2012 MLB Draft Scouting Reports Vol. 4

Here comes the fourth installment of some potential draftees for the Tigers in the 2012 draft.

Here we go…

Alec Rash, RHP, Adel-DeSoto-Minburn HS, Adel, Iowa

Iowa isn’t exactly known as being a hotbed of baseball talent, but Rash is the exception to that rule. A tall, rangy, right handed pitcher, Rash has a frame that normally scouts drool over. He stands 6’5″, but weighs only 195, so many would assume he will fill out his frame, however, some believe that he is likely to stay lean and may not have a bunch of projection.

Rash’s stuff is already pretty good in the present though. He is a three pitch pitcher, that sits in the low 90’s with his fastball that has good sink and movement on it. His curve flashes as above average, though it lacks consistency, and his change up shows promise as well. His biggest issue is command, and given that he isn’t real strong right now, it’s derived largely from his troubles with mechanics.

Trey Williams, 3B, Valencia HS, California

Williams has a famous father, Eddie, who played in the big leagues for 10 years. His son Trey could also have a shot. Trey currently plays SS, though most people believe his future as it 3rd base. He profiles as a corner infielder/outfielder because of his bat. While he doesn’t project to hit for average, Williams has tremendous power potential. His bat speed is well above average, and when he squares a baseball up, it goes a long way. He is fairly athletic at this point, but as he gets older and fills out, will be average in that regard. He has a pretty good arm, but if he does play corner outfield it would more than likely be left field.

There has been some question about his attitude and work ethic this spring, and it has dropped him down quite a bit. That could be concerning, given his body type. He will need to keep in shape as much as possible.

Chase DeJong, RHP, Wilson HS, Calif.

DeJong is a 6’5″ righty that has a good amount of projection left on his frame. Currently he doesn’t have a plus arm, though he sits in the upper 80’s to low 90’s with his fastball. His fastball has good downward plane, as he comes over the top out of his tall frame. He does pound the strike zone with his fastball, though it is more control than command. It’s easy to imagine him adding at least 3 to 4 mph with professional instruction as he gets his mechanics cleaned up a little bit.

His best secondary is his curve ball, and it looks like the pitch has tremendous potential. He flashes plus potential with the curve, and at times buckles hitters knees with it. He shows the ability to throw the pitch for strikes as well. Scouts also believe that DeJong has potential with his change up as well, showing it as a solid offering currently. DeJong does have a commitment to USC.

Preston Beck, OF, UT-Arlington

Beck is a left-handed hitting outfielder that comes from the same school that produced 1st round pick of a few years ago, Michael Choice. Beck isn’t going to be drafted as high as Choice, but should go in the 2nd or 3rd round. He performed well on the Cape last year before leaving with an injury.

Beck isn’t the greatest of athletes, though the rest of the package is pretty good. He should hit for above average power at the next level, as well as hit for some average too. He isn’t a plodder on the base paths, though he isn’t going to steal many bases either. Defensively, Beck is a prototypical right fielder. The range isn’t going to be great, but he has an above average arm out there.

Jeff Galalich, OF, UCLA

Galalich is a left-handed hitting outfielder that has improved quite a bit since stepping on the campus of UCLA as a freshman. He doesn’t have one standout tool, however, he does everything well, flashing slightly above average tools across the board.

Offensively, Gelalich projects to be a corner outfielder, most likely a left fielder. His power might come up a little bit short there, but he will get his fair share of homers. He shows good patience at the plate, and generates a good amount of bat speed from his quick short swing. Gelalich runs well, though not considered a burner. Defensively, he gets good jumps, and could be a good to above average left fielder. His arm is good enough for left as well.

Similar profile to that of Tigers draftee Tyler Collins last season.