2011 Draft: - Top 27 Second Basemen

2B:


1. Joshua Tobias - MIF 3B Southeast Guilford Greensboro NC






11-2-09 from www.thehardballtimes.com: - Josh Tobias, 2B/3B, 2011, Greensbor, N.C., Canes - Scouts talk about the sound a ball makes coming off a bat. That was the first thing that got my attention with Tobias. “CRACK!”, and a line drive screams off into left field. I made a note to not go too far anytime soon, so I could see his next at-bat. Then again, “CRACK!!”, even louder than the first, a line-drive to right-center on a breaking ball. I couldn’t get enough; I saw Tobias more than any other player at the tournament, getting to see him in 10 or 11 PAs. One ended in a walk, and I’ll be damned if fewer than seven of them resulted either in line drives or ground-liners that made it out of the infield in one hop. (I was also told I missed a long homer the day before.) His swing is a bit unorthodox. It’s semi-long and he finishes with his hands flying high, sort of like a mini-right-handed Fred McGriff. But he has great bat speed and covers the plate completely with hands that thrash through the zone lightning quick. It’s a point I’ve made before, but one ‘tool’ that I feel gets overlooked at times is just plain old hitability. Scouts like to look at the components; are the hands quick, is the swing short, does he have a good swing path, does he recognize pitches well, does he keep himself balanced, etc. Those are all important pieces in projecting a player’s future success, and by no means would I advocate disregarding them. But the bottom line is this: Some guys plain old find the barrel with consistency, and others (even the ones with quick hands and short strokes) do not. Those components are intended to project those who can and will find the barrel, but it’s a very complicated view of things. Simply put, the difference between a routine groundball to the SS and a liner that goes over his head is a few millimeters of difference on the bat. Despite the hands, the shortness of the swing, the balance, etc etc… some guys are extremely coordinated with that bat in their hands, and others are just so-so. And Josh Tobias is great. Now, I don’t want to create the impression that Tobias has some Hunchback of Notre Dame swing; that’s not the case at all, it just may not be what Walt Hriniak would use as his model. As comps, I see shades of both Gary Sheffield and Dmitri Young here. An ultra-fast bat and swing to hit for average, a guy who handles both breaking pitches and good heat, and some serious raw power. Going forward, I have two question marks; one is future power. Tobias is 5-foot-9. Sure, he’s just 16 and may have some growth left, but Dad is only about 5-foot-10. Then again, he’s 16 and hitting homers with a wood bat. The size may limit his ceiling with regard to power, but don’t get caught up in that; this one might be a mold-breaker. The main concern for me is finding him a position. His arm is sub-par and comes with a screwy, flailing sidearm motion. His actions and hands are also quite questionable. Veteran scouts will swear they’ve seen future gold-glovers who couldn’t field a lick in their teens, but I’m pretty discouraged with Tobias’ D (especially since the arm means in you move him to OF, it’s got to be left). Still, he’s the best all-around bat I saw this weekend. As if I didn’t already love him enough, I’m told he’s committed to the Gators for college (though, as always, the draft may change that). Again, he’s a 2011 guy, so this is very early hype. But I’m keeping a very close on him going forward.


6-23-10 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702 - Day 1 at TOS: - 3b, Josh Tobias, for Babe Ruth a local kid from Greensboro, did not impress at the plate as his press clippings and I've seen him a couple of times last 2 years. He has good physical numbers, running and throwing wise and he'll put on a bp show. He should hit enough at the next level if he can cut down on his swing. Plus runner, better on the way and solid arm strength, not real big listed at 5'9, more like 5'7 1/2, he may have to move to 2b eventually.


6-29 from: - Andy Seiler Mock Draft - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/28/1541924/andys-first-2011-top-50#storyjump - 32. Josh Tobias, 2B, Southeast Guilford HS (NC)


7-1 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/30/1544396/pats-first-2011-top-50#storyjump – Pat Hickey Mock Draft – 13. Joshua Tobias, 2B, Southeast Guilford HS (N.C.)


7-1 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com – 2011 Mock Draft – 14. Joshua Tobias- 2B, Southeast Guilford HS


7-3 from: - http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/07/03/early-follow-list-for-2011-mlb-draft - from Fanhouse.com MLB Draft guru Frankie Piliere – Josh Tobias 3B Southeast Guilford HS (N.C.) - Not tall, but a physical powerhouse. Tobias has huge raw power and a short, but powerful swing. Has plus-plus speed. Tremendous upside, still getting better.


