Top Shortstops Ranking in the MLB Draft

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. 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/ 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 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. 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. 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



9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #3 pick overall - Christian Colon, SS - Cal State Fullerton - Baltimore seems to love Cal State Fullerton infielders. On top of this Baltimore is stacked with quality pitching, outfielders, and their catcher Matt Wieters. They lack some infield depth and this is great selection to nail down the middle of the Orioles infield in the future.



10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 4. Kansas City Royals – Christian Colon, SS, Cal State Fullerton- (1st SS picked in draft) – Colon may have broken his leg at the end of Team USA’s season, but that was only after he had established himself as the best all-around position player in the 2010 college class. He’s a good fielder with good instincts, a good hitter, and there’s really nothing he’s bad at. People will whine about his lack of dazzling tools, but Colon’s got a solid toolset with a solid skillset with great makeup, and there’s no reason to think he can’t be an above-average Major League shortstop in relatively short order. Assuming he recovers fully from the broken leg, he’s a top ten pick with a good spring.



10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #35 – Christian Colon – 2nd SS on list



10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - SS Christian Colon - I guess my lack of love for his game comes from me severely underrating the value of a league average big league shortstop (a rookie mistake on my part, I admit) and also being less than impressed when seemingly every scouting report about Colon begins and ends with talk about his personality, leadership, and the way he makes the most of his average at best tools. No doubt Colon’s makeup is totally off the charts and his defensive chops make him a slam dunk to stick at short professionally, but I tend to focus more on the “average at best tools” part of that discussion than the “personality” and “leadership.” I’m both ready and willing to convinced I’m totally wrong on Colon, but that’s where things stand now. For what it’s worth, I’ve only seen Colon play once since watching him in person in high school, so maybe I’m judging him unfairly based on my limited and outdated memory of his skills. Also, for what it’s worth, I have a scouting buddy who has seen Colon play a ton from his junior year of high school until this past summer and he absolutely loves everything about Colon’s game.



10-8 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Christian Colon, Cal State Fullerton - A broken leg won’t keep Colon down, and I think he’ll come back quite effectively for the spring season. He doesn’t really have any plus-plus tools, but he’s a great all-around player and the best middle infield prospect available in the 2010 class. Projected draft slot: Early-first to mid-first round.



10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #8 – (1st SS picked) - Christian Colon



11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 6- SS Christian Colon (1st SS on list)



11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #6 - Christian Colon, SS - Cal State Fullerton - Arizona will jump all over Colon at this spot. With Stephen Drew eligible for free agency in a few years, Colon will be the perfect replacement. (1st SS on list)



11-7-9 from www.mlbresource.com: - Christian Colon, SS Cal State Fullerton - Colon is a spark plug that has a plus bat and outstanding baseball instincts. He is a spark plug type player.



11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - SS Christian Colon – yes, he did break his leg a few months ago, but no every day player has the kind of ceiling Colon has and he’s a shortstop to boot. (1st SS on list)



11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 3. Baltimore -- Christian Colon, SS, Cal St. Fullerton. BAL has gone with arms the past two years with their first pick, but Colon (provided healthy) could be a slot signing that addresses a glaring organizational weakness while providing security by way of excellent plate discipline and defense.



11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #3 - Baltimore Orioles Cristian Colon (SS, Cal St. Fullerton) (1st SS on list)











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: 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.



8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: looks great in a uniform as well, ball off the wood jumps when he makes solid contact, pulls off the ball some, runs well underway, solid ave at the worst, also showed ML arm strength.





8-6: From 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 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.



9-7: From www.perfectgame.com on the AFLAC games: what can you say about this young man? He's much older than the competition he's played against, he should dominate them and the best position for him is probably the outfield corner. Butchered many ground balls in the attempts I saw. On the hill he's just ok, he doesn't repeat velocity/delivery extension consistent enough. Upper cut stroke will get eaten up in pro ball and expose him. Lots of room to get better, but basically, what you see now is what you will get later, in my opinion.



9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on www.minors.mlbblogs.com: - Yordy Cabrera showed good power and a nice swing -- it reminded some of Andruw Jones's finish -- though since he's a little older (he'll be 19 1/2 come next year's Draft), he's tougher to evaluate.





