Now that we are under three weeks to go till the draft, we’re going to take a closer look at who is on the Mets radar in the first round. Two important things to note here – first, the Mets draft at #12th overall and at #35th (in the supplemental first round) as compensation for losing Jose Reyes. They will also get the Marlins’second round pick to complete the compensation package. The second thing to remember is that the first round can be very fluid, and a significant domino effect triggered by the teams ahead of them will come to bear on the Mets’ direction at #12. Today, we will look at Gavin Cecchini (rhymes with ‘zucchini’), a SS from Barbe HS in Lake Charles, LA.
Pros
Cecchini has the genes – to get drafted at least. His brother Garin was selected in the 4th round of the 2010 draft by the Red Sox and is currently playing 3B at Hi-A Salem and is the #7 prospect in the Boston system. Unlike Garin, Gavin projects to stay at short, with scouts citing his sure hands, slightly above average arm, and impeccable accuracy. To cap it off, he has tremendous baseball instincts, which serve him well both in the field and helping his average speed play up on the base paths.
Cons
Most everyone agrees that he has a lot of polish for a high school player, but the question on Cecchini center on how the bat will develop. It is slow through the strike zone and he does not project to have much pop. The ability to drive balls into the gaps could be the determining factor as to what kind of player he develops into.
Ceiling/Floor
The ceiling is an All Star everyday shortstop, in more of a classic mode (read: leadoff hitter with slick defense).
As for a floor, well, at this point the most common floor is ‘not a major leaguer’. The consensus is, however, that Cecchini is one of the surer bets amongst high school position players in this year’s crop. If the bat does not develop, he could just be a utility infielder.
4 comments
SaltyGary
5/17/2012-12:11pm at 12:11 pm (UTC -4)
Looking through Keith Law’s top 50 there seems to be a ton of pitching and not that much power. At quick glance I would rather see one of the rumored Mets picks Courtney Hawkins who plays outfield and had some pop. If they can’t get some high upside offense then go for some pitching.
Taking a low power SS is not what this team really needs and hopefully Tejada can keep doing what he is doing for the next couple of years.
Stick
6/4/2012-9:09pm at 9:09 pm (UTC -4)
except a HS pick is what, at least 5 years normally away? So by the time he would even be ready, Tejada probably hit FA, if he is not long since gone.
so you go with talent with a HS pick, not any worries about him being blocked at the ML level!
still, based on all the draft reports/analysis posted, does not do anything to excite me.
srt
6/4/2012-8:56pm at 8:56 pm (UTC -4)
Interesting pick.
When it was getting to 10 or so, I was kind of hoping they’d go with Giolito, injuries and all. But what do I know?
Stick
6/4/2012-9:10pm at 9:10 pm (UTC -4)
apparently you know what the GM of the Nats knows. Is an interesting pick.