2012 MLB Draft: Toronto Blue Jays Select Marcus Stroman

Marcus Stroman, RHP, Duke University: There is a long-standing scouting bias against short right-handers, but the 5-9, 185-pound Stroman is so good that scouts projected him as a first-rounder anyway. He throws 92-95 MPH, has a good change-up, and dominates hitters with one of the best sliders in the draft. He went 6-5 in 14 starts for a 21-34 team, but posted a 2.39 ERA with a 136/26 K/BB in 98 innings. Many scouts think he’ll be ready for the majors by September. The main question is his long-term role. His arsenal is diverse enough to start and he’s had nothing but success as a starter, but many scouts think he’ll fit best as a reliever, due to his size. If so, he could help in a bullpen later this year. However, given his track record and his high-quality mix of pitches, others believe he deserves a shot as a starter. Either way, he’s got a great arm.