Preston Claiborne

Tulane has had a nice run of two position players in recent years, with first-round picks Michael Aubrey and Brian Bogusevic among them. Claiborne could be the next in line if he decides to attend college. Scouts are split on whether he should pursue pitching or hitting as a pro. As a pitcher, he has an 88-89 mph fastball that reaches 92 mph, plus a hard slider and good command. As a hitter, he has a short stroke, bat speed and a lot of power, including to the opposite field. His strong 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame is an asset either way. Claiborne obviously has the arm strength for third base, but he may fit more as a corner outfielder in pro ball. The two factors working against him in the draft are that he struggled on a national stage at last year's Area Code Games, and that Tulane recruits are notoriously difficult to sign.