Mike Zunino: Projecting Where Top Hitting Prospect Lands in 2012 MLB Draft

There is no better hitter in the 2012 MLB draft than Mike Zunino.

The junior catcher out of the University of Florida is currently hitting .322 with 15 home runs and 52 RBI while calling games for a team that is competing for a spot in the College World Series next month in Omaha, Neb. His sweet swing and power make him highly coveted by virtually all 30 MLB teams entering the draft.

With all of the tools, right now he is ESPN draft expert Keith Law’s fourth-highest-rated prospect. Yet he was very recently ranked No. 2.

So why the drop? Law explains: “He's still the best college bat in this draft, but that he's hitting .244 AVG/.314 OBP/.456 SLG in the SEC (and doesn't have to face his staff) isn't helping his case.”

A dip in production at the end of the season isn’t going to kill Zunino by any means, but it does suggest he is beginning to wear down a bit.

So while he likely played himself out of the No. 1 pick held by the Houston Astros, Zunino is still in the running to be selected in the top five. The Minnesota Twins will pass with the No. 2 pick considering the contract of Joe Mauer, but what about the Seattle Mariners at No. 3?

They can't draft a high school player who will be a project, they need a player who can help now. If the Mariners skip him because they are confident Jesus Montero is the answer at catcher, the Baltimore Orioles would do the same at No. 4 with Matt Wieters is around.

That leaves the Kansas City Royals at pick No. 5.There is no way they pass on him.

He is a 6’2’’, 215-pound player that has the prototypical size for a catcher. He is a natural leader that can command the respect of a pitching staff in a hurry. His bat speed is incredible, plate discipline is superb and his mechanics are better than some major league hitters right now.

Zunino going to be a star and, at the very worst, will be a Royal at pick No. 5 in the 2012 draft. 

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