Having drawn comparisons to the likes of B.J. Upton and Eric Davis, Byron Buxton is without a doubt the most toolsy and projectable player in the entire 2012 draft class. Also a standout pitcher for his high school, the right-hander originally warranted some draft consideration on the mound, but it’s very clear that his future is in center field.
If Buxton’s hit tool develops as many scouts predict, he has the chance to be a legitimate five-tool player—a term that’s religiously thrown around but rarely used appropriately. The Georgia native has plus speed that is as evident in the outfield as it is on the basepaths, and there’s even room for it to improve. In the outfield, he also has arguably the best prep arm in the draft, having been clocked regularly in the low-90s with plenty of carry.
At the dish, Buxton has plus raw bat speed and an easy swing, which has led many scouts to project that the right-handed hitter will develop at least above-average power. Furthermore, his ability to recognize quality offspeed pitches at such a young age suggests that he’ll be able to hit for average in time, as well.
Considering he’s only 18 years old and therefore has time to fully develop his baseball skills, Buxton won’t be rushed to the major leagues despite the struggling state of his new team. Fans should expect to see the exciting outfielder no earlier than 2016.
#32 - Orlando Berrios
Berrios, a physically strong yet athletic right-hander, is one of the most highly touted pitching prospects to emerge from Puerto Rico in recent draft history. Possessing clean mechanics and smooth arm action, he has easy velocity that results in 92-95 mph fastballs with late (but sometimes inconsistent) arm-side action.
The right-hander struggles to command his two offspeed pitches, though both have flashed plus potential. His changeup has been the more effective of the two, as he throws it with similar arm speed and fades it out of the zone. His curveball is a bit of a slurve due to his three-quarters arm slot, but it has tight rotation and decent pace.
Berrios has a lot of upside with room to develop and should reach the majors by 2016 like most of the talented prep pitchers in the 2012 draft class.
#42 - Luke Bard
didn't find much info other than he's a closer, not a power pitcher, but great control and movement on his fastball - maybe another Radke if we're lucky
hopefully Buxton is a stud, but as usual, the broken ass MLB salary rules prevent the Twins from competing. Appel was obviously the top talent, and for sure made sense for a team w/ horrible pitching, but they have to play the game. Buxton has to be super good to pay off, even if he's a great player like Torii Hunter level, still not the value of a top of the rotation ace like Appel could be.
