Draft preview - Shortstops

David Walter

College junior from Florida A&M. Should control the strike zone. Has the strength to put a charge into the ball.  Quality defensive shortstop, above average range and arm. Runs well but base running instincts are not great.

Melvin Walton

JuCo sophomore from Central Arizona. Speed can be a difference maker. Patient hitter who works the count and makes outstanding contact. Does not hit for power, but has the skills to be an outstanding leadoff man.

Ted Beck

College senior from Kentucky.  A lefty batter, Beck has plus speed, good power potential, and excellent range in the field.  If he can make consistent contact should be a front line player.

Jake Boyd

College junior from Texas Tech. Instinctive shortstop with a nose for the ball. Plus speed, will work the count, and could be a reliable hitter at the bottom of the lineup.

Erik Clarke

Excellent defensive shortstop despite below average speed. Compact, clean swing with a knack for barreling the ball. Sprays the ball all over the field.

Rodney Gaston

Superior defender with plus pure speed. Bat is below average.

Michael Hopkins

College senior from Clemson. Has plus power potential in a lefty bat.  Good speed, solid defensive skills. Good recognition of balls and strikes. Has a chance to be a star caliber shortstop.

Ken Taylor

College junior at Oklahoma state.  Well above average speed with some power potential. As he matures is expected to be a quality defensive shortstop.

Alec Welty

College junior from Arizona, well above average defender who can fly on the basepaths. Good knack for hitting with a clean, compact swing.