3. Brian
Johnson, LHP/1B, Florida - Johnson is a guy that I think may have a shot at
Danny Hultzen fever (a guy that catches fire and ends up in the top-5 discussion). He’s a guy that has
a few things going for him on the mound and again he may just really lighting
up the compitition on his way to a June payday. But he’s always been a tweener,
never really one way or another, in therms of pitcher or position player and
he’s not been real consistent. He’s not got the bat to stick long term at first
base. He’s just got too many question marks to sit inside the top-10 for me. Again this is
purely my opinion, based on statistics, seen on both TV/youtube and what I’ve
read online. http://sodomojo.com/2012/02/13/more-mlb-draft-talk-and-a-quick-little-top-5/
8. Lance
McCullers, RHP, Jesuit HS, Tampa, FL - McCullers utilizes a classic, old
fashioned "drop and drive" delivery, his right knee scraping the dirt
as he follows through, a la Tom Seaver. His father, also named Lance, was a
major league pitcher for seven seasons and the younger McCullers also possesses
big time stuff: A heavy mid- to high-90's fastball coupled with a biting
low-80's breaking ball. In his pitching motion, McCullers severely cocks his
arm behind his back prior to releasing the pitch, raising concerns of a future
shoulder injury. As a professional, McCullers could be a fine starter but he
profiles best as an elite closer. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/highschool/02/13/baseball.top.10.prospects/index.html#ixzz1mJYi8Rky
7. Austin Dean, 3B, Klein Collins (Spring,
Texas) I liked Dean more than most at
the Area Code Games. He showed no glaring weaknesses despite the lack of a standout
tool, but the power potential is apparent and he stings the ball consistently
in batting practice. He's adept at going the other way and reminds some of a
young Casey Blake. If he shows he can stick at third, he's a Day 2 pick. Dean
is committed to the University of Texas. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1108/joey-gallo-is-nation%e2%80%99s-top-corner-infielder
Wake Forest JR OF Mac Williamson - Not exactly a banner year for ACC outfielders, but
Thomas, Ramsey, and Williamson all do enough well to warrant early round draft
consideration in 2012. Thomas, the most heralded outfielder in the conference
by a long shot, comes by his high praise honestly. I’ve been told his tools
have been consistently overrated by the national media (it is admittedly a
minority view, but he’s been described to me as a “tweener” outfielder, i.e.
not enough power for a corner, not enough speed for center), so I look forward
to seeing him for myself this spring. Even as a tweener, he’s still worth
mentioning as a great athlete who put up pretty darn impressive numbers last
year as a sophomore. Ramsey’s best tool is easily his bat, though I’m not sure
there is enough to it if he’s locked into left field always and forever. This
is sort of the Devon Travis dilemma all over again: interesting prospect at one
position only who is risky because of the unlikelihood of being able to transition
to a utility role. Rumors of improved range (better jumps and increased
mobility, most notably) and his forthcoming trial in center field for the
Seminoles give some hope that he shows enough this spring to get pro teams
believing he can at least hold down the fort at center and right. Williamson is
another player who I’ve spent a disproportionate (compared to his prospect
stock) amount of time writing about over the years. His tools, most notably the
arm and power, continue to shine, and his improved approach in 2011, though not
yet quite where you’d like to see in terms of BB/K numbers, is encouraging.
Rumors of him being tried behind the plate at Wake Forest seem to be officially
dead and buried, but I wonder if a pro team might see things differently.
