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 corner infielders. This is MaxPreps' look at high school players who could be drafted:
June 28: L
eft-handed pitchersJune 29: Right-handed pitchersJune 30: CatchersToday: Middle infieldersToday: Corner infielders
July 7: Outfielders
At 6-foot-7, Bryson Eldridge played shortstop and pitched for James Madison. But the MaxPreps Virginia Player of the Year will probably slide over to first base or be chosen in the MLB Draft as a pitcher. (Photo: Danny La)
1. Aidan Miller, Mitchell (New Port Richey, Fla.), 6-2, 205
A shortstop in high school for part of his career, Miller likely moves to third base at the next level. A strong power-hitting prospect, Miller won the home run derby contest at the MLB All-Star Game in Los Angeles last year. He also has a strong arm, making the switch to third base an easy one. An injury to the hamate bone (located in the hand) kept Miller sidelined for most of his senior season. The injury could result in Miller sliding to late in the first round.
2. Bryson Eldridge, James Madison (Vienna, Va.), 6-7, 235
It's quite possible that Eldridge, the MaxPreps Player of the Year in Virginia, will be selected as a pitcher. He has elevated his status as a pitcher by developing three pitches and hitting 96 mph with his fastball. At 6-foot-7, he is also an intimidating presence on the mound. However, Eldrige is also an outstanding power hitter with eight home runs. Eldridge could end up playing at first base and is likely to go in the first round.
3. George Lombard, Gulliver Prep (Miami), 6-3, 190
The son of a former MLB player, Lombard played shortstop in high school, but likely moves to third base. Scouts say he has the power-hitting ability to play at third base with a solid swing that has few holes. He batted .478 as a senior with 14 doubles and six home runs. A likely second-round pick, although some mock drafts have him going late in the first round.
4. Colt Emerson, John Glenn (New Concord, Ohio), 6-1, 200
A two-sport athlete, Emerson earned all-state honors in football. A shortstop in high school, Emerson could move to third base at the next level unless he improves his quickness enough to stay in the middle. A contact hitter, Emerson can hit the ball in the gaps or for home runs. He batted .446 with 12 doubles and eight home runs as a senior. Likely goes in the second or third round.
5. Eric Bitonti, Aquinas (San Bernardino, Calif.), 6-5, 225
A high school shortstop, Bitonti could move to third due to his size. He has shown power at the plate, hitting eight home runs as a junior. Also has a strong enough arm to hit 94 mph with his fastball during his stints on the mound. A potential second-round pick.
