Jeremy Barfield

Barfield has excellent bloodlines. His father Jesse won an American League home run crown and two Gold Gloves with the Blue Jays in the 1980s, and his brother Josh is a rookie second baseman with the Padres. Jeremy had focused primarily on pitching before 2006. Though he's a 6-foot-6 lefthander, he had a low-80s fastball and just a fair curveball. Barfield has a lot more power in his bat than in his arm. His size gives him leverage to drive pitches, and he has emerged as one of the best high school hitters in Texas. Barfield's bat will have to carry him, because his other tools don't stand out. He has below-average speed and arm strength, and he may have to move to first base as a pro. Scouts like his makeup and confidence, and his stock was rising as the draft approached. Though he's a good student, he wants to turn pro. Jeremy has passed on four-year schools and has committed only to San Jacinto (Texas) Junior College.