Comp A Pick (34th overall): Todd Frazier , SS, Rutgers

[OnBaseMachine]

26. Todd Frazier – SS, Reds – 1A.04 (34th)

The pride of Rutgers baseball, Frazier is a baseball rat who gets better every year. His OPS climbed from 897 as a freshman to 1070 as a sophomore and finally 1259 (.377/.502/.757) as a junior. His plate discipline and defense also improved each season, and his 25 steals in 30 attempts in 2007 was also a personal best. It's the type of growth one likes to see in a college player, though Frazier is often left out of discussions when talking about the nation's top prospects.

At 6'3" and 215 pounds, Frazier has the strength to back up his 22 homers and 24 doubles from this past season. He's shown aptitude with wooden bats before and will work hard at continuing to improve, so there's plenty to like here. Though Frazier has some speed and is a smart baserunner, his range leaves a lot to be desired. A move to second base is possible since he's sure-handed, but third base or right field might be for the best.

Obviously staying in the middle infield would be best for Frazier, but his power potential is enough to still be a useful player at third or in the outfield. He should throw in 10 or 15 stolen bases early in his career as well, making him an even better fantasy option. That Frazier strikes out (51 in 247 at-bats this year) and loads his swing somewhat uniquely mean he probably won't hit for average in the majors, but he'll wait for his pitch and hammer it when he finds one to his liking. This ranking assumes he moves at third base, and he'd rank a few spots higher if he can stay at second.

http://rotoworld.com/Content/feature...rticleid=28387

[corkedbat]

I'd really like to see them get this kid signed

[Chi-Town Red]

me as well...i really want to see what the kid has

[Betterread]

I have some high expecations for this guy. He really performed well in college and I am looking forward to watching his development (so get him signed quick, Front office!).

[icehole3]

6-4 220 is frigging huge for a SS

[Chi-Town Red]

Originally Posted by icehole3

6-4 220 is frigging huge for a SS

yep..i cant wait to see him!

[fearofpopvol1]

Originally Posted by icehole3

6-4 220 is frigging huge for a SS

It's highly unlikely he'll stay SS. He's more likely to project as a 3B.

[Chi-Town Red]

Originally Posted by fearofpopvol1

It's highly unlikely he'll stay SS. He's more likely to project as a 3B.

i could see that

[OnBaseMachine]

I would rather they try Frazier at 2B before moving him to 3B or the outfield.

[reds44]

Originally Posted by icehole3

6-4 220 is frigging huge for a SS

How big was A-Rod?

[Rojo]

Its big for any infielder. I'd be tempted to speed his development and not mess around with the 2nd or 3rd if he doesn't show much aptitude.

[Doc. Scott]

Originally Posted by OnBaseMachine

Waring could possibly be a steal. Drafted in the 7th round out of Wofford College, Waring is 6'4" and 190 pounds. He hit .401/.518/.851 this year with 42 walks and 27 homeruns (43 XBH) in 222 atbats. That's very impressive right there, especially the power numbers. And at 6'4" and 190, he still has room to grow and add more power. Nice pick by Buckley. I like all three of those guys you mentioned in your post.

Waring is struggling a bit early, although he's shown a good eye at least.

Looking forward to Frazier as well. I wonder where they'll start him out? Given the thin middle infield at Billings, I wouldn't be surprised if he begins at SS.

[lollipopcurve]

Given the thin middle infield at Billings, I wouldn't be surprised if he begins at SS.

Cozart is a true SS. Possible they'd bump one of Frazier/Cozart all the way to Dayton, with Valaika moving to Sarasota?

[fearofpopvol1]

To the best of my knowledge, this kid still hasn't signed yet I wouldn't jump the gun too much...

[Redman15]

Cozart is in Dayton. He has not been cleared to play though.