Pages

9/26/09

Top Shortstops in 2010 MLB Draft - Updated




1. Christian Colon – Cal State Fullerton – excellent defense… only 11 errors as a sophomore… projects out as catcher… handles the bat well… could be best infielder in the draft… toolsy… led the 2008 US National team with 26 hits… hits to all fields… excellent defensive player with strong arm, great hands, and incredible range… excellent power for middle fielder… great bat speed… walked only 7.8% in 2009… drafted in the 10th round in 2007 by the Padres… freshman All-American… hit .352 as sophomore… projected as second baseman.

7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/: Colon was very highly thought of out of high school, winning the MVP of the Aflac All-American game in 2007, but slid to the 10th round due to a mediocre spring and a strong commitment to the baseball factory in Fullerton. A full-time starter from the day he set foot on campus, Colon managed a .357/.442/.529 line in 2009 with 26 of his 91 hits going for extra bases. Colon shows great contact ability, only whiffing 8.0% of the time last year. Defensively he has a strong arm, solid range and outstanding instincts. Colon has always been seen as a very smart player who maximizes his abilities. While he doesn’t have the raw tools of a Grant Green or Brandon Crawford, Colon looks like a very solid bet to be an average big leaguer.

7/08: Colon became the new USA Baseball National Team (Collegiate) record holder for stolen bases in a game after he tallied four.

7-09: Fr. Keith Law/ http://www.espn.com/ : His speed is suspect and that's usually a red flag for playing shortstop, but Law insists that he can play the position at the pro level.
7-13: As of July 13, hitting .400 with a pair of homers and 27 RBIs.

7-14: hit a three-run home run in the fourth to lead Team USA to an 8-4 victory over Japan in game three of the 37th Annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate Championships. Also, hit a three-run HR.

7-20: homered in the first inning , scored on a wild pitch in the 8th, and doubled in the 9th, for Team USA win over Team Canada
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 7. Pittsburgh Pirates - Christian Colon Shortstop Cal State Fullerton - -Even with a deeper class, Colon has all the tools to be the best infielder in 2010. Colon, who participated on the 2008 US National Team and led the team with 26 hits, has incredible bat control and great speed. He hits the ball to all fields and has shown some flashes of power that could develop once he begins to inch closer to the major league level. Colon is the best defender in this class, as he has incredible range, great hands, and a strong arm.


7-23: hit 2-run home run for Team USA in 10-2 win over Team Prince George Axemen


7-24: Colon broke both his tibia and fibula, on his left leg, during a game he played for Team USA against Team Canada. He is expected to be out from 2-3 months.


8-2: from 6-16 article http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/: Colon has special hands defensively and is one of the steadiest defenders in college baseball, making only 11 errors as a sophomore. Some scouts have expressed a desire to move him behind the plate as a pro because his range is fringy at the pro level, and he has a squat body and plenty of arm strength. But Colon has middle-infield actions that are increasingly hard to find at the college level, and handles the bat well, with enough power to demand respect.


8-24 fr. http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Amidst the kudos for Colon's intangibles and makeup, it's easy to overlook his talent, and his production. A second-team All-American as Cal State Fullerton's sophomore shortstop this spring, Colon ratcheted his game to another level this summer, hitting .362/.459/.617 and leading Team USA in slugging, home runs (five), RBIs (37), runs (31) and stolen bases (24 in 26 attempts). He also drew 11 walks and struck out a team-low six times despite registering a team-high 94 at-bats. For his impressive offensive production—and, yes, for his valuable leadership—Colon is Baseball America's Summer Player of the Year…


8-24 fr. http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - But Colon's summer was cut short in Team USA's penultimate game against Canada. Colon was covering second base on a bunt to third, and he received the throw in plenty of time to get the out and fire a relay to first. But the runner slid hard and late, colliding with Colon's shin. Colon suffered breaks in his fibia and tibia, forcing him to miss the title game of the World Baseball Challenge two days later. Both breaks were clean, and Colon was already walking around 15 days after the surgery, albeit with a limp. He is expected to make a full recovery well before the start of the 2010 season, but he will likely miss all of fall ball.


9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 6. Christian Colon, ss Cal State Fullerton


9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1 – #2 overall pick - Christian Colon, SS - Cal State Fullerton




2. Yorby Cabrera – Lakeland HS (FL) – 6-3, 195 – verbally committed to Miami… father Tigers’ minor league coach… also a pitcher but projected as a third baseman… FB 94 range… pro arm in the field…


From: http://www.baseballfactory.com/ - Cabrera is a physically mature young man with two-way talent. In the infield he shows a quick first step, sure hands and a plus arm. At the plate, he uses strong wrists and hands to generate plus bat speed with pull side power. Although he is more appealing as a position player prospect at this time, Cabrera also throws a low 90s fastball on the mound. He attended a Team One Preview in Floria and played in the Under Armour Fall Tournament as a member of the All-American Prospects – a UA Franchise Team. He has verbally committed to the University of Miami.


