JEMILE WEEKS, 2B, Miami
The brother of Brewers second baseman Rickie, Weeks is an accomplished middle infielder with above-average athleticism. Drafted out of high school by the Brewers in the eighth round in 2005, Weeks elected to attend Miami instead. He competed on the U.S. college national team following his freshman and sophomore seasons and was named as a preseason All-American by BA coming into the year. A switch-hitter and plus runner, Weeks has the unique ability to put pressure on the defense with his speed on the basepaths. Although he is just 5-feet-9, 180 pounds, he is not limited to small ball as he has quick wrists and plus bat speed, allowing him to hit for power as well. Defensively, Weeks has shown flashes of making the spectacular play but needs to become more consistent with the routine play. Also, his ability to turn the double play needs improvement. In the pros, Weeks profiles as an offensive second baseman with less power than his brother but a better chance to stay in the middle of the diamond. He and Gordon Beckham are the most athletic college position players expected to be drafted in the first 50 picks.
2008 Draft
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2008 Draft
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12. Oakland Athletics
The Pick: Jemile Weeks, 2B, Miami
The buzz: Weeks is a switch-hitter with outstanding speed. Jemile has some pop, but he lacks the power of his older brother - Rickie Weeks of the Milwaukee Brewers. He and Alonso are a formidable duo for the Miami Hurricanes.
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TYSON ROSS, RHP, California
Yet another NorCal Baseball alum, Ross stepped into California's weekend rotation as a freshman and has filled the Friday role for two years. He also pitched well for Team USA last summer and was the team's most consistent pitcher. His velocity was down during the summer in the mid-to-upper 80s, and has been erratic again this spring. He was at his best against Stanford in a May victory, touching 96 mph and sitting in the low 90s. Moreover, Ross worked off his fastball and used his changeup effectively against the Cardinal in a start that may convince teams to leave him as a starter. His best pitch is a plus slider thrown in the low-80s with short, hard break. At times it has two-plane break, and it's such a good pitch and he locates it so well that at times he throws it far too often, working off the slider instead of his fastball. The biggest question on Ross is his mechanics. His stride is exceptionally short for a pitcher his size (6-foot-5, 220 pounds), leading to stress on his arm and a lack of extension to finish off pitches down in the zone. Also, his arm action is short in the back, and it may be difficult to "fix" all those issues. Some scouts believe that would do more harm than good, though, and would send him to the bullpen as a pro to use that slider as a weapon.
Yet another NorCal Baseball alum, Ross stepped into California's weekend rotation as a freshman and has filled the Friday role for two years. He also pitched well for Team USA last summer and was the team's most consistent pitcher. His velocity was down during the summer in the mid-to-upper 80s, and has been erratic again this spring. He was at his best against Stanford in a May victory, touching 96 mph and sitting in the low 90s. Moreover, Ross worked off his fastball and used his changeup effectively against the Cardinal in a start that may convince teams to leave him as a starter. His best pitch is a plus slider thrown in the low-80s with short, hard break. At times it has two-plane break, and it's such a good pitch and he locates it so well that at times he throws it far too often, working off the slider instead of his fastball. The biggest question on Ross is his mechanics. His stride is exceptionally short for a pitcher his size (6-foot-5, 220 pounds), leading to stress on his arm and a lack of extension to finish off pitches down in the zone. Also, his arm action is short in the back, and it may be difficult to "fix" all those issues. Some scouts believe that would do more harm than good, though, and would send him to the bullpen as a pro to use that slider as a weapon.
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PETEY PARAMORE, C, Arizona State
Paramore was highly regarded coming out of high school but turned down the Mets, who drafted him in the 22nd round in 2005. He became an almost instant starter at Arizona State, where he spent most of his first two seasons sharing time with Kiel Roling as the catcher. Paramore shouldered more of the load in 2008 and earns praise from scouts for his ability to lead a pitching staff, as a quiet receiver and for blocking balls in the dirt. He has good hands but could improve his footwork on his throws. Paramore's arm once rated as above-average, but he's more fringe-average this spring, leaving scouts wondering about his arm's health. Offensively, he has a patient approach with a discerning eye, putting him in frequent hitter's counts, and he should draw his share of walks as a pro. He has some strength but lacks the bat speed to hit for more than fringe-average power. He struggled with wood last summer, going 7-for-63 (.111) for Team USA. Some scouts see many of Jason Varitek's traits in Paramore, though not Varitek's offensive upside. His polish and defensive ability could still get him drafted in the first three rounds.
