clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

MLB Draft 2012: Mike Zunino Is Top College Catcher

Like you didn't know that already, but John Sickels seems to confirm it over at Minor League Ball. Here's what he has to say about the powerful catcher from Florida:

↵
↵

Hitting .383/.444/.802 with nine homers, 12 walks, 13 strikeouts in 81 at-bats. Has caught four of 16 runners. Right-handed hitting junior. Consensus best catching prospect, featuring plus power, good plate discipline, combined with very strong defense and leadership skills. He'll strike out some and isn't going to hit for a hot batting average, but he should provide plenty of power, OBP, and defense

↵
↵

In reading an article yesterday on Matt Bush, I realized something pretty startling. There is a very low number of No. 1 overall picks who don't end up at least making the major leagues. They may not all turn into stars, but most of them have some kind of MLB career.

↵

If you can't find a legitimate star, you could probably do worse than Zunino, who could use that offensive repertoire to make a few All-Star games in the AL. Plus, he'd be able to DH to keep his legs fresh during the season. TCB's Tim De Block mentioned on the most recent podcast that Zunino reminded him a little of Brad Ausmus behind the plate.

↵

That's a huge comparison and may not be totally accurate. But, I think Zunino's probably got a better shot of sticking behind the plate than most. Add in the legitimate power and he's probably one of the safer players being considered for 1-1. Consider me on the Zunino Bandwagon.

↵

Images by eflon used in background images under a Creative Commons license. Thank you.