Slade Heathcott

Heathcott is a legitimate prospect as both an outfielder and a lefthanded pitcher, but he has DHed for most of the spring. He was out until mid-March recovering from November surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, then jammed his throwing shoulder diving for a fly ball in his second game back. When healthy, he's an athletic outfielder with five-tool potential. He swings a quick bat from the left side and has strength and power in his 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame. He earns plus grades for his hitting and his speed, and he has good range and above-average arm strength in the outfield. Heathcott was selected for the Aflac All-American Game last summer as a pitcher, and some clubs like him more as a lefty with an 88-92 mph fastball that touches 94 and a promising curveball. There's effort in his delivery because he approaches pitching like he does everything else: full speed ahead. Heathcott hasn't pitched this spring because of the shoulder injury, however, though Texas High was readying to return him to the mound after winning its first six playoff games. His makeup is a concern for several clubs and he missed the first playoff contest because of an academic suspension. Then Heathcott went on a salary drive, hitting three homers in the next five games and turning in a plus-plus 4.0-second time from home to first in front of heavy hitters from the Phillies and Yankees. He's committed to Louisiana State but should get drafted high enough--possibly in the first round--that he'll forego college.