In what seemingly took no time at all, the Rockies have signed their first round pick in the 2012 MLB Entry Level Draft, David Dahl, out of Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham, AL.
#Rockies agreed to terms w/ 1st-rdr, OF David Dahl for $2.6M (pick value $2.7M). Will sign Tuesday, would've gone to #Auburn. #mlbdraft #MLB
— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogersPG) June 12, 2012
David Ohno's preview of Dahl yielded this scouting report:
From an athleticism standpoint, Dahl almost rivals Buxton, with 60 times as low as 6.49 at Perfect Game, and an outfield arm that has been clocked in the mid 90's. Dahl's speed is also evident in his videos as he has flashed some 3.9 and 4.0 times to first from the left side.
Speed isn't Dahl's only asset: he has an athletic build and a projectable frame at 6'2 185, one that should allow him to hold on to his speed while filling out. He's been compared to Johnny Damon at times, which does a disservice to his swing. Dahl has plus bat speed and good weight distribution at the plate, which leads to line drives and hints at future power. Scouting reports suggest Dahl still has work to do on his defensive instincts in center, and his detractors feel he won't be able to outrun his mistakes once he fills out. I see a more complete, safer player than Hawkins, with Dahl having the upside of an upper-division leadoff hitter with 20-20 potential and a high average.
The pick of Dahl was generally well received around baseball circles.
Next Up: Eddie Butler.