In the past as we've been going over the top 2013 prospects in baseball, we've kept an eye out for players with ties to the UConn Huskies Baseball team.
We've seen three players, Mike Olt, Matt Barnes and George Springer appear in Keith Law's 2013 top prospects and MLB.com's 2013 top prospects.
Now Baseball America has released their top 100 prospects and those same three players appear on the list.
Olt comes in at No. 22 while Springer comes in at No. 37. Barnes rounds out the list at No. 40.
To see what Baseball America has to say about Olt, Springer and Barnes, please click on the continue reading button below if you're on the home page.
Here's what they have to say about Olt:
Scouting Report: With plus raw power and strong hitting approach, Olt is a threat to go deep anytime he steps to the plate. He works deep counts and piles up both walks and strikeouts, so his average will settle in the .260-.270 range. Pitchers have had success exploiting the length in his swing by attacking him with high fastballs, and he continues to work to identify and stay back on breaking balls. Scouts say Olt is a joy to watch defensively, owing to his agility and ability to make throws from any angle. He's a well below-average runner.
The Future: Like Profar, Olt has advanced rapidly thanks to his tools, work ethic and mental toughness. He's blocked in Texas by Adrian Beltre, so a shift to first base or an outfield corner could be in the works. A potential all-star, he could open 2013 in the big league lineup or get a couple of months in Triple-A.
Here's what they have to say about Springer:
Scouting Report: Springer is a true power-speed threat. His strong, quick hands generate tremendous whip and bat speed, giving him power to all fields. He doesn't have to cheat to drive the ball, but he does leak out with his front side at times, leading to strikeouts. He tends to play too fast, though scouts think he'll adjust with experience. Springer's above-average speed plays well on the bases and in center field, and managers rated him the Cal League's top defensive outfielder. His arm is above-average as well. His energy is infectious, and the Astros credit him with helping Delino DeShields Jr. play harder after rooming with him in instructional league and spring training.
The Future: If Springer can make more consistent contact, he'll be a five-tool player. Whether he sticks in center field or shifts to right will depend in part on how other players fall into place. He'll return to Double-A to start 2013 and could hit his way to the majors before season's end.
Here's what they have to say about Barnes:
Scouting Report: Barnes pitches aggressively with his swing-and-miss fastball. He effortlessly throws heaters with riding life, usually sitting at 93-95 mph and topping out at 98. The Red Sox had him scrap a slider he started to fiddle with in college and had him focus on throwing his hard curveball, a plus downer at times. Barnes is learning the need for a changeup, which he throws a bit too hard in the upper 80s but sells well with his arm speed. He's not afraid to throw strikes or pitch inside.
The Future: If Barnes can refine his secondary pitches, he can become a No. 2 or 3 starter. After easing him into pro ball with 120 innings, Boston will turn him loose in 2013. He'll start in Double-A and could push for a spot in the big league rotation by the end of the season.
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