With the 12th overall pick in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft the Mets took Gavin Cecchini, a shortstop from Barbe High School in Lake Charles, LA. In Cecchini, the Mets have drafted a player that has speed, a good glove, and a solid bat.
First the speed, which is above-average. He doesn’t have elite speed or athleticism, but does have a lot, and he uses it wisely with great instincts and intelligence running the basis. As a high school senior he was perfect on stolen base attempts.
Defensively, he has a great glove and plays a solid shortstop. Some scouts think that he may have to move over to second base in the big leagues because he doesn’t have ideal range for a major league shortstop, but he has the speed and intelligence that can help make up for a slight lacking in that area. He also has a strong and accurate arm, so that won’t be a concern when it comes to staying at shortstop.
With the bat he is able to make hard contact on a consistent basis and has shown off some gap power, as he has gotten stronger over the last year or so. His wrists are quick and his swing is compact, so even if he doesn’t drive the ball deep he gets a good swing on the ball and hits it hard. He is able to hit all fields and isn’t pull happy.
Intangibly, he’s a scrappy player with a high baseball IQ that is said to get the most out of the tools he has. Genetically, his brother was a 4th round pick of the Red Sox in 2010 and is currently having a good season in the South Atlantic League. Also, his dad is a coach, which is always a plus.
The most common comparisons are to J.J. Hardy and Reds shortstop Zack Cozart. Cecchini is said to be more advanced than a typical high school player and has been projected to make his big league debut as early as the second half of the 2015 season, which would be after three full years in the minors if he’s able to sign and begin playing this summer. Cecchini is committed to Ole Miss, but there’s nothing to indicate that he isn’t signable.
7 comments
gategem
6/4/2012-9:47pm at 9:47 pm (UTC -4)
Sounds like a solid backup middle infielder.
Bryan
6/4/2012-10:08pm at 10:08 pm (UTC -4)
Well, the Mets are essentially using their 4th string SS right now, so it seems like a position of need.
But seriously, he’s faster, more athletic, and maybe a little better bat than Tejada, and I really like Tejada.
gategem
6/4/2012-10:41pm at 10:41 pm (UTC -4)
I should have added that I really am appreciative of the work and effort you put into bringing this information to us. Thank you very much.
srt
6/4/2012-11:29pm at 11:29 pm (UTC -4)
Ditto from me.
I know next to nothing about the MLB draft. Just started following some last year.
Just trying to following along on the good analysis here on these selections.
SaltyGary
6/4/2012-10:25pm at 10:25 pm (UTC -4)
Bryan would you have taken Hawkins over Cecc?
Bryan
6/4/2012-10:39pm at 10:39 pm (UTC -4)
I’m not so sure. If you were watching MLB network they talked a lot about the emphasis on players up the middle, which is what Cecchini is while Hawkins looks to be more of a corner outfielder.
They’re really polar opposites in a lot of ways, so it comes down to preference. Cecchini is more polished, he’ll move up quicker, and while he doesn’t have a super high ceiling his floor is at least as a utility player. Hawkins on the other hand is more raw and split time between pitcher and outfield, so he has a little ways to go.
Between the two, I think I would personally stick with Cecchini, but if you want more upside projection Hawkins would make more sense.
SaltyGary
6/5/2012-7:12am at 7:12 am (UTC -4)
Wow you might put me at ease LOL, thanks for the awesome answer.