8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Cabrera has a pro body and all the tools you look for in a young player. At the plate, he has strong wrists and forearms that generate good bat speed and produce hard line drives. The Miami recruit runs a 6.6-second 60-yard dash with fluid actions and above-average arm strength in the field and on the mound, where he touches 92 mph.


8-17 from http://www.baseballamerica.com/ re: AFLAC games - The home run derby was won by Yordy Cabrera (Lakeland, Fla., HS). Cabrera is an older, more mature high schooler whose uppercut, pull-oriented swing enables him to drive the ball deep to left center. He'll be 20 years old a few months after his graduation in 2010.


8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - A physically imposing high schooler, Cabrera is listed at 6’4, 190 pounds. His body looks pro ready already, although he is much older than the other players at the event. Cabrera showed off his power all week long, including hitting eight homers during the first round of the home run derby at the University of San Diego, then hitting five out at PETCO. He hit some monster shots at USD and he makes it look easy. He was dead pull all week and it will be interesting to see how he handles the outside pitch, and if he is able to go the other way with it. He has good bloodlines, as his father is a coach in the Detroit Tigers system.


9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 12. Yordy Cabrera, ss/rhp Lakeland (Fla.) HS


9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1 – #6 overall pick - Yordy Cabrera, SS - Lakeland HS (FL)



3. Tony Wolters – Ranco Buena Vista HS (CA) -

8-17 from http://www.baseballamerica.com/ re: AFLAC games - Middle infielder Tony Wolters, who was named MVP of the game, is noticeably unimpressive in build and tools, but inevitably impressive in results. Wolters (Rancho Buena Vista HS, Vista, Calif.) looks more like the neighborhood paper boy than a top prospect. Charitably listed at 5-foot-10 and 165 pounds, Wolters has a squat build and possesses no standout tools. As an example, he ran a pedestrian 7.15 60-yard dash in the SPARQ testing at the Area Code Games. Wolters' strengths are subtle. He won't hit 500-foot homers, get down the line in 3.9 seconds, or throw a 95 mph heater. As Leo Durocher once said of Eddie Stanky, "All the little (guy) can do is win." A lefthanded-hitting middle infielder who profiles as a second baseman in pro ball, Wolters is an intelligent hitter with an advanced approach. He ripped an outside 92 mph fastball to left for a hit early in the game. In the ninth, Wolters smartly dropped the bat head down to catch up to a low inside pitch, driving it down the right-field line for a triple which tied the score. Defensively, Wolters reads the ball coming off the bat unusually well, permitting him to add crucial steps to his lateral range. He exhibits quality fielding actions, an accurate arm and the ability to make difficult and routine plays efficiently and without flash.

8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Wolters was the game’s Most Valuable Player, going 2-4 with an RBI triple to tie the game late. He is a fun player to watch because he is very undersized at 5-10, 165. He does all the small things well, and he has a cannon for an arm across the diamond. Very solid defensive player and can handle the fastball well at the plate. It will be very interesting to see where he ends up in the draft, or if he heads to college next season. He is going to be a special player.


9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on http://www.minors.mlbblogs.com/: - He really knows how to play the game. He's got good hands and a strong arm. The only thing that might keep him from being **** down the road is below-average speed, but he could be the type who sticks because of instincts and positioning. At the plate, he should hit for plenty of average, but not a lot of power.


9-7: From http://www.perfectgame.com/ on the AFLAC games: - can play either middle inf positions, just works at it, ave at best runner, better quickness, puts the bat on the ball, good eye reads as a hitter, playable arm and 50 fielder. Top 50 HS for sure. Projection 4-7 rounds if he doesn't lean to college next year.


9-26 from: http://www.baseballrumormill.com: - While Bryce Harper and Jameson Taillon dominated the reports from the USA Baseball 18-and-under team trials, a number of lesser-known players also had good performances which landed them on the roster. At 5'10" and only 165 lbs, Tony Wolters is not the ideal size for a major league prospect. However, Wolters showed a solid bat at the trials along with above-average speed. His defense is good enough to allow him to play second base and maybe even shortstop.



4. Rick Hague – (up from 6th) - Rice – junior… 6-2, 190, R/R… excellent fielder and capable hitter… great attitude and team player… from the Rice web site: Wayne Graham said -- "We view Ricky Hague as one of the top shortstops in college baseball and expect him to be one of the better hitters around. We expect big things both in the field and with the bat."7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/: SS’s Derek Dietrich of Georgia Tech and Rice’s Rick Hague have big time problems making contact, Hague is the only sure bet to stick at short, where he is very, VERY good….


7-23: went 3-4 for Team USA (HR) in 10-2 win against Prince George Axemen


8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: smooth fielders, 60 arm, 60 hitter with 50 power, runs ok, 4.28 to 1b, better on the way runner, could be first IF taken in 2010 draft. Playing for team USA also this summer.


