2011 DRAFT: - Nick Williams, Jordan Steranka, Zac Freeman, Michael Howard... and Taylor Layner

Nick Williams:



8-11 from: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/?p=2725  - Nick Williams, Galveston Ball HS, La Marque, Texas - Only 16 and a member of the 2012 class, Williams is a multi-sport athlete who reportedly will focus on baseball in his last two prep years. Scouts nationwide are cheering that decision. At 6-foot12 and 185 pounds, Williams is a freakishly talented athlete with a sculpted build. Some Jason Heyward comparisons were heard and while that may be premature, Williams can run, throw and hit. His swing hints at the possibility of huge power. If Williams learns to keep his head on the ball and front side closed consistently he will be the rare player who has no limitations.

Jordan Steranka:


7-26 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4  - Here are some names of draft eligibles for 2011 who have not been mentioned much and are definitely on the radar for 2011 MLB scouting depts. – Third Base - Jordan Steranka, Penn St, 6'2 205, L/R, interesting player with good body and arm strength, some power in lefty stroke, will have to see more next spring for sure.


Zac Freeman:


8-11-10 from: - http://baseballanalysts.com/  - OF Zac Freeman (Lowndes, Valdosta, GA) was, for me, the most impressive player on Oakland's squad. He went 3-for-10 with a double and a triple plus three walks and made an outstanding diving catch going to his left in shallow center field. Disregarding his poor pitching performance on Monday, the only criticism is perhaps an overly aggressive swing that led to six whiffs in 13 plate appearances.



Michael Howard:


8-11-10 from: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/?p=2704  - Michael Howard, lhp, Prescott (Ariz.) HS - Howard is not an imposing physical specimen like fellow lefty Henry Owens, but his arm action is loose and his 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame does contain some projection. Energetic and aggressive, Howard challenges hitters with a 90-91 mph fastball that can touch close to 93. He adds a low to mid 70s curve which has the potential of becoming a plus major league breaking ball.


8-12-10: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=117  - Michael Howard (6'1" 165) from Prescott HS-Prescott (AZ) was notable because he has a quick loose arm and touched 91, which for a young lefty is pretty noticeable. He needs a better curveball but does have feel of a change-up.



Taylor Layner:


8-12-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=118  - Throughout his entire high school career, LHP/OF Taylor Layner, a 2011 Grad, has done one simple thing: Dominate his competition. If you were to simply read about his accomplishments, you would see that he has won over 30 games in his HS career on the mound, while only losing 4. You would hear about his FB which has touched high 80's before. You would see that he hits at a near .400 clip. You could read about how he is a gifted fielder that manages to track down many balls that normally would fall for doubles or triples. You'd read about the pop he displays during his games or the quickness for which he can go 1st to third. You would also ask yourself, "if this player is so good, how come I have never heard of him?" And the funny thing is, most of the state of Florida outside Pinellas County, has not either.