Up-the-middle athletes
This was a point of emphasis early, as evidenced by the selections of Lux and Louisville catcher Will Smith on the first day of the Draft, and the trend continued on Friday and Saturday.
D.J. Peters (fourth round)
Peters is one of the more intriguing players in the draft class. He’s been selected in each of the previous two years, each time in the 36th round.
He’s a big, physical outfielder with tools on both sides of the ball. At the plate, he generates plenty of power from his 6’6, 220-pund frame. In the field, he shows off a plus arm and at least average speed.
For Western Nevada College, Peters hit .419/.510/.734 with 14 doubles and 16 home runs. He may not stick in center field but he has a prototype right field profile.
Errol Robinson (sixth round)
Robinson was seen as a possible top-two round pick coming into the spring, as he hit well in the Cape Cod League last summer and is seen as a safe bet to stay at shortstop, but his offense backed up this year, leading him to slide down draft boards.
He ended up batting .270 for Ole Miss this spring with just a .773 on-base plus slugging percentage. If he can recoup his offensive prowess from a year ago, he has the chance to establish himself as a two-way prospect.
If not, Robinson can hope his glove gets him to the Majors in a utility role.
Luke Raley (seventh round)
Raley was drafted out of Lake Erie College, where he batted .424/.528/.747 with more home runs (12) than strikeouts (11). He also dominated last summer in the Northwoods League, earning MVP honors after clubbing 14 home runs and batting .314.
The 6’3, 220 pounder played center field for his college team but may move to a corner in the pros.
Kevin Lachance (10th round)
Lachance is shortstop who gets by more on effort than raw talent. He hit .373/.451/.539 this spring with half a dozen home runs and 28 stolen bases. He profiles as a utility player who should see time all over the diamond.
CONTINUE READING: Additional noteworthy draft picks
