Kyle Higashioka

Kyle Higashioka has been one of the premier prep catchers in Southern California for three years, a superior defensive receiver to fellow Huntington Beach resident Hank Conger, a 2006 first-rounder. Higashioka does not have Conger's explosive bat. His righthanded uppercut impressed scouts at the 2007 Area Code Games and he has interesting power potential, though it's just pull power right now. His strong frame still has ample projection for his bat. Defensively, Higashioka receives the ball smoothly and is quiet behind the dish. With an accurate arm, he's consistently posting pop times in the 1.95-2.0-second range. He also has strong makeup and academic qualifications, and his commitment to California make it likely he'll be drafted well below where his talent would dictate.