1/2/11

Draft 2012: - Gavin Cecchini, Wyatt Mathison, Austin Barr, Matt Boyd


http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2011/12/top-twelve-high-school-position-players/#more-602 5. Gavin Cecchini / SS / Barbe HS (LA): If Cecchini were a lock to stick at shortstop, he would be my number two prospect. Strong wrists and quick hands with plus contact ability that should lead to average power for the middle infield are wonderful traits. Unfortunately, shortstop is no guarantee, so his value drops ever so slightly. A hard worker with lineage (brother Garin is currently in the Red Sox organization), Cecchini is a must watch for the 2012 campaign.

Wyatt Mathison has good potential both offensively and defensively at the catcher position. He has a quick swing that produces line drives, and he has very good raw power that he has shown at times in games. Mathison is also good at making contact, although that contact isn’t always as solid as he would like, leading to a few too many popups. Mathison does have an excellent eye at the plate, and even though high school stats mean next to nothing, it’s impressive that he struck out just 7 times compared to 35 walks in 2011. Mathison is far from a finished product at the plate, but the tools are there. Defensively, Mathison hasn’t been playing catcher very often because of team need, but when he has played, he has shown good actions behind the plate, although rust is evident from his lack of playing time at the position. Mathison has done a lot of starting for his high school time, and while he’s not going to be a starter long-term, his arm that can hit the high-80s is an asset for him at catcher, and he also has shown great accuracy on his throws. http://rayscoloredglasses.com/2011/12/21/taking-an-early-look-at-the-catchers-in-the-2012-mlb-draft-part-1

Austin Barr is one of Washington’s two highly regarded catching prospects.  Clint Coulter has gotten more attention, but there are people in Washington who compare Barr favorably with Coulter.  He is a big kid with a good frame for a catcher and good athleticism for the position. Barr takes a solid approach to the plate.  He has a compact swing and handles the bat well.  He also shows very good raw power. Barr looks good behind the plate.  He works well with pitchers and has advanced receiving skills.  He has a quick release.  His pop times at the 2010 Team One Futures Showcase were from 1.97-2.08. Barr plans to attend Stanford and is said to be a strong commit. http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/12/24/austin-barr-2012-draft-profile

We continue the countdown today at number 32 with Oregon State junior LHP Matt Boyd. The Mercer Island, Washington native attended Eastside Catholic High School for his final three years. During his three seasons, he helped lead the team to a  46-14 record. As a senior, he batted  .464 with seven doubles, one triple, four home runs and 27 RBI. He was also accomplished on the bump with a record of 7-2 with a 0.84 ERA in 10 appearances striking out 91 in 58 innings. He picked up several awards including  an ABCA All-Region 7 Selection as a pitcher, Washington State Co-MVP/Player of the Year, 3A All-State selection, 2009 First-Team All-Metro 3A selection, and an Under Armour Preseason All-American selection. As a freshman, he stepped right into the pitching staff with a solid season going  7-1 with a 1.90 ERA in 42 2/3 innings while making 20 appearances (two starts). He also saw time at the plate hitting .264 with six doubles, three home runs and 19 RBI in 29 games (16 starts). He also tallied four multiple-hit games and six multi-RBI efforts. He was named an All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention Team member, Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American, and NCBWA Freshman All-American First Team. - http://ht.ly/1gnI0X

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