8/19/11

2012 Draft: - Top 36 Catchers

1) Mike Zunino



3-21-11: - http://bullpenbanter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=398:college-baseball-weekend-05-observations&catid=18:articles&Itemid=11  - Moves well behind the plate; quick foot work; good arm Simple short swing; extends arms well Showed ability to turn on pitch, ripped pitch foul, and blasted a 2-2 slider over the fence Power came to pull side, but did manage to slap the ball opposite field while protecting the plate in first AB



6-10-11: - http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=20873  - Sophomore Mike Zunino (Cape Coral, Fla.) drove in three runs and Florida (49-16) scored in each of the first five innings to defeat Mississippi State (37-24), 11-1, in the opening game of the best-of-three NCAA Gainesville Super Regional on Friday afternoon at McKethan Stadium. Game two will be on Saturday at noon and be shown nationally on ESPN, with the Gators needing one more victory to punch the program’s seventh ticket to the NCAA College World Series



6-11-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5869  - Player of the game: C Mike Zunino, Florida -- The Gators wanted to get off to a hot start against Mississippi State, and they did just that with the sophomore stud catcher leading the charge. Zunino had a key two-RBI single in the first inning and finished the afternoon 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs. Zunino was named the SEC Player of the Year a few weeks ago, and this is just another example of why that was the case.



Ranked #89 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


6-15-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5887  - 1. C Mike Zunino, Florida -- The outstanding sophomore has had an incredible campaign for the Gators and hopes to continue his consistent ways in Omaha. Zunino is hitting .376 with 22 doubles, 18 home runs and 66 RBIs. He also has a .686 slugging percentage and a solid .444 OBP. Additionally, Zunino has induced 29 walks this season


6-15-11: - http://collegebaseball360.com/2011/06/15/ncbwa-college-baseball-all-american-teams  - NCBWA Division I All-America Team THIRD TEAM C *Mike Zunino, Florida, So. .376 67 245 72 92 22-0-18 66 29 47 7/9


6-15-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5896  - Perfect Game College All-Americans - (Mike) Zunino has been fantastic at and behind the plate this season. He's hitting a team-high .376 with 22 doubles, 18 home runs and 66 RBIs. He's also slugging .686 and has a .444 OBP. Zunino also has been near perfect behind the plate with just two errors


6-18-11: - Twitter – DmndScpScouting - Zunino was 1.97 pop to 2nd there. #CWS 2012


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  - C Mike Zunino, the reigning SEC Hitter of the Year, should also get some love after a season that saw him pace the Gators with a .376 average and 18 home runs. He finished second on the squad with 66 RBI. Behind the plate, he was excellent, making only two errors, good for a fielding percentage of .996. He was so good in fact that he forced freshman sensation Austin Maddox off of the position. Zunino was a former 30th-round pick back in 2009.


6-28-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/  - I can’t see any catcher in the 2012 draft class overtaking Zunino for the top spot. The Florida catcher is a big league catcher defensively already, and his bat should make him one of the better hitting catchers in pro ball before long. No mention of Zunino and this year’s College World Series without providing this unbelievable clip:


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.


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Mike Zunino, Florida, 6’1 210, R/R, has come into his own in college and has total package to be a great catcher for a long time, ala Charlie O’Brien, former Wichita State star in the 80’s, could be in the top 10 players taken in 2012.



2) Austin Maddox


4-4-11: - http://bullpenbanter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=405:college-baseball-weekend-07-observations&catid=18:articles&Itemid=11  - Player: Austin Maddox College: University of Florida Position: First Baseman Bats/Throws: R/R Height/Weight: 6'3" / 225 lbs. Tall with wide shoulder and a well developed upper half Hits from a slight crouch Plenty of bat speed Occasionally will lose his balance during swing Easy power when he squares the ball up: deposited belt high fastball into LF stands Best contact came from pitches on the inner half


6-10-11 from http://www.draftsite.com/mlb/mock-draft/2012   - 20 Arizona Austin Maddox C Florida 6' 3" 225


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  - There’s also C/INF Austin Maddox, who exploded onto the scene as a freshman, hitting .333 with 17 home runs and 72 RBI in 2010. Maddox turned down a 37th-round offer from the Rays to attend UF, and despite suffering through a tough season (.280, 6 HR, 35 RBI) should be one of the top corner infielders available in 2012.


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Austin Maddox, Florida, 6’3 210, pure arm strength and decent mechanics, will touch 95 on occ, suited to be a closer, like him more behind the plate, but with Zunino there, he’s having a tough time showing scouts that is where he belongs. Will be interesting to see this fall.



