Draft stars can be found on the corners
Several corner infielders expected to be taken among top 10
By Kevin T. Czerwinski / MLB.com

The 2004 draft was dominated by pitchers, who were chosen with 10 of the first 13 selections. This year's draft should prove to be a bit different with more high-profile players expected to go early on, particularly in the top-10.
"I think this year will be a pretty decent draft," one National League scouting director said. "Last year was such a year for pitching. This year there just seems to be a better flavor of college position players and that's been unusual in recent years. Every draft gives you its own flavor as it unfolds but this one, right now, has recognizable names as position guys."

Many of those position players are currently playing first or third base. Here's a closer look at some of the corner infielders on whom many organizations are keeping a close eye as the draft nears.

Alex Gordon, 3B, Nebraska: Considered by many to be the potential top pick this year, Gordon has done little to hurt his stock. A former Big 12 Player of the Year, Gordon continues to hit for power and average this season. According to one Major League scout, there are some who think Gordon has a bit of improving to do defensively but any work he has to put in at the hot corner is minimal. He was a member of Team USA, for whom he actually played first base, giving a hint of his potential versatility. Don't expect him to be around past the fifth or sixth selection.

Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Virginia: A solid year in the Atlantic Coast Conference has actually raised Zimmerman's stock, which was already high. He continues to wield a smoking hot bat and will give Gordon a run for the top spot in this year's draft. Because of his soft hands and great ability with the glove, there is some talk that he may actually get moved to shortstop depending upon which team selects him. Zimmerman was named USA Baseball's Athlete of the Year in 2004. His .468 average was the highest in Team USA history after helping his club win the World University Championships in Taiwan.

John Mayberry, Jr., 1B, Stanford: The son of former big leaguer John Mayberry appears poised to pick up where his dad left off after a 15-year career. The elder Mayberry hit 255 homers and Mayberry Jr. has shown the same propensity for the big fly. A first-round pick out of high school by Seattle, it seems certain that Mayberry will once again go in the opening round this year. At 6-foot-5, he uses a long, muscular frame to hit for power and average. He hits for power to all fields and has a strong arm, which rarely gets a workout at first base. Mayberry also could play some outfield.

Ryan Braun, 3B, Miami: A notch below Gordon and Zimmerman, Braun still provides exceptional power and production. He's hitting over .400 this season with a slugging percentage close to .800. Braun broke Pat Burrell's freshman RBI record in 2003 and drove in 45 runs as a sophomore despite missing 18 games with a ribcage injury. He also can play shortstop and some have gone so far as to compare him to Nomar Garciaparra. His versatility on the left side should be a strong consideration and may earn him a ticket into the late first round.

Justin Bristow, 3B, Mills Godwin HS (Va.): He's already committed to Auburn but who knows at what position he'll end up. He's been dominant as a right-handed pitcher in high school, but his bat and glove make him coveted on the left side of the infield. His strong arm -- he brings it in the low-to-mid 90s as a pitcher -- have some scouts salivating at the prospect of him playing third base, especially since his glove is exceptional. His poise and maturity also make him attractive, leading to the notion that he won't see the second round.

Henry Sanchez, 1B, Mission Bay HS (Calif.): Surgery on his left hand this spring proved only to be a minor setback to the player some consider the best high school prospect in the western part of the country. Sanchez hits for power and average and now that he has proven that his hand is fine, he's reclaimed the status of a likely first-round pick. He's easily the best high school first baseman in the country with a huge upside in terms of development.

Stephen Head, 1B, Mississippi: Head can pitch and he can hit, but the likelihood is that he'll leave his spot on the mound once he's drafted despite being one of the better Southeast Conference closers in recent years. An All-American in 2004 and a veteran of the prestigious Cape Cod League, Head has a fluid swing. He makes contact and is expected to go neck and neck with Mayberry in terms of which first baseman is chosen higher. Head is also a nominee for the Golden Spike Award.
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