12-2-11: - http://mlbdraftcountdown.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/2012-mlb-mock-draft-updated-top-15-with-final-mlb-standings - 6) Chicago Cubs: Lucas Giolito, RHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA) It was refreshing to see the Cubs stop trying to outsmart everyone in the 2011 draft. Instead of pulling a “Hayden Simpson,” the club simply went with the best available hitter, Javier Baez, a player of such great talent that will hopefully rid the organization of the taste of failure that was Josh Vitters. And while the Cubs picked up one of the top players in the draft, they did nothing to combat the lack of quality starting pitching in their farm system. Their top pitching prospect, Trey McNutt, had a terrible campaign in 2011, and there were few, if any, pitchers who had breakout seasons for Chicago. They did add a few arms in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft, but they currently lack a true elite talent on the mound. Lucas Giolito is just that. He’s been on team’s radar since the beginning of his junior season, during which he showed not only improved velocity (he’s up to 93-97 mph), but also greatly improved command of all of his pitches. If Theo Epstein could start off his first draft as the head honcho in Chicago with Giolito, you would have to call it a success.
12-15-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/12/12/vincent-jackson-2012-draft-profile - Vincent Jackson is one of the top prospects from the state of Georgia. He has a tall, athletic build with plenty of projection. Jackon does not have the prettiest swing, but he gets good results with it. He could incorporate his lower half better. He has quick hands and good bat speed. Jackson has good power potential. His 60 time is 6.77. Reports are positive on Jackson’s defense, both in the outfield and at first base. He has the speed to play in the outfield. He also has a solid, accurate arm. Jackson also shows potential on the mound, but his future at the next level will be as a position player.
12-15-11: - http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/28/article/60482 - Former Jefferson High pitching standout Chris Beck had the opportunity to play professionally after he graduated from in 2009, but decided to prolong the move by accepting a scholarship to play for Georgia Southern University. With a strong build and high potential coming out of high school, Beck was drafted in the 35th round (1,055 overall pick) by the Cleveland Indians. After two seasons at Georgia Southern, the 6-3, 220 pound right-hander was listed as the No. 8 prospect in the nation by MLB.com recently. Talk about the difference a couple of years can make. The list includes the top 50 draft-eligible high school and college players for the 2012 MLB draft. Beck is one of five pitchers to make the top 10 and one of just three college pitchers, coming in behind No. 6 Kevin Gausman from LSU and No. 1 Mark Appel from Stanford.
12-15-11: - http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2011/12/12/2012-draft-top-3-college-shortstopssecond-baseman - Deven Marrero (Arizona State): The 17th round pick of the 2009 draft is much more than the best college shortstop prospect. He’s arguably one of the top overall players available this June. His work ethic seems to play up his tools a bit, not to say that plenty of natural talent isn’t there. Even though it looks as if he’ll have more inherent value with his glove than his bat, don’t sleep on Marrero’s offensive potential. His offensive tools will never be huge, but he’s a smart hitter who can walk a fair amount, make quality contact, and steal a base.
1 comment:
I'll take one of each, please.
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