The Major League Baseball draft gets underway July 9 in Seattle. The three-day event opens with Rounds 1 and 2 on Sunday, 3 through 10 on Monday and 11 through 20 on Tuesday.
MaxPreps takes a look at the top five high school players at six positions in the days leading up to the draft. The preview continues today with middle infielders. This is MaxPreps' look at high school players who could be drafted:
June 28: Left-handed pitchersJune 29: Right-handed pitchersJune 30: CatchersToday: Middle infielders
Today: Corner infieldersJuly 7: Outfielders
Arjun Nimmala of Strawberry Crest could be the first high school middle infielder taken in the upcoming MLB Draft. Scouts like his ability to hit to all fields and also for occasional power. He also has the size, quickness and arm strength to stick at shortstop. (Photo: Mike Janes)
1. Arjun Nimmala, Strawberry Crest (Dover, Fla.), 6-1, 170
Rose to the top of the middle infielder rankings after a strong summer season. Scouts like his ability to hit to all fields and also for occasional power. He also has the size, quickness and arm strength to stick at shortstop. Hit .479 as a senior with six home runs. He should be the first prep middle infielder taken and should be gone by the middle of the first round.
2. Colin Houck, Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.), 6-2, 195
A multi-sport standout, playing quarterback for the football team and shortstop for the baseball team. He's risen up the ranks to become a first-round prospect. He was among the national leaders in home runs as a junior with 15. He slipped to eight home runs, but he raised his batting average by 75 points to .487. His arm strength will allow him to stay at shortstop. Won't last past the end of the first round.
3. Sam Stafura, Walter Panas (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.), 6-0, 187
Another player whose stock has risen over the past year. He has plenty of power, despite a smaller frame, with 11 home runs. His speed is also his defining feature, making him a good bet to stick at shortstop as well as a threat on the base paths. Makes good contact after batting .516 with one strikeout this year. Likely goes at the end of the first round.
4. Walker Martin, Eaton (Colo.), 6-2, 185
The top power-hitting prospect among shortstops, Martin led the nation with 20 home runs, including nine straight games with a round-tripper. May not stick at shortstop, but he does have the arm strength and athletic ability to stay there. Already has great power and the body frame potential to add more. Could go early in second round.
5. Kevin McGonigle, Monsignor Bonner/Archbishop Prendergast Catholic (Drexel Hill, Pa.), 5-11, 185
Good hands and good athletic ability, McGonigle could play shortstop at the next level or could move to second base. A good line drive hitter and projects to be a much better hitter at the next level, according to Perfect Game. Batted .530 with six home runs last year. Likely an early second-round pick.
