Jacoby Ellsbury

Fellow Oregon high school products Trevor Crowe (Arizona) and Jed Lowrie (Stanford) left the state in 2002 for what they thought would be a better opportunity at higher-profile Pacific-10 Conference schools. Ellsbury, who comes from a small high school in rural central Oregon, chose to stay home and he has been handsomely rewarded. Not only has he become a potential first-round pick, but Oregon State is having its best season ever, rising to No. 3 in the nation. Ellsbury's .426 average was among the national leaders and he led the Beavers in every key offensive category, including home runs and RBIs--as the team's leadoff hitter. He has few holes in his game and is capable of beating teams in a lot of ways. He has excellent makeup and instincts. His best tool is his speed, and it's evident both on the bases and in center field, where he catches everything hit his way. He has been clocked in 6.55 seconds over 60 yards. His biggest improvement has been in his approach at the plate. He has become more patient, rarely swings and misses and is comfortable hitting with two strikes. In his first 235 plate appearances this season, he fanned 11 times while drawing 28 walks. His style of play and physical appearance have drawn comparisons to Johnny Damon at a similar age, but scouts say Ellsbury has a better swing. They question whether he'll grow into the same power, though. They see him as more of a doubles and triples hitter. Boston has a big interest in Ellsbury, but they don't pick until 23rd overall and may not have an opportunity to get him.