2012 Draft: - Matthew Crownover , Cody Penny, Nick Williams, Mark Appel, Deven Merrero,

Matthew Crownover:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Matthew Crownover, Ringold HS, Ringold GA, 6’ 195, max effort guy with fb up to 90, most were 87-88 with middle out life vs RHH, rolling breaking ball and fair control. Will be watched closely next spring. Good competitor.



Cody Penny:


6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/8  - And last but not least is a very intriguing arm that hasn’t seen too much work, RHP Cody Penny. Penny was up to 89-90 mph his senior year of high school but has only seen 25 innings as a Tar Heel. The 6'3", 195-pound right-hander also throws a wicked slider.


Nick Williams:


7-21-11: - http://www.mockdraftmania.com/  - 2. Chicago Cubs Nick Williams OF Ball High School Texas This is such a tough call between high school outfielder Nick Williams and Stanford righty Mark Appel. You have a special batter with Nick Williams who could bat 3rd in your lineup down the road and then you got a Stanford ace who may be able to anchor your teams rotation. Nick Williams is the best player available and some people are comparing him to Ken Griffey Jr. Williams is a complete 5 tool prospect with the batting average, home run ability, base stealing speed/athleticism, rocket arm for quick throws that enable him to throw from the outfield to the infield, and the fielding tools as a defensive player in the outfield. Williams converts RBI’s and home runs on a very consistent basic.


Mark Appel:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Mark Appel, Stanford, 6’5 190, nice arm and build, some cross body, fb are true and hittable, will run fb up to 95, most are 92 and straight, hard cb that at times is very sloppy, other times falls off the table, work with mechanics in pro ball should help him. Potential top 5 candidate for 1st round in 2012.


Deven Merrero:


7-31-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/07/28/deven-marrero-2012-draft-profile  - Deven Marrero is on most top 10 lists for the 2012 draft and has even been mentioned as a possibility for the first overall selection. Marrero is a plus defender and should stick at shortstop professionally. He shows good instincts in the field. He has soft hands and a plus arm. Marrero lacks top bat speed, but does make solid contact. He has quick hands and a smooth line drive swing. There is a little bit of pop in his bat and some expect him to develop more power, but he profiles much more as a doubles hitter than a home run hitter at the next level. He is also likely to strikeout at a fair rate. Marrero is most often ranked as a top 10 selection in 2012, but I see the 15-20 range as more likely.