7-3 from: - http://milbprospects.blogspot.com/2010/07/early-version-of-top-50-prospects-for.html - Top 50 - 22 Joshua Tobias , 3B , Southeast Guilford Greensboro NC


7-11 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com – top ten high school middle fielders - 1. Joshua Tobias- SE Guilford HS


7-10 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/7/10/1562916/all-questions-answered#comments - All around talent. He’s the type of kid that is really going to turn some heads all summer in showcase-style games, but he’s going to need a fair amount of at-bats in the minors. He’s not as polished as his performances indicate. He has the potential to be a great offensive talent, and the only question now is finding out what defensive position fits him best. I could see him trying out second base and center field in the end, with a leaning towards second. However, he has power and speed, and he’s a hard working kid, so the sky’s the limit with his offensive potential if he keeps working.


7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 14. Josh Tobias, 2B, Southeast Guilford HS (N.C.)


8-16: - http://diamondscapescouting.com/articles_aflacallamerican2010_10playerstowatch_08152010.html - 2B/SS, Southeast Guilford HS (N.C.) -- Tobias is an interesting talent, with a short and strong frame that belies both his plus-plus speed and upside power. Another switch-hitter, he utilizes a compact swing to maximize barrel acceleration through contact, which allows him to generate force without swinging from the heels. He gets solid natural loft but can also run into issues keeping his swing plane in the hit zone from time-to-time. His arm strength will limit him to second base as a pro, where his hands and athleticism should allow him to succeed.


10-7-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=153 - I’d imagine that the bulk of the list will begin their pro careers as second baseman. One who jumps out as almost a prototypical second baseman is #5 Joshua Tobias (Southeast Guilford HS, NC), who lacks a shortstop’s arm but has very good range, a pesky switch-bat, and the speed to be a leadoff man.


10-22-10 from: - http://www.tossitaround.com/baseball-news/prospect-news - 7963-top-70-prospects-for-the-2011-draft-14.html Josh Tobias is a very talented infielder for Southeast Guilford High School in North Carolina. He is very deceptive for his size as he is listed at 5’9 194. He shows that he has a lot of potential for power at the next level. He had a very strong junior season as he hit .368 with 5 homeruns 19 RBI, and 42 runs. One of the most powerful weapons that he has is his speed. Last season he had 30 stolen bases in only 24 games. When he gets on first base he is already in scoring position. He is also a switch hitter which makes him a danger from both sides of the plate. He is very good defensively and projects well as either a 2nd baseman or a center fielder at the next level. No matter what position he plays he will be an offensive threat.


Josh Tobias has made a verbal commitment to play baseball following his senior season at the University of Florida. He will be a big impact player at the next level and will either make his presence felt at the college level or in the minor leagues. His talent level is ready for the minor league system but he may want to go and prove himself a little more at the college level. He will be a high draft pick in the 2011 draft if a team feels that they will be able to sign him, if not his draft stock will drop but either way someone will take a chance on him during the draft and hope that they can sign him.


http://www.diamondscapescouting.com/blog.html - Day Four – WWBA - The Canes were not shy of big-time talent, with Joshua Tobias (Southeast Guilford HS, Greensboro, N.C.), Tobias split time between second base and left field, showing arm strength at both spots and a solid feel for the game. At the plate, he produced good raw power from a high-effort swing, though it is unclear how the loud mechanics will play against more advanced pitching.


11-5-10: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5095 – WWBA stars - LF/2B Josh Tobias (Canes Baseball): Tobias recovered from a dreadful first game (0-3, 3 K’s in a Canes loss) to pick his head and his team up, going 7-15 over the next 5 games with 5 runs, 5 RBI’s and 5 stolen bases. Although Tobias has the power to impact a game (he did, after all, win the Rawlings Home Run Derby at the PG National), he seems to play the best when he’s in leadoff/speed mode and not trying to overpower the ball


2. Kolten Wong:


7-3 from: - http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/07/03/early-follow-list-for-2011-mlb-draft - from Fanhouse.com MLB Draft guru Frankie Piliere – Kolten Wong OF Hawaii - Some good, game-usable power. Handles the wood bat and advanced pitching.


7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 68. Kolten Wong, OF, Hawaii


7-23 from: - http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100723/SPORTS/100729902 - “Kolten Wong (.330, 17 of 23 steals) is an outstanding player, probably one of outstanding hitters in the league,” said Myers. “He also runs the bases very well. He’s one of the better all-around players in the league. When we’ve had success against Orleans, we’ve kept him off the bases. Once he’s on, he’s very similar to Martinez. He’ll take second and third on two pitches.”


