Winter League has wrapped up and the Amateur Draft is here. Which players are likely to go in the first round? Who are the sleepers?
Once again, we break down the eligible draftees by position
STARTING PITCHERS
It's not as strong a year for starting pitching, with no obvious #1 guy in the mix.
Nassau's Bruce Lang will get some first round consideration, despite an underdeveloped fastball. He averaged nearly a K/IP, and had a fantastic 2.35 ERA in 114 IP.
Jarrod Parker improved in his second season, going 9-4 with a 3.89 ERA. Problem is, he doesn't strike out enough people (just 77 in 104 IP).
Another pitcher with similar numbers is Tim Alderson, though he had more strikeouts.
A pitcher who went undrafted last year was Floyd Bluege. He had good numbers in 2010, and repeated them in 2011, going 4-5 with a 3.21 ERA. Scouts still worry about his lack of fastball and hittable sinker.
Andrew Cashner won 8 games, but had a decidedly average ERA (4.25) and just 74 K's. He has a plus slider and a good fastball, and with a top speed of around 93 mph, is a worthwhile project.
RELIEF PITCHERS
The top reliever this year is probably Tanner Scheppers, who improved in his 3rd year by going 2-3, 2.25 with 31 k's in 40 IP. He has a major league curveball and above average secondary pitches.
Teammate Steve Portugal had a 3.02 ERA with nearly a K/IP. Everything he throws is hard (FB/SI), but he has better control than Scheppers.
Righty Milt Bowcock posted good relief numbers (2-3, 3.33) thanks to a plus curve.
Another 3rd year reliever is Hank Gonzales who relies heavily on a ML ready slider. He had 7 saves in 25 1/3 IP.
Lorenzo Olerud doesn't have the strongest arm in the world, but his plus fastball should intrigue scouts.
CATCHERS
The best backstop in the draft is Jesus Montero, a 21 year old righty with great defense and improving batting. He lead all WL catchers in average, tied in HR, and was 4th in RBI.
Another good looking catcher is Travis D'Arnaud, who has the strongest arm in the draft. His hitting skills measure up with Montero, though his average was decidely low this season.
Left-handed hitter Jason Castro batted .340 after being passed in the draft last year. Don't sleep on him again!
FIRST BASEMEN
It's a thinner year at 1B, but Yonder Alonso is sure to get a look. The lefty has some growing to do, but did hit 13 HR with a .300+ average.
Nassau's Andy Holke ad a nice year, batting .336 with 10 dingers. He, too, needs some work in the minors.
SECOND BASEMEN
This position is stronger than last year, lead by Sam Harshany, who lead his position with 18 HR and 60 RBI. He combines good contact and above average power with good speed.
Adrian Cardenas went nuts in his 3rd year, batting .392 (!!!) despite very average measurables.
Guy Martinez and Frank Decker could be good value picks in the later rounds.
THIRD BASEMEN
Josh Vitters will likely be the first 3B taken this year. He has nice power and a good bat, and at just 21 years old, has some room to improve. He hit 15 HR with 58 RBI this year.
John Marston is even younger (19), and is a switch-hitter with good speed. Will he stick at 3B, or should he move to the middle infield? He hit .317 with 11 HR to go with 9 swipes.
SHORTSTOPS
WL MVP Dee Gordon isn't eligible to be drafted this year, but there are several good SS to choose from.
Tim Beckham is a speedy shortstop (12 SB) who batted a robust .348. He has a strong arm, and is qualified to play 2B as well.
Hak-Ju Lee had another good year, swiping 24 bags while batting .308.
Another good hitter is Grant Green, who hit .304 with 5 HR in a part time role.
OUTFIELDERS
The big prize this year among outfielders is Mike Stanton. The kid can belt it, rocking 21 HR and 64 RBI. His two year combined numbers (roughly a full MLB year) were .287, 36 HR, 118 RBI. Awesome.
Aaron Hicks is a player with a great skill set; decent eye, developing power, above average speed.
Charlie Gannon had a monster year, hitting .379 with 17 steals. This kid could probably start in the majors as early as next year. His teammate (Archie Bolin) had 19 steals of his own.
A kid with a lot of power is Domonic Brown. Scouts drool over his batting practice, and he hit 9 HR in a platoon in San Juan.
Once again, Adam Piatt, put up big numbers with limited skills. He was second only to Stanton in RBI, even though there is nothing particularly special about his swing
