Draft 2012: Deven Marrero, Taylore Cherry, Joey Gallo, Bryan De la Rosa

We continue the countdown today at number 3 with Arizona State junior shortstop Deven Marrero. The Davie, Florida native attended American Heritage High School where he was a two time captain. He was also named All-State and All-County in 2008, when American Heritage won both the Florida State title and the National title. He ended up being drafted in the 17th round (509th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds during the 2009 MLB Draft. He decided to turn down the Reds offer to head to Tempe, Arizona to play for the Arizona State Sun Devils http://ht.ly/1gYOjz

Taylore Cherry, Vandalia-Butler (Vandalia, Ohio)  This 6-foot-9, 260-pound beast sits 92-94 mph with a four-seam heater that shows sink, setting up a changeup that has caught above-average to plus grades. He throws strikes and holds his delivery together. Cherry is committed to North Carolina. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1051/top-10-class-of-2012-right-handed-pitchers

Joey Gallo — 6’-5”, 1B/RHP, Bishop Gorman HS (OK) - Gallo is a two-way star who could legitimately be taken in the first round as a hitter or a pitcher. As a junior for powerhouse Bishop Gorman, he hit .471 with a 1.756 OPS and 25 home runs over 121 at bats. He hits from the left side, and at 6’-5”, 210 lbs, what team doesn’t want that hitting in the middle of their lineup? He does have a big swing that could lead to a lot of strikeouts, but the power potential is what scouts love. On the mound he throws right handed. His fastball can hit 94 mph with ease and still room for more velocity once he commits full time. His curveball looks to be a possible plus pitch at the next level and his change-up will be at least average. Whichever route he chooses, he is a lock for the first round. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

Bryan De la Rosa is among the many talented 2012 draft prospects from Puerto Rico.  He is a short catcher with a compact build and good physical strength. De La Rosa can be somewhat inconsistent at the plate.  When he is going good, he has a short stroke and sprays line drives.  He can get into trouble overswinging at times.  He has good bat speed.  Reports on his power are mixed, but he should hit quite a few doubles at the next level.  His 60 time is 7.18.De La Rosa stands out defensively.  He moves well behind the plate and has a strong accurate arm.  He recorded an event record 1.71 pop time at the Perfect Game World Showcase. http://mlbdraftguide.com/