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)



9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #6 pick overall - Yordy Cabrera, SS - Lakeland HS (FL) - The Mets have a ton of needs for their farm system at the moment. Fernando Martinez is the crown jewel and 2010 will be his season. I would love to see the Mets go into a full rebuild mode (not sure how that would go over in New York but I think it is needed). The Mets do have a strong core of players in David Wright, Johan Santana, and Carlos Beltran. However, their is not much to surround them unless Jose Reyes goes back to form and Martinez ends up being the real deal. The Mets to me should pattern their plan after Boston's. Build a farm system starting with trades for multiple prospects for guys like Santana or even Wright and then draft good young talent. The Mets then have the financial resources to surround these players with some big money free agents. Right now I think the Mets need to take one step back to move two steps forward. Yordy Cabrera would be a perfect fit as he brings a young athletic infielder who can play all over. He hits for power and would be a great start to a new farm system. He has committed to play college ball at the University of Miami.



10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 25. St. Louis Cardinals – Yordy Cabrera, SS, Lakeland HS (FL) – (4th SS picked in draft) - Remember what I said about Machado being big? Cabrera’s bigger. That’s why many scouts think Cabrera’s eventually going to outgrow shortstop, where he shows consistently good actions and range. He’s a bit of a hacker at the plate, but he’s got plus tools there, too. He’s fast, too, with a plus arm, so he’s what you might consider a true five-tool player in a relatively weak class for tools. If Cabrera turns out a great senior year, he could be compared favorably to Jio Mier of the Astros, and I see him being a solid first-round pick.



10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – 11th on list – IF/OF Yorby Cabrera



10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - INF/OF/RHP Yordy Cabrera - Something about those draft eligible sophomores always intrigues me. I haven’t talked to many people who think Cabrera will stick at shortstop professionally, but he’s so darn talented across the board that I’d be willing to gamble on him being productive wherever he winds up on the diamond.



10-8 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com – Yordy Cabrera, Lakeland HS (FL) Florida always seems to be brimming with prep shortstops, and this year is no different. Some scouts prefer Cabrera to Machado, though Cabrera’s bigger and might be a long-term third baseman. He needs to work on his plate discipline and pitch recognition skills, as he might become the next Miguel Tejada in those areas at the plate without major work. Projected draft position: Late-first to mid-second round.



10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #27 – (4th SS picked) - Yordy Cabrera



11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 20- SS Yordy Cabrera (3rd SS on list)



11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #21 - Yordy Cabrera, SS - Lakeland (FL) - I see Minnesota taking one of three players in this selection with the others being Manny Machado and Derek Dietrich. Cabrera to me right now has more upside and a chance to be a power hitting shortstop or third basemen in the big leagues. (4th SS on list)



11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 12. Yordy Cabrera, ss/rhp
Lakeland (Fla.) HS
College Commitment: Miami - A strong and athletic 6-foot-4, 190-pounder, Cabrera offers power potential, good arm strength and sound defensive actions. (3rd SS on list)



11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 3. Baltimore Orioles- Christian Colon, SS, Cal State Fullerton - Colon is the best position player in the draft. The Orioles are pitching heavy, and Colon would be a nice fit in the system. He does everything well, and the Orioles are in need of an impact position player in the system. (1st SS picked)



11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 27.Philadelphia Phillies- Yordy Cabrera, SS, Lakeland HS(FL) - One of the best power displays I've seen from a HS player. During the week of the AFLAC game Cabrera put on a show in the first round at the University of San Diego. He is big, so he might outgrow SS, but either way, his bat is special. (3rd SS picked)



11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 25. SS Yorby Cabrera – many of us had him much higher six months ago, but he’s still a first rounder in a weak draft. (4th SS on list)



11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 17. Tampa Bay -- Yordy Cabrera, SS/RHP, Lakeland HS (FL). Cabrera has soft hands and the footwork to play up the middle, though he may grow out of the six-spot and into the hot corner -- his bat should play, regardless.



11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #12 - Cincinnati Reds Yordy Cabrera (3B, Lakeland, FL) (1st 3B on list)





3. Manny Machado - Brito HS (FL)



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



9-27 from: http://web.usabaseball.com: The USA Baseball 18U National Team logged a seven-run inning for a third consecutive day in a 14-0 run-rule shutout Sunday against Panama in the third day of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Junior Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium. Tony Wolters and Manny Machado notched three hits apiece.



