2014 MLB draft prospects rankings: Nos. 35-31

34. Alex Blandino, Stanford, 2B/3B, 6′, 190 lbs.

Blandino started a slow ascent up some prospect lists with an eye-opening performance during the 2012 Cape Cod League. During the regular season, he hit .312 with 3 HR and 25 RBI. The only knock was the 37 strikeouts in 138 AB. It was the postseason where he excelled. In six games, he hit .350 (7-for-20) with a pair of homers and 10 RBI, tops on the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.

But Blandino might be a bit of a tweener. He owns the defensive tools to play third base, even played short when he was in the Cape Cod League. There is a perceived lack of arm strength, making second base more of a possibility as his positional home. His current build might be more geared toward second base, too.

But it’s not only that arm that has some scouts seeing him at second.

As we’ve already discussed, Blandino can certainly hit. He does possess some pop, but there are those that feel he doesn’t provide enough pop that a great many organizations prefer from the third base position. Another issue could be the ever-evolving perception that Stanford position players are unable to adjust to pitching at higher levels.