Reds drafted Phillip Ervin, CF from Samford with the 27th pick.
On Cleveland's Frazier:
Everything you say about Austin Meadows, you can say about Frazier, except for one thing: his size. Frazier doesn't "look the part" quite as much, but he still has just as many tools as his fellow Georgia prepster. A right-handed hitter, Frazier ran a 6.6 second 60 at the East Coast Pro Showcase over the summer. He also might have a more advanced bat than most of the high schoolers in the class, with a quick, short stroke that generates more power than you might expect given his frame. The lack of physicality might concern some, but his collection of tools should keep him high on Draft boards all spring. Like Meadows, Frazier made the rounds this past summer and played well. That continued into the spring, including a two-homer game when he faced off against his Georgia contemporary. Meadows might have the higher upside, but some scouts said watching Frazier was like evaluating a college hitter because of his "now" tools.
On Cincinnati's Ervin:
Performing well in the Cape Cod League is always a plus for college hitters, and Ervin set himself up extremely well this summer, winning the Cape MVP award while reaching double-digits in home runs and steals. Ervin's a good pure hitter with some pop, and he has plus speed to go along with it. That speed allows him to play a good center field. The only knocks against him might be that he's not the biggest guy in the world and he doesn't play for a huge college power in Samford. He continued to perform like he did in the Cape during his junior season, keeping many teams very interested. After a very strong sophomore season on both sides of the ball, Gonzales kept it going for USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team over the summer. He carried it over to his junior season, pitching and hitting well for the 'Zags. Clearly a very good athlete who can handle the bat, it's his left arm that could have him drafted in the first round in June.
Thoughts so far?
Can't wait to see these guys in 5 yrs!