9/27 from: http://web.usabaseball.com: Bryce Harper and Manny Machado each drove in two runs in a seven-run third inning to lead the USA Baseball 18U National Team to a 14-0 run-rule shutout against Argentina Saturday in Day 2 of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium.



9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #18 pick overall - Manny Machado, SS - Brito Miami Private HS (FL) - It has been a long time since the Twins have taken an infielder this high in the draft but this could be the year. It almost seems like a yearly need for the Twins to have a main stay at SS and hopefully Machado can be this guy. If Colon gets here, which is unlikely the Twins could not pass on him.



9-29: From: http://www.baseballrumormill.com – Manny Machado's performance from the 18-and-under trials had a few scouts worried about how his defense would project professionally. While the defensive questions may not have been answered, Machado hit extremely well in the USA's first three games, at least temporarily making scouts forget about possible defensive deficiencies. Against Aruba in the opener, Machado was 3 for 4 with a HR, 2RBI and three runs scored in Team USA's 13-3 win. He followed up that performance with 3 RBI in the USA's 14-0 blanking of Argentina.



9-30: From: http://web.usabaseball.com: - Karsten Whitson, Connor Mason and Kevin Gausman combined on a three-hitter, and an opportunistic offense took advantage of five errors as the USA Baseball 18U National Team remained unbeaten with a 19-0 run-rule shutout of Colombia Monday on Day 4 of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Junior Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium. Garin Cecchini made it a 3-0 game with an RBI double. The team then added four more runs in the second on Tony Wolters' two-run double and a two-run home run by Bryce Harper, a towering blast to right field. Team USA erupted for five runs in the fifth on two hits and two Columbia errors, with Brian Ragira's two-run double the big hit in the at bat. Wolters ended up with three RBIs. Harper, Cecchini, Ragira and Kavin Keyes had two apiece. Keyes also had three hits. Harper, Cecchini and Manny Machado each scored three runs.

10-3 from www.baseballrumormill.com: - Manny Machado Dominates 18-And-Under Tournament - The 18-and-under Team USA squad dominated pool play this week at the 2009 COPABE Pan Am "AAA" Championships. After going 3-0 in their first three games this past weekend, Team USA followed those games up with three more wins this week. On Monday Team USA defeated Columbia 19-0, beat Cuba 9-5 on Wednesday and finished up pool play with a 6-3 win over Venezuela on Thursday. While AJ Vanegas and Jameson Taillon led the way with solid pitching performances, it was Manny Machado who stole the show for Team USA. Machado performed well in Team USA's opening games this weekend and finished pool play with an impressive stat line: 435/536/739 with two home runs, nine RBI and nine runs scored in six games. If there are still concerns about Machado's defense, scouts are less likely to care as his bat continues to impress.



10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 21. Minnesota Twins – Manny Machado, SS, Brito Private HS (FL) – (2nd SS picked in draft) - Machado’s a polarizing player in the scouting ranks, as there’s an argument raging over whether Machado’s a true shortstop or not. It’s not hard to follow either side’s argument. On the plus side, Machado can turn in some plays that look truly middle infielder-esque numerous times over the course of the game. On the minus side, he can sometimes look stiff and show minus hands. In addition, the first thing you notice about him when you watch him is how big he looks for the shortstop position. Not everyone can be Cal Ripken and handle shortstop in the bigs at that size. I’m not putting down his athleticism. It’s solid. So is the arm. But with a Yunel Escobar-like bat wrap and overall questions about his bat, the defense is what’s going to determine his draft slot.



10-8 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Manny Machado, Brito Private HS (FL) - Machado’s a big kid for a shortstop, but he’s athletic and shows flashes of being a good defender. He has a bat wrap, but he’s actually hit the ball really well, especially with Team USA, where he was the best hitter on the 18U team. Projected draft position: Mid-first to early-second round.



10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #12 – (2nd SS picked) – Manny Machado



10-24 from www.baseballrumormll.com: - top 10 prospects: - 8. Manny Machado, SS (only SS on list), Brito Miami Private HS, FL: Before his play with Team USA at the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Championships, some scouts were concerned about Machado's defense. While Machado's defense was unremarkable during play, this bat was spectacular. In pool play, Machado hit 435/536/739 with two home runs, nine RBI and nine runs scored in six games.



