1. Kolbrin Vitek –
2-5: from www.collegebaseball360.com: Baseball America Pre-Season All American team: - Second Team - 2B Kolbrin Vitek, Ball State
2-9 from www.baseballamerica.com: - 2010 College Preseason All-Americans SECOND TEAM - 2B Kolbrin Vitek, Ball State Jr. R-R 6-3 195 .389 .465 .736 208 57 81 13 67 17
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 65th
3-10-10 from - http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/articles/DisplayArticle.aspx?article=2199 - KOLBRIN VITEK, 2b-rhp, Ball State - SCOUTING REPORT/Great Lakes League: Vitek (.400-6-38) won the triple crown in the Great Lakes League this summer and was also tops in hits (54), total bases (100) and doubles (16). It was not an altogether surprising offensive performance for Vitek, considering he hit .389-13-67 as a Ball State sophomore, leading the team in homers and RBIs. He also paced the Mid-American Conference and tied a single-season school mark for doubles with 25. He displayed excellent bat speed through the hitting zone with occasional loft power to all fields, along with good plate discipline. Some of the league’s veteran coaches said he was the most dominating righthanded hitter to play in the league in a number of years. Vitek put almost all of his focus this summer on hitting and actually spent most of the GLL season out of position at second base. Normally a pitcher and third baseman at Ball State, Vitek arrived with a fatigued shoulder after going 4-3, 5.65 in 57 innings as a weekend starter for the Cardinals, and it was determined he would spend the summer at second to rest his arm. He still managed to work three innings for Lake Erie. The versatile Vitek made only five errors at his interim position and displayed acceptable range and hands, but it was generally agreed that his superior arm strength was wasted at the position and better suited for the hot corner. Vitek has been clocked up to 92-93 mph off the mound. In addition to his superior hitting skills, Vitek has impressive foot speed and was clocked in 6.6 seconds in the 60 at the league’s all-star game. He stole 10 bases and showed advanced base-stealing skills.
3-24 from: http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/articles/DisplayArticle.aspx?article=2225: - Two-way talent Kolbrin Vitek was already starting to gain steam heading into the regular season and continues to hit the ball extremely well for Ball State. He’s hitting .392/.451/.658 to open the year, and also is pitching important innings as one of the team’s weekend starters. Most see him settling in at third base at the next level, and he has been discussed as a potential sandwich pick who has solid second- to third-round value
4-14 from: - http://pnrscouting.com/rankings_2010_midseason_secondbase.html - Kolbrin Vitek, Junior, Ball St. Univ. shoots to the top of the second base rankings off the strength of a fine first half, but also due to the failure of any other player to step-up and make their own claim to the slot. Vitek is slashing .420/.507/.739, while walking around once every seven at bats and posting a neat 1.0 BB/SO. He shows some pop and is a good athlete that moves well both on the bases and in the field.
4-25 from XMLBScout: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=4361060202&p=5 – First, saw 2b, Kolbrin Vitek of Ball St, 6'2 200, R/R, strong kid, good makeup, DH'd on the day but did take grounders at 2b and threw some in the pen. Solid stroke with alley power to both RC/LC, on the way runner, not a sprinter out of the box, did run a 4.42, showed ML average arm at 2b, similar character traits to Jeff Kent, former Cal Bear player and most notably played for several big league clubs including the Dodgers. Kolbrin is a late 1st rounder in my eyes, and seems to want and go out.
4-30 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – Top 2Bmen in draft: - 1. Ball State JR 2B Kolbrin Vitek – Modest son of a gun I am, I’d never toot my own horn about getting out ahead of a prospect’s emergence, but, seeing as I’m wrong 95% of the time, give or take, I’d figure now is as good a time as any to point out this gem from early January: “Vitek’s tools all grade out similarly to fellow small school sensation Bryce Brentz. They both have plus bat speed, good plate discipline, and plus power potential. They are also both two-way players who have had success on the mound collegiately, though only Vitek could actually pull of the trick of being a legit draft prospect as either a hitter or pitcher. In addition to a glove/arm combination that will definitely play at third professionally, Vitek does all the little things well that make scouts (and wannabe’s like me) very happy. He is a sensational base runner, works deep counts, and has one of the coolest names this side of Yordy Cabrera. Vitek’s utter dominance of the Great Lakes League this past summer sealed the deal for me. He may not be a first rounder in June, but he is as good a bet as any college hitter in the 2010 to be an impact player in the big leagues.” Ha, I called him “Bryce Brentz without a publicist.” Genius prognosticating and comic gold. The myth of the next Jim Callis/Steve Martin super-hybrid has finally been realized.
