Two picks and two Texas prep players for the Detroit Tigers at the 2012 MLB Draft. After selecting pitcher Jake Thompson in Round 2, the Tigers nabbed speedy Austin Schotts in Round 3.
Schotts, 5-foot-11 and 180 pounds, plays for Centennial High School in Frisco, Texas. He was a shortstop for Centennail but projects as a center fielder in the pros (MLB.com also mentions second base a possibility). MLB.com’s scouting report says that Schotts has great speed and great range but an average arm, hence the likely position shift.
The 18-year-old Schotts has a solid bat and decent power from the right side, so he might be able to take on leadoff duties in the minors and beyond.
Like Thompson, Schotts has committed to play college ball next season — he’s currently slated to suit up for Oklahoma State. Unlike Thompson, the Tigers might have some serious work to do to convince Schotts to skip out on the Cowboys and turn pro.
Baseball America rated Schotts as the 170th-best prospect in this year’s draft class and the 11th-best shortstop.
