2012 MLB Draft: Texas Rangers Select Outfielder Lewis Brinson

Lewis Brinson, OF, Coral Springs HS, Coral Springs, FL: An outstanding athlete, the 6-4, 180-pound Brinson is already an excellent defensive outfielder, but is rather unrefined with the bat. He has plenty of bat speed but is still learning the finer points of hitting, including plate discipline. He is committed to the University of Florida, but considered signable for first-round money. The Rangers have a good track record helping similar hitters refine their swings and develop a feel for the strike zone, but it won’t be a rapid process and the organization will need to be patient with Brinson. His upside is a 20/20 player with excellent defense, but we’ll have to see how his other skills develop. His work ethic and makeup are well-regarded, which helps of course. He was seen as a supplemental-round pick by most experts, but this isn’t really an overdraft, given his raw tools.