7-26 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - Here are some names of draft eligibles for 2011 who have not been mentioned much and are definitely on the radar for 2011 MLB scouting depts. – Second Base - Kolten Wong, Hawaii, 5'9 180, L/R, can't believe I forgot this guy but you won't! Kolten can flat out hit, runs well and can steal bases, puts the bat on the ball and goes with the pitch, instincts to be a very good utility player, will get to the big leagues quickly and shouldn't make it out of the supplemental first round at the least next year, barring any unforeseen circumstances for next June. A gamer with a great attitude.


7-27-10 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/07/27/2010-cape-cod-baseball-league-all-star-game-players-to-watch - Kolten Wong (Hawaii)- He is second in the league with a .331 batting average while hitting three homers and driving in six runs. He has 17 stolen bases in 24 attempts this summer. I saw Wong last summer with the USA Collegiate National Team where he had a .215 average with eight RBI in 21 games. He had a much stronger 2010 college season with Hawaii as he hit .357 with seven homers and 40 RBI while stealing 19 bases in 26 attempts.


8-21-10 from: - http://projectprospect.com/article/2010/08/21/2010-cape-cod-wrapup - The league MVP award went to Orleans second baseman Kolton Wong. Wong ended the Cape season with a robust .341/.426/.452 line. He drew walks in 11.6% of his plate appearances while striking out only 8.4%. Wong has a short, quick stroke and good speed; he stole 22 bases in 38 games. His small stature limits his physical projection, though scouting the 5-foot-9 college star is one of the best gigs in baseball since Wong plays for the University of Hawai’i. Defensively, Wong has decent range at second and soft hands. He's also spent time playing centerfield and catching. The lack of big-time tools and projection may keep him out of the 2011 first round, but Wong should provide excellent value to whichever team drafts him as one of college baseball best performers.


8-27 from: - http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com - 2B-OF Kolten Wong Hawaii 5'9 185 L/R - quality hitter with good bat speed and enough power to hit 15 plus HR in pro ball, runs well, 4.2 from left and will steal bases. Solid arm strength and quick feet, range is good, can play 2B competently and with repeat and practice no doubt he'll go far in pro ball. Lots of similarities in his game compared to Ichiro without the great arm strength Ichiro has. Rainbows program will be closely watched. Held his own in Cape and was tough competing with TEAM USA in trials. Gamer!


11-11-10 from: - http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com - #25 - 2B-OF Kolten Wong Hawaii 5'9 185 L/R - quality hitter with good bat speed and enough power to hit 15 plus HR in pro ball, runs well, 4.2 from left and will steal bases. Solid arm strength and quick feet, range is good, can play 2B competently and with repeat and practice no doubt he'll go far in pro ball. Lots of similarities in his game compared to Ichiro without the great arm strength Ichiro has. Rainbows program will be closely watched. Held his own in Cape and was tough competing with TEAM USA in trials. Gamer!










3. Matt Jensen –






11-16-9 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 65th top college player for the 2010 upcoming season


1-7-10: invited to join Team USA in July 10 - Matt Jensen-2B-Cal Poly - This is the second straight year Jensen has been invited to the Team USA Trials. After accepting the invitation a year ago, Jensen fractured his collarbone in a Cal Poly game in early May and was unable to participate in the trials. Jensen (5-10, 190, Clovis, CA) sported a .375 batting average with 15 doubles, nine home runs and 53 RBI before fracturing his clavicle in May 2009. He suffered the injury when he was involved in a collision with a San Francisco baserunner. Jensen is the first Mustang baseball player to be invited to the National Team Trials. Cal Poly head coach Larry Lee on Jensen: “Matt is one of the better ball players in the country.” “He should be able to follow up a tremendous freshman year with another quality season and is fully recovered from his broken collarbone. “He’s really developed as a defensive second baseman to add to his already impressive credentials from an offensive standpoint,” Lee added. “Having the opportunity to represent the United States in this endeavor is a great honor and Matt is as good as it gets on and off the field. He will represent Cal Poly at the highest level this summer.”