Paramore was highly regarded coming out of high school but turned down the Mets, who drafted him in the 22nd round in 2005. He became an almost instant starter at Arizona State, where he spent most of his first two seasons sharing time with Kiel Roling as the catcher. Paramore shouldered more of the load in 2008 and earns praise from scouts for his ability to lead a pitching staff, as a quiet receiver and for blocking balls in the dirt. He has good hands but could improve his footwork on his throws. Paramore's arm once rated as above-average, but he's more fringe-average this spring, leaving scouts wondering about his arm's health. Offensively, he has a patient approach with a discerning eye, putting him in frequent hitter's counts, and he should draw his share of walks as a pro. He has some strength but lacks the bat speed to hit for more than fringe-average power. He struggled with wood last summer, going 7-for-63 (.111) for Team USA. Some scouts see many of Jason Varitek's traits in Paramore, though not Varitek's offensive upside. His polish and defensive ability could still get him drafted in the first three rounds.
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ANTHONY CAPRA, LHP, Wichita State
In his first season as a full-time starter, the only thing that has been able to slow Capra down was an emergency appendectomy. After missing the first two series of the year, he rolled through the regular season with a 9-0, 2.52 record in 11 starts and led the Missouri Valley Conference record with a .201 opponent average. His 6-foot-1, 210-pound build brings to mind Mickey Lolich, but Capra's arsenal is more impressive than his body. His 88-92 mph fastball has late life down in the zone and his plus changeup is a swing-and-miss pitch. He throws a hard curveball that has its moments but lacks consistency, and his low-three-quarters slot may be more conducive to throwing a slider. Capra stuff plays up, too, because he commands all of his pitches and he's lefthanded. He touched 94 mph when he worked out of the bullpen in the past. Capra lacks projection and will have to watch his body, but he's a polished lefty who could go as high as the third round.
In his first season as a full-time starter, the only thing that has been able to slow Capra down was an emergency appendectomy. After missing the first two series of the year, he rolled through the regular season with a 9-0, 2.52 record in 11 starts and led the Missouri Valley Conference record with a .201 opponent average. His 6-foot-1, 210-pound build brings to mind Mickey Lolich, but Capra's arsenal is more impressive than his body. His 88-92 mph fastball has late life down in the zone and his plus changeup is a swing-and-miss pitch. He throws a hard curveball that has its moments but lacks consistency, and his low-three-quarters slot may be more conducive to throwing a slider. Capra stuff plays up, too, because he commands all of his pitches and he's lefthanded. He touched 94 mph when he worked out of the bullpen in the past. Capra lacks projection and will have to watch his body, but he's a polished lefty who could go as high as the third round.
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JASON CHRISTIAN, SS, Michigan
Christian is one of the few shortstops in the draft with both offensive and defensive skills, and his all-around game could boost him as high as the second round. He has a loose swing, plenty of bat speed and some power potential to tap into once he adds some weight to his 6-foot-3, 170-pound frame. He uses the whole field and shows an aptitude for drawing walks. Once he gets on base, he's a slightly above-average runner who can provide an occasional steal. Unlike many of the better-hitting shortstops available, Christian won't have to switch positions. He has good actions at shortstop, along with plenty of range and arm strength. He missed three weeks with a stiff back, attributed to Michigan's long flights to Florida, Arizona and North Carolina on early-season road trips. Christian since has recovered and his back isn't a long-term concern.
Christian is one of the few shortstops in the draft with both offensive and defensive skills, and his all-around game could boost him as high as the second round. He has a loose swing, plenty of bat speed and some power potential to tap into once he adds some weight to his 6-foot-3, 170-pound frame. He uses the whole field and shows an aptitude for drawing walks. Once he gets on base, he's a slightly above-average runner who can provide an occasional steal. Unlike many of the better-hitting shortstops available, Christian won't have to switch positions. He has good actions at shortstop, along with plenty of range and arm strength. He missed three weeks with a stiff back, attributed to Michigan's long flights to Florida, Arizona and North Carolina on early-season road trips. Christian since has recovered and his back isn't a long-term concern.
