6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/3 - The Gators are loaded with talent, and next year will be no different. Yes, they’ll lose Preston Tucker and Alex Panteliodis, but their star-studded roster will be led by their top draft prospect for 2012, LHP Brian Johnson. Johnson had a great season, posting a 3.66 ERA and a 70:15 K:BB ratio in 15 starts before an errant Mike Zunino throw plunked him in the head and sidelined him with a concussion (see above). He has yet to make an appearance in the NCAA tournament but is scheduled to return sometime during the CWS. Johnson has been excellent at keeping his low 90s fastball down but in the zone during his time with the Gators. He has shown a great curveball that got better as the 2011 season wore on.
Nolan Fontana:
7-9-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6002 - Nolan Fontana, SS, Florida - It was just over a week since Fontana's last appearance at TD Ameritrade Park playing in the championship series at the College World Series. His defensive prowess was on display at the 2008 National Showcase, as he continues to make playing the middle infield look easy. With a patient approach and a line drive swing, Fontana served as the catalyst atop the lineup for both the Gators and Team USA.
Mike Zunino:
7-15-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/07/12/mike-zunino-2012-draft-profile - Mike Zunino plays catcher at a Major League level and is a likely first round choice in the 2012 draft. Zunino has a solid, disciplined approach at the plate. He has a quick bat and solid pull power. Many point to holes in Zunino’s swing and he is likely to have a high strikeout rate at the next level. His willingness to take a walk should help offset the strikeouts. Zunino truely shines defensively. He moves well and does a good job of blocking balls in the dirt. Zunino’s arm is strong and accurate. He has good hands. Zunino’s father, Greg, is a scout for the Reds which is one of the reasons he is such a good student of the game. Zunino received catching gear for Christmas when he was 6 years old and plays like he has been behind the plate since that day.
Deven Marrero:
7-15-11 from: - http://bullpenbanter.com/ Arizona State Sophomore SS Deven Marrero is projected to be a very early pick in the 2012 MLB Draft and it is easy to see why. The ball makes a different sound coming off his bat and he has some excellent pop for a middle infielder. I do see some strikeouts in his future... but they aren't a huge concern when you're getting this kind of overall offensive package. While the foot speed isn't top notch, I have little reservations about projecting him as a pro SS with his jumps and movements. He also possesses a very strong arm. Marrero is a high energy player who was a pleasure to watch play.
Connor Harrell:
6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/5 - Of the players who will become draft-eligible next year, OF Connor Harrell leads the way. An incredible athlete that has a ton of raw power, Harrell got he chance to play regularly in 2011 and responded well, hitting seven home runs in 60 games. He struck out a good amount (43 in 185 ABs) but also showed great instincts on the basepaths, swiping seven bases in the same number of tries. Harrell made headlines last year with his 10th-inning suicide squeeze bunt that drove in the game-winning run in Vandy’s regional victory over Louisville. With Joe Loftus and Aaron Westlake moving on, the Commodores will have to find a way to get Harrell’s bat into the lineup.
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