Yuku free message boards

Bryan Smith at BP said Khris Davis was one of his guys on the second day (that's a free article):

The Titans have a lot of players that have become household names in their run as the number two team in the country this season, but not enough know about their 2009 MVP (as voted on by me), Khris Davis. We knew before the season that the offense needed a power bat, we just didn't know where it would come from. Davis, who had struggled on and off the field for two seasons, seemed an unlikely source. However, here we stand four months later, and Davis leads Fullerton in doubles (25), home runs (16) and walks (34). He's probably a touch too slow to play center, and his arm not quite enough for right field, but I think he hits enough for left. He's turned it on in the postseason, too, going 11-for-23 with four walks and four home runs in five tournament games.

BA on Gennett:

Sarasota High has produced 10 players drafted in the first five rounds over the last 20 years, and Gennett-whose real first-name is Ryan-should be the 11th. He helped the Sailors win a state title when he was a freshman in 2006. He isn't a conventional prospect in some ways but he has one of the more advanced bats in the draft, high school or college. He showed a strong, quick swing and advanced approach last summer, particularly impressing at the East Coast Showcase. He profiles as an offensive second baseman, while Florida State intends for him to start at shortstop as a freshman. He's a grinder with surprising power and bat speed for his size (a listed 5-foot-10, 170 pounds), and though he can be streaky, his bat is his best tool. He's a better runner on the field than in showcase events, but he's closer to average than above-average in that department. Defensively he gets the most of his ability, with his range and arm better suited for the right side of the infield than the left. He's agile, though, and a solid athlete. Gennett would be a crucial get for Florida State, if he gets there. Most scouts consider him a third-to-fifth round talent, though he was backing up late, including a poor performance with the bat in Sebring at the state prep all-star game.

BA on Gennett again (jjfanec linked this in the general thread, and this one's free):

Like you may expect from a kid with the nickname "Scooter"-his real first name is Ryan-Gennett is an undersized middle infielder. Listed at 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, he's a gritty, grinder type that always has a dirty uniform. He has talent, but sometimes tries to be too flashy or do too much at the plate. His swing is long and slow with wood and he struggled to get balls out of the infield during the event's batting practice session.

"He's a fantastic high school player," the AL scout said. "I think he's going to be a very good college player, but he's probably better off going to school. He has a ways to go with the bat and in our game he probably lacks the size and range to go out there and project as a major league shortstop. He's probably more of a second baseman or a utility guy and going to college might do him some good. He needs some time, he's not ready. Good pitching will own this kid and when that happens early, sometimes you lose them mentally forever."

Gennett was in SaberScouting's top 30 HS juniors last year, and it sounds like he has some promise as a pitcher as well:

Gennett is the heir apparent to Casey Kelly's spot as starting shortstop and ace for the powerhouse Sarasota Sailors. Gennett has three pitches he can throw for strikes including a low 90's fastball but has a future as a hitter in the middle of the diamond. It's not clear yet if he's a long-term shortstop, second base, or center fielder, but his tools will play almost anywhere. Scooter (his given name is Ryan) swings a mean left-handed bat with surprising pull power for his size and a solid approach. He has good makeup and all-around baseball instincts with quick feet and an above-average arm. Florida State commit.

This article on Rob Currie getting drafted includes a picture of him exhibiting the inverted-W that so many mechanical analysts abhor:

Baseball America's Conor Glassey doesn't sound optimistic that Gennett will sign (free blog post):

In our final Draft Tracker before the big day, I noted that Scooter Gennett was trending down-and that's the direction he headed, right down to the 16th round, when the Brewers took a shot on him with the 496th-overall selection. In Sebring, he looked a little sloppy in the field and didn't hit well with wood. He'll likely end up at Florida State, where he'll be draft eligible again as a sophomore.

It looks all right, not strikingly weak. The dust clouds sure make him look fast, eh?

Halton first LC player taken
Jay Tust

LEWISTON - For the Warriors, Sean Halton was the first Warrior to come off the board, selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 13th round. Then, not to long after that, Tom Peale was picked up by the Florida Marlins in the 23rd round.

Assistant head coach Gus Knickrehm said he's excited for both former Warriors.

"It's always real nice to get those kind of guys out of here," said Knickrehm. "They work hard all year and I wish them the best of luck."

For Halton, the senior led LC this season with 18 homeruns and 71 RBIs, all while hitting .379. Saving his best for last, in just three games at this year's NAIA World Series, Halton went deep three times, driving in 9 runs in the process.

One substantial difference though, after playing the outfield for LC this last season, the Brewers selected him as a first baseman. However, his former coach believes he'll make the transition effortlessly.

"With Sean's work ethic and how he goes about his everyday work, I don't think it will be a problem," said Knickrehm. "I think that Milwaukee made a great choice by going after Halton and getting him. There going to find a guy who comes in everyday and represents their program, but himself."