Top Twelve: College Position Players

MLB Draft Insider

1. Victor Roache / OF / Georgia Southern — There was very little separating the top three position players to start the year, and while the two guys below have more positional value, I went with Roache based on both his raw ability and project-ability at the next level. The Georgia Southern star possesses top-notch bat speed to go along with a well above-average approach at the plate with serious raw power to all fields. If he was a center-fielder, this would be no contest, but he has enough athleticism to play the corner outfield. He’ll need a monster year to stay at this position, but it should shock no one is Roache is the first position-player taken in the 2012 draft.

2. Deven Merrero / SS / Arizona State — Merrero starts the year at No.2, but don’t be surprised if he ends the year at No.1 with a bullet. He’s well above average defensively with a high baseball IQ, and offensively he has gap power that could develop into above-average for the position. To be an élite prospect though, the Sun Devil will have to show better plate discipline and the swing will have to be shortened. I don’t think Merrero is a star, but an average offensive shortstop with plus defensive ability is nothing to sneeze at, either.

3. Mike Zunino / C / Florida — The catching prospect is often the most scrutinized — and often overrated — but those who have placed Zunino high on their early boards have done so with good reason. The right-handed hitting backstop has power to all fields, with good pitch recognition (though there are reports that he struggles with off-speed stuff) and bat speed. Defensively, Zunino has a quick release with good arm strength and enough athleticism to block pitches at the big-league level.

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