Connor Joe

Joe's calling card is his flat, line-drive stroke, which makes him a doubles machine (he ranked fifth in Division I with 21 doubles through 12 weeks). He has a patient, all-fields approach and has walked more than he's struck out in each of his last two seasons. Joe projects as a solid-average to above-average hitter with a chance for average righthanded power in his compact 6-foot, 205-pound frame. His bat won't be special if he winds up at first base (where he has spent most of his college career), but he could provide serious value if he can stick behind the plate. Joe started catching last summer in the Cape Cod League, where he caught in the all-star game, and he has split time between catcher, first base and the outfield this spring. He's learning the nuances of catching, from receiving to blocking to his footwork and transfer, and he needs plenty of refinement. But he has at least an average arm and a quick release. He was a middle infielder in high school, and he has good enough hands and agility to have a chance behind the plate.