Written by Greg Fertel | 31 May 2009

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Corner infield talent is not abundant in this draft and few names really jump out at you. Dustin Ackley is the front runner for the most talented in the group but he's a more of a center fielder. With the fluid nature of this draft we'll take a look at some corner infielders who may be on the board at 29.

Corner Infielders

Rich Poythress-1B-Univeristy of Georgia-Bats-R-Throws-R

Rundown- Poythress is an enormous first baseman, 6'4", 245. Unsurprisingly, his big tool is the long ball. His swing isn't high on bat speed but he utilizes his gigantic frame to crush the ball to any field. Power is really his only tool that will wow anyone as he is predictably slow and not much of a fielder. The concerns that he's so bad in the field he may not be able to stick at 1^st certainly do not help his draft stock and is a reason why you'll see his name all over the place in mock drafts. It's hard to ignore his light tower power though and he's a fairly sure bet to be a first rounder.

Availability- Poythress is a one trick pony but he'll be hard for teams to lay off. He'll be a mid to late round pick and its not very difficult to imagine him being around at 29 if some guys start to slip. Right now I would say he's probably a good bet to go around 15-20 but some teams may shy away because he can really only hit bombs. His swing speed has some worried about his ability to hit at the next level but that won't make it easy for most to ignore him- expect him to be gone before the 1^st round is out.

Matt Davidson-3B-CA High School-Bats-R-Throws-R

Rundown- Davidson has been a name of note for some time now and has been all over the place in terms of draft positioning. Scouts love his hitting ability, noting that he has the potential for above average power even with his somewhat loopy swing. He has improved his defense at third but some teams may still see him as a candidate for a 1^st base transition in the future. He's had weight issues in the past but they seem to be mostly behind him and scouts are fairly pleased with how the prep 3^rd baseman has handled himself his senior year. He's started to show a bit more plate discipline as well which has helped improve his stock.

Availability- Most reports have him either as a late first rounder or very early supplemental pick. His improved defense and his continued display with the bat definitely have moved him more solidly toward round 1. He'll probably go within the last 10 picks or so and it's a good bet that he should be available should the Yankees want him at 29.  

Bobby Borchering-3B-FL High School-Bats-B-Throws-R

Rundown-Borchering is probably the best prep 3^rd basemen although some think he'll have to move off the position. He has a ridiculously quick bat which helps to generate a lot of power that scouts believe will be above average in the future. Everyone loves a switch hitter although he does hit better from the left side. He's a decent runner, at least for a 3^rd baseman, and has good instincts while on the bases. His defense is really questionable and his arm isn't anything special either. His range at the position and his general uncomfortable play there indicates a move to 1^st in his future.  

Availability- I would say it's pretty unlikely he's around for the Yankees pick at 29. I put him here for a few reasons though. If the Pirates don't take him at 4 its likely he may drop to around 15-20 and depending on what teams in those positions want to do, its not THAT much of a stretch to see him dropping further. Some drafts do in fact have him sliding. If certain teams are worried about his defense or even his overall power potential in the future they may be scared off and he could drop. I still believe he'll be the first HS corner infielder taken it's just not clear where that will be.

Others of Note

Marc Krauss has all the hitting ability, plus he bats from the left side, but many feel that his defense and lack of approach will keep him out of the first round. He'll most likely end up in the outfield at some point anyway and there are questions as to his power ceiling. Tommy Mendonca is another lefty hitter from the hot corner who has generated some buzz. He's showed some plus power but he strikes out like crazy and some wonder if his power can translate to the next level. His plus glove helps him out in terms of stock, but we're still talking 2-4^th about a 2-4 round guy. Chris Dominguez from Louisville was drafted last year by the Rockies in the 5^th round. He's been inconsistent but has some real power. The question is about discipline and contact abilities but he's probably a late sandwich pick or 2/3 rounder.

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