2012 MLB Draft Prospects: Examining Draft's Most Dynamic Collegiate Hitters

Pitchers usually dominate the first-round of the MLB draft. But every club is looking to uncover the next Josh Hamilton, or, more reasonably, the next solid hitter they can plug into the beginning of their batting order. 

There are a handful of high schoolers who'll be selected in this year's draft. But with the NCAA regionals getting underway, let's highlight the most dynamic collegiate hitters and look at what they offer when they step up to the plate. 

Mike Zunino, C, Florida

Zunino has a chance to be one of the first picks in this year's draft, after living up to preseason expectations with a SEC Player of the Year award on his resume. 

In 2012 for the Gators, the rock-solid catcher had 20 multiple-hit games and an 11-game hit streak.

ESPN's Keith Law has him going No. 3 overall to the Seattle Mariners. He stated the following about Zunino in his most recent mock draft: "This is a weak year for college hitters, but Zunino is the best of the bunch. He doesn't have any standout tools, but no real weaknesses either." 

Zunino led the team with a regular season batting average of .323 and had a team-high 16 homer and 55 RBI. 

Zunino can clearly hit for power and average, and he shouldn't have a problem flying through the minor league ranks to make a quick ascension to the bigs. 

Richie Shaffer, 1B/3B, Clemson

Schaffer is one the best first basemen in the nation and in Clemson history. He hit .339, slugged .583 with 10 dingers and and had 46 runs batted in.

Keith Law wrote the following about Schaffer in his most recent MLB mock. He's pegged Shaffer at No. 11 overall to the Oakland Athletics: "Their mix is actually more high school (Russell, McCullers, Dahl, Gallo) than college, but Shaffer -- who has a very high probability of becoming a solid big leaguer -- would be too good to pass up here"

MLBDraftGuide.com says this about Shaffer as a hitter: "Offensively, Shaffer has plus bat speed and good raw power.  He has a solid approach at the plate, showing patience and a willingness to go the other way."

At 6'3'' and 205, he has good size to become a consistent power hitter at the next level who can also hit for average.

Stephen Piscotty, 1B/3B Stanford

Piscotty was a leader on another impressive Cardinal bunch in 2012, hitting .335 during the 2012 season with five home runs and 53 RBI. He also led the Cape Cod league batting average last summer.

Here's what Law says about Piscotty: "Stanford emphasizes an extremely mechanical approach to hitting that often robs hitters of power, but it hasn't hindered Piscotty."

His low home run total indicates that he might have fallen victim to Stanford's power-robbing approach. But he frequently makes contact and has nearly filled out his 6'3'' frame at a solid 205 pounds.

BaseballProspectNation.com talked about Piscotty's stroke at the plate: 

"

Very quick bat. Short stroke. Gets the bat to the zone quickly and frequently on time. Shows ability to handle a variety of pitches and can lace line drives from line to line. Has feel for the barrel and knack for contact.

"

Piscotty should go somewhere in the middle of the first round and has the upside make a relatively rapid rise into the majors. 

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