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DANIEL THOMAS, RHP, South Florida
As a redshirt sophomore, Thomas was the Bulls' Saturday starter in 2007 and was drafted by the Cardinals in the 44th round. He returned to school to take on the Friday night ace role this season. Even though his statistics aren't gaudy, Thomas has boosted his draft stock. Typically pitching at 90-93 mph, he continues to improve his arm strength and has been seen up to 95. He also throws a true downer curveball and has excellent feel for his above-average changeup. With clean mechanics and a high three-quarters arm slot, Thomas pitches downhill with plane but little deception. He had Tommy John surgery as a senior in high school in 2004, then felt discomfort in his arm again last season and was shut down after just 28 innings
As a redshirt sophomore, Thomas was the Bulls' Saturday starter in 2007 and was drafted by the Cardinals in the 44th round. He returned to school to take on the Friday night ace role this season. Even though his statistics aren't gaudy, Thomas has boosted his draft stock. Typically pitching at 90-93 mph, he continues to improve his arm strength and has been seen up to 95. He also throws a true downer curveball and has excellent feel for his above-average changeup. With clean mechanics and a high three-quarters arm slot, Thomas pitches downhill with plane but little deception. He had Tommy John surgery as a senior in high school in 2004, then felt discomfort in his arm again last season and was shut down after just 28 innings
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BRETT HUNTER, RHP, Pepperdine
Undrafted out of high school, Hunter first began to draw the attention of scouts as a closer for his Connie Mack summer ball club in 2005. He has since blossomed into one of the top pitching prospects in the nation. Now 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Hunter may possess the strongest arm in the draft. Hunter has missed all but two starts in 2008 due to arm problems, generally reported as elbow pain. Hunter returned in late May with two short outings, peaking at 92 mph and showing some rust but generally encouraging scouts. Many scouts aren't surprised by Hunter's injury due to his unorthodox mechanics. He drops his arm behind himself like a discus thrower, making it hard to find a consistent arm slot. Hunter's tilted, unbalanced finish features a high right leg release. None of that precluded Hunter, who dominated with Team USA last summer as a closer, from featuring some of the nation's best stuff. His thunderbolt fastball arrives at the plate from 93-97 mph and has touched 100 in relief outings. As a starter, he has no difficulty maintaining velocity into the sixth and seventh inning, when healthy, and he challenges both good and average hitters with his four-seam in all situations and all counts. Hunter's high-70's to low-80's curve has nasty downward break, though he has inconsistent control of the that pitch. Hunter's command is spotty and causes him to get behind batters and run up high pitch counts. Health concerns muddle where Hunter will be selected, and his command problems muddle whether he will be a starter or reliever. The combination makes predicting his draft position impossible
Undrafted out of high school, Hunter first began to draw the attention of scouts as a closer for his Connie Mack summer ball club in 2005. He has since blossomed into one of the top pitching prospects in the nation. Now 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, Hunter may possess the strongest arm in the draft. Hunter has missed all but two starts in 2008 due to arm problems, generally reported as elbow pain. Hunter returned in late May with two short outings, peaking at 92 mph and showing some rust but generally encouraging scouts. Many scouts aren't surprised by Hunter's injury due to his unorthodox mechanics. He drops his arm behind himself like a discus thrower, making it hard to find a consistent arm slot. Hunter's tilted, unbalanced finish features a high right leg release. None of that precluded Hunter, who dominated with Team USA last summer as a closer, from featuring some of the nation's best stuff. His thunderbolt fastball arrives at the plate from 93-97 mph and has touched 100 in relief outings. As a starter, he has no difficulty maintaining velocity into the sixth and seventh inning, when healthy, and he challenges both good and average hitters with his four-seam in all situations and all counts. Hunter's high-70's to low-80's curve has nasty downward break, though he has inconsistent control of the that pitch. Hunter's command is spotty and causes him to get behind batters and run up high pitch counts. Health concerns muddle where Hunter will be selected, and his command problems muddle whether he will be a starter or reliever. The combination makes predicting his draft position impossible
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