Posted: Monday June 4, 2012 7:20PM ; Updated: Tuesday June 5, 2012 12:19AM

2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft Tracker

First Round

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Pick	Team	Player	Pos.	School	Ht.	Wt.
1		Carlos Correa	SS	Puerto Rico Baseball Academy	6-4	200
Dave Perkin's Analyis: In a sizable surprise, the Astros bypassed Stanford righty Mark Appel, whom reports suggested they would take, to grab Correa, whom I listed as the second-best overall talent in the draft, behind only fellow prepster Byron Buxton, in my SI.com mock draft on Monday. Correa can be a franchise cornerstone: He is a slick defender with smooth fielding actions and a powerful arm who dazzled scouts at summer and fall showcases in 2011. Correa may outgrow shortstop but his tools fit easily at rightfield, leftfield or, most likely, third base. In the past year, Correa has markedly improved as a wood bat hitter and now possesses the ability to hammer the ball to all fields.

2		Byron Buxton	OF	Appling County HS (Ga.)	6-3	190
Dave Perkin's Analysis: The finest position player in the 2012 draft, Buxton has drawn comparisons to Justin Upton but the best fit may be Matt Kemp. A legitimate five-plus-tool prospect, Buxton displays blazing speed, a powerful arm and the ability to snag flies over large swaths of outfield grass. His fluid, smooth swing promises to provide both base hits and towering home runs for many years.

3		Mike Zunino	C	Florida	6-2	220
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Zunino's tools and abilities are not quite in the Buster Posey stratosphere, but he is perhaps the best college catcher and Division I position player available in the 2012 draft. Strong and physically mature, Zunino's swing is a model of compact efficiency, capable of producing 15-20 homers annually. Zunino, the SEC Player of the Year and the son of a Cincinnati Reds scout, is a solid if unspectacular defensive backstop who could move quickly through a club's minor league chain, possibly reaching the majors in two years.

4		Kevin Gausman	RHP	LSU	6-4	185
Dave Perkin's Analysis: A young Kevin Brown type with long arms and long fingers, Gausman's best pitch is a hissing, sinking mid 90's fastball. He has improved his high 70's curveball and has experimented with an unusual-but effective-mid 80's single-finger change up. He also adds a filthy mid- to high-80's slider. A candidate to be a No. 1 starter and big league staff ace, Gausman needs to achieve more balance in his delivery finis -- he currently topples off to his left, a habit which negatively affects his command.

5		Kyle Zimmer	RHP	San Francisco	6-4	220
Dave Perkin's Analysis: A converted infielder, Zimmer drew first-pick buzz early in the spring, hitting 96-97 mph in his initial starts. A midseason game at Loyola Marymount showed that he had cooled off, as he sat in the 89-93 mph range that day and was cuffed around. Zimmer throws a weak 81 mph change but features an outstanding, sweeping 78 mph curveball. Mechanically, Zimmer's arm action should be freer and easier, he needs to add more leg drive and should eliminate a stiff-legged hop in his delivery finish. He projects as a solid No. 2 or 3 starter.
6		Albert Almora	OF	Mater Academy (Fla.)	6-1	170
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Almora is a wonderfully talented and athletic outfield prospect, possessing fine speed, a decent arm and admirable fly-chasing skills. The singular knock on Almora is his inconsistency as a hitter. A tinkerer, Almora has adopted every conceivable batting stance gimmick. To his credit, once he starts his swing he gets into a near ideal launch position and often displays the ability to drive a pitch with authority.

