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2/14/12

Draft 2012: Joey Rickard, Albert Amora, Tyler Naquin, Matt Smoral, Carlos Correa


Joey Rickard, Arizona’s leadoff hitter and centerfielder, had a strong season at the Cape and earned a spot in the league’s All-Star game. Rickard profiles as a leadoff hitter or number 2 hitter at the going forward.  He is a contact hitter with a short quick swing.  He won’t be hitting many home runs at the next level, but he should hit his share of doubles.  While Rickard has above average speed, he has yet to have great success stealing bases at the college level. Rickard has good range in the outfield and should be able to remain in centerfield. On draft day, Rickard’s speed and ability to get on base should get him drafted between rounds 6-8.  http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Albert Amora, Mater Academy Charter (Hialeah Gardens, Fla.), Outfield, R/R, Miami A veteran of the Team USA since he was 13, Amora was recently named the 18U Most Valuable Player after leading the squad to the gold medal at the Pan-American Games. Almora has a strong arm and good speed and he is also expected to hit for a high average in the big leagues. He could land somewhere between No. 20-25. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/-8V2A0MeEeGkPgAmVebEWg/maxpreps-top-10-mlb-draft-prospects.htm

OF Tyler Naquin School: Texas A&M  Cl.: Junior, Ht.: 6-2, Wt.: 170  Hometown.: Spring, Texas High school: Klein Collins  Naquin evolved into an elite player last season, and is expected to have an even better 2012 campaign. The speedy outfielder is a good defender with an excellent arm. He also has an impressive offensive skill set, expected to hit for more power this spring. In 2011, hit .381 with 23 doubles and 44 RBIs. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498  

Matt Smoral, Solon (Ohio)   Smoral is interchangeable with Fried for the top spot. While Fried is further along in his development, Smoral brings more upside. At 6-foot-8, Smoral's 90-94 mph fastball comes easy and his slider works well from his three-quarters arm slot. He's a North Carolina commit but could go in the top 10 come June. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1086/max-fried-leads-class-of-2012-left-handers
Carlos Correa, SS, PR Baseball Academy Correa is a 6'4", 190 pound Shortstop that is extremely athletic. He is long and agile but his height and size may make him move off short at some point simply due to outgrowing it. He has very good actions at the position as well as a strong arm. It's an outside shot he can stick at the position but it is possible. A lot will depend on how much he grows in the next 2-3 years. If he does move over to 3B, he could be a well above average defender.  At the plate, Correa displays a ton of potential. He is long with big levers and a pretty short swing considering that. He generates big power potential. His hit tool isn't the greatest right now and needs work. He tones down his swing in games and has some contact issues as well as discipline issues at the plate, but that is nothing unusual for a young kid out of Puerto Rico.  Whoever chooses Correa will get a very projectable, potentially elite talent that is one of the youngest players available in this years' draft. I can't see him sliding out of the top 10 unless the bat totally fails him this spring. If he were to attend college, he is committed to Miami. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/2/6/2773435/2012-baseball-draft-high-school-prospects-1-5

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