With the tenth overall selection in baseball's first year player draft, the Rockies selected Alabama high school outfielder David Dahl.
Here's what Purple Row's own David Hood had to say about Dahl earlier today:
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.
According to AL.com, Dahl clocked a 6.40 time in the 60 yard dash for the Rockies at a workout in Denver, and launched nine balls out of the park in a batting session. The outfielder is committed to Auburn, but is not expected to be a difficult sign.
Other pundits also like the pick...
ESPN's Kiley McDaniel:
The Rockies were rumored to be on prep bats with Courtney Hawkins and Dahl the two mentioned most often. Dahl is a guy I saw this spring and really believe in his ability to hit, as he also hit very well against good pitching with wood bats on the summer circuit. He’s often compared to Colby Rasmus as a left-handed hitting Alabama prep center fielder with above-average tools. Dahl has a chance for five above-average to plus tools with average current raw power and at least plus speed. He also has an advanced feel for the game and some struggles this spring may be the only reason he made it to the 10th pick. A really nice pick by the Rockies here.
Baseball America's John Manuel:
Dahl earns comparisons to players from Colby Rasmus to Andy Van Slyke for his tools, which include above-average hitting ability, 60 speed on the 20-80 scale and a cannon throwing arm. Scouts dinged the Birmingham, Ala., prep for his baseball motor and his power, which requires some projection, but some scouts expect him to hit for above-average power eventually, and he has good baseball instincts.