7		Max Fried	LHP	Harvard-Westlake (Calif.)	6-4	170
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Fried, whose idol is Sandy Koufax, is a nascent Clayton Kershaw type lefty in terms of stuff and mechanics. Fried tosses a 91-93 mph fastball which peaks at 94 and adds a superlative mid 70's curve. His best pitch is an 81 mph change up, which magically disappears as it reaches the plate. A potential staff ace, Fried must overcome an occasional habit of dropping his arm slot and opening his front side too quickly, causing his pitches to sail high and outside.
8		Mark Appel	RHP	Stanford	6-5	215
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Appel was widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick as the draft approached -- reports even surfaced on Sunday that he would, indeed, be Houston's pick -- but he fell to No. 8, almost certainly because of signability issues. Appel features a sensational power arm which delivers a sizzling 95-96-97 mph fastball. His crescent-shaped 86 mph slider sweeps away from righties and dive bombs into a lefties' shoelaces. Appel adds a raw but promising low 80's changeup with late sink and arm-side movement. Scouts have two major concerns abput him: First, he suffers a distinct loss of velocity from the stretch, even early in games, and, second, when tired, his fastball will flatten out and drift over the heart of the plate, becoming eminently hittable.
9		Andrew Heaney	LHP	Oklahoma State	6-2	174
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Lean and lanky, Heaney enjoyed a marvelous 2012 campaign, going 8-2 with a 1.60 ERA, three shutouts and 120 strikeouts. He locates his low 90's fastball exceptionally well, adding a sharp mid 80's slider and tricky low 80's change. Heaney may benefit from two mechanical tweaks: his straight up and down delivery provides little leg drive and he'll need fuller arm extension in his finish.
10		David Dahl	OF	Oak Mountain HS (Ala.)	6-2	185
Dave Perkin's Analysis: This year's collection of high school outfielders is one of the deepest in draft history. Dahl is the smoothest and most fundamentally advanced of the entire 2012 crop. His raw tools are impressive as well. Dahl is speedy, flashes a fine arm and displays excellent power. At bat, he is disciplined, patient and an impressive opposite field hitter. Dahl is strikingly similar to Josh Hamilton in stance, hitting mechanics and swing path.

11		Addison Russell	SS	Pace HS (Fla.)	6-1	215
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Russell's strong, mature frame indicates a probable move to third base as a pro. Nimble defensively, he shows smooth fielding actions but takes too many steps in releasing his throws. Russell drew kudos for a spectacular leaping grab in a 2010 summer all-star showcase game. At bat, Russell displays quickness and lift power, but must adjust his pull-oriented tendencies.

12		Gavin Cecchini	SS	Barbe HS (La.)	6-2	180
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Cecchini, whose older brother plays in the Red Sox organization, is a fast and athletic middle infielder who displays excellent baseball instincts. Despite being error prone, Cecchini shows the promise of being an outstanding defender. Some scouts are doubtful Cecchini will hit at the pro level. He flashes intriguing bat speed, but will need to make some mechanical tweaks and eliminate a trace of stiffness in his swing.

13		Courtney Hawkins	OF	Carroll HS (Texas)	6-2	215
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Pure power is Hawkins' forte. During a showcase game last summer, Hawkins flailed helplessly at curveballs in his first three at bats. In his next 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. As a hitter, Hawkins generates terrific bat speed but will need to make a few mechanical adjustments in his stride and weight shift.

14		Nick Travieso	RHP	Archbishop McCarthy HS (Fla.)	6-3	205
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Powerfully constructed, Travieso resembles the Giants? Matt Cain in build and mechanics. Travieso has a mid-90's fastball that has arm side movement and which he can spot it to either side of the plate. He adds a harsh, swerving curveball which is murder on righthanded hitters. Travieso features a throwback type of straight over the top delivery, but he will need to fight a habit of pulling his front side open too quickly.

15		Tyler Naquin	OF	Texas A&M	6-2	175
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Sporting a tall, lanky and athletic outfielder's frame and a howitzer throwing arm, Naquin reminds scouts defensively of Dwight Evans. Naquin flashes a smooth, quick swing and has a unique ability to drill the ball to the opposite field despite a front leg lunge. To secure a middle of the order, corner outfield spot, Naquin will need to show an ability to turn on, lift and drive the ball.

