Williams: I don't think we've ever drafted a hitter with this much current ability, mainly as we always draft at the end of the first round. He's rated 50 contact and 55 power right now, and while he doesn't walk much (40 eye) he doesn't strike out either (65 avoid Ks). We could plug him into the lineup right now and he'd probably hit .260-.270 with 25 HR. He has 60 potential for contact and 65/70 for power depending on which scout you can believe. So why did he drop to the 30th pick? As you might have guessed he's a lousy OF with his range rated at 45. And he's a lefty hitter with a significant platoon split. But he can rake, and I'll probably start him at AA Montgomery given that ability. Either a future long-side-of-the-platoon regular or a nice trade chip.
Thomas: Our supplemental pick is a high-school 1B so there's no defensive value there. But he is projected for 55 contact and 60 power, with a 50 eye so there's real offensive upside here.
Wagner: While he seems a decent SP prospect out of Cal State Fullerton (potential 50 stuff, 60 movement, 40 control), I like him more as a potential CF (60 OF range and 65 arm of course) who has 60 contact, 65 gap power, 55 power and 60 avoid Ks potential. Hopefully he can follow the Francis Moranchel path (listed starting pitcher turned into elite hitting prospect).
Krisik: The Wake Forest junior is a righty starter who has potential 65 stuff to go with potential 50 control and movement, seems pretty good for a pick at the end of the 3rd round.
Kempton: A high-school SS with real pop (70 potential power according to my scout, 75 per OSA) although it's an open guess as to whether he remains at the position.
Herring: See Wagner above, another pitcher drafted for his bat. His projections at pitcher are 50 stuff, 35 movement, 40 control, so yecch, but as a hitter he projects to 55 contact, 60 gap power, 50 power and seems like he could play the outfield OK.