2012 MLB Draft: San Francisco Giants Select Pitcher Chris Stratton

Chris Stratton, RHP, Mississippi State University: Dominant this spring on the strength of his low-90s fastball and a plus slider, Stratton went 11-2 with a 2.38 ERA, with a 127/25 K/BB in 110 innings. He also has a solid curveball and change-up, plus an easy, relatively stress-free delivery that gets the most from his 6-3, 200-pound body. He won’t need much minor-league development time. One scout described Stratton’s slider to me as the best breaking pitch he had seen all season, whether in the high-school or college ranks.There are no holes in Stratton’s statistical performance, and with four pitches at his disposal, he’s well-prepared for pro ball. He could be one of the first 2012 draftees to reach the major leagues, projecting as a number-three starter, or perhaps even a number two. Stratton represents excellent value at this point in the draft, and he thrived against solid competition in college.