16		Lucas Giolito	RHP	Harvard-Westlake (Calif.)	6-6	230
Dave Perkin's Analysis: At a comparable stage of development, Giolito is far more advanced than either Stephen Strasburg or Gerrit Cole, both recent No. 1 overall draft choices. Physically imposing at 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, Giolito easily fires a blistering fastball which sits in the 94-97 mph range, peaking at 98. He adds a change at 81 and offers two breaking pitches: a sharp 86 slider and a 78 curve. Currently thrown with a discernable "hole," Giolito's curve should become tighter with experience. An early-season injury to his throwing elbow put Giolito's draft status in a quandary.

17		D.J. Davis	OF	Stone HS (Miss.)	6-0	175
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Davis' stunning speed is his primary tool. Perhaps the fastest prospect in this year's draft class, Davis has been clocked at 6.38 seconds in the 60-yard dash, earning him an 80 score on the 20-80 scouting scale. Davis has improved substantially at bat in the past year, displaying the ability to drive pitches deep. He'll need to make mechanical corrections at bat; for instance, he begins with his legs in a "Gateway Arch" position, robbing him of momentum in the lower half of his body.

18		Corey Seager	3B	Northwest Cabarrus HS (N. Carolina)	6-3	195
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Corey is the younger brother of Kyle Seager, currently an infielder for the Seattle Mariners. Athletic and projectable at 6-foot-3 and 195 lbs., the younger Seager's specialty is defense. Corey exhibits smooth, fluid fielding actions, advanced playmaking ability and a powerful, accurate arm. He also flashes a picturesque lefty swing, but doubts exist regarding his ability to connect with advanced pitching using a wood bat.


19		Michael Wacha	RHP	Texas A&M	6-6	200
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Wacha works unusually quickly, barely giving hitters a chance to breathe between pitches. Mechanically sound, he fires a low 90's fastball which peaks at 95-96 mph, adding an outstanding 74-76 mph two plane curve and a superlative 86 mph change. Wacha's 84 mph slider will require refinement. A Dan Haren-sized workhorse, Wacha profiles as a top of the rotation starting pitcher, capable of winning 15 plus games per season.

20		Chris Stratton	RHP	Mississippi State	6-3	200
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Stratton is the rare prospect who emerged suddenly and dramatically. Knocked around in his first two college seasons (a combined 10-10 record and a 5.25 ERA), Stratton enjoyed a fabulous 2012 campaign: 11-2, 2.38 ERA, 127 K's. Lanky and projectable, Stratton features a low 90's fastball which peaks at 95, adding a decent curve and change. By far his best offering is his "out" pitch, a low 80's slider. Stratton profiles as a mid-rotation starting pitcher.

21		Lucas Sims	RHP	Brookwood HS (Ga.)	6-2	195
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Sims possesses one of the finest fastball/curveball combinations in the entire draft. His four-seam fastball ranges from 91 to 95 mph and his tight 11-to-7 curve is an exceptional put away pitch. Mechanical purists may be concerned with Sims delivery. Similar to Stephen Strasburg, Sims uses the inverted "W" delivery (a method many feel is an injury precursor), plus Sims drops the ball down so that it almost touches his pant leg during his delivery takeaway.

22		Marcus Stroman	RHP	Duke	5-9	185
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Short, stocky and muscular, Stroman is a right handed version of Al Holland, a former lefty reliever for the Phillies and Giants. Stroman delivers a low- to mid-90's fastball with a touch of a Jose Valverde finishing leg kick. Stroman's best pitch is a crackling mid 80's slider. Currently profiling best as a middle relief artist or closer, Stroman may fit as a starter if he develops and refines his cutter and change.

23		James Ramsey	OF	Florida State	6-0	195
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Almost every scouting department employs a "stat guy" -- a numbers man who mixes field reports with sabermetric formulas. Ramsey is a Moneyball fan's dream. A skilled, mechanically sound lefthanded hitter, Ramsey posts astronomical on-base and slugging percentages. His non-hitting tools (run, throw and field) are rather ordinary. Ramsey no doubt holds enormous appeal to the cadre of saber-stat oriented ballclubs.

