Mack Draft: - Riccio Torrez, Bubba Starling. B.A. Vollmuth , Rafael Aries-Medina , and C.J. Cron

Where in the world does Arizona State JR Riccio Torrez project to play professionally? I’ve seen or heard legitimate sources have him pegged as a 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, corner OF, and potential catching conversion. I’m personally debating between 2B and 3B, but, again, could be convinced I’m missing the boat entirely on his future position. Leaning towards 3B, for what it’s worth. - http://baseballdraftreport.com/



Bubba Starling has football strength and he knows it. Unlike many two-way players before him, however, he already shows an understanding of how to use that strength to his advantage. His swing is short, basic, and explosive, as his strength and athleticism allows him to build bat speed without gimmicks or long movements. Despite being "raw" as a hitter, Starling has shown a very good feel for the craft, and attacks the baseball like only real hitters do. His swing is so simple, in fact, it creates an all-but-blank canvas with which pro-level coaches should have a field day. The largest weakness in his game at this point is a lack of refinement in his baseball skills due to divided athletic attention. A sole focus on baseball would greatly help Starling accelerate his ascent into the player he could become, as he's barely scratched the surface of his potential, at this point in his career - http://diamondscapescouting.com/rankings_2011_preseason_outfielders.html  



B.A. Vollmuth – Southern Mississippi - As a freshman in 2009, Vollmuth’s offensive numbers (.237, 8 HR, 28 RBIs) were far from eye-popping. Vollmuth started just 25 games during that freshman season, but 23 of those starts came during USM’s Cinderella run to the College World Series. Vollmuth used that run and a trip to Cape Cod that summer to springboard to a monster 2010 sophomore campaign, when he batted .386 with 20 home runs, 17 doubles, 72 runs, and 76 RBIs – all team-highs. He also sported a 1.219 OPS. If not for Rice’s Anthony Rendon (whom we’ll talk about when we get to our 3B list), Vollmuth likely would have been the C-USA Player of the Year. He’ll look for a third straight NCAA berth and even bigger things in 2011. http://collegebaseball360.com/2011/01/21/top-11-college-baseball-ss-to-watch-in-2011



http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5164  - - The recently completed Perfect Game World Showcase in Fort Myers featured one of the most talented groups of players ever to play in this long running event, which dates back to 1997 and was the original Perfect Game showcase. Players are 2011 prospects: - 18. SS Rafael Aries-Medina (FA/Bronx, NY): Aries-Medina was an eye opener and will hopefully be signed by a Major League team soon, as most teams had scouts at the World Showcase. He’s a 6.77 runner with quick shortstop actions and a cannon for a throwing arm.



C.J. Cron – Utah - The big man (6’4-230) has split time catching and at first base over his first two seasons at Utah, but no matter where he’s played he has hit…a ton. Cron led the Utes with 11 home runs, 19 doubles and 58 RBIs while batting .337 as a freshman in 2009. He was also the only player in the nation to get three hits in a game off future 2009 overall #1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg. He suffered no sophomore slump last year, batting .431 with 20 HR, 16 doubles and 81 RBIs (all team bests). He also managed an astounding 1.304 OPS. The reigning Mountain West Conference Player of the Year also played for the USA Collegiate National Team last summer. - http://collegebaseball360.com/2011/01/18/top-11-college-baseball-catchers-to-watch-in-2011