Draft 2012: Devin Merrero, Courtney Hawkins, Corey Seager, Matthew Crownover

4. Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State - First off, I think Marrero could probably compete opening day on about 3 or 4 major league rosters based purely on his defense. His bat is a bigger concern. Last year he posted a wOBA of .348 in a league that was good but not elite and is a similar though not all together better hitter as former ASU shortstop Riccio Torres (drafted by TB). Marrero might end up being a league average hitter and as a shortstop with a plus glove that easily puts him roughly in the same mold as say JJ Hardy, though, with less power. He’s not a guy that fits into the top-5 guy to me, but then again when you consider how little time he’d actually spend in the minor leagues his value increases. I figure he’ll fit in nicely in the 7-15 range. But I’ve been wrong about a lot in life and this would be lest surprised. http://sodomojo.com/2012/02/13/more-mlb-draft-talk-and-a-quick-little-top-5/

9. Courtney Hawkins, OF, BR/TR, Carroll HS, Corpus Christi, TX - Pure power is Hawkins' forte. During a showcase game last summer, he flailed helplessly at curveballs in his first three at bats. In his final AB, he picked out a tasty fastball and hammered it 400 feet for a home run. Hawkins has a strong and mature build, runs well for a youngster of his size and packs a powerful arm. Defensively, he fits best as a corner outfielder. Mechanically sound as a hitter, Hawkins will still need to shorten his stride, keep his front hip closed and fight a habit to "drift" his weight onto his front leg. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/highschool/02/13/baseball.top.10.prospects/index.html#ixzz1mJYi8Rky  

5. Corey Seager, 3B, Northwest Cabarrus (Concord, N.C.)  Seager, a shortstop in high school, is likely to slide over to third base, a move that should be smooth and seamless. He's the younger brother of Seattle Mariners infielder Kyle Seager, but is more physical with a higher ceiling. He's wiry strong and smart at the plate and keeps things simple, and as he gets stronger the power will develop. If he passes on the pro game for now, South Carolina will get a terrific player who could improve his draft stock. Like his brother, some time on Day 2 of the draft is most likely. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1108/joey-gallo-is-nation%e2%80%99s-top-corner-infielder  

Matthew Crownover has been a fixture on the summer circuit for quite a while.  The athletic lefthander pitched on the gold medal winning 14U National Team in 2007 and has attended numerous Perfect Game showcases.  He has been one of the most highly thought of 2012 pitching prospects for the last few years. There is no doubt that Crownover knows how to pitch.  He spots all of his pitches well.  Crownover has a 3/4 arm slot and does a good job repeating his delivery. Crownover delivers his fastball from 88-91 with good movement and has been clocked as high as 94.  His change is a potential plus pitch that he throws with good arm speed.  He also throws a low 70′s curve  http://mlbdraftguide.com/

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.