10-11-10 – Top 10 2012 Prospects from Jim Callis/Baseball America - 1. Kenny Diekroeger, ss, Stanford
SS Kenny Diekroeger, Stanford: An unsigned 2009 second-rounder, Diekroeger has the whole package to emerge as an elite pick in the 2012 draft. He has excellent bat speed along with a polished plate approach; he also has smooth actions in the field to go with a smart, savvy approach and excellent instincts. Though his range is adequate by shortstop standards, Diekroeger’s quickness in the field makes him better suited for third base, and he could become a natural at that position as his raw power evolves. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5506
Ranked #4 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
2-21-11: - http://bullpenbanter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=387:college-baseball-weekend1&catid=18:articles&Itemid=11 Player: Kenny Diekroeger College: Stanford University Position: Short Stop Bats/Throws: R/R - Patient approach at the plate and worked the count well in order to get a pitch he could drive Hit several line drives up the middle Flew out a couple times near the warning track (left and center) Showed the ability to range to both his left and right A bit too much arc on his only throw from deep in the hole (only time his arm was tested)
4-25-11: - http://bullpenbanter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=411:college-baseball-weekend-10-observations&catid=18:articles&Itemid=11 - Ugly, ugly swing at first Cole breaking ball
Rough game defensively, dropped easy popup in 8th and didn't range well (Game 1)
Did a good job charging soft ground ball and making accurate off-balance throw to first (Game 2)
Comment: I've seen 7 or 8 Stanford games this year and Diekroeger has yet to wow me. Early in the year he showed a knack for hitting line drives, but he has swung and missed a lot in recent looks. I've seen him range well to both sides and I've also seen balls that looked like they should have been fielded end up in the outfield. His actions are sloppy at times and his arm is just OK. The limitations of watching via webcast keeps me from making any definitive statements on that side of the ball. He's mentioned often as a top 5 pick for 2012 and I'm still waiting to see that player. At this point, I would take Mark Appel without hesitation over Kenny Diekroeger. I will see many Stanford games between now and June of 2012; I hope he shows me what he's got soon.
6-10-11 from http://www.draftsite.com/mlb/mock-draft/2012 - 2 Houston Kenny Diekroeger SS Stanford 6' 2" 200
6-12-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/722354-2012-mlb-mock-draft-early-predictions-for-next-years-top-10-picks#/articles/722354-2012-mlb-mock-draft-early-predictions-for-next-years-top-10-picks/page/3 - Back in 2008, at the annual Area Code Games showcase, Mike Trout put up some ridiculous numbers in the miniature combine. The only player to post better numbers than him was high-schooler Kenny Diekroeger, who ended up as a second-round pick for the Rays that next year. Diekroeger, however, had a very strong commitment to Stanford and ended up on campus later that year. Two years later, he's starting to emerge as a strong candidate to go in the Top 10 of the 2012 draft. Since then, Diekroeger has refined his actions at shortstop. Now, many feel like he could continue at the position as a pro, despite his big size (6'2", 200 lbs). He has continued to shine in all facets of the game: at the plate, on defense and on the basepaths. He struggled to hit for power with the new bats, hitting only two home runs this season (after hitting five last year). His average also dipped to a career-low of .292, just one season after becoming the first Stanford freshman to lead the team in hitting (.342) since 1997. That season he also became the first freshman to lead the team in RBIs—ever. After his stellar freshman campaign, he headed off to the New England Collegiate League, where he won league batting honors and finished second to teammate Mark Appel as the top prospect in the league. He was noted for his athletic ability by scouts and coaches alike. If he can continue to improve on defense, and have a bounce-back year at the plate, there's no doubt that Diekroeger will go in the Top Ten.
7-8-11: - http://diamondprospects.blogspot.com/ - One of the top high school prospects in the 2009 draft Kenny Diekroeger stands out for his elite athleticism. He has plus speed and range at shortstop and has improved greatly at the position since his high school days. He should be able to remain there in the future as his slightly above-average arm is helped greatly by his superb athletic ability. Diekroeger has quick hands that allow him to have great bat speed. He projects to hit for solid power along with plus average. However he struggled at the plate this year for Stanford, which could partially be due to the new bats. If Diekroeger can return to his freshman year form at the plate and continue his excellent work in the field, he could be selected within the Top 5 picks in the 2012 draft. If his struggles remain, though, his stock could drop to the back end of the 1st round.
7-21-11: - http://www.mockdraftmania.com/ - 5. San Diego Padres Kenny Diekroeger SS Stanford The Padres need a shortstop. Diekroger had a breakout freshman campaign, but fell of the map as a sophomore with a batting average that fell from .342 to .292. Scouts said he would have to move to outfield straight out of high school. Diekroger has mastered his craft at shortstop and should remain a shortstop in the MLB despite his 6 foot 2 200 pound size. Kenny Diekroeger has the ability to be a complete shortstop prospect with the baseball IQ and high character that former Stanford baseball prospect Sam Fuld had coming out of college. I don’t see any reason why the Padres should not draft Kenny Diekrogger if he slips to #5 overall.
8-9-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/08/07/kenny-diekroeger-2012-draft-profile - Kenny Diekroeger is one of the top shortstops available for the 2012 draft. Likely to be drafted in the first round, possibly in the top 10, Diekroeger is a top athlete. At the 2008 Area Code Games, he put up the top SPARQ rating, finishing 1 spot ahead of Mike Trout. Diekroeger regressed a bit at the plate in 2011, but that was due to the new bats more than anything else. He has plus bat speed and a nice swing. Diekroeger also has good speed on the bases. Kenny played third during his freshman season before sliding over to his natural shortstop spot in 2011. He has improved defensively since arriving at Stanford. He has good range and an above average arm. While some view Diekroeger as a future outfielder, his athleticism and coninued improvement should allow him to remain at short.
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