7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 27. Matt Jensen, INF, Cal Poly Matt Jensen:


7-25-10 from: - www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - Matt Jensen- Cal Poly (2B)- Jensen was a much heralded 2B out of Clovis, CA who has had two significant injuries each of his first two seasons. His true freshman year he batted .375 with nine (9) bombs in only 160 AB's before breaking a collarbone. Matt is known as a hit first (with power) average defender with average speed. He was a finalist to join Team USA and entered 2010 with a lot of fanfare. Unfortunately he started slowly and ended at .270 with a nearly 1:1 BB/SO ratio and this season ended in a wrist injury. Therefore given my comments above about consistencey, I'm not sure what scouts will end up doing with him draft wise. If he retuns to his 2009 level he will go high, if not it is round 10-15.


10-18-10 from: - http://www.thecollegebaseballblog.com - We continue the countdown today at number 88 with Matt Jensen of Cal Poly. He is from Clovis California where he attended Clovis East High School. He picked up four letters playing under head coach Jeff Prieto where he hit .458 with six doubles, five triples, eight home runs, 21 RBIs and 36 runs scored. Jensen was also solid on the mound as he went 5-3 with a 2.29 ERA while striking out 55 batters in 52 innings as he threw two complete games and a shutout. He picked up several honors including All-Tri-River Athletic Conference honors all four years and also earned All-Valley and All-Regional honors. He was also named a third-team All-American as a senior. The Seattle Mariners selected him in the 11th round in the 2008 MLB draft but Jensen decided to head to Cal Poly to play under Larry Lee.


4. Ryan Wright:






4-7-10 from: http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/articles/DisplayArticle.aspx?article=2253 - 2B Ryan Wright (Louisville): The 6-1, 200-pound Wright has played all over the field as a freshman for Louisville (2B, SS, 3B, RF, LF), but has settled in at second base this year and at the halfway point of the spring has not made an error in 101 chances. The righthanded hitter can flat hit (.387-7-32) and has the type of power that big-league teams crave in the middle of the field.


7-1 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/30/1544396/pats-first-2011-top-50#storyjump – Pat Hickey Mock Draft – 44. Ryan Wright, 2B, Louisville


7-10 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/07/10/team-usa-collegiate-national-team-trials-game-4-recap - Kyle Winkler (Texas Christian), Madison Boer (Oregon) and Nick Ramirez (Cal State Fullerton) combined to throw a one-hitter as the Red team took Game 4 of the Collegiate National Team (CNT) Trials in easy fashion Friday night 7-1 at the National Training Complex (NTC). – IF Ryan Wright (Louisville) paced a two-run second for the Red pushing its lead three, 3-0, when he roped a triple off the wall in left center scoring Nick Martini (Kansas State) from first. Wright scored immediately after his plate appearance on Nick Ramirez’ grounder to short.


7-13 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=3 - 3b-1b, Ryan Wright, Louisville, 6'0 200, Jr to be, R/R, solid glove, 55 arm, runs well on the way, power ability is there, moves laterally well enough to stay at 3b, is aggressive at the plate with good hand speed, nimble enough to potentially move to other IF positions for sure or OF if needed. Gamer! Ran 4.28 on IF single.


7-16-10 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/07/16/team-usa-defeats-korea-8-1 - Ryan Wright (Louisville) collected a team-best three hits as the Collegiate National Team took game two of the five-game international friendly series against Korea, 8-1 Thursday night.


7-23-10 from: - http://pnrscouting.com/articles_teamusacollegiate_finalroster_07212010.html - USA CNT Roster Breakdown, Spring Stat Links and Trials Notes: - Ryan Wright - 2B/SS So. Univ. of Louisville - Trials Notes: Wright logged time at each infield position, showing some game at all four -- enough arm strength for the left side and enough footwork to hold down the fort up-the-middle. He has the potential to be an average defender at short and a tick above-average at third, with soft hands and a solid transfer and release. Wright also shows a nice compact stroke at the plate, with a good load keeping his barrel-to-contact distance in a more than manageable range. He put together a number of impressive at bats and flashed hard contact more than a few times, excelling up-the-middle and to the pull side. Wright also has the bat control to drive the ball the other way, though he could let the ball travel a little deeper to max out his pop there. Wright should be a valuable asset for Team USA, capable of filling-in at multiple infield spots while providing good production at the plate. He also clocked average speed, home-to-first. Eligible for the 2011 draft, Wright should be back full-time at short for the Lousville Cardinals this Spring and could garner early-round attention next June.


