The college crop of 2012 is much weaker than that of 2011, but there are still several players with incredibly high upside. Most of the pitchers, however, tend to have little experience dominating the competition, and will look to use the regular season to show they have the stats to back their stuff.
UF catcher Mike Zunino headlines a college crop short on dominance, but high on upside.
1) Mike Zunino, C, Florida
Great power, phenomenal defense and exceptional leadership skills
2) Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford
Mid 90s fastball and an above-average changeup. Also throws a slider. Finally dominating like his stuff indicates he should.
3) Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU
Excellent all around: great size, velocity and secondary pitches. Few holes, if any. Safest pick of top college arms.
4) Kyle Zimmer, RHP, San Francisco
Late riser. Great velocity and decent slider-curveball combo.
5) Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State
Excellent defensive shortstop with top notch skills. Little power, but good on-base ability.
6) Chris Beck, RHP, Georgia Southern
Great fastball, above-average changeup, decent slider.
7) Michael Wacha, RHP, Texas A&M
Easy velocity, great size and a proven winner.
8) Brian Johnson, LHP, Florida
Could be top pitcher overall if he ever decided to give up hitting. Solid fastball. Works quickly.
9) Marcus Stroman, RHP, Duke
Excellent strikeout pitcher. Size reminds of Trevor Bauer. Electric fastball.
10) Victor Roache, OF, Georgia Southern
Best power in the class, but a broken wrist might scare some teams away.
11) Stephen Piscotty, 3B, Stanford
Amazing plate discipline. Also offers good pop and decent defensive ability.
12) Travis Jankowski, OF, Stony Brook
Prototypical leadoff hitter. Great speed, in the field and on the basepaths.
13) Richie Shaffer, 1B, Clemson
Great power. Looking to rebound after missing sophomore season.
14) Brett Mooneyham, LHP, Stanford
Could have been first-rounder in 2011 without injury. Looking strong so far in 2012.
15) Peter O’Brien, C, Miami
Light-tower power, but comes with high strikeout numbers. Improving defensively.
16) Nolan Fontana, SS, Florida
Excellent defender with improving bat skills. Showed impressive pop so far in 2012.
17) Preston Tucker, OF, Florida
Does nothing but hit. Could crack 20 homers in 2012. Above-average plate discipline.
18) Tyler Naquin, OF, Texas A&M
All-around grinder. Solid plate discipline, great hitter for average.
19) Joey DeMichele, OF, Arizona State
Five-tool talent. Offers decent pop and great speed. Extra-base hit machine.
20) Josh Elander, C, Texas Christian
Impressive defensive skills combined with good pop at the plate.
21) Kenny Diekroeger, SS, Stanford
Oozes tools, but has yet to truly impress. Good pop, decent speed, great arm.
22) Adam Brett Walker, 1B/OF, Jacksonville
Very high upside, high risk. Tons of power, tons of Ks. Limited defensively. Massive frame.
23) Tony Renda, 3B, California
Another baseball rat. Versatile defender who could play third or second. Excellent on-base skills.
24) Christian Walker, 1B, South Carolina
Bested Bryce Harper in HR derby in HS. Slighty above-average defender.
25) Brady Rodgers, RHP, Arizona State
Small frame, but a definite winner. A lower ceiling version of Mike Leake.
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