11-2 from www.thehardballtimes.com: - Manny Machado, SS, 2010, Hialeah, Fla., Royals Baseball Club - I bet he doesn’t get past the first round come June. Machado has a big (6-foot-3), athletic frame with plenty of filling out left. His actions at shortstop were graceful and smooth, and he seemed to have plenty of arm. The exciting thing about Machado is his power potential. His swing was a little long, and he did hack a bit. But he was right on 90-plus mph fastballs, and generates a lot of loft with his long arms and aggressive cuts. If there’s one thing that will get teams excited, it’s a combination of power potential and athleticism at a key position. Check all three boxes for Machado. I am a little concerned, however, about his ability to hit for average. He seems to be a fastball-only hitter right now (a great fastball hitter, but still…), and while his long arms generate power, they also generate a long swing.



11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 16- SS Manny Machado (2nd SS on list)



11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #22 - - Manny Machado, SS - Brito Private (FL) - Machado provides a nice young infielder to an organization that just put their best infielder in the big leagues with Elvis Andrus. Machado can play both middle positions and gives the Rangers options in case Andrus becomes too pricey. (5th SS on list)



11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 4. Manny Machado, ss
Brito HS, Miami
College Commitment: Florida International - A 6-foot-2, 180-pound shortstop with true major-league actions in the field, Machado makes consistent contact at the plate and should develop above-average power. (1st SS on list)



11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 21. Minnesota Twins- Manny Machado, INF, Brito Private HS(FL) - Machado has some questions on his bat, and if he can stay at shortstop. In both cases, I trust that he can stay at shortstop even if he is already 6'2. He takes good routes to the ball and is relatively smooth. He hits the ball hard, and can handle fastballs well. (2nd SS picked)



11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 7. SS Manny Machado – another of those stock rising guys, Machado will easily go in the first 15 picks. (2nd SS on list)



11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 27. Philadelphia -- Manny Machado, SS, Brito Private HS (FL). Philly leans towards projectable and toolsy, and Machado gets a check in both boxes. He could be off the board well before here if he continues to progress through the spring.



11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #18 - Seattle Mariners - Manny Machado (SS, Miami FLA) (2nd SS on list)




4. Rick Hague – 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. 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



9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #30 pick overall - Rick Hague, SS – Rice - It never seems like the Dodgers draft in the first round because they usually sign a big free agent but as of right now I think they take the SS out of Rice. Tall and lanky kid built in the Troy Tulowitzki/Bobby Crosby mold.



10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 22. Texas Rangers – Rick Hague, SS, Rice – (3rd SS picked in draft) - Once again, the Rangers might go with a Texas product in Hague. This pick is protected against a player not signing, so maybe they pick a riskier player here. While I list Hague as a shortstop here, I wouldn’t be surprised to see someone take him as a third baseman after his plus-plus fielding run there with Team USA this summer. He’d be a solid-average, perhaps a bit better, defensive shortstop, though he might slow down a bit too much for the position quickly as a result of his great work ethic in gaining strength. His hitting should be solid, and while he doesn’t have above-average power and pitch recognition, he’s coachable and should improve continually in pro ball. He’s a late first-rounder in most scenarios at this point.



10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #34 – Rick Hague – 1st SS on list



10-8 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Rick Hague, Rice - Hague played third base for Team USA this summer, but he’s probably going to stick at shortstop in pro ball with some improvement. He’s a solid hitter with some work to do with his approach, but he’s got the natural talent to be an above-average hitter from the shortstop position. He might eventually have to move to third base, but he proved he’s an excellent fielder there this summer, so that’s not necessarily a horrible thing. Projected draft slot: Mid-first to early-second round.



10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #20 – (3rd SS picked) – Rick Hague



10-21 from www.mlbresource.com: - Blake's Scouting Report - Hague has smooth hands at short for a big guy with outstanding range and a strong enough arm where I can see him staying at SS. I project him to be a plus defender with a chance to be ever better. He has the potential with some added strength to be 20-30 HR hitter in the big leagues but right now I see him as more of a gap-to-gap hitter with 10-15 a year. I could definitely see someone taking Hague earlier than Colon as some may project him more with his body size and power potential. Look for Hague to have his name called early on Day 1 of the draft.



11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #20 - Rick Hague, SS - Rice - This draft has a ton of guys at the top that could have people wondering why they weren't drafted higher. Hague could very well be one of them. He is a big shortstop in the Troy Tulowitzki mold but hits left handed. Solid pick for Atlanta. (3rd SS on list)



11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 25. St. Louis -- Rick Hague, SS, Rice. The Cardinals get back to their comfort zone -- college kids in the first round -- and grab the talented Rice defender with good pop for the position.


