THE 2012 YANKEE DRAFT CHECKLIST

Of course you know about Ty Hensley, the Yankees’ first round selection (In case you don’t, be sure to check out WHATWE KNOW ABOUT YANKS #1 PICK, TY HENSLEY), but there were plenty of other noteworthy draft selections made by the Yanks, take a look…

Austin Aune

Centerfielder, Argyle High School, Texas

Aune was selected by the Yanks with the 89th overall selection. At 6’ 2”, 185 lbs., Aune has apparently agreed to a deal, (Read HERE), even though he’s a two sport star that can make it in football if he chooses to. Anyway, Aune is a left handed bat that can play second base, though he was drafted as a center fielder. He has the potential to be a 5-tool player as he has good, raw power while possessing great speed and arm strength.

Peter O’Brien

Catcher, University of Miami

O’Brien, a senior out of “The U”, is listed at 6’5”, 225 lbs. and was selected with the 94th overall pick. We couldn’t find any statistics for O’Brien’s senior year, but in his junior campaign he hit .304 with 14 homers and 69 RBI. O’Brien has been touted as one of the best seniors in the draft and he’s a guy who drives the baseball to all fields with good power.

Corey Black

Right handed pitcher, Faulkner University, Alabama 

Black, selected 157th overall, should be an interesting guy to watch. He stands at 5’11”, 175 lbs. and though he started in college he may have to shift to the bullpen because of his small frame. If this happens, Black could be a guy who shoots up the system. He has a good fastball as well as good secondary offerings. Keep your eye out for Black down the road.

Vincent Jackson

Centerfielder, Luella High School, Georgia

Jackson, who stands at 6’4”, 190 lbs., was the 727th overall selection in the draft. MLB.com had an interesting scouting report on him: “Jackson could turn into a middle-of-the-order bat with good versatility in the field … has athleticism and arm to play a corner outfield position … Jackson does have some mechanical issues that will need to be fixed in pro ball, and he is somewhat raw, but his upside is great.” It’s worth noting that the Yanks drafted him as a center fielder, though the rest of the scouting report said he’s played mostly first base and he could transition to a corner outfield spot.

Jose Mesa Jr

Right handed pitcher, Charles Flanagan High School, Florida

Sound familiar? Yes, this is former Big League reliever Jose Mesa’s son. Mesa Jr. was selected by the Yankees with the 757th overall selection. He comes in at 6’4”, 215 lbs. and was a starter in high school, as he compiled a 9-2 record with a 1.13 ERA while logging 80.1 innings, striking out 134. Read more about Mesa, HERE.

In total, the Yankees made 41 selections. Out of those 41, 21 were pitchers (14 right handed, 7 left handed). They also drafted 20 position players (11 outfielders, three catchers, three shortstops, two first baseman, and one second baseman) as well. You can check out the entire list of the 41 draftees’ right HERE, and that includes scouting reports for select players. It’ll be interesting to see who pans out from this group in the years to come.

--Jesse Schindler, BYB Lead Staff Writer
Follow me on Twitter @SchindlerJesse

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