Michael Massey

Scouts love Massey. They love the way he’s hit since the day he arrived at Illinois, and they love that he put on an impressive show with a wood bat in the Cape Cod League last summer. Massey uses the whole field with a short, compact swing and shows excellent plate coverage. His swing seems geared to make him a plus hitter. Scouts also love his defense at second base. Massey was slowed by a back injury early in the season, but he showed above-average range and an average arm. His defensive tools are such that there are evaluators who believe he could play some shortstop and third base in pro ball because he moves well enough to handle the left side of the infield. They also love his makeup and the way he seems to understand the game. His medical report, especially the back injury, will cause some teams concern, but his track record of hitting (.325 or better in all three years at Illinois) and his ability to get the best out of his tools should allow him to go at some point on Day 2.