2. Matt Lipka – McKinney HS (TX) –
8-9: from Keith Law/ www.espn.com: - The Texas club was lead by Matt Lipka a 2B/SS from McKinney HS, TX. He draws comparisons to Orlando Hudson showing good speed and an easy swing designed for contact.
1-3 from www.perfectgame.com: - Top 2010 HS MIFs. Based on summer performance (PG Natl SC,TOS,Area Code, East Pro SC, Under Armour & AFLAC) and lots of discussions. - Matt Lipka 6'1 - Aflac All American. Possibly one of the most athletic mif of the draft class. (Texas All State WR)Great makeup. Plus plus runner 6.35 60 / 4.12 to first from R side. Hard line drive swing plane. Avg arm. plus defender. needs to smooth out inf actions. Made the Rawlings play of game ( Lipka-Wolters-Lakind)at Aflac. Named to All Area Code Team for Texas Rangers. Team USA Alum. Plays all out and grinds..High potential.
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 141st
From: PNR Scouting: - SS Lipka is a strong up-the-middle talent with top-tier speed and plenty of arm to hold down shortstop. He shows smooth, athletic actions in the field and makes consistent hard contact from the right side of the plate. He has enough power in his hands and forearms to show pop already with wood, and could develop true homerun potential as he learns to elevate the ball more consistently
3. Russell Wilson – NC State
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 76th
3-11 from: - http://collegebaseball360.com/2010/03/11/two-sport-report-1 - North Carolina State - Russell Wilson-5’11-201 – Football: QB & Baseball: 2B - Wilson has played in 9 games, starting 2 on the diamond. He’s hitting 8 for 20 with 9 runs, 2 HR and 6 RBI in helping the Wolfpack to an 11-1 start. He totaled 3,027 passing yards with 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2009, while also rushing for 260 yards and 4 more scores. His 31 touchdown passes led the ACC. He passed for 259 yards and 4 touchdowns to help N.C. State (5-7) upset North Carolina (8-4) to end an otherwise disappointing season for the Wolfpack
3-18 from: - http://collegebaseball360.com/2010/03/18/two-sport-report-week-2 - Russell Wilson – NC State - 5’11-201 – Football: QB & Baseball: 2B - Wilson has played in 11 games, starting 5 on the diamond. He’s hitting .333 with 11 runs, 2 HR and 6 RBI in helping the Wolfpack to a 12-4 record. He totaled 3,027 passing yards with 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2009, while also rushing for 260 yards and 4 more scores. His 31 touchdown passes led the ACC. He passed for 259 yards and 4 touchdowns to help N.C. State (5-7) upset North Carolina (8-4) to end an otherwise disappointing season for the Wolfpack.
4. Ross Wilson – Alabama – junior… 2009: .353 9-HR 47-RB
10-7 from: - www.mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Ross Wilson---2B---Wilson who could be a top pick next June is a part of perhaps one of the best infields in Crimson tide history. Wilson and Josh Rutledge combine to make a great double-play combo and both will be counted on not only with their glove but also their bats.
10-8 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Ross Wilson, Alabama - Wilson is a middle infielder that might fit at either second or short, though his position right now is second with the Crimson Tide alongside 2010 shortstop prospect Josh Rutledge. Wilson’s one of those all-around solid hitters that has improved year-to-year and should be a solid pro hitter, too. He’s got a good eye at the plate and a solid hit tool with decent power, so he should be an intriguing guy to watch in the spring. Projected draft position: Early-second to early-third round.