5. Derek Dietrich – 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



10-8 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Derek Dietrich, Georgia Tech - Dietrich is another guy that might be a third baseman, but his position for now is shortstop. He really struggled this summer on the Cape, and there’s a lot of doubt about both his bat and glove. He’s got an average hit tool with average raw power, but he strikes out a lot. He does run the count up, but he ends up striking out just too much. His glove isn’t that good, either, and in all likelihood he’s a third baseman. Projected draft position: Supplemental-first to late-second round.



11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #27 - Derek Dietrich, SS - Georgia Tech - Dietrich provides Philadelphia with a quality middle infielder and I think Philly has to take Dietrich or one of the previous shortstops taken if they are available at this spot. This will add nice infield depth. (6th SS on list)



11-27 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 54th top college player for the 2010 season.



6. Zach Alvord – (up from 8th) - South Forsyth HS (GA) – 6-0, 180 –

7-29: From 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 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 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 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.



10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #46 - Zach Alford - 5th SSW on list



10-8 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com – Zach Alvord, South Forsyth HS (GA) Alvord is a skilled player from Georgia that profiles as a decent shortstop or plus second baseman. He is a very skilled hitter with a plus hit tool and possible plus power, and much of his value is wrapped up in his bat. He has a great chance to rise a lot between now and June, but he needs to keep hitting to attract scouting attention, as he’s not an extremely good athlete. Projected draft position: Early-second to mid-third round.



11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 41- SS Zach Alvord (5th SS on list)



7. Garin Cecchini – (up from 9th) - Barbe HS (LA) – 6-3, 190 –



7-29: from www.baseballfactory.com: - Cecchini is athletic at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. He has good power from the left side of the plate. In the field, he’s fundamentally sound with a good arm, above-average speed and he plays the game hard.



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 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!



9-30: From: http://web.usabaseball.com: - Karsten Whitson, Connor Mason and Kevin Gausman combined on a three-hitter, and an opportunistic offense took advantage of five errors as the USA Baseball 18U National Team remained unbeaten with a 19-0 run-rule shutout of Colombia Monday on Day 4 of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Junior Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium. Garin Cecchini made it a 3-0 game with an RBI double. The team then added four more runs in the second on Tony Wolters' two-run double and a two-run home run by Bryce Harper, a towering blast to right field. Team USA erupted for five runs in the fifth on two hits and two Columbia errors, with Brian Ragira's two-run double the big hit in the at bat. Wolters ended up with three RBIs. Harper, Cecchini, Ragira and Kavin Keyes had two apiece. Keyes also had three hits. Harper, Cecchini and Manny Machado each scored three runs.



11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 32 -SS Garin Cecchini – (4th SS on list)



11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 13. Garin Cecchini, ss
Barbe HS, Lake Charles, La.
College Commitment: Louisiana State - Cecchini has an athletic 6-foot-2, 200-pound build with a smooth lefthanded swing and the defensive tools that profile well at third base. (3rd SS on list)



11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 32. New York Yankees- Garin Cecchini, SS, Barbe HS(LA) - Cecchini has been flying up the boards. The Yankees have to start thinking of a long term replacement for Derek Jeter. Cecchini will need time to develop in the minors, and by the time he's ready, Jeter might be done. (4th SS picked)



11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 30. SS Garin Cecchini – one of my wild cards, I project him out as a late first rounder. I also like his name. (5th SS on list)



8. Marcus Littlewood –- 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)



9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #28 pick overall - Marcus Littlewood, SS - Pineview HS (UT) - Utah does not usually feature very good high school talent but Littlewood has slipped through the cracks and could go in the first round. He is a switch hitting middle infielder with smooth hands and a great feel for the game. He as well is committed to go to the University of San Diego.


9. Tony Wolters – Ranco Buena Vista HS (CA) –


8-17 from 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 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 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.



9-27 from: http://web.usabaseball.com: The USA Baseball 18U National Team logged a seven-run inning for a third consecutive day in a 14-0 run-rule shutout Sunday against Panama in the third day of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Junior Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium. Tony Wolters and Manny Machado notched three hits apiece.



