1/29/12

Draft 2012 – Hunter Virant, Brandon Thomas, Mike Wisecarver, Byron Buxton, Duane Underwood


 Hunter Virant — 6’-4”, LHP, Camarillo HS (CA)  One of the top prep lefties in the draft, Virant is a freak athlete who excels at just about everything on the baseball field. He hit .446 as a junior and has elite speed. His pitching abilities are what will make him a first round pick, however. Has four pitches that all grade out to at least average, and with his 6’-4”, 180 lb frame, has a lot of room for improvement. His fastball is his best pitch, sitting in the low 90s, and his curveball has serious potential. He is a gamer who plays his best during the biggest events and is a member of the U18 Team USA baseball. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

Brandon Thomas / Georgia Tech / OF:  The Georgia Tech outfielder really stood out for me on a Wareham team I got to see numerous times (It’s the shortest trip for me). Thomas has very good raw tools and athleticism for a college player. He is a switch hitter with a nice looking swing from each side and possesses a quick bat and has above average power. His glove may end up a little short for centerfield given his size, but he’s a quality defender with good instincts and actions in the outfield. Thomas has a mix of tools, athleticism and polish that should make him an early round pick. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2012/01/scouting-the-cape/#more-720  

Mike Wisecarver  LHP  Waterloo Bucks--Nicholls State   Mike went a perfect 6-0 and had was third in the league with a 1.91 era in 56.2 innings pitched. He allowed just 46 hits, walked 19 and fanned 44 this summer. PG ranked him as the 32nd best prospect in the league. http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2012/01/top-35-pitchers-in-northwoods-league_20.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  

Byron Buxton — 6’-1”, OF, Appling County HS (GA)  Georgia is a hotbed for baseball talent, and Buxton may be the best of the bunch this year. His elite speed and strong, accurate arm will allow him to stay in center field at the next level. Has extremely quick wrists and an easy, fluid swing. Mainly a pull hitter right now, the power should develop with time. Buxton is one of those players with so much talent that his body isn’t ready for it yet. Justin Upton comes to mind when watching him play. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694

Duane Underwood is the top pitching prospect hailing from the state of Georgia, which has been a great source of talent for big-league clubs over the years. He doesn’t have a ceiling as high as some of the most recent, including 2009 first-rounder Zack Wheeler, but he has enough potential that he could sneak into the first-round. Underwood is a lithe, athletic right-hander with a power arm that at first glance reminds a bit of 2010 first-rounder Taijuan Walker. He has great velocity, capable of reaching 97-98 mph, and the makings of an above-average curveball. In the field, he’ll be an above-average defender. http://mlbdraftcountdown.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/duane-underwood-rhp-pope-hs-ga/

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