12-25 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com: - named to the 2010 NCBWA 2nd team all-american squad
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - 53 Cleveland Ross Wilson 2B Alabama 5'11" 185 R,R
1-31: Named to the 2010 Ping!Baseball All American Teams: - SECOND BASE - First Team: Ross Wilson, Alabama
2-5: from www.collegebaseball360.com: Baseball America Pre-Season All American team: - First Team - 2B Ross Wilson, Alabama
4-30 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – Top 2Bmen in draft: - 7. Alabama JR 2B Ross Wilson– Pretty clear scouting over statistics pick. Wilson has as much power potential and athleticism as any player below him on the list, but has disappointed scouts who expected much more with the bat this spring. His numbers all fall below the three magic thresholds (slugging below .550, more K’s than BB’s, way less than 20 steals), so his placement on this list is a testament to the confidence I have in a plus athlete figuring out how to apply his significant tools before long. High risk, high reward pick that could either emerge as a legit big league caliber starting player or flame out in AA.
5. Garrett Nash -
6. Chris Bisson – Kentucky
2-5: from www.collegebaseball360.com: Baseball America Pre-Season All American team: - Third Team - 2B Chris Bisson, Kentucky
2-9 from www.baseballamerica.com: - 2010 College Preseason All-Americans THIRD TEAM - 2B Chris Bisson, Kentucky Jr. L-R 5-11 185 .360 .414 .455 222 49 80 2 52 13
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 72nd
4-30 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – Top 2Bmen in draft: - 13. Kentucky JR 2B Chris Bisson– Steady enough to someday ascend to an everyday big league spot, but not currently in possession of any consistent standout tool. Noticing a trend yet? Bisson is lower here than ever I expected, but it’s more about liking the players ranked higher than disliking him. His upside is as a regular .275ish hitter (55) with low double digit homers (40) and above-average plate discipline. Add in a glove that borders on plus and you’ve got yourself a player that big league teams should start thinking about popping in the top ten rounds easy.
7. Jadamion Williams – Brooks-Debartolo Collegiate Prep HS (FL)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 272nd
8. Josh Adams – Florida
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 262nd
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 21. Florida JR 2B Josh Adams– Personal favorite heading into the year has struggled as one of the veteran anchors of a young Gators lineup. His scouting reports are largely favorable, despite the subpar junior season. Like a few other names below him on the list, Adams will be helped by his positional versatility as he tries to make it in the pros as a utility guy.
9. Derek Luciano – Central Florida
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 299th
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 22. Central Florida JR 2B Derek Luciano – His name makes me think slick fielding, speed middle infielder, but in reality Luciano is a below-average runner and inconsistent fielder who will have to rely on his lefthanded power if he wants to make it in pro ball. His good, but not great 2010 season has tempered some of the pre-season enthusiasm surrounding his prospect stock.
10. Phil Gosselin:
4-22 from pnrscouting: mock drafted #126
4-30 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – Top 2Bmen in draft: - 6. Virginia JR 2B Phil Gosselin– Remains an average to slightly below-average infielder (capable of playing third and short in a pinch) with an average arm well suited for second base, who many believe may ultimately wind up in the outfield as a pro. That’s what I’ve heard, anyway. I’m not necessarily buying it; heck, his mere presence on this list indicates I think it would be best to keep Gosselin at second as long as possible professionally. He doesn’t have the glove/range for center, and doesn’t have the bat for a corner. If he isn’t a starting caliber outfielder, why not at least give him a shot in the infield? Coming into the year I thought his future was as a big league super-sub, but his big junior year has me thinking his bat could work at second if the glove cooperates
5-3 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/05/03/acc-players-of-the-week-22 - Top-ranked Virginia, which currently owns a 10-game winning streak, swept ACC Baseball honors for the week ending May 2. Junior second baseman Phil Gosselin was voted the ACC Player of the Week. The ACC hits leader with 77, Gosselin had hits in all five games (including four multiple-hit games) as Virginia completed a perfect week. Last Tuesday saw Gosselin break a scoreless tie with a two-out grand slam in the second inning of Virginia’s 6-3 win over Coastal Carolina, which was ranked as high as fourth nationally. The next night, he tied a career high with four hits against Georgetown.The West Chester, Pa., native then went 6-for-16 over the weekend at Duke, with three doubles. For the week, the Cavaliers’ leadoff hitter had a .500 on base percentage and posted a team-best eight RBIs.