24		Deven Marrero	SS	Arizona State	6-1	195
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Marrero profiles as a quality defensive middle infielder, displaying fine playmaking ability and excellent fielding fundamentals. His running speed is slightly above average, but many scouts detect a lack of energy in his playing style. To justify an early draft selection, Marrero must show more pop in his bat. Currently, Marrero uses a severe inside-out swing and flips his bat at the pitch instead of attacking the ball aggressively.

25		Richie Shaffer	3B/1B	Clemson	6-3	205
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Hampered in high school by a hamate bone injury in his wrist, Shaffer has emerged at Clemson as one of the nation's top college power hitters. In Fenway Park last summer, he won the Cape Cod League All Star game Home Run Derby. Tall and rangy, Shaffer is a Mark Trumbo-type hitter, exhibiting the ability to hit towering blasts out of any portion of the ballpark. A first baseman in his first two years at Clemson, Shaffer switched to third base this year and is hoping to stick at the hot corner as a pro.

26		Stryker Trahan	C	Acadiana HS (La.)	6-1	215
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Adorned with a name befitting a comic book jet fighter squadron commander, Trahan is by far the top high school catching prospect available in the 2012 draft. He couples a strong and athletic build with top shelf tools, including above average speed and a quick, powerful and accurate arm. At bat, Trahan exhibits excellent bat speed but will need to shorten his stride, achieve separation with his hands and fight a tendency to overstride.

27		Clint Coulter	C	Union HS (Wash.)	6-3	210
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Owing to the physical rigors of catching, scouts prefer strong, sizable backstop prospects and Coulter fits the prescription perfectly. His receiving skills are adequate and Coulter's home to second "pop" times hover around 1.89 to 1.92 seconds -- solidly above major league average. At bat, Coulter's swing has a slight lack of ease and fluidity, but he can murder a ball left up in the zone and exhibits provocative all-fields power.

28		Victor Roache	OF	Georgia Southern	6-1	235
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Built like a linebacker, Roache is the premier college power hitter available in this year's draft, despite missing most of the season with a broken wrist. Hitting out of a spread crouch, his signature pre-swing move is to violently pound his bat on home plate. Roache looks to turn on, pull and lift each pitch he rips at. His raw power, while not quite to the level of the majors' best sluggers like Miami's Giancarlo Stanton, is impressive. Roache's non-hitting tools (run, throw, field) are somewhat pedestrian and his future defensive home will probably be a corner outfield spot, most likely leftfield.

29		Lewis Brinson	OF	Coral Springs HS (Fla.)	6-4	190
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Tall and willowy, Brinson is one of the finest prep athletes in the nation. He is a spectacular "workout" player but frequently struggles in games. Blessed with terrific speed and a nice arm, Brinson has often appeared clueless at the plate. He occasionally exhibits electric raw hitting ability, but the Rangers must be patient and permit him the necessary time to develop.

30		Ty Hensley	RHP	Santa Fe HS (Okla.)	6-4	220
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Tall and projectable, Hensley fires a glove-popping low 90's fastball which peaks at 94 mph. He gets excellent two plane movement on his overhand curveball, but struggles to command that pitch. Hensley's arm works well, but he will need to achieve fuller extension and correct a habit of pulling his front side open too quickly in his delivery to the plate.

31		Brian Johnson	LHP	Florida	6-3	235
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Johnson missed the tail end of last season, suffering a concussion when conked on the head by an errant catcher's throw. Healthy now, Johnson is a physically mature, innings-eating type lefty who profiles as a mid- to back-of-the rotation starter. A two-way player in college, he figures to abandon the DH role he often played for the Gators and stick to the mound as a pro. Johnson is a crafty pitcher who exhibits excellent command of his low-90's fastball and sharp curve.

