The Boston Red Sox had three selections on the first night of the 2012 MLB Draft and used them to take three college players. Two of the picks they had (No. 31 and No. 37) came as compensation for the Philadelphia Phillies signing the local nine’s former closer Jonathan Papelbon. The No. 24 pick was their own.
With their first pick, No. 24 overall, the Red Sox took Arizona State Sun Devils shortstop Deven Marrero. With the final pick of the first round, No. 31 overall, the Red Sox took Florida Gators left-handed pitcher Brian Johnson. And with their last pick of the first round compensatory picks (No. 37 overall), the Red Sox took Monmouth Hawks right-handed pitcher Pat Light.
Here’s what MLB.com had to say about Marrero:
Coming from high school powerhouse American Heritage High School in Florida (alma mater of Eric Hosmer, among others) and the younger brother of Nationals’ first-rounder Chris, Marrero has been on radars for quite some time. Three years at ASU certainly has done nothing to hurt his prospect status as he might be the top position player selected in June. Marrero’s defensive abilities are what jump out first as there is no question he will be a shortstop at the next level. He’ll be plus on that side of the ball — arm, hands and range — and it plays up even more because of his baseball instincts. He’s not glove only, though, and he’s improved since coming out of high school when his bat was somewhat in question. Marrero is a line-drive gap hitter, with the potential to develop some power in the future. While he’s only an average runner, those instincts help him be an excellent baserunner.While his swing has been long in the past and his pitch selection isn’t always top notch, it’s not too much of a cause for concern. He has the chance to be a very good every-day shortstop. If the bat develops even more, he could be an impact player in the big leagues.
Here’s what MLB.com had to say about Johnson:
Johnson has gotten looks as both a hitter and a pitcher with Florida and while he can hit a little, most feel he’ll pitch at the next level.The left-hander has four pitches he can throw for strikes. His fastball sits mostly in the average range, though he can run it up to 92 mph, with pretty good sink to the arm side. His slider is his out pitch and should be an above-average offering in the big leagues. His changeup, which he doesn’t always use, has the chance to be at least above-average.Johnson gets high marks for his mound presence and willingness to go right after hitters. College lefties are always a hot commodity and Johnson could be the first in this class to go off the board.
Here’s what MLB.com had to say about Light:
It’s been a while since the New Jersey college scene provided any top-notch Draft talent, but that will change in 2012, thanks to this big right-handed pitcher. The Monmouth product looks the part, with a long, lean frame, an ideal pitcher’s body. He has the stuff to match the frame, too. Light’s fastball sits in the 92-93 mph range, but he can reach back for a 95-96 mph when he needs to. The heater has pretty good movement, and with his downhill plane and arm angle, there’s the potential for him to sink the ball more in the future. His breaking ball is a little slurvy and will need to be tightened up a bit, but it has the potential to be at least a solid average pitch. He uses a split grip for his changeup, and it lags behind. While Light’s overall command right now isn’t great, it shouldn’t be an issue going forward, and he’s fearless on the mound. If he can improve those secondary offerings, Light has the chance to be an excellent starting pitching prospect. If not, he has the stuff and mentality to succeed in a bullpen as well.
Rounds 2-15 of the 2012 MLB Draft will continue on Tuesday at noon with rounds 16-40 starting Wednesday at noon.
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