7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 41. Ryan Wright, INF, Louisville


7-28-10 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=5 - 3b-1b, Ryan Wright, Louisville, 6'0 200, Jr to be, R/R, solid glove, 55 arm, runs well on the way, power ability is there, moves laterally well enough to stay at 3b, is aggressive at the plate with good hand speed, nimble enough to potentially move to other IF positions for sure or OF if needed. Gamer! Ran 4.28 on IF single. Ryan can play several positions and profiles better at 2b and 3b, potential OF'er as well.


8-3 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/08/03/team-usa-defeats-china-11-0 - Team USA scored a combined 10 runs in the third and fourth innings and cruised to an 11-0, seven inning quarterfinal win over China Tuesday afternoon at the V FISU World University Championships inside Yokohama Stadium. With the win, USA (15-2) advances to the semi-finals and will play the winner of Chinese Taipei/Japan on Thursday with a scheduled start time yet to be determined. Ryan Wright (Louisville) put USA up 1-0 when he reached on a fielder’s choice that scored Drew Maggi (Arizona State) in the first frame. Wright, who owns a five-game hit streak, extended his team lead with his fourth multi-RBI contest


8-27 from: - http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com - 2B-Ss-3B Ryan Wright Louisville 6'1 195 R/R - had a great summer showing off his ML arm, aggressiveness and compact swing that will drive in runs as a 3 hole or 5-6 hole guy in the lineup. Where is he going to play? Preferably at 2B once he signs. He runs well underway, not a burner, more instinctive runner. Has quickness with his bat to generate 10-15 type HR power. Redbird program will be watched closely!


11-11-10 from: - http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com - #20 - 2B-SS-3B, Utility - Ryan Wright Louisville 6'1 195 R/R - had a great summer showing off his ML arm, aggressiveness and compact swing that will drive in runs as a 3 hole or 5-6 hole guy in the lineup. Where is he going to play? Preferably at 2B once he signs. He runs well underway, not a burner, more instinctive runner. Has quickness with his bat to generate 10-15 type HR power. Redbird program will be watched closely!


11-8-10 from: - http://diamondscapescouting.com/rankings_usacnttop15_09082010.html -
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Louisville (Jr.) - Wright is a versatile defender, logging time across the infield, but probably profiles best at either second or third base at the next level. His bat fits best at second, where he could provide average pop and an above-average hit tool with solid on-base skills. He works well up-the-middle and handles the barrel well enough to drive the ball to both lines. Wright stays compact to contact and put together strong at bats throughout trials week against top USA arms and carrying his strong performance through the remainder of the summer. He was the most consistent bat on the squad of all the regulars, finishing third in slugging and on-base percentage and second in hitting.






5. Zack McPhee:


6-14-10: Named to 1st Team NCBWA 2010 All-America Team - Zack McPhee: .394,66-R, 64-RBI


6-14-10 from: - http://prospectinsider.com/360mock.php - 2011 Mock Draft – 25 Minnesota Zack McPhee, 3B -- Arizona State


6-15-10 from: - http://www.deepleagues.com/?p=1830 – 2011 Mock Draft - 25. San Diego Padres Zack MacPhee 2B, Arizona State


6-23 from: - http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/MLB_Draft#ixzz0rj9JFPjP - Fittingly, Arizona State second baseman Zach McPhee was the last Sun Devil off the field Tuesday night. As South Carolina players gathered to congratulate each other, McPhee walked with his helmet in his hand back to the dugout. He had been stranded at second base in the top of the ninth. McPhee hadn't give up even though his team was down seven runs -- he stole second shortly after singling. Hair matted down, uniform dirty, the 5-8, 172-pound McPhee glanced over to the celebrating Gamecocks, pursed his lips and headed into the dugout. He was the Pac-10 Player of the Year, but that mattered little to him at that moment, after his team had just been eliminated from the College World Series.


7-1 from: - http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/MLB_Draft#ixzz0sRZR7cpy - Last but certainly not least, Arizona State shortstop Zach McPhee is the truest definition of a gym rat or dirtbag. The guy loves to get dirty and leaves it all on the field. Despite his 5-7 height, he plays bigger than that and has packed on good muscle that isn't prohibitive weight that would deaden his quickness. He is ASU's second coming of Dustin Pedroia.


7-1 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/30/1544396/pats-first-2011-top-50#storyjump – Pat Hickey Mock Draft – 35. Zack MacPhee, 2B, Arizona State






6. Connor Castellano:


8-12-10 from: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/high-school/events/under-armour-preseason-all-america-tournament/2010/2610524.html - IF - Evangel Christian Academy, Shreveport, La. Castellano has a smooth lefthanded stroke with a knack for finding the barrel and getting clutch hits. He drives the ball to all fields and has an advanced knowledge of hitting and a mature approach. Castellano plays multiple positions, though projects best at second base.