3) Stryker Trahan


6-24-10: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/06/sneak-peak-2012-high-school-top-ten.html  - After watching the Junior National Showcase at Tropicana Field. Here is my top ten list for the class of 2012. - 4. Stryker Trahan- C, Acadiana HS



Ranked #76 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  Stryker Trahan, Acadiana HS, Scott LA, 6’1 215, L/R, brute strength and runs well for size, stiff with actions as a receiver and in throwing, has plus arm strength, accuracy to bases was eratic, showed some pop from left side with occ power to RF alley. A specimen who needs to loosen up a bit.



4) Jonathan Walsh



Ranked #187 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft



5) Brad Zebedis


6-15-11: - http://collegebaseball360.com/2011/06/15/ncbwa-college-baseball-all-american-teams  - NCBWA Division I All-America Team - FIRST TEAM - DH Brad Zebedis, Presbyterian , So. .425 56 212 47 90 23-0-13 57 16 22 1/2


Ranked #187 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


6) Drew Fann


6-17-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/  JR C Drew Fann (2012) - Fann isn’t an early round candidate, but the demand for quality catch-and-throw prospects could get him drafted as a late round senior sign in 2012. The Vanderbilt catching job is up for grabs heading into next year, and it would come as no surprise if Fann took the job with a strong fall. I should point out that I’ve read that Fann is a senior who is exhausted his eligibility on a few Vanderbilt-specific sites, but the official Vandy website has him listed as a redshirt junior. In other words, I don’t know what’s going on with Fann, but the possibility exists that I just spent 117 words on an undrafted player without any more college eligibility .


7) Spencer Kieboom


6-20-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/  - Clemson SO C Spencer Kieboom
.300/.382/.382 – 23 BB/12 K – 170 AB - There is a lot to like about Spencer Kieboom. First, he’s got a good approach at the plate. Next up, there is his even better defense behind the plate. Finally, and best of all, there is his name, Spencer Kieboom. The first two may be more important with respect to his future in baseball, but I’d say that last quality alone is more than enough to get him on every early 2012 watch list.



8) Blake Hickman


Ranked #34 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft



9) Clint Coultier



Ranked #61 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


8-9-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/2011/08/another-catcher-joins-hit-parade-at-area-codes  - Coulter has a physical build at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. He's muscular through his core with strong thighs and forearms. Along with baseball, he used to also participate in football, basketball and wrestling. In high school, he's only played baseball and done wresting, but he'll give that up this year to focus solely on baseball—especially after gaining 30 pounds during workouts since last year (he wrestled in the 189-pound weight class). Coulter, who is looking at several Pacific-12 Conference schools, is a relatively-new convert to catching. He grew up—like many top prospects did—mainly playing shortstop and pitching. But his high school coach, Tom Lampkin, caught for 13 years in the big leagues and suggested he make the transition. So Coulter has been behind the plate for just three years now. It's not an easy transition, but it certainly helps having a former big leaguer there to guide the process.



10) Nelson Rodriguez


Ranked #65 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


11) Taylor Gushue


Ranked #68 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


12) R.J. Ybarra


Ranked #71 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


13) Chris Harvey


Ranked #73 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft



14) Chris Chinea


Ranked #83 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft



15) Ty Hensley


Ranked #90 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


16) Chase Fowler


Ranked #97in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


17) Chase Anselment


Ranked #115 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


18) Kevin Plawecki


Ranked #133 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


19) Michael Klement


Ranked #154 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


20) Cameron Saylor


Ranked #172 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


21) David Houser


Ranked #177 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft



22) Dane Phillips


Ranked #189 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft


8-9-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/08/05/dane-phillips-2012-draft-profile  - Dane Phillips followed up a successful sophomore season at Oklahoma State with an All-Star summer at the Cape. Phillips bat is the strength of his game. He has an easy swing with good bat speed. Phillips hits to all fields. There is pop in his bat and a jump in home runs could come. During his sophomore season, Phillips started 47 games at DH and just 4 at catcher. He received more time behind the plate at the Cape and reportedly showed improvement. He also showed off a strong arm from the outfield during the summer


23) Aaron Jones


Ranked #196 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft



24) Zac Fisher



Ranked #200 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation - http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft



25) Rob Amaro:



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/2   - INF/C Rob Amaro got very little time on the field this season, but could next year. He was a 40th-round pick of the Phillies back in 2009, mostly because of his relation to his uncle, Ruben Amaro, the Phillies GM. He could really benefit from seeing some time behind the plate.