11. Michael Bortolotti – Milton HS – 5-7… average speed… can hit to all fields,,, average fielding at SS… projects out as 2Bman…
12. Parks Jordan –
11-2 from www.thehardballtimes.com: - Parks Jordan, 2B, 2010, Winston-Salem, N.C., Canes - Beautiful left-handed line-drive swing (reminded me of Seth Smith), though I didn’t see much over the fence power potential. He struck out on a questionable call, and threw a pretty mild tantrum. Sort of slammed his helmet in the dugout and was pretty verbal (though not toward the umpire). A lot of scouts look down on stuff like this, but I see two sides to the coin; on one hand, maybe he does not deal with failure so well. But to me, it at least shows he gives a damn, and I like guys with a competitive streak. He’s not a high-round guy to me right now (I’d say more fourth-sixth), but he’s worth keeping an eye on. He’s committed to the University of North Carolina, which is a hitters hell. But if he’s able to prove me wrong and develop some more power during his college years, he could climb.
13. Mike Sodders – N.M. State – senior… 2009: .422 13-HR 68-RBI
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com: - votoed to the 1st team NCBWA 2010 All-American Team
1-31: Named to the 2010 Ping!Baseball All American Teams: - SECOND BASE - Second Team: Mike Sodders, N.M. State
14. Braeden Riley – Sam Houston St. – junior… 2009: .387 2-HR 39-RBI
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com: - votoed to the 3rd team NCBWA 2010 All-American Team
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 28. Sam Houston State JR 2B Braden Riley – Another player with an interesting hit tool, but probably not enough power or patience to advance too far up the ladder professionally.
15. Colin Walsh – Stanford – junior… S/R…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .292, 5-RBIs, 4-SB… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game
4-30 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – Top 2Bmen in draft: - 4. Stanford JR 2B Colin Walsh – I wrote before the season that Walsh had a really pretty swing that caused scouts to project more power in his future. The future is now. Walsh’s excellent results on the field have finally caught up to his positive scouting reports. He also has an outstanding glove at second that may actually be good enough to work at shortstop, giving hope that he can be a utility infielder in the mold of Marco Scutaro someday. His offensive progression with Stanford actually reminds me of former Cardinal Cord Phelps, but, and this bears repeating, Walsh’s glove is outstanding. Phelps was a third rounder as a hitter with slightly less college production, a bit more physical projection, and a significantly lesser glove. 2010 is a really strong draft, especially near the top, but I’d still say that comparison bodes well for Walsh come draft day.
16. Nick Crawford – UAB – junior… L/R…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .341, 6-SB… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game
17. Austin Anderson –
11-2 from www.thehardballtimes.com: - Austin Anderson, SS/2B, 2010, Sorrento, Fla., Orlando Scorpions - Anderson bats left-handed with a beautiful line-drive stroke who uses all fields. Plus bat speed, very short, quick stroke and consistently made hard contact. Saw him pull a left-hander for a long single to right-center, and later scream a liner into the left center gap off a righty. He’s an above-average runner; I had him at 4.08 to first base. The swing really made an impression on me, though, and he looked great playing second. Heard he has committed to Mississippi.
18. Jeff Yamaguchi – Lakewood HS (CA) – 6-1, 175, catcher also –
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: will have to find a spot for him, 2b would be a good spot for him, solid hitting stroke, hits the ball where it's pitched, made adjustments, aggressive contact, solid arm strength, 45 right now, runs ok, not a clogger and deceptive physical strength.
19. B.J. Guinn – Cal – 6-1, 165, R/R –
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: can switch hit, best at RHH, solid defensively, runs at least ave.
4-30 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – Top 2Bmen in draft: - 11. California JR 2B BJ Guinn – Might be good enough to hold an everyday job for a team that emphasizes speed and defense up the middle based on those two plus tools alone. The speed is very good, I don’t want to deemphasize his ability there, but it’s Guinn’s glove that really gets your attention. His arm may be a little short for the left side of the diamond, but his crazy range as second can’t help but make you wonder what kind of shortstop he’d be if given the chance.