Compensation Picks

Pick	Team	Player	Pos.	School	Ht.	Wt.
32		Orlando Berrios	RHP	Pap Juan HS (P.R.)	6-1	180
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Berrios joins shortstop Carlos Correa this year as a first round candidate from Puerto Rico. A baby-faced righthander, Berrios has added weight and strength in the off season and the resultant bump in velocity may have nudged him up draft boards. Berrios fires a mid 90's fastball which touches 96 and adds a severe low 80's slider. He exhibits some mechanical flaws.For instance, his arm is well short of full extension on both ends and Berrios will need to utilize more leg drive.
33		Zack Eflin	RHP	Hagerty HS (Fla.)	6-4	200
Dave Perkin's Analysis: A Chris Carpenter-sized righty, Eflin's velocity has jumped from the summer showcase to the spring baseball season, putting him squarely into the first round discussion. Eflin's fastball sits in the 92-93 mph range, peaking in the mid 90's. He adds a knuckle curve and a sinking change, but Eflin's command and movement on those pitches is inconsistent. Eflin finishes his delivery with a flair, hurtling himself plateward ala Bob Gibson. An arm injury restricted Eflin late in the spring season.

34		Daniel Robertson	SS	Upland HS (Calif.)
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Robertson is a near ideal third base prospect. He features a pro type frame, a powerful arm and advanced fielding skills. At bat, Robertson displays big league style hitting mechanics and projects to hit for both power and average. The only knock on Robertson is that he does not run well, however, quick reactions and first step quickness are always more important for a third baseman than straightaway speed. It is conceivable that Robertson will move relatively quickly to the majors.

35		Kevin Plawecki	C	Purdue
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Plawecki is a strong, mature framed college receiver. He features an easy swing in which he does a fine job of attacking the ball out in front of the plate. Defensively he is solid, showing a powerful arm, advanced catching skills and a confident style of handling pitchers and managing a game.

36		Stephen Piscotty	3B	Stanford	6-3	205
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Last summer, Piscotty was the top hitter in college baseball's elite wood bat circuit, the Cape Cod League. His basketball forward's frame enables him to cover all of the plate and strike zone. Piscotty starts with his weight on his back leg, waving the bat back and forth before unleashing an Evan Longoria type power swing. Piscotty's non-hitting tools (run, throw and field) are bland. -He has played 3B and LF this season, but Piscotty may eventually morph into a 1B/DH type.

37		Pat Light	RHP	Monmouth	6-6	200
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Light has decent but not spectacular stuff, featuring a low 90's fastball which can touch the mid 90's. Lanky and projectable, he adds a curve, change and a mid 80's slider. Light profiles as a mid-rotation starter, able to eat up innings with his advanced command.

38		Mitch Haniger	OF	Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
Dave Perkin's Analysis: When judging corner outfield prospects, scouts focus in on two primary tools: power and arm. Other tools, such as running and fielding, are secondary. Blessed with ideal corner outfield size at 6-foot-2 and 215 lbs., Haniger's sweeping swing produces long doubles and homers and his howitzer arm makes base runners think twice before advancing. A mature college player (Haniger is older than Mike Trout of the Angels) he could move quickly through Milwaukee's minor league system.

39		Joey Gallo	1B/RHP	Bishop Gorman HS (Nevada)	6-5	205
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Raw power and fastball velocity are the two easiest tools for scouts to judge. Gallo exhibits both. He launched a 442-foot home run during a showcase game in August at Petco Park in San Diego -- one of the longest drives in the history of the stadium. As a pitcher, Gallo touches the mid 90's with his four seam heater. Gallo doesn't run well, so as a postion player he profiles as an Eric Hosmer type 1B. If he chooses the mound, Gallo projects as a one inning middle reliever or closer.

40		Shane Watson	RHP	Lakewood HS (Calif.)	6-4	200
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Hailing from a high school program which has produced many draft choices and big leaguers, Watson is a tall and projectable righty with a sensational arm. His 91-93 mph fastball peaks at 94 and he dabbles with a 79 change. Watson adds a jelly-leg-inducing 78-79 curve. A bit of a project, Watson will need to significantly improve his command, particularly with the fastball.

41		Lance McCullers	RHP	Jesuit HS (Fla.)	6-1	190
Dave Perkin's Analysis: McCullers utilizes a classic, old fashioned "drop and drive" delivery, his right knee scraping the dirt as he follows through, ala Tom Seaver. Son of a former major leaguer, McCullers 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 an acceptable starter but he profiles best as an elite closer.

