Draft 2012: - Kenny Diekroeger, Gavin Cecchini, Travis Jankowski, Nolan Fontana

12-15-11: - http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2011/12/12/2012-draft-top-3-college-shortstopssecond-baseman - Kenny Diekroeger (Stanford): If you’re looking at pure tools, the Stanford talent might very well top this list. Diekroeger’s athleticism shows up in flashes, and when it does you can see the hitting and defensive talents that he is capable of playing with in time. He will be more of a bat-first prospect, as a move to second base sounds more and more likely, but he should have enough range and arm to stick there. Diekroeger’s bat speed is big and his swing looks nice and compact. With his strength and athleticism, he could be a very interesting (albeit raw) offense-first prospect up the middle.

12-2-11: - http://mlbdraftcountdown.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/2012-mlb-mock-draft-updated-top-15-with-final-mlb-standings - 7) San Diego Padres: Gavin Cecchini, SS, Barbe HS (LA) The Padres haven’t done too well in the draft over the past few seasons. First, there was the Donovan Tate debacle. Then, they missed a huge opportunity to add Karsten Whitson to a declining cache of pitching talent. This year, they went the safe route, tabbing Cory Spangenberg with their first pick and going after a projectable arm in Joe Ross later in the first-round. They also added some high-ceiling guys later in the draft, including catcher Austin Hedges (second), Michael Kelly (supplemental first) and Kyle Gaedele (sixth). That’s all fine and dandy, but that group of players does nothing to change the fact that the Padres have Jason Bartlett and his 31 career home runs occupying shortstop. Beyond Bartlett, there is no true heir to the shortstop position, making Gavin Cecchini an excellent choice. For starters, he has the footwoork and size to stick at shortstop long-term, an increasingly invaluable trait these days. He also has a special bat, with potential to hit for average and for power.

12-15-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/12/12/vincent-jackson-2012-draft-profile - Stony Brook outfielder Travis Jankowski placed himself firmly on the radar with a stellar 2011 Cape League Season.  He led the league in hits, runs, and triples and finished 2nd in steals on his way to being named League MVP. Jankowski is good with the bat and should continue to get on base at a high rate when he moves to the next level.  Power is not a big part of his game.  Some project him to add power in the future, but I wouldn’t be looking for him to hit many out of the park.  Speed is one of Jankowski’s best assets and he has been recorded in the 60 at 6.4 according to Baseball America. Jankowski is a plus defender in centerfield.  He gets good jumps on balls and covers plenty of ground.  Jankowski also has a good arm. Jankowski may be one of the safer choices among college outfielders who are eligible for the 2012 draft.  In addition to his good baseball skills, he is an extremely coachable player.

12-15-11: - http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2011/12/12/2012-draft-top-3-college-shortstopssecond-baseman - Nolan Fontana (Florida): The Gators middle infielder would be a much more interesting bat to follow this spring if either his power or speed tools were better. Unfortunately neither is all that loud. He’s mainly a doubles hitter, and though he is smart on the bases, the infielder is not a stolen-base threat. Fontana could hit for a decent average in the pro game, and can definitely get on base at a high clip. It remains to be seen if a team will start him at shortstop as a pro, but I would imagine he’ll at least get a shot at it.