7. Kevin Medrano:






8. Drew Stankiewicz:


8-13-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=122 - The top Reds offensive performer was Drew Stankiewicz (5'9" 160, S/R) from Gilbert HS-Gilbert (AZ). He drove in the only two runs with a ringing double to left field off a very tough pitcher, Brewers right-hander Matthew Troupe. Stankiewicz is a compactly built infielder with a contact approach and aggressive nature in the box. His double came late in a long battle type at-bat and he jumped on a mistake fastball up, driving it to the opposite field gap (left field).


8-14-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=126 - Infielder Drew Stankiewicz (Gilbert HS, AZ) has put together a couple of nice games with the bat. Today he was 1-4 with a double and a run scored and he also played very well at second base, turning over a nice double play when he hung in there as the runner was coming in hard at him. He is another player with limited tools for the pro game right now but will be a good college player.


9. Dan Paolini:


6-12-10 from: - http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/wait-til-next-year-2011-draft-preview - Small School Sleeper: Dan Paolini, 2B, Siena, .369/.439/.816. The MAAC Player of the Year wouldn’t usually register on our radar, but the Park/Schedule Adjustment at CollegeSplits suggests his numbers weren’t too aided by an easy schedule, and his invitation to play summer ball with Chatham of the Cape Cod League suggests he’s a legitimate prospect. If he hits there, he won’t be a sleeper any longer.


7-25 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/7/24/1585669/all-questions-answered#comments - Paolini is an offense-first second baseman, which paints him into a bit of a corner, but he’s got above-average raw power and could be an average hitter, too. I’d put his speed in the area of solid-average and his arm at the average level, and he could play a solid second base as a pro. I think he lacks the big-time tools to be a legit early pick, but he has produced in his first two years at Siena. His Cape experience has been a little rough, though, and I’m not surprised.


7-26 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - Here are some names of draft eligibles for 2011 who have not been mentioned much and are definitely on the radar for 2011 MLB scouting depts. – Dan Paolini, Siena, 6'0 195, R/R, will be on top 100 lists this fall, has solid power, plays in small park at home, solid arm strength, can stay at 2b, may end up playing corners or OF eventually, but give him a chance here, also ran 6.7, 60.


10. Ross Heffley:


12-24-09 from: - http://www.soconsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4000&ATCLID=204862375 - Reigning consensus Southern Conference Freshman of the Year, Western Carolina sophomore infielder Ross Heffley, has been named to the 2010 Louisville Slugger pre-season All-American baseball teams, selected by Collegiate Baseball newspaper and features a who's who of NCAA Division I baseball players. Heffley, who was a Freshman All-America selection by Baseball America last season, was just one of two Southern Conference players named to the preseason All-America team, joined by Joey Bergman from the College of Charleston who made the second team.


Fr. www.baseballamerica.com/today/ college/.../ 2009/267742.html - Ross Heffley, of/2b, Western Carolina - Ross Heffley is a 5-foot-7, 175-pound freshman whom Moranda calls "our Dustin Pedroia." Heffley starred at Brookwood High in suburban Atlanta, helping lead the team to the 6-A Georgia state championship. However, Heffley wasn't heavily recruited due mostly to his size. Moranda had seen Heffley at a showcase when he was an assistant coach at Georgia Tech, and his associate head coach, Dave Haverstick, had done the same when he worked at Savannah College of Arts & Design. They dug up their notes when Heffley e-mailed them to see if Western Carolina had interest; at that point, Heffley was resigned to going to junior college. Moranda and Haverstick had written positively about Heffley in their old notes, and Heffley came to Cullowhee, N.C., the next day. He left after accepting a scholarship offer


11. Tyler Rahmatulla:


6-15-10 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com - UCLA sophomore second baseman Tyler Rahmatulla will miss the 2010 College World Series after breaking his wrist in the postgame celebration on Sunday. He is currently hitting .328 with seven homers and 45 RBI on the year. This is a key loss for the Bruins as he is the team’s number three hitter in the order and provides leadership on the field. We should see how this effects the Bruins offense which heading into the CWS was the weakest out of the eight teams left.


