5/26/12

Draft Notes 5-25-12 – Conference Champ Games, Carlos Correa, Christian Walker, Ty Moore, Richie Shaffer


America East Tournament, Game 4, Stony Brook, NY - #30 Stony Brook 7, Binghamton 4 – Brandon McNitt 6.0-IP, 2-ER, 3-K, 1-BB… CF Travis Jankowski  3-5, 2-R, 1-RBI… C Mike Danaher  204 , 3-RBI



What to Love:  When Jeff and I visited the practice field preceding the Perfect Game All-American Game last summer, there was one player that we agreed was the most impressive prospect of the bunch.  His name: Carlos Correa.  It’s not often you see a shortstop with a refined line drive approach, strong defensive skills and enough power potential to raise an eyebrow, yet that’s exactly what Correa represents.  This native of Puerto Rico may be the most impressive high school position prospect this side of Byron Buxton.  Though just about every tool in his game is impressive, it’s Correa’s bat that makes him special.  Correa takes a very direct route to the ball, using his quick hands to stroke liners all over the field.  He’s not an uber power prospect by any means, but Correa’s power with wood is already materializing and there’s plenty more to dream on for the future.  Correa’s actions in the infield are excellent and are only outdone by his arm-strength, allowing him to have tremendous defensive upside no matter what position he ends up at.


Walker has improved since coming to Columbia. In his freshman year, he was a solid hitter who earned freshman All-America honors en route to helping the Gamecocks earn their first national title. In his sophomore season, he became the team's premier bat, hitting .358 with a .554 slugging percentage en route to helping Carolina repeat. This year, his average has taken a slight dip to .338, but his slugging percentage remains at .553. Walker has also been effective in drawing walks over the course of his career, and only rarely strikes out. As the numbers suggest, Walker is an all-around excellent hitter who can hit for average and on-base percentage as opposed to just power. He hits the ball where it is pitched and can use his wrists to adjust well to moving pitches. He's also a very good fielder who can play both first and third base. To top it all off, he's tough, having played his way through injury in last year's CWS, and making some key plays while hurt, to boot.




Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) - RHP, Senior - Previous Spot: Not ranked - What he’s done: Moore has been outstanding for the FAB 50 No. 7 Monarchs. He’s 11-1 on the mound with a 0.81 ERA ad 65 strikeouts in 60.1 innings, fanning 14 in a 3-1 win over Rio Mesa (Oxnard, Calif.) in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division I playoffs. He’s also hitting .415 with three homers and 23 RBIs.



Richie Shaffer brings a big bat with him to the plate, but he also is extremely patient and shows the ability to be a high-average hitter at the next level with his ability to drive the ball to all fields. He is hitting .344 through 56 games with 18 doubles, 10 home runs, 45 RBI and a 1.060 OPS. His 51 walks ranks him among the leaders in the nation, as well. He is also an outstanding first baseman who has made the transition over to third this year and could play either position at the next level. Has put himself in first round talks with his play this season. 

Sam Selman  - 89-93, 94, 81-82 CH, 88 2-seam

Hudson Randall - 86-88, 80-81 CH

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