Nate Tenbrink

Tenbrink is fodder for the classic tools-vs.-performance argument. Scouts who like him project him as a possible third-rounder and rave about his physical gifts. He's a 6-foot-2, 204-pounder who has a loose lefthanded swing with loft in batting practice, not to mention a plus arm and solid-average speed. He's also an intense competitor and hard worker. Yet for everything Tenbrink has going for him, he hit just .251/.372/.459 and fielded .890 at the hot corner during the regular season. It's not a case of draftitis, as he posted similar numbers as a sophomore. Rather than letting his plus power come naturally, Tenbrink overswings and chases pitches too often during games. He needs to tone down his approach and force pitchers to challenge him. He also must harness his arm, as many of his errors come on throws. Tenbrink's two-run homer provided the difference in Kansas State's Big 12 Conference tournament-opening upset of Oklahoma State, and a hot postseason could push him up draft boards.