7-26 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - Here are some names of draft eligibles for 2011 who have not been mentioned much and are definitely on the radar for 2011 MLB scouting depts. – Tyler Rahmutulla, UCLA, 5'11 175, R/R, was injured during CWS but this kid is a gamer, with solid contact ability and fielding mechs.


12. Sherman Johnson:


6-21-10 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com - 2011 MLB Draft Players to Know – Florida State - SO 2B Sherman Johnson (.335/.449/.513; 44/36 BB/K; 7/10 SB; 224 AB) - Johnson, a former walk-on, is one of my favorite college position player sleeper prospects heading into 2011. He’s taken to the patented ultra-patient Florida State approach like he’s been doing it all his life while still showing off tremendous bat control and an advanced feel for what opposing pitchers want to do against him. He’s also got the defensive tools to be well above-average at both second base and third base, though he could ultimately work best as a smooth fielding shortstop. If nothing else, his defensive talent at multiple infield spots makes a utility future seem like a decent floor projection. I won’t lie and claim to have a comprehensive knowledge of all 2011 college middle infield prospects at this point, but I’d be hard pressed to come up with as well-rounded a player as Johnson. The rising junior has enough of every tool to succeed at the next level.


13. Garretts Wittels:






6-14-10: Named to 2nd Team NCBWA 2010 All-America Team - 2B Garrett Wittels - .413, 21-2B, 60-RBI


























14. Matthew Dean- The Colony HS


7-11 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com – top ten high school middle fielders - 8. Matthew Dean- The Colony HS


15. Jon Berti:


7-18 from: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/college/?p=3870 - On Bowling Green infielder Jon Berti (.215/.271/.266, 6 RBI in 79 AB): "He ran a 6.56. He stole 30 bags at BGSU. Undersized middle infielder/second baseman, but he plays with a fast motor—I'd take 10 of those kids. He's a gamer. He can play second base, he's got good range, his arm's plenty fine. He runs everything out hard, there's no letup in his step. He just needs to refine his swing a little bit. Right now he's learning with the wood, chases pitches above his hands. He's a good low-ball hitter, but he can get beat above his hands with velocity."


16. Marquis Riley:


7-22-10 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - 2b, Marquis Riley, NC A&T, 5'10 190 L/R, will turn 20 soon, playing for Asheboro, this kid runs very well on the bases, still learning technique on base stealing, has some opp field power to alley, would like to see more top hand control of his swing and pull the ball more, tends to reach and guess a lot but as far as bat speed, it's definitely there. Throwing arm is good for 2b, might be best suited to move to the OF in time. Has ran sub 4.2 to 1b from LH side and 6.6, 60. Very strong for his size too.


17. Drake Roberts:


7-26 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - Here are some names of draft eligibles for 2011 who have not been mentioned much and are definitely on the radar for 2011 MLB scouting depts. – Drake Roberts, Brenham HS, Washington TX, 5'9 plus 165, R/R, very strong for size and gets out there and plays 100%. Quick bat, runs well underway and solid enough arm to play SS, OF, in addition to 2b - still developing, will be seen in the spring.


18. Kevin Tokarski:


7-26 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - Here are some names of draft eligibles for 2011 who have not been mentioned much and are definitely on the radar for 2011 MLB scouting depts. – Kevin Tokarski, Illinois St, 5'11 175, R/R, contact type hitter with solid arm strength, can play multiple positions, runs solid, 4.3 to 1b.


11-10-10 from: - http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2010/11/10/kevin-tokarski-illinois-state-top-100-countdown/#more-31157 - We continue the countdown today at number 68 with Illinois State redshirt junior Second Baseman Kevin Tokarski. The Downers Grove, Illinois, native had himself an impressive senior season hitting .441 with 8 triples and 20 stolen bases, being named to the All-State team by the Chicago Tribune. He helped his team to a regional title during his senior season. Tokarski is the son of Gary Tokarski, who played football for the Miami Hurricanes. Tokarski showed he was a good contact hitter during his freshman season, going .302 with 16 RBI’s and a Illinois State record 32 steals, which was good enough to earn him Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year Honors. Even with the accolades, Tokarski had pain in his left wrist caused by a football injury from his youth. After multiple consultations, Tokarski was forced to have reconstructive wrist surgery, putting his baseball career in jeopardy. He was put on the Brooks Wallace Award Watch List for 2009, yet missed all but four games before being shelved and was granted a medical hardship. Three surgeries later, Tokarski came into the 2010 season ready to prove something, and came out of the gate firing and never looked back. The speedster added power and patience to his game, increasing his walks from 29 in 2008 to 53 in 2010, while hitting 8 homeruns after not hitting even one long ball in 2008. His OPS jumped from .753 to 1.217, while hitting for a .412 batting average and 53 RBI. He even broke his own steals record with 33 in 2010. If the 2010 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year can put on an encore performance in 2011, he could be a high draft pick like Kolbrin Vitek was this past June.










