Gavin Sheets

Sheets is the son of former big leaguer Larry Sheets, who played most notably with the Orioles from 1984 to 1989 and had a 31-homer season in '87. Like his father, Gavin's carrying tool is his power, which has blossomed in his junior year at Wake Forest. In the absence of Will Craig--drafted in the first round by the Pirates last year--Sheets took over the mantle as Wake Forest's middle-of-the-order thumper. He hit 18 home runs while slashing .316/.414/.648 in his first 196 at-bats this spring after hitting just nine homers all of last year. While scouts believe in his power, Sheets' biggest question mark is whether or not he'll hit consistently enough to tap into it. To his credit, Sheets has improved his discipline at the plate, rarely chasing outside of the zone. He had 30 strikeouts to 35 walks heading into the final week of the season. The team that takes Sheets will have to be convicted on his hit tool. As far as defense, Sheets is a steady defender who has improved his lateral movement and is noticeably looser this spring. He should be able to handle first base and, if he can hit consistently enough, should have enough power for the position as well.