Round Overall Player Position 1 16 Bobby Borchering 3B ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BA: As loaded as Florida's high school ranks are in 2009—and several scouts have called it a historically deep year—Borchering established himself early as the state's best bet for a first-round selection, and he hasn't let up. He has excellent size at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, and projects as a power-hitting corner infielder. While projecting high school hitters is one of the toughest jobs in scouting, evaluators regard Borchering as one of the safer prep bats in the draft. He has good hands, present strength and excellent bat speed, giving him the ability to hit both for average and for power. He went on a power binge this spring, lifting Bishop Verot from a poor start with seven home runs in a nine-game span. Borchering's bat already was going to get him drafted high, and his improved defense has moved him into first-round consideration. At times last summer he appeared destined to move to first base, and some scouts still see that as his best fit. He has improved his agility and first-step quickness this season, however, and has retained athleticism while filling out physically. He'll never be a graceful or above-average defender, but he has arm strength and soft-enough hands to play third at an average level if he keeps working at it. Borchering's Florida commitment isn't expected to dissuade him from signing in the first 50 picks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- pgcrosschecker: SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): As scouts have repeatedly seen Borchering hit high-quality pitching at premium events over the past year, they have come to the realization that the 6-foot-4, 220-pound switch-hitter might be the best pure third base prospect in the 2009 class. Defensively, there is little question that Borchering will stay at third base for a long time. He has good agility, despite his long, angular frame, and has the type of body life and body type that doesn't look like it's going to slow down any time soon. His arm strength is his best defensive tool. Borchering's power from both sides of the plate is what gets scouts' attention, though. He has a big, full load from both sides of the plate and takes a very aggressive swing that initially looks long and out of control. But Borchering is a quick-twitch hitter with very good pitch recognition, and rarely takes a bad or ineffective swing. He's shown the ability to hit the ball deep in the hitting zone and drive it hard to the gaps from both sides of the plate, and has pull/loft ability as well. Borchering's swing from the left side has a grade more bat speed and is smoother out front, but he's a legit hitter from both sides. It wouldn't be surprising to start hearing comparisons in the spring between Borchering and Chipper Jones as far as switch-hitting styles. Borchering's consistency at premium summer events carries over to his spring performance as well; he hit .433-5-33 as a sophomore at Bishop Verot and .463-6-30 as a junior.-DAVID RAWNSLEY UPDATE (5/15): Borchering had a big spring for Bishop Verot High (.494-13-37 in 77 at-bats) and quickly moved into mid- to late-first-round consideration. He's continued to hit from both sides of the plate, and his defense at third base improved. Some scouts questioned whether he could remain there at the big-league level because of his long actions and slow feet for a player his size, but Borchering's reactions have become quicker and he's making strong throws across the diamond. Because of his arm strength, a few scouts have even wondered about him as a catcher, where he worked out some last fall. It's much more likely he plays third base in his pro debut, and remains there. Borchering was so impressive at the plate this spring that he may have the most upside of any hitter in the draft.-ANUP SINHA ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MLB.com: Hitting ability: Borchering has plus, plus bat speed. He's a switch-hitter who's stronger from the left side mostly because he sees more pitching that way. He has different swings from the two sides of the plate. Power: He has pop from both sides. From the left side, he shows it to right-center mostly. Running speed: Perhaps just shy of average, but he's not a slug on the bases. Base running: He has good instincts. He runs better when he's under way and always runs hard. Arm strength: It's fringe average, largely because he doesn't have his feet under him when he throws. Fielding: He's a stiff defender with a funky setup, kind of like a hockey goalie. Range: He has below-average range; a move to first base is a possibility. Physical Description: Borchering is strong and athletic with a body like a latter-day Chipper Jones. Medical Update: Healthy. Strengths: The bat. He should hit plenty from both sides of the plate. Weaknesses: His defensive game. He does not look comfortable at third. Summary: Borchering is a third baseman in high school, but it will be his bat that carries him forward. He struggles defensively and may end up at first base. Some clubs may look for more power from that position, which could impact his draft status. That being said, Borchering's hitting skills are definitely legit. --

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