26) Chad Morgan



6-23-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/  - Virginia Tech SO C Chad Morgan
.237/.333/.360 – 16 BB/34 K – 139 AB - Morgan was a favorite heading into 2011 because of his big power upside, plus arm strength, and well above-average defensive skills. His sophomore year numbers don’t exactly scream early round candidate heading into 2012, but the big tools remain



27) Matt Fultz:



6-28-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/06/27/matt-fultz-2012-draft-profile  - When I look at catching prospects, I see two different groups. The ones who will be sticking behind the plate in the future and the ones who are waiting to move to a different position. Matt Fultz’s present and future are at catcher. Fultz is a left-handed power bat. He has very good bat speed. His swing is short and he consistently makes hard contact. Fultz looks natural behind the plate. He moves well and frames pitches well. Fultz has sub 2 second pop times. He has a good arm and does a good job shutting down the opponent’s running game.

28) Josh Elander:

7-9-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6002  - Josh Elander, C/OF, TCU - A sturdy athlete with a strong, compact frame, Elander has been a promising prospect before he stepped onto Texas Christian's campus as part of the same class that included Matt Purke. He was the Horned Frogs' second leading hitter each of the past two springs, and has more power potential than his seven career collegiate home runs indicate.


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Josh “Jake” Elander, TCU, 6’2 1/2 210, R/R, have seen this young man since days at the TOS event in Cary. Strong arm and durable body with some pop in his bat and power to LF, runs decent for a catcher, could be a quality catcher or backup at the ML level quickly.
 29) Tom Murphy:



7-9-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6002  - Tom Murphy, C, Buffalo - A natural leader, Murphy is a good fit behind the plate at a position that is always in demand at every level of the game. Putting up big numbers in two years while hailing from a non-traditional baseball powerhouse, he had the opportunity to showcase his skills among the best college players in the nation, and made the most of that opportunity, albeit in limited duty.



7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Tom Murphy, Buffalo, 6’1 200, R/R, playing for Team USA over the summer, this sturdy backstop has surprising ower and a nice line drive stroke to RF and LF alleys, shows solid arm strength and sub 2.0 release times to 2b, shifts well and is alert, could be one of top catchers taken in 2012 MLB Draft. Love his attitude on the field.

30) Mike Lubanski:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Mike Lubanski, Wake Forest, 5’11 185 R/R, limited playing time as a soph, has shown capable release and throwing arm strength, along with ability to run and has pop in his bat. Playing time needed to increase value.



31) Scott Williams



7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Scott Williams, Conestoga HS, Berwyn PA, 6’1 1/2 195, R/R, decent arm strength, was 1.94 on pop time, showed decent hands receiving pitches and shifting well, has long swing at present with some arm strength. Must see again.

32) Chris Harvey:



7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Chris Harvey, Germantown Acad. HS, Norristown PA, 6’5 210, R/R, strong kid with lots of room to fill out, has ML arm, release is slow as he needs to stand to deliver to 2b, best pop times for me were 2.02 real time, has long swing with power potential, long term project but plays game right and appears to enjoy being out there.



33) Nelson Rodriguez:



7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Nelson Rodriguez, George Washington HS, Brooklyn NY, 6’1 230 R/R, strong body, huge legs, good bat speed with power potential, stands to throw and has ML arm strength, not real quick in his actions behind the plate, played mostly 1b at TOS event, put the bat on the ball which is his trademark, runs better than he showed out of the box but is not going to be a base running threat. 13-20 round type.

34) Tony Gushue:
 7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Taylor Gushue, Calvary Christian, Boca Raton FL, 6’2 190, S/R, showed a better approach to hitting this year shortening his stroke, 1.95 on pop times to 2b, know how as a receiver, has power from left side of plate, definite follow, would be a 13-20 round type for me.



35) Blake Hickman



7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Blake Hickman, Simeon HS, Chicago IL, 6’4 1/2 200, R/R, strong ML arm, pop times at best were 1.97 real time, has quick bat with occ power, body to fill out in time, potential ML backup catcher, would like to see him convert to the hill to utilize his arm strength, will go as far as bat takes him.



36) Alex Bregman:



7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Alex Bregman, Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque NM, 5’11 180, R/R, gamer with fair arm strength, best tools are quick bat, bat speed & strength and ability to square up ball with the bat, occ power to LF alley, 4.38 runner from RH side, could move to 2b or LF. Competitor!



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