Kevin Franklin

The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Franklin packs a punch. His righthanded raw power rates as a 60 or 65 on the 20-80 scouting scale, and it translates to games, as he hit .462 with eight home runs in 78 at-bats this spring. His ability to hit for average is more of a question mark. He has improved his set-up, going from a wide-open stance with a heel lift to a slightly open stance and a flat front foot, and he has shown better pitch recognition. He has a muscle-bound swing and will rack up strikeouts, but he does have hitting instincts and aptitude to use the whole field. He'll need to improve against breaking balls. Franklin is rather light on his feet for his size, and he has the athleticism to make occasional standout plays at third base, where his arm is an asset. He has trouble syncing up his upper body, causing his throws to sail at times, and his positioning and reads are questionable. Most scouts think he'll wind up at first base, but whoever drafts him will probably give him at least a shot at the hot corner. He's a well below-average runner, and scouts expect him to get heavier as he matures. Scouts love his makeup and enthusiasm, and a club could draft him around the fifth round and try to buy him out of his commitment to Arizona State.