6. Drew Ellis, 3B
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 12/1/1995 (22)
2017 teams/levels played for: short-season A-ball Hillsboro Hops
2017 Stats: .227/.327/.403, 208 PA, 8 HR, 3 SB, 24/45 BB/K
Info: Everyone knew about Brendan McKay on the 2017 Louisville squad, but in nearly all statistical categories, the best hitter on the team was Ellis. The Arizona Diamondbacks grabbed him in the 2nd round and jumped him all the way to their short-season A-ball club, where he fared well initially, but he showed the length of his college season as he began to slump with a slower bat toward the end of the minor league season.
Ellis has definite plus power, though his approach can get out of whack at times, as he can get his top half ahead of his lower half or vice versa. When his swing is in sync, he generates loud contact throughout the park, with good zone recognition, but some issues with high-level breaking stuff in pitch recognition.
There were loud doubts about Ellis’ ability to handle the hot corner that likely helped drop him to the 2nd round, but he showed in pro ball that he has the hands and first step at the position to at least be an average defender there, if not better than that due to his good feel playing toward the line and above-average arm with plus accuracy.
After the struggle to finish 2017, it will be interesting to see how Ellis is placed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2018. He’ll most likely be in an A-ball league, but whether that’s low-A or high-A will be an interesting spring decision.
5. Daulton Varsho, C
Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 7/2/1996 (21)
2017 teams/levels played for: short-season A-ball Hillsboro Hops
2017 Stats: .311/.368/.534, 212 PA, 7 HR, 7 SB, 17/30 BB/K
Info: Varsho began to jump up some draft boards toward the end of his college season due to an incredible college season. The Arizona Diamondbacks selected Varsho with the 68th overall selection in June.
many have felt (Varsho’s) bat is so good that he should possibly move to another position other than catcher to save his knees and utilize his above-average speed
Varsho is the son of former MLB outfielder Gary Varsho, and he has more athleticism than a typical catcher, and many have felt his bat is so good that he should possibly move to another position other than catcher to save his knees and utilize his above-average speed.
Behind the plate, he uses his athleticism to move well laterally and position well for blocking, and in spite of an average arm, he has quick feet that allow him to still work well in the running game.
His swing, plate discipline, and raw above-average power along with his above-average speed could push the Arizona Diamondbacks to a decision about his future position as soon as the end of 2018, when he’ll likely start in high-A, but he could finish the year in the upper minors, knocking on the big league doorstep.
Next: #3 and #4