The Phillies go off all board and take a HS shortstop in Lucas Williams. Williams was a pop up player this spring who is a plus runner who has played all over the diamond but looks like he should play shortstop. As a senior over 32 games Wilaosn hit .315/.454/.521 with 4 HRs 21 BB 8 K and was 26 of 27 on stolen base attempts.
He is not on any top prospect lists. Could be an underslot guy who they liked anyway, he is committed to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Wow. Hitting .315 in HS does not bode well. That’s really terrible in the 3rd round.
He didn’t even make the varsity team until his Junior year. Well he did make it but hit .148 in limited at bats. I doubt many high school players drafted today didn’t start on their varsity team as Sophomores. Dana Hills produced three major leaguers in the past decade, so its clearly an elite program, but its doubtful they had too much talent to fit a player drafted 83rd overall two years later into their lineup. I dont know if he got injured or what but Williams was a team captain as a Senior, so I doubt personal issues with his coach kept him on the bench.
I wonder whether the Phillies view Luke Williams as a possible catching conversion project but however convenient, this explanation is unlikely. A trusted regional scout must have strongly recommended Williams and confirmation from multiple cross-checkers gave him strong internal support as an underslot candidate. The draft’s financial structure worked in his favor.
In 12 games of league play, Williams hit .074. That’s right .074. 2 for 27 w/ only 2 singles. Another great pick Phillies.
Kevin, how about giving the kid a chance to play and succeed before making judgement on such a Small Sample Size.