MLB Draft Results 2012: Richie Shaffer and Players That Were Taken Too Low

Richie Shaffer is a premier power-hitting prospect, and there will be at least 10 teams that regret not taking the Clemson star. At the plate he reminds me a bit of Dale Murphy, and those that had the privilege of watching him play know that's a lofty comparison.

I feel it's just, as the compact but powerful swing Shaffer has is reminiscent of the Atlanta Braves' great.

Shaffer is 6'3" 210 pounds and his body hasn't completely filled-out yet. When it does he'll be a monster in the Tampa Bay Rays' organization. They snatched him up at No. 25 and he could be become their everyday first basemen by the year 2015.

Check out some of Shaffer's power on display:

Shaffer isn't the only player that lasted on the board too long. Here are two other players that should have heard their names called earlier.

Nolan Fontana - No. 61 in the Second Round - Houston Astros

The Astros bolstered the future of their infield with the first pick in the draft, and the first pick in the second round. The Stros took Carlos Correa with the top pick overall, and got Fontana with the 61st pick.

Some of the teams that passed on Fontana will rue the day they let him slip through their fingers. Fontana isn't going to hit .330 with 25 HR and 100 RBI, but what he will do is play a solid defensive shortstop and do the little things.

These types of intangibles are often overlooked on draft day, and Fontana slipping to the 61st pick is an example of that.

Joey Gallo - No. 39 in the Sandwich Round - Texas Rangers

Gallo is an intriguing prospect. Of all the players with a realistic shot at playing in the majors, at two-different positions, I felt he had the most perplexing dilemma.

He has a 94 mph fastball, and at least one other solid pitch in his repertoire as a hurler. As a hitter, he's a 6'4" 210-pound kid waiting to become a power-hitting corner infielder. 

I believe his best shot is as a hitter, and if the Rangers do with him what they've done with their recent minor league talent, he'll be just fine.

I think he has the potential to be a perennial 30-homer guy, and if that materializes there will be some regret amongst the teams that passed on him.

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