42		Luke Bard	RHP	Georgia Tech	6-2	192
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Younger brother of the Red Sox' Daniel Bard, Luke Bard is more modestly sized and his stuff is not as eye popping as that of his 6-foot-4, 215-pound brother. Nevertheless, the Twins have been know to prefer command and control starters. Bard is very clean mechanically. His arm works well, plus he does a quality job of utilizing his lower half.

43		Pierce Johnson	RHP	Missouri State	6-3	180
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Johnson is a distinctive presence on the mound, with his shaggy hair and Jered Weaver type frame and delivery. Oft inured in the past, Johnson tosses a 92-93 mph fastball that peaks at 96 and adds a tight, biting curveball. He also features an effective 86-87 mph cutter. Johnson will need to correct three mechanical problems: he falls off to his left, fails to use his legs sufficiently and short-arms his delivery finish.

44		Travis Jankowski	OF	SUNY Stony Brook
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Jankowski is a speedy lefthanded hitting outfielder whose draft stock was boosted by his excellent performance in an elite wood bat summer league in 2011. A fine defender with an acceptable arm, Jankowski reminds scouts of Jacoby Ellsbury. Similar to Ellsbury, Jankowski keeps his body behind the ball when he swings and uses the entire field. He may need to alter his bat position, which now starts behind his head and parallel to the ground.

45		Barrett Barnes	OF	Texas Tech	6-2	210
Dave Perkin's Analysis: In a draft almost bereft of mult- tool college position players, Barnes stands out. A compelling blend of speed and power, Barnes can steal bases, hit for power (homers and slugging pct.), hit for average and get on base. Defensively, Barnes has played centerfield mostly but may find a better fit in leftfield as a pro. His swing, which ends with a high, grand flourish, is technically sound but he does show a tendency to get his weight stuck on his back leg occasionally.

46		Eddie Butler	RHP	Radford	6-2	165
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Lovers of baseball history may see similarities between Butler and Ewell "The Whip" Blackwell, the Reds star of the late 1940's. Butler buggys whips a low- to mid-90's fastball and wicked sideways breaking ball. He may project best as a middle reliever used to attack righthanded hitters who will hard-pressed not to bail out against him.

47		Matt Olson	1B	Parkview HS (Ga.)	6-4	235
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Olson has a lyrical left-handed swing, a terrific arm, but is a base-clogging runner. First base will probably be his pro home. Olson can take comfort in the fact that his skills are very similar to those of Freddie Freeman, who traveled quickly to the majors through the Braves' system. Vanderbilt commitmentss are notoriously tough to sign, but getting drafted this early may keep Olson away from Nashville.

48		Keon Barnum	1B	King HS (Fla.)	6-5	225
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Power hitters are always at a premium in any draft. Barnum displays loft power from the left side of the plate. His swing is smooth and easy, but pitchers may find some holes in it, due to length on the back end. He is an adequate defender with a decent arm, so leftfield may be an option.

49		Jesse Winker	OF	Olympia HS (Fla.)	6-3	200
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Scouts find that judging amateur batters can be difficult, given the fact that so many youngsters utilize the "college" style of hitting. Winker is the rare prospect who incorporates pro style fundamentals into his swing: a load, inward leg kick, separation, an upward swing path plane, letting the ball get deep, etc. His non-hitting tools will restrict him to first base, but Winker shows the potential of providing an impact pro bat.

50		Matt Smoral	LHP	Solon HS (Ohio)	6-8	220
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Smoral is a towering lefty reminiscent of top Diamondbacks prospect Tyler Skaggs. Smoral's buggy whip arm action delivers a 91-94 mph fastball and a sweeping low 80's curveball. He will need to tweak his mechanics and improve his conditioning, for Smoral has a tendency to lose velocity in the later innings. As a major leaguer, Smoral projects as a No. 2 or 3 starting pitcher. A foot injury curtailed Smoral's spring season.

