Screenshot courtesy of Athens Banner-Herald

Player: Travis Demeritte

Drafted by: Texas Rangers (No. 30 Overall)

Position: 3B/2B

DOB: 9/30/1994 (Age: 18)

Height/Weight: 6’1”/195 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Winder-Barrow HS (Ga.)

College Commitment: South Carolina

Background

Travis Demeritte established himself as a potential top pick over the last year thanks to a strong showing as part of the prestigious East Cobb (Ga.) program. However, his shining moment came last October during Perfect Game’s 2012 WWBA World Championship, when he helped lead the team to a national title with a 3-for-3 performance in which he tallied four RBI.

Demeritte has only strengthened his stock this spring, showcasing the ability to make adjustments on top of his present tools and maturing secondary skills. In addition to improving his overall defensive projection at numerous infield positions, the right-handed hitter also turned in a strong season at the plate by batting .404/.563/.910 with 12 home runs, 37 RBI and 11/33 K/BB in 126 plate appearances.

The righty also dominated on the mound with an 8-1 record, five complete games, a 0.69 ERA and a 94/24 K/BB in 50.2 innings.

Compared to Georgia high school peers such as Clint Frazier and Austin Meadows, Demeritte hasn’t received the draft buzz that his present ability and future potential suggests. And unless there’s an organization that’s all in on the prep infielder, it’s doubtful that he’ll be a first-round selection. That being said, Demeritte is exactly the type of player who stands to receive an over-slot signing bonus on a second-rounder.

Full Scouting Report

Note: Numerical scores are on the conventional 80-point scouting scale, with the current score first and projected score second.

Hitting: 40/55

Explosive line-drive swing; advanced barrel control; mature approach for a high school player; comfortable working counts and drawing walks; pull-happy approach can lead to lack of plate extension on outer half; has learned to drive the ball to the opposite field more consistently over the last year; knowledgeable of how to make adjustments at a young age.

Power: 45/55

Plus bat speed; wrists and forearms are loaded with quick-twitch muscles; above-average-power potential as a professional; likely to hit more doubles and triples; plenty of pop to the pull side; improved power to the right-center gap; turns around good velocity.

Speed: 45/50

Weakest tool; compensates with athleticism and quickness; speed plays better in games than it does during straight-line running; moves well once he gets going; lacks base-stealing speed.

Defense: 45/55

One of the better defensive third baseman in the class; athleticism is obvious in his smooth actions; above-average range to glove side; good hands and body control; could be developed at second base where his bat is more valuable.

Arm: 55/60

Above-average arm strength from the left side of the infield; enough for any infield position; not a full-time pitcher, but will bump 91-92 mph during appearances; makes strong, accurate throws with carry.

MLB Player Comparison: Brandon Phillips

Projection: Everyday third baseman on a second-division team.

MLB ETA: 2017

Chances of Signing: 60%