37. A.J. Reed, Kentucky, 1B/RHP, 6′ 4″, 245 lbs.
There is so much to love about A.J. Reed. He was on the Golden Spikes watchlist, but that doesn’t begin to tell the whole story.
The New York Mets selected Reed in the 25th round of the 2011 draft as a pitcher. He opted to attend the University of Kentucky. As the ace of the Wildcats staff, Reed was 10-2, tops in the SEC in wins. Toss is an ERA of 2.11, a BAA of.229, and a WHIP of 1.122, and any organization would be beaming at the chances of adding his arm to their pitching depth.
But the path Reed now has to the majors is with his bat. He has made himself into one of the nation’s best collegiate bats. Reed even believes that’s the case.
By the slimmest of margins, Reed missed out on winning the SEC’s triple crown. The only category he did not come out on top was in batting average. Rounded to the ten-thousandths (that’s how close it was), Reed hit .3586. Will Allen of Missouri edged him by batting .3587. Reed also cracked 23 HR and drove in 70, both tops in the conference.
I guess we could include a OBP of .492 and SLG of .788 as well.
A first round selection is certainly possible. I’d say it’s a certainty more toward the later end of the first round.
I almost feel a little sheepish listing Reed in this slot. Maybe because I know he’s destined to play first base, so he is positionally limited. His defense isn’t dazzling, and the speed is simply not there to play any other position.
Can always fall back on that arm. Nah…