As the Super Regionals head toward a conclusion and the Omaha field is set, it seems appropriate to introduce to our readers to Arizona State shortstop Deven Marrero, who is likely to land in the first-round and perhaps even within the first 10 picks.  Yet, he is not even the top shortstop in his own conference that will be eligible for the 2012 draft.  That honor belongs to Stanford’s Kenny Diekroeger.

Marrero profiles as an above-average defender at short with a plus arm and a plus glove.  He has outstanding instincts for the position and should have no problem staying there as a professional.  At the plate, he fails to generate tremendous bat speed in large part due to a lack of lower body action.  He hits against a pretty quiet front, though, and keeps his hands inside well enough to be a 50 to 55 hit tool player.  He will never hit many bombs in the pros, but he runs well enough to at least have an isolated power.

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Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com: With a smooth delivery, Bradley shows a plus fastball at times, but sits around 90-92 mph. He throws a curve and a slider, and commands the ball fairly well. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, he’s got the build and projectability that scouts love.

Nathan Rode, Baseball America: Bradley stands about 6-foot-4, 210 pounds. Scouts love his frame and the projection it oozes. He works with a fastball that gets up to 95-96 mph. He also throws a knuckle-curve and is working on improving a circle changeup.

John Sickels, Minorleagueball.com: Rated a likely first-rounder pre-season and still does. Has football leverage since he’s a great quarterback, too. Athletic, mid-90s fastball, good breaking ball, reasonable level of polish for a young power pitcher, competitive makeup. Would be a top ten guy in a thinner class and might still get there.

Dee Clark, The Golden Sombrero: Bradley might be the most well-known member of this year’s draft class due to his success on the football field as well as the baseball field.  Even though his fastball velocity and breaking ball sharpness have been down a little this spring compared to where they were toward the end of the summer, he will still go inside the first 20 picks.

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