Jordan Newton

This year's draft doesn't offer any surefire frontline catchers, making Newton a strong candidate to be taken higher than his skills might otherwise dictate. He's an average defender with above-average arm strength and a respectable track record as a hitter. He was batting .364/.500/.775 with 11 home runs and 11 steals as a junior, marking the second straight season he had posted double-digits in homers. His athleticism lends upside, and he was recruited as a strong safety by several colleges. Newton, who was taken by the Mets in the 31st round out of high school in 2003, is a 4.1-second runner from home to first and plays center field occasionally when he is not catching. He has been compared to Craig Biggio and Jason Kendall for his quickness and agility behind the plate, and Paul Lo Duca and Marcus Giles for his compact, stocky frame. His arm strength is above-average, though he needs work on his exchange and accuracy, as well as receiving and game-calling. He has good bat speed and a feel for the strike zone, with willingness to hit balls to all fields. Some scouts and coaches say he has an indifferent attitude. He was dismissed him from practice at least once last fall, and he was suspended for a weekend series this spring for skipping a mandatory weightlifting session. A club that buys into his ability to improve as a catcher could draft Newton as early as the fourth round.