Phillip Evans

A veteran of the showcase circuit, Evans went 2-for-3 in the Aflac All-American game last summer and entered his senior year as a preseason All-American. But he regressed this spring, showing less speed and strength than he had in the past, and hitting the ball with less authority. Scouts say he models his defensive style after Tony Wolters, a Southern California middle infielder who was drafted in the third round by the Orioles in 2010. But Wolters had better tools than the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Evans. A high school shortstop who could probably handle the position at San Diego State if he goes to college, Evans projects as a second baseman in pro ball. He has good hands and flashes average arm strength, but sometimes he drops his arm slot and flips the ball to first too casually. He lacks the range for shortstop but could be an average defender at second. Evans has shown average speed in the past, but he has consistently produced below-average running times this spring. He plays hard, though, and his speed plays up a tick because of his hustle. Evans has a simple, repeatable righthanded swing, and projections on his bat range from fringe-average to plus, depending on the scout. He has some strength in his forearms and projects for fringe-average power, despite his small stature. Evans lacks standout tools, but he's an instinctive player, and the sum is greater than the parts. Scouts say they wouldn't be shocked if Evans gets drafted in the top three rounds, but most of them seem more comfortable with him in the fifth- to seventh-round range.