The Miami Marlins have selected shortstop Avery Romero in the third round (104th) selection of the 2012 MLB Draft. They also selected outfielder Kolby Copeland from Parkland High School in Louisiana with their Comp B selection. The Marlins received their compensation pick for failing to sign last year's third round pick, catcher Conner Barron.
Avery Romero is a high school shortstop out of Pedro Menendez High School in St. Augustine, FL, so the Marlins took a more local flavor to their draft after going with Andrew Heaney from Oklahoma in the first round.
Here is what MLB.com said about Romero.
A shortstop in high school, most believe Romero will have to move to another position at the next level because he lacks the quickness to stay at short. He is not without defensive skills, though, with an outstanding arm and decent hands. How a team projects his bat might determine his defensive home as well as where he goes in the Draft. Those who see above-average power might put him at third and take him early. Or he could be more of an offensive-minded second baseman who hits for average and a little pop.
Here is MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo with a quick video on Romero's abiltiies.
There has been talk of moving Romero to another position like third or second base or potentially even catcher, so it does not seem as though he will stick to shortstop. Romero has a commitment to the University of Florida at the moment.
With their next selection, the Fish took Kolby Copeland. Here's MLB.com's take.
One of the areas of depth in this Draft class appears to be in high school position players. Case in point is Copeland, a Louisiana prepster who was getting more buzz as the Draft approached The outfielder has tools that are somewhat comparable to first-round candidate Courtney Hawkins. Hawkins has more raw power, but some think Copeland is a better pure hitter. He runs well and has solid arm and fielding tools to with his considerable offensive potential. A quarterback who earned honorable mention all-state, Copeland was drawing some decision-makers to see him play as the spring wore on. He could continue shooting up boards until June.
Here is Jonathan Mayo's take.
Copeland sounds talented enough, drawing comparisons to Hawkins in terms of athleticism and hitting ability.
We will have more coverage on all of these prospects later this evening.