20. Adam Duvall – Louisville senior… 2009: .328, 11-HR, 51-RBI
1-4: named to the 2010 Preseason All-Big East First Team as named by a vote of conference coaches:
4-30 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – Top 2Bmen in draft: - 5. Louisville SR 2B Adam Duvall – I’m as big a Louisville fan (prospect-wise) you’ll find outside of Kentucky, so take the Duvall ranking with a grain of salt. His speed and defense aren’t elite, but he’s strong enough in both areas. It’ll be his bat that gets him his shot as he rises to minor league prominence. Duvall reminds me a lot of great deal of 2009 fourth round pick Derek McCallum. Both players have really nice swings who should each hit for good averages with enough extra-base hits to keep pitchers honest.
21. Shaun Rockey –
1-31: Named to the 2010 Ping!Baseball All American Teams: - SECOND BASE - Second Team: Sean Rockey, George Washington
22. Steven Cardullo - FSU
3-11 from: - http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/baseball/news?slug=kr-rogersroad031110&prov=yhoo&type=lgns - Florida State’s Stephen Cardullo is evidence you can go from rags to riches with hard work. The senior infielder is off to a phenomenal start this season. He has improved in many facets of the game, but most impressive is his start at the plate, where he has a .425 batting average, two homers and 19 RBIs. Cardullo is the shining star for the Seminoles so far. He wasn’t always this highly thought of, though. Cardullo had a successful high school career, but Florida State wasn’t interested in offering him a scholarship. Still, Cardullo was willing to do anything to become a Seminoles baseball player and assistant coach Mike Martin Jr. eventually offered him an opportunity to walk on
23. Andrew Collazo
3-17 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com - JR 2B Andrew Collazo (Texas A&M): 4-5, SB, RBI - Collazo gets a mention here because he was a key member of last year’s ridiculous Howard College team that went 63-1. He’s also a plus defender at second with just enough offensive value to get himself drafted late, contingent on his 2010 performance
24. Jason Martinson –
3-22 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/03/22/southland-baseball-players-of-the-week-6 - Texas State infielder Jason Martinson has been named the Southland Conference Hitter of the Week and McNeese State right-handed pitcher Jaden Dillon has been named the Southland Pitcher of the Week, the league office announced Monday. Martinson helped Texas State claim its second Southland Conference series of the season by winning two of three games at Sam Houston State. The junior from Hurst, Texas (Grapevine), hit for the cycle in the first game of a doubleheader on Sunday. He doubled in the second inning to break open a 1-1 tie and delivered a two-run home run in the ninth to lift the Bobcats to a 9-8 victory. In the second game of the doubleheader, he was 2-for-3 and drove in two more runs. Martinson batted .471 in four games last week, which also included a 13-7 win at Texas Tech. For the week, he had two doubles, a triple and a home run, scored five times and drove in five runs.
25. Quentin Cate:
4-6 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/04/06/tcbb-players-of-the-week-april-6th - The College Baseball Blog continues our tradition of naming National Player and Pitcher of the Week. This week we honor Wright State senior infielder Quentin Cate. Cate picks up Player of the Week honors after going 15-for-25 (.600) with two homers, six doubles, 11 runs and 20 RBI in five games last week. He also registered a 1.080 slugging percentage and .615 on-base percentage for the Raiders. The infielder recorded multiple hits and RBI in all five tilts last week. In a three-game weekend series against Butler, he went 11-for-16 with 10 scores and 15 RBI.
26. Zach MacPhee:
4-9 from: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/on-campus/2010/269792.html - Top Hitter - Zack MacPhee, 2b, Arizona State - Without a consensus pick, let's give the nod to MacPhee, the best player for the nation's No. 1 team, Arizona State. The 5-foot-8, 172-pound second baseman's batting average (.429) is 100 points higher than Rendon's, and he actually has a higher on-base percentage than Rendon (.525 to .511), a higher slugging percentage (.755 to .701), and more RBIs (36 to 34), though he has just three homers to Rendon's 11. MacPhee's 10 triples lead the nation, and he has 11 steals in 12 attempts, demonstrating his ability to put his well-above-average speed to use. MacPhee has also taken advantage of his speed and added to his offensive versatility by learning to switch-hit, after spending most of last year batting only from the right side.
