Christopher Paciolla

Paciolla is the latest draft prospect to come out of Temecula Valley (Calif.) High, the alma mater of former big leaguers Reed Johnson and Brooks Pounders. Paciolla was not particularly well known entering the spring, but his projectable body and growing power made him a fast riser in an uncharacteristically down year in Southern California. Paciolla has a projectable 6-foot-2, 185 pound frame and a chance to hit for power. He has a tall, lean build with plenty of room to add strength and already impacts the ball enough to project above-average power. How much contact Paciolla will make at higher levels is an open question. He shows a short swing, hands that work well and the ability to make adjustments at his best, but at other times he's prone to chasing bad pitches and pulling out on his front side. Paciolla has soft hands on the infield and average arm strength that could improve as he gets stronger. He has solid instincts and actions at shortstop, but his below-average speed will likely push him to third base, particularly as he fills out his frame. Paciolla's potential to be a power-hitting third baseman has teams interested early on the draft's second day, although he'll have to prove he can make enough contact at higher levels. He is committed to UCLA.