With the first round of the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft set to begin on June 4, MLB draftniks have been busy publishing various mock drafts across the internet. The always respected Keith Law posted his latest mock draft over at ESPN Insider, and he has the Rangers selecting high school product Duane Underwood with the No. 29 pick in the draft.
Underwood is a 6'2", 205 right handed pitcher with a big arm. Underwood, per Perfect Game, easily has mid-to-high 90s velocity with his fastball, and has hit 98. Any 18 year old with a power arm that can hit 98 obviously has a lot of projectability, and Underwood is no different.
There's always warts on any draft prospect, and again, Underwood is no different. Underwood has had an up-and-down high school season, leaving some scouts perplexed as to how to value him. His velocity has fluctuated all spring, and Underwood reportedly is easily rattled by base runners.
We'll see if the Rangers wind up taking Underwood next week, or if they head in a different direction.
For more on the Texas Rangers, be sure to check out Lone Star Ball and join the discussion. For more on the MLB First-Year Player Draft, head over to Minor League Ball.