27. Brian Fletcher:
4-19 from: - http://www.baseballrumormill.com/2010/04/mlb-draft-notes-saturday-review-417/#more - He has not received much attention to date, but Auburn second baseman Brian Fletcher hit his 11th and 12th home runs of the season with the second one coming against possible 2011 top pick, Vanderbilt's Jack Armstrong
28. Joe Terry:
4-30 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – Top 2Bmen in draft: - 8. Cerritos CC SO 2B Joe Terry– The quintessential hitting machine who makes hard contact darn near every time he steps to the plate. He does more than just hit, however; Terry is also an above-average runner with a strong arm who, despite appearing to fight his body sometimes in the field, should settle in as at least an average second baseman with the help of professional coaching. He reinvented himself somewhat in 2010 sacrificing some power for a more patient approach, but the 19th round pick from 2010 has maintained that draft momentum all the same.
29. Brandon Boykin:
4-30 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – Top 2Bmen in draft: - 9. Rutgers JR 2B Brandon Boykin– After excelling against relatively high level northeastern prep competition at Don Bosco Prep, Boykin has finally enjoyed a breakout season with the bat in year three at Rutgers. Friend of a friend of a friend told me the Phillies have him as a high priority mid-round middle infield target, no doubt because of his plus speed and surprisingly springy bat.
30. Robby Price:
4-30 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – Top 2Bmen in draft: - 12. Kansas SR 2B Robby Price – Differences between Bisson and Price are more perception than reality at this point. Bisson offers up more speed and a little more power projection, but Price has the edge in the field and batting eye. For teams that go overslot both early (first 5 rounds) and late (round 25 and up) in the draft, the middle rounds — 10ish to 25ish — are an area where cheap organizational types are often gobbled up. Price fits that prototype, but is more talented than the typical fringe of the roster taken.
31. Curtis Wilson:
4-30 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – Top 2Bmen in draft: - 14. Southern JR 2B Curtis Wilson– Underrated player who is a good athlete with above-average speed and a really well rounded tool set. Biggest obstacle might be the lack of exposure and lack of one signature standout tool. Funny how a strength (no true weaknesses to his game) can be portrayed as a liability (no eye opening tool) in the next sentence. Speaking of second baseman from Southern, how awesome was Rickie Weeks? His junior year numbers: .500/.619/.987 with 27 steals in 27 tries. He’s probably the second baseman on my all-time favorite non-home team player team.
32. Cory Jones:
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 15. Cal State Fullerton JR 2B Corey Jones – Jones is in pretty good company as the best 2010 draft-eligible Titan after a couple of guys named Christian Colon and Gary Brown. Live bat, power potential, and quickly maturing plate discipline, plus the possibility of some time back at his natural shortstop make for an intriguing pro prospect with more upside than your typical college athlete.
33. Steve McQuail:
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 16. Canisius JR 2B Steve McQuail – McQuail has a pro body, pro power, and pro arm, but currently has too many holes in his long, loopy swing to profile as a regular. That said, McQuail’s tools are good enough to believe he has a chance to succeed professionally with the help of a good professional hitting instructor. I know I’m coming off like a broken record here, but when I read certain aspects of McQuail’s scouting reports (athletic, plus arm, only decent at second) I really can’t help but think some pro team has to think of him as a potential catching conversion.
34. Mike Freeman:
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 17. Clemson SR 2B Mike Freeman – Almost an identical player to Scott Lawson, but Freeman provides better footwork in the field and a smidge better speed on the bases. He also possesses one of the quietest, most compact swings I’ve seen at the college level in some time, and has a well earned reputation as a player who doesn’t go the plate without first knowing as much as possible about the opposition. Solid hit tool, above-average speed, good defender, efficient swing, veteran approach….obvious enough we have another personal favorite on our hands, right?
35. Scott Lawson:
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 18. Miami SR 2B Scott Lawson – Lawson, Jemile Weeks’ successor at second for Miami, has done nothing but hit since stepping on campus. Above-average hit tool, fantastic plate discipline, ten homer pro pop, and strong defense across the board…can you tell he is a personal favorite? Lawson’s spot on the list begins a stretch of players that I think can play regularly in the big leagues if everything, and I mean everything, breaks right for them.