9-30: From: http://web.usabaseball.com: - Karsten Whitson, Connor Mason and Kevin Gausman combined on a three-hitter, and an opportunistic offense took advantage of five errors as the USA Baseball 18U National Team remained unbeaten with a 19-0 run-rule shutout of Colombia Monday on Day 4 of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Junior Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium. Garin Cecchini made it a 3-0 game with an RBI double. The team then added four more runs in the second on Tony Wolters' two-run double and a two-run home run by Bryce Harper, a towering blast to right field. Team USA erupted for five runs in the fifth on two hits and two Columbia errors, with Brian Ragira's two-run double the big hit in the at bat. Wolters ended up with three RBIs. Harper, Cecchini, Ragira and Kavin Keyes had two apiece. Keyes also had three hits. Harper, Cecchini and Manny Machado each scored three runs.



10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – 21st on list – MIF Anthony Wolters



10-8 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com – Anthony Wolters, Rancho Buena Vista HS (CA) - Wolters is the only major prep prospect in this class that might turn out to be a second baseman in the long-term. He’s got a plus hit tool and is a heady player, and while he isn’t blessed with all the tools of the players listed above, he’s one of the better on-field performers in this class. Projected draft position: Early-second to early-third round.



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


8-6: From 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.



10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #42 – Sean O’Brien – 3rd SS on list



10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - SS Sean O’Brien - I realize I have O’Brien lower than Colon on this list, but I’m not quite sure why. I’m a man who loves upside, and O’Brien’s ceiling is higher than just about any other shortstop in this year’s class. Of course, I’m also a realistic enough fellow who can readily admit that Colon is a much more certain bet to reach his upside than O’Brien.






11. Taijauna Walker –



10-3 from www.baseballrumormill.com: - 2010 MLB Draft Name To Watch: Taijuan Walker - A multi-sport star at California's Yucaipa HS, Taijuan Walker, is flying up the rankings for available prospects in the 2010 MLB draft. At 6'5" and 200 lbs, Walker, a right handed pitcher and shortstop, has a great body for a prospect, especially as a high schooler. As a pitcher, Walker provides everything a scout is looking for in a young prospect: good size, speed and movement in his pitches and a projectable arm slot. Though Walker has only recently been "discovered" as a pitcher, he's been a familiar name to scouts because of his work at shortstop last season, playing alongside Matt Davidson.



12. Josh Rutledge – Alabama –



7/07 fr. 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



10-7 from: - www.mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Josh Rutledge---SS---The captain of the infield is one of the most players that just doesn't have a glaring weakness. He can run, hit, field, and is a leader. He as well as Wilson and perhaps Smith could be high picks in the draft. Last year he hit .305 and I am sure he will improve upon that in 2010.







13. Blake Kelso – (up from 18th) Houston – junior… R/R… junior… 2009: played in all 58 games: .335, 16-2B, 3-3B, 2-HR, 23-RBI, 12-SB… played Cape Cod 2009 ball: .260





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



10-17: from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - voted the 95th top player in college baseball in 2010





14. 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!













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



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



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













18. Jacoby Jones – Richton HS (MS) –



8-6: From 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. Jacob May -



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







20. Kevin Haas – Akron –



10-7 from: - www.mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Kevin Haas---SS---Slick fielding Haas continues to play defensive and hit for a high average. The senior will once again be the leader of the infield and along with Plata and Kordal asked to carry the load that was left when power hitting Matt Roberts left after last season.



21. Ryan Hudson– UT-San Antonio – junior… 2009: .343, 17-HR, 43-RBI, .719 Slug%

10-15 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com: - ranked as the 96th top college player for the 2010 season



22. Bryce Ortega – Arizona – junior…

10-24 from www.mlbresource.com: - Top Returning Players - Bryce Ortega---SS--- Ortega is a junior this year and returns as the starting shortstop. Hitting .324 with 16 SB shows that Arizona has a true leadoff hitter that will look to spark the Cats this season.





23. Chris Triplett –



11-2 from www.thehardballtimes.com: - Chris Triplett, Royals Baseball Club—Athletic, plus defensive 2010 SS with plus speed. Limited power for now.





24. Brandon Macias (new) – Kansas… junior…



11-9-9 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: JR SS Brandon Macias (2010), another Kansas infielder with plus arm strength. Macias has very good defensive tools that should play up with as he gains experience playing at the highest level of collegiate ball. He has enough pop in his bat to go along with above-average speed to make him an interesting five-tool player to watch this spring.