PICK #71: Eric Campbell, SS/3B

With their first pick of the 2004 MLB Amateur Draft, the Atlanta Braves selected Eric Campbell out of Gibson Southern HS in Owensville, Indiana.

VITAL STATISTICS:
Full Name: Eric Scott Campbell
Born: 8/6/1985
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 180 pounds
Bats: Right
Throws: Right


NOTABLE RANKINGS:

Team One rated him as the 12th best Middle Infielder in the country.

Team One rated him as the 125th best High school Senior in the USA.

Baseball America Scouting Report:
Campbell showed the best consistent raw power of any high school player on last year's summer showcase circuit, but he's not expected to be one of the first 100 players drafted. His power potential is unquestioned; his other tools are average or worse. He was hitting .525-6-20 through his first 59 at-bats this spring. The biggest question about Campbell is the position he'd play as a pro. His infield actions are stiff and his arm strength is barely adequate for the left side of the infield. He could eventually settle in at second base and become a power-hitting middle infielder in the image of Jeff Kent. Campbell has committed to Alabama but is said to have little interest in attending college.

OTHER INFORMATION:
Senior: Pre-season All American: TPX, Prospect Watch, and Street and Smith's Magazine.

Fastest time in 60 = 6.5

Throws from Short to First = 81

Pitching speed = 85-86


Arm strength from center to home was rated 50