19. Brett Hoffman:


7-26 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - Here are some names of draft eligibles for 2011 who have not been mentioned much and are definitely on the radar for 2011 MLB scouting depts. – Brett Hoffman, Moon Area Township HS, Penn, 6'1 190, R/R, can hit and throws ok, near solid ave, runs better on the way and good hands, may end up moving to 3b or OF, will need time in farm system unless he attends college and gets 3 full years in. Surprising player, good upside.


20. Matt Puhl:


7-26 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - Here are some names of draft eligibles for 2011 who have not been mentioned much and are definitely on the radar for 2011 MLB scouting depts. – Matt Puhl, Minnesota, 6'4 1/2 210, R/R, runs very well, good athlete, also football player, played basketball in HS as well, hasn't shown pure power, but it's there, trust me, throws ok, good last name eh!?


21. Leon Byrd:


10-29-10 from: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5086 - 2B Leon Byrd (2012/Texas Scout Team Yankees): The diminutive Byrd (5-7, 160 pounds) had never been to a PG/WWBA event before, but his attendance to change after his performance as the Texas leadoff hitter. No player at the event was on base more than the Houston native, who wrecked havoc on the bases as well with his speed.














22. Keith Werman -


1-26-10 from www.baseballdraft.com: - SO 2B/C Keith Werman (2011) did his best Pat Venditte impression while in high school, pitching a seven-inning complete game both lefthanded (3.1 innings) and righthanded (3.2 innings). That fun fact from the Virginia baseball website may have absolutely no bearing on Werman’s prospect stock, but it’s undeniably cool. What is relevant about his prospect stock is the fact he is a plus defender at second base who also has experience at shortstop and catcher dating back to his prep career. He can also handle the bat (.400/.481/.457 line in 70 at bats) enough to keep himself in the mix for a starting spot in 2010. Werman’s draft upside may be limited by his size (5-7, 150 – not saying judging him on size is fair, but it’s the reality), but the universal praise he earned last year as a sparkplug second leadoff hitter (the nice way of saying 9-hole hitter) for Virginia down the stretch should continue to get him noticed on the college level. The gap between Werman and Stephen Bruno is more perception than reality.


23. Dante Flores:


8-31-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=142 - Dante Flores - MIF, 5'9" 160, L/R, St. John Bosco HS (CA) - Initially Flores appeared to be a little guy that was hitting too many fly balls, even though he was making hard contact. As the event moved along, Flores continued to square up the ball and showed SHOCKING pop to the biggest parts of the field, including to left-centerfield. He stays behind the ball really well and keeps his hands inside it, allowing him to drive the ball to all fields. His approach vs LHPs was good. Flores also showed a near average arm and playmaking ability. He profiles best at 2nd base.


24. Kevin Kramer:


9-3-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=144 - 62. Kevin Kramer - INF, 6'0" 183, L/R, Turlock HS (CA) - Competitive ballplayer with feel to hit and strength to drive the ball from gap to gap, mostly an opposite field hitter at this point, but with authority, played quite well at 2nd base, turned it well, strong arm.


25. Avery Romero:


10-2-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=150 - Florida-bound SS/2B Avery Romero (Pedro Menendez HS, junior) took a big batting practice and showed smooth defensive actions despite lacking straightaway speed.


26. Jarred Smith:


10-2-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=150 - There were a number of middle infielders who showed good actions and overall promise. Auburn-bound Jarred Smith (Lake Wales HS) is a lefhanded hitter with a very smooth swing. He’s definitely an offensive-minded player, but one who should become a solid defender at second base.


27. Tyler Hanover -


12-23-9 fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com - SO 2B Tyler Hanover (2011) is actually a very similar player to his double play partner Austin Nola. Hanover has more pop than his 5-6, 163 pound frame suggests, but like Nola, he is a very good defender at his position. He is also capable of playing third base and is expected to be first in line at shortstop if anything happens to Nola. The natural comparison is to fellow tiny infielder David Eckstein, but the numbers don’t back it up. As of now, Hanover is a fairly unique player who could see his career go in any number of ways before his draft year comes up.