With the No. 25 pick of the 2012 MLB Draft, the Tampa Bay Rays selected third baseman Richie Shaffer out of Clemson. Shaffer is a power-hitting corner infielder who can also play right field. The most alluring attribute is his power, but there were concerns about his ability to hit for contact when facing major league pitching.
MLB.com scout and Draft expert Jonathan Mayo thinks Shaffer is one of the more intriguing prospects this year, with clear pros and cons. More from Mayo's scouting report on Shaffer:
While there are holes to his swing, his bat is his best tool. He has plus power and can hit the ball out to all fields. He's played both infield corners, showing off a plus arm from third, but his range might be better suited for first. He's not a bad athlete and his power bat and arm might profile well for right field.
The deadline for MLB clubs to sign their first round selections is 5 p.m. ET on July 13. The Rays do not have another selection on the first night, with their next pick coming in Round 2 at No. 88 overall.
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