8/29/10

2011 DRAFT: - Gerrit Cole, Shawon Dunston, Jr, Addison Russell, Francisco Lindor... and Tyler Marlette

Gerrit Cole:



8-27 from: - link  - RHP Gerrit Cole UCLA 6'3 1/2 220 - power armed rhp with solid above ave fb that will reach 97-98 on occ, pitches at 92-94 consistently with run and sink on his fb, best when down in zone using the L on a hitter, hard slider 81-85 breaks properly sometimes too big, must stay within himself and not rush which can cause him to get his elbow down in position from his 3/4 arm slot. Could be in the ML quickly either as a closer or as a 2-3 man in the rotation. Still some roughness to iron out, but plenty of upside left in the tank with pro instruction.

Shawon Dunston, Jr.:


link  - OF, Valley Christian HS (Calif.) -- Dunston is a burner that recently recorded home-to-first times in the 4.1 to 4.2 range and shows good technique on the bases, helping his plus speed to play-up even more. He gets solid reads off the bat in the outfield and shows enough arm strength for center. Son of former Major Leaguer of the same name, it is no surprise that Dunston Jr. shows a firm understanding of the game, and he puts it to use regularly. Two weeks ago, Dunston Jr. took off from second base on a swinging third strike in the dirt and, picking-up the first baseman's eyes as he approached third, rounded and took home without breaking stride -- scoring easily.



Addison Russell:


8-12-10 from: - link  - IF - Pace (Fla.) HS One of the most talented 2012 position players in the country, Russell has five-tool potential. He has smooth actions, soft hands and a plus arm at shortstop. At the plate he has serious bat speed as well as a solid combination of barrel accuracy and power. He makes it look easy.


8-16-10 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/8/16/1625615/2010-under-armour-all-american#storyjump   - Addison Russell, SS, Pace HS (Fla.) - Uncommitted thus far as a top 2012 prospect, Russell was an absolute treat to watch both in the field and at the plate. You could make a legitimate argument that he is the top position player in high school right now, including the 2011 crop. Russell makes it look extremely easy in the field, complete with above-average to plus actions, arm, instincts and range. While not a plus runner, his athleticism plays up in the field, where his range is tremendous – showcasing it during infield practice. At the plate, Russell displayed some of the best bat speed at the event, and there’s little doubt he’ll be able to hit for both average and power at the next level. He’s a very aggressive hitter, and might need to cut a few steps during his load, but as for now, his hands are making up for any mechanical insufficiency he has. Russell has easy five-tool potential, and will be a top five pick in 2012.


8-16-10: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=130  - Addison Russell, SS, Pace HS (FL) - Russell is the best position player in the 2012 class, and he could make an argument to be the best infielder in the country, including the 2011 class. He plays a fantastic shortstop, with plus range, and a strong arm. He has all the tools, and his bat is very advanced. He has impressive bat speed, and the power is there. He is a top of the draft talent for 2012.


Francisco Lindor


8-19-10 from: - link  - Lindor looks as though he was born to play the sport, bringing grace, ease and enthusiasm to the game that makes him a pleasure to watch. He has a lean, smaller frame, but there is room to add some strength and more power to his swing. And while he did win the home run derby, I’m sure he would be the first to admit that he’s not a power hitter. He is a switch hitter though, and is short to the ball with gap-to-gap power. He drove a high fastball the opposite way to deep left field for a triple off of Ricky Jacquez in the fourth inning. He’s sound defensively and made a very good play in the first inning, ranging quickly to his right before throwing a strike to first base to throw out Travis Harrison.


8-17-10 from: - http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/08/17/which-2011-mlb-draft-prospects-impressed-as-aflac-all-americans  - Francisco Lindor, SS: The switch hitting Lindor is a very different player from each side of the plate. As a lefty, he has a more slashing line-drive swing. From the right side, he has much more lift and raw power. He doesn't look the part given his small frame but Lindor has legitimate average to slightly above-average power from the right side. He also continues to show off outstanding tools at shortstop, and is a very exuberant presence on the field.



Tyler Marlette:


8-17-10 from: - link  - Tyler Marlette, C: In the power department, no player topped Marlette. The right-handed swinging catcher showed off massive power both in batting practice and in game action, blasting a shot off the second deck against Ricky Jacquez. His swing can get a bit long at times but for the most part he kept it under control. He's already a very big kid, so we will have to monitor his body to see if he can stay behind the dish.

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