Devin Hairston

As a freshman, Hairston was a slick-fielding if light-hitting second baseman, sliding over from shortstop in deference to Cardinals senior Sutton Whiting. By May of Hairston's freshman year, he and Whiting had swapped positions and Hairston has been Louisville''s everyday shortstop ever since. After not hitting as a freshman (.212/.274/.275), Hairston was an offensive force as a sophomore (.361/.415/.478). He did struggle last summer, going 0-for-20 with 10 strikeouts with USA Baseball's College National Team. He then missed all of fall ball with an arm injury. But he's bounced back as a junior, making plenty of contact while playing a solid shortstop. Hairston has plus hands to go along with body control and a quick release, but his below-average arm strength and his lack of foot speed (he's a below-average runner) may keep him from being a full-time shortstop in pro ball. Scouts project him as an above-average defensive second baseman or utility defender. The second base profile is tough because he has below-average power. Hairston's instincts and leadership, good hands and ability to spray the ball around the field should entice a team to take him in the third to fifth round with the hope that his feel for the game helps his tools play up.