2012 MLB Draft: Boston Red Sox Select Shortstop Deven Marrero

Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State University: Marrero was considered one of the top amateur talents last winter, but he didn’t live up to expectations with the bat, hitting just .268/.329/.396 in 149 at-bats. That said, his glove at shortstop is highly regarded, and he’s one of the few shortstops available this year who can handle the position in the majors. A right-handed hitter, he’s listed at 6-1 and 195 pounds. He lacks power and hasn’t shown much offensively since college baseball switched to the less-potent bats last year, but even so he was expected to hit more effectively than this. However, Marrero is the best defensive shortstop in the draft this year, and with a fresh start in pro ball he might rediscover some of those hitting skills. His track record with wooden bats isn’t bad, and while it doesn’t look like he will be a star, he still has a decent chance to become a regular.