9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 10. Rick Hague, ss Rice



5. Zach Alvord – South Forsyth HS (GA) – 6-0, 180 –


7-29: From http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - Zach is a two way player at SS and on the mound with a tall, thin frame that does show projection as it continues to physically mature. He does project best at SS where he has a ton of athletic ability. Foot speed is outstanding as indicated by his 6.91 60 time and he utilizes his quick, athletic feet well in coming to get and playing through, displaying plus foot work. At the plate, hitting abilities are superior with outstanding power. Hands are quick and direct, generating bat speeds with a solid feel for the barrel. On the mound, Alvord has abilities. Fastball shows solid arm side run with 2 solid average off speed pitches. He throws strikes and attacks hitters working ahead. Zach has a big upside and future in the game of baseball and will get a lot of attention from the college coach and scouts.


8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Alvord had a great junior year. He hit .336 and, of his 41 hits, 32 of them went for extra bases—16 doubles and 16 home runs. He didn't hit his first single until 12 games into the season. Alvord is athletic with good power for his size.


8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Alvord is a great shortstop prospect who can really hit the ball. During the week he put on some of the best BP sessions in San Diego. Alvord has a lot of pop in his bat and is one of the best power hitters in the country. He is also a smooth defensive shortstop and it was great to see him taking tips from Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith during the week. Alvord went 0-2 with a walk, but hit the ball hard and far in his second at bat against Peter Tago


9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on http://www.minors.mlbblogs.com/: - He played second in this game, but he's got the tools to play short for sure. He can really play defense. He has the chance to be a middle infielder who moves up quickly on draft boards next spring, kind of like Jio Mier did this year.


9-7: From http://www.perfectgame.com/ on the AFLAC games: - solid fielder, range is good, runs better on the way, good instincts and puts the ball on the bat. Steady player with an Auburn early verbal, I doubt that comes into to play too much if this young man keeps getting stronger as he has the last 3 years.



6. Manny Machado – (new) – Brito HS (FL)


9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 4. Manny Machado, ss Brito HS, Miami




7. Derek Dietrich – (up from 10th) - Georgia Tech – 6-1, 200, L/R -

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: solid hitter with plus power potential, solid arm strength at least a 60 with good glove, range for SS however still a question, appears more like a power hitting 3b or 2b in pro ball, however he'll have to play his way out of being a SS early in pro ball.


9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1 – #23 overall pick - Derek Dietrich, SS - Georgia Tech



8. Garin Cecchini – (up from 12th) - Barbe HS (LA) – 6-3, 190 -


8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: looks great in a uniform, live body, should get bigger and stronger with natural maturity, solid HR power to RF, runs well, better underway, ML arm strength and good hands to stay at SS.


8-15: from XMLBScout on http://www.perfectgame.com/: Garin Cecchini, what can you say? Played all out and didn't allow being hit by pitches to slow him down. Can you say "DEDICATION"?!!! Nice projection to play the hot corner eventually in the bigs! Gamer!


9. Justin O’Connor – (moved from RHP) - Cowan HS (IN) – also plays SS and hits well… fastball touches 99…


9-16: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/ : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 18. Justin O'Conner, ss/rhp Cowan HS, Muncie, Ind.



10. Josh Rutledge - Alabama –7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/: the University of Alabama should have the most talented left side of infield in college next year as SS Josh Rutledge and 3B Ross Wilson both have solid tools with decent power potential.7-17: went 2-3, 1-R, 1-RBI for Yarmouth-Dennis of the Cape Cod League



11. Ross Wilson – Alabama – 5-11, 175, R/R –

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: gamer, tools are there to be solid ML, winner mentality, 50 runner at the least, better on the way. Gotten a lot of ink lately!


12. Marcus Littlewood – (up from 20th) - Pineview HS, St. George, Utah –

9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: Mock Draft Version 1 – #27 overall pick - Marcus Littlewood, SS - Pineview HS (UT)



13. Brad Miller – Clemson – Sophomore… 6-0, 175… drafted in the 39th round by the Rangers in 2008… batted only .273 as freshman

14. Brandon Drury – Grants Pass HS ( OR) – 6-1, 180, R/R – excellent arm strength… good body control defensively… pure right hand swing…

15. James Harris – Etowah HS (GA) – 6-1, 190, L/R – very athletic… all-around toolsy talent…

16. Blake Kelso – Houston – junior… R/R…

7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .286, 11-RBI, 14-SB… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game

17. B. A. Vollmuth – Southern Miss – sophomore – R/R…

7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .289, 1-HR, 9-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game

18. Jacoby Jones – Richton HS (MS) –

8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Jones is an extremely good athlete that is exciting to watch. With a strong arm and a wirey frame with quick-twitch muscles, Jones has the tools to play multiple positions, including shortstop, third base and center field. He's an above-average runner with a high ceiling and has a verbal commitment to Louisiana State.

19. Sean O’Brien – Clearwater HS (FL) –

8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - at 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, O'Brien has a pro body and the makings of five good tools. He has a quiet approach in the batter's box with good balance. He consistently gets the barrel on the ball and hits hard line drives. In the field he is fluid with a strong arm.

20. Jacob May -


9-8: http://www.pgtracker.com/ lists as one of the top 10 high school players coming out of Ohio.

No comments:

Post a Comment