51		Jesmuel Valentin	SS	Puerto Rico Baseball Academy	5-10	175
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Scouts are almost always attracted to sons of former big leaguers. Valentin is the son of 16-year veteran Jose Valentin. Jesmuel is a switch-hitting middle infielder who has spent his prep days in the rather long shadow cast by Carlos Correa in Puerto Rico. Undersized for any other spot on the diamond, Valentin profiles as a shortstop or second baseman with outstanding defensive skills and a line drive gap-to-gap bat.

52		Patrick Wisdom	3B	St. Mary's	6-2	210
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Sporting a strong, mature, broad shouldered big league third baseman's build, Wisdom is a smooth defender blessed with a powerful arm and slick fielding skills. At bat, he struggled early in the season and finished below .300. Scouts have reservations about Wisdom's capacity to consistently catch up with quality pitching. However, Wisdom can blast any mistake left out over the plate over the distant fences.

53		Colin Wiles	RHP	Blue Valley West HS (Kansas)
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Considering the wealth of pitching talent still available, Wiles is a stunning pick. A Vanderbilt signee, Wiles' stuff is promising but hardly phenomenal. He throws a high 80's fastball and adds a change and curve. Texas is gambling that Wiles fills out and adds velocity as he matures.

54		Mitch Gueller	RHP	W.F. West HS (Wash.)	6-3	205
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Players from cold weather states typically play short seasons that start late and end early. Once scouts have seen all the top warm weather prospects, they often head north and discover gems who gain helium as the draft approaches. Such a pitcher is Gueller, a righty whose build is similar to former big leaguer Kevin Appier. Gueller possesses a power arm, firing a low- to mid-90's heater.

55		Walker Weickel	RHP	Olympia HS (Fla.)	6-6	195
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Weickel is a tall and projectable righty, blessed with a fluid arm action in which, to coin an oft used term, "the ball leaves his hand easily." An excellent all around athlete who could be used as a two way player if he reaches college, Weickel features a 91-94 mph fastball and mixes in a low 70's curve. Coveted for his "upside," many scouts feel Weickel needs to show more edge and aggressiveness on the mound.

56		Paul Blackburn	RHP	Heritage HS (Calif.)
Dave Perkin's Analysis: A Gerrit Cole look alike, Blackburn?s stuff is not as as electric last year?s first overall pick but is still outstanding for a prepster. Gangly and long-legged, Blackburn offers a low to mid 90?s fastball, adding a curve and change. Blackburn?s delivery is funky with a lot of moving parts, so command may be an issue.

57		Jeff Gelalich	OF	UCLA	6-1	205
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Gelalich has enjoyed a breakout 2012 campaign, providing firepower for a previously starved UCLA offense. Sporting a mature, pro type corner outfielder?s body, he can steal bags plus hit for power and average. Gelalich is an acceptable defensive outfielder but does not have a shotgun arm, so leftfield may be his eventual destination.

58		Mitch Nay	3B	Hamilton HS (Ariz.)	6-3	195
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Nay is a prototypical young third base prospect, with one scout comparing him to Scott Rolen. Nay has slighty above average speed, with an excellent arm plus easy and fluid fielding skills. At bat, Nay does a fine job of keeping his front side closed and driving his weight toward the pitch, exhibiting an enticing ability lift and drive the ball. All hitters need "separation,? but Nay may start with his hands too far back, lengthening his path to the ball.

59		Steve Bean	C	Rockwall HS (Texas)	6-2	190
Dave Perkin's Analysis: A catcher's most important tool is his throwing arm, and Bean boasts a sensational one that promises to shut down running games by frightening would-be base thieves. As with most high schoolers, Bean will need to gain experience in fielding his position, calling pitches and managing a staff. His bat does not project as huge but should be serviceable for his position.

60		Tyler Gonzales	RHP	James Madison HS (Texas)	6-2	180
Dave Perkin's Analysis: Gonzales is the son of a scout and it shows in his pitching mechanics. He stands tall, is well balanced in his delivery, creates a downward plane and accelerates his arm at release to create arm speed. Lanky and projectable, Gonzales fires a low to mid-90?s fastball with late movement which he can locate to either side of the dish. He adds an outstanding mid-80?s slider.

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