Andrew Knapp

Knapp slipped to the Athletics in the 41st-round in 2010 out of Granite Bay (Calif.) High because teams knew he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps. Knapp's father Mike was also a catcher at California from 1985-86 and went on to catch professionally for 11 years. A switch-hitter, Knapp hit just .253/.334/.386 during his first two seasons for the Golden Bears, but has boosted his average nearly 100 points this spring and was fourth in the Pacifc-12 Conference in home runs. His defense needs work and he's presently a below-average receiver, after splitting last season between first base and right field. Aside from summer ball, this is the first year he has caught regularly since high school. At 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, Knapp is athletic and has the hands, feet and above-average arm strength to make it work behind the plate. He just needs more repetitions and coaching.