Analyzing Amateur Baseball Talent as it pertains to the MLB Draft

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Top 10 2010 Catching Prospects

Bryce Harper may define this class, although there is some discussion that he may move to another position, with right field being mentioned the most to take advantage of his arm strength, to allow his bat to carry him as quickly as it can.

But he's not the only talented backstop, as a pair of polished college catchers, Micah Gibbs and Yasmani Grandal, should join Harper in the first round. Grandal, like Harper, is a left-handed hitter while Gibbs switch hits., adding to his defensive value behind the plate.

Minnesota's Michael Kvasnicka is soaring up draft charts as more and more people are starting to believe in his return behind the plate after playing right field. He too is a switch hitter with a great athletic frame and a disciplined approach. He could sneak into the first round, but is more likely a sandwich to third round pick.

Last year's prep class was pretty special, as this year you may not see a true high school catcher selected in the early rounds. Southern California slugger Stefan Sabol likely will be drafted early and likely will be given the chance to catch early in his professional career, but at some point will likely have to move to an outfield corner or first base.

Click on the players' names listed in red to take you to their Dandy Dozen scouting reports.

1
 Bryce Harper C 6'3" 205 L/R College of Southern Nevada
2
 Micah Gibbs C 5'11" 210 B/R LSU
3
 Yasmani Grandal C 6'2" 210 L/R Miami
4
 Stefan Sabol C/OF 6'2" 205 R/R Aliso Niquel HS (CA)
5
 Robert Brantly C 6'2" 200 L/R UC Riverside
6
 Michael Kvasnicka C/RF 6'2" 210 B/R Minnesota
7
 Blake Forsythe C 6'2" 220 R/R Tennessee
8
 Cameron Rupp C 6'2" 235 R/R Texas
9
 Eric Arce C 5'11" 195 L/R Lakeland HS (FL)
10
 Tommy Medica C/OF 6'1" 215 R/R Santa Clara

Dandy Dozen

SP
 James Paxton Tall lefty with mid-90s heater
SP
 Kevin Gausman Lanky prep RHP oozes projectability
SP
 Matt Harvey College RHP back on the rise
UT
 Drew Vettleson Switch pitcher with lefty bat moving up
C
 Yasmani Grandal Solid D' C with power & patience
1B
 Mickey Wiswall Slick fielding 1B with sweet stroke
IF
 Jedd Gyorko Nothing flashy, but keeps rakin'
SS
 Garin Cecchini IF with big LH bat out with torn ACL
3B
 Kris Bryant Big lanky athlete with big-time power
OF
 Reggie Golden Compact, powerful OF built like a tailback
OF
 Austin Wates Tools galore, continues to improve, impress
OF
 Leon Landry Good tools highlighted by glove, power

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