Class: College Junior
Hometown: Rye, New York
Height/Weight: 6-3/209
Born: October 1, 1992
photo courtesy of ryerecordsports.files.wordpress.com
UNC’s Colin Moran set foot on campus two years ago as a scrawny infielder (6’2” and 170 lbs) seeking playing time at one of college baseball’s most prestigious programs.
Two years later he’s filled out physically (6’3” and 209 pounds) and found his role, as the Tar Heels best hitter. Moran raked as a freshman, hitting .335 while leading the squad, and the entire ACC, with 71 RBI. He also cranked nine homers and rapped 20 doubles. He showed impressive plate discipline for a first-year player, walking 14 more times than he struck out and he fielded his position incredibly well, committing just nine errors in 66 starts at third base.
This year has been a mixed bag. While his power numbers have dropped dramatically (just three HR and 35 RBI), his average has risen 30 points. Keep in mind that he also missed more than 20 games with a broken hand, sustained after punching a door after a loss to cross-town rival N.C. State. While that might send up some kind of red flag with most players, to me it just shows how much Moran cares about each individual contest. Regardless, he returned to the diamond just in time for the Heels run to the NCAA regionals, hitting .388 in four contests before UNC was eliminated by St. John’s.
Moran has all the tools to be a standout defender at third, including a strong arm and quick feet. Now that he’s filled out he’s a safer bet to grow into above-average power as well. He’ll always be a good average hitter and should be an on-base machine with his pitch recognition.
Having a strong junior campaign in 2013 and proving his power wasn’t sapped by his hand injury will be key to his draft placement next June.
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