Preston Tucker

Tucker has anchored the Gators' lineup since he stepped on campus. He's moved to right field from first base for much of the last three seasons and has improved his defense in right to become an adequate college defender. After a slow start to 2011, Tucker came on and finished among the nation's top 20 in home runs despite the bat changes. His slow start and high bonus demands helped push Tucker down to the 16th round (Rockies). He didn't sign and returned for his senior year. Tucker is a known commodity, a thick-bodied, strong power hitter with limited value beyond his bat. While he has some arm strength, his lack of mobility in his 6-foot, 220-pound frame prompts most scouts to see him as at best a left fielder, if not a first baseman or DH. He's a 20 runner, and his bat speed is just average, so he doesn't always catch up to premium velocity. His Cape Cod League track record with wood bats is poor. What he has is present strength, a feel for hitting (he's about to break Mark Ellis' Florida career hits mark) and plus raw power. At worst, Tucker should anchor a Triple-A lineup down the line and get some big league cups of coffee thanks to his bat. At best, he could be a second-division regular in the Brian Daubach mold.