The Miami Marlins have selected a shortstop and an outfielder in both the third round and the second supplemental round of the Major League baseball draft. In the third round, with pick No. 104, the Marlins selected Avery Romero out of Pedro Menendez High School in St. Augustine, Fla.
Though he is listed as a shortstop, there is the possibility that they could move him to other positions as the scouting report talks about his lack of speed. He measures in at 5'11" and 195 pounds and has some decent hitting ability, so that could determine where he winds up defensively.
Here is a brief scouting report on Romero.
A shortstop in high school, most believe Romero will have to move to another position at the next level because he lacks the quickness to stay at short. He is not without defensive skills, though, with an outstanding arm and decent hands. How a team projects his bat might determine his defensive home as well as where he goes in the Draft. Those who see above-average power might put him at third and take him early. Or he could be more of an offensive-minded second baseman who hits for average and a little pop.
In the supplemental round, the Marlins selected Kolby Copeland from Parkway High School in Bossier City, Louisiana. The six foot, 190 pound Copeland does have a strong arm with him, having been an All-State honorable mention quarterback. Whether or not he decides to pursue playing football in college could be a factor in his signability.
Here is more information on Copeland.
One of the areas of depth in this Draft class appears to be in high school position players. Case in point is Copeland, a Louisiana prepster who was getting more buzz as the Draft approached The outfielder has tools that are somewhat comparable to first-round candidate Courtney Hawkins. Hawkins has more raw power, but some think Copeland is a better pure hitter. He runs well and has solid arm and fielding tools to with his considerable offensive potential. A quarterback who earned honorable mention all-state, Copeland was drawing some decision-makers to see him play as the spring wore on.
Both players hope to be major parts of the Marlins franchise going forward.
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