Derek Hill

A student of the game, Hill is the son of former first rounder (1982 January phase) and current Dodgers' area scout Orsino Hill, who was also an outfielder. Combining well above-average speed with defensive instincts makes Hill the top defensive center fielder in the draft class. He has plus range and made highlight reel grabs on the showcase circuit. The Oregon commit has at least an average arm with a quick release that is also accurate. Hill ran the 60-yard dash in the 6.3-second range last summer, and his speed could make him an impact basestealer. Orsino worked as a hitting instructor before scouting and his son has aptitude as a contact-oriented hitter. Hill has a quick righthanded stroke and works inside the ball, showing strike zone awareness. Scouts believe he'll also show power when he begins hitting the ball to his pull side more frequently. Hill rarely swings and misses in the zone, but will expand the zone against secondary stuff. His swing is geared more toward line drives with below-average over-the-fence power. The 6-foot, 185-pound Hill has an athletic, toned build with build with room to get stronger.