus changeup, but his slurvy breaking ball needs considerable refinement. His delivery is easy and he throws a ton of strikes, which should help him speed through the minor leagues.
Draft skinny: Wacha's upside is as a No. 3 starter—more likely a No. 4—but his status as one of the safer picks will likely have him picked higher than this ranking.

19. Ty Hensley, RHP, Santa Fe HS (OK)
Who he is: Oklahoma has become a hotbed for high school power arms, and Hensley is this year's version. His six-foot-five power build has drawn comparisons to a young Mark Appel, and his low-to-mid 90s fastball and power curve are both plus offerings. He's still more of a thrower than a pitcher; he needs to throw more strikes and find a changeup.
Draft skinny: Hensley's size, arm strength and athleticism should make him a sure fire first-round pick, and he's a candidate to go anywhere from 15-25.

20. Chris Stratton, RHP, Mississippi State
Who he is: A polished pitcher with a three-pitch mix, with his low 90s fastball, slider and changeup all earning average-to-plus grades and playing up due to his ability to locate. He's seen as an is-what-he-is type without much projection, and at nearly 22 years old, his age is an issue.
Draft skinny: Stratton is a safe pick who could go higher than this ranking to a college-focused team, likely not outside the 15-20 range.