36. A.J. Wirnsberger
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 19. Georgia Southern SR 2B AJ Wirnsberger – The position-less Wirnsberger is on the second base list by default because, well, his bat is good enough to get him drafted, but his glove leaves much to be desired. Unlike a few other defensively flexible players on the list, Wirnsberger projects as a utility guy based more on a reputation as an iffy glove that needs to be hidden rather than a naturally versatile defender. The reason finding him a position is worth the trouble at all is the bat. A hotly recruited prep player, Wirnsberger has good loft on his swing and punishes mistakes, especially when he can get his hands extended. He could find a home behind the plate if a team believes his strong arm will play.
37. Joey Bergman:
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 20. College of Charleston SR 2B Joey Bergman – Any regular reader should know that I wasn’t a Christian Colon fan coming into the year. To fill the void atop my shortstop rankings, I stubbornly tried to convince myself that there was somebody at the college level better. The one name that came up in conversations with people smarter than I am multiple times was Joey Bergman, but always with the caveat that he won’t stick at the position as a pro. Ultimately, nobody could vouch for any player over Colon at shortstop, but the positive vibes I kept hearing when discussing Bergman stuck with me. He’s another versatile defender who can play both up the middle spots, and his high contact rate bodes well going forward.
38. Greg Hopkins:
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 23. St John’s JR 2B Greg Hopkins – A college third baseman better suited for second in the pros, Hopkins is a very well-rounded ballplayer who grades out with at least fringe average tools in all areas but foot speed. His 45 arm should be enough for second, and his gap power is better suited for the keystone sack than third. Looks like another organizational guy with the upside of a utility player.
39. Rafael Valenzuela:
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 24. Arizona JR 2B Rafael Valenzuela – Less toolsy, less athletic version of Jared Humphreys, but similar defensive versatility and solid hit tool. What separates Valenzuela is a more professional approach at the plate and, despite less upside, a greater chance of helping a big league team someday.
40. Dallas Poulk:
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 25. North Carolina State SR 2B Dallas Poulk – Four years of starter’s at bats have finally paid off for the hard working Poulk. Long considered the inferior prospect to his cousin, Dallas, Drew’s ultra productive 2010 season has finally gotten the attention of area scouts. What they are seeing is another potential organizational player at second, but one with just enough juice in his bat to make a conversion to catching a worthwhile risk.
41. Pierre LePage:
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 26. Connecticut JR 2B Pierre LePage – Stock is lower here than in other spots, an opinion based largely on his groundball inducing swing plane and lack of meaningful physical strength. In his defense, LePage qualifies as the type of player who grows on you every time you watch him play; pro scouts love guys like that. He can do just enough of everything, and do it all pretty well, but his slap hitting style could get the bat knocked out of his hands as a pro.
42. Jared Humphreys:
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 27. Kent State JR 2B Jared Humphreys – Really good athlete with plus speed and great baseball instincts who is capable of playing a variety of positions on the diamond. He’s probably best defensively in the outfield, but his bat players much better at second. Could be an organizational player who wears down a team over
43. J B Brown:
4-29 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com – top 30 second basemen: - 29. Pacific JR 2B JB Brown – Above-average hitter in the mold of Josh Vitters, Howie Kendrick, and Placido Polanco. Of course, those three names were superior prospects at various points in their respective development; I’m talking about the type of hitter, not necessarily the quality of hitter. Brown is a notorious hacker, but has shown an uncanny ability to swing at pitches he can handle. Hitters like this are typically far too batting average dependent to emerge as successful professionals, but they make for interesting case studies as they progress through the minors.
44. Rico Noel:
5-2 from: - http://baseballbeginnings.com/2010/05/02/rico-noel-video - Rico Noel has a nice offensive foundation, can run and play defense. This is the kind of guy who has better tools than he gets credit for. I’m willing to bet the guy has been told he’s too short at every level. Well, you can’t take away tools. I liked his overall skill set, still do, and he’s going to be a very solid draft pick in 2010.
Mack’s Mets – the premier site for information on the New York Mets talent pipeline and dialogue on Mets prospects, Mets news, and Mets opinions.
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