5/30/10

DRAFT: - Andrelton Simmons, Bryan Holaday, Chris Casazza, Michael Choice... and Josh Slaats

Andrelton Simmons:

5-29 from: - link  - Not much change with the shortstops, though the sole addition comes in the form of helium specimen Andrelton Simmons, Freshman, Western Oklahoma St. College. Simmons was unranked to start the season, jumping to #197 in the Midseason Top 300 after his electric arm started garnering big time attention through the first couple months of the season. He has maintained his momentum, potentially ascending to the Top 3 Round range on many ML draft boards. There are some questions as to how his bat will play, but no questions whatsoever as to the athletic actions and plus arm. The arm is special enough, in fact, that he may be snatched-up as a pitcher, having shown mid-90s velocity over the course of several relief stints (season line of 10 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 6 BB, 17 SO, per NJCAA's official website).

Bryan Holaday:

5-28 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/5/28/1491102/for-your-consideration-college#storyjump  - C, Texas Christian: Terrific make-up, above average power potential, tremendous gap hitter, very good behind the plate. Very similar to Micah Gibbs. High floor backstop. Safe pick with high floor.








Chris Casazza:

5-27 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/  - 2010 MLB Draft: Top 30 College Third Base Prospects  - 18. Tarleton State JR 3B Chris Casazza - Like Jayson Langfels and Jake Smith before, and Jason Martinson and Mike Olt after, Chris Casazza’s biggest deficiency is a long swing with holes in it that winds up waving and missing at the ball far too often. Like Martinson a few spots ahead of him, Casazza’s good batting eye and sneaky power upside should keep his secondary statistics afloat even when the K’s are trying to drag his prospect stock below the surface. In many ways he’s quite simply the better version of Alabama’s Jake Smith, especially at the plate – more power, more patience, less strikeouts, and better all-around bat. Definite sleeper to watch.

Michael Choice:

5-28 from: - http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b4kdh  - University of Texas-Arlington: Choice really put himself on the map with Team USA last summer and kept on improving his stock with his performance this spring. He's got as much power as anyone on this list while showing a good approach at the plate. There's a good chance he's the first outfielder taken off the board on June 7.





Josh Slaats:

5-29 from: - http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/MLB_Draft   - Behind the strong arm of right-hander Josh Slaats and an effective bullpen, Hawaii won its opening game in the Western Athletic Conference tournament on Wednesday, and then defeated New Mexico State 13-7 on Thursday. Slaats, a 6-5, 230-pounder, threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, gave up seven hits and two walks while striking out six. Slaats usually has a fastball in the 92-93 mph range and is just as proud of a slider that shows a good change of planes. By his own admission, his change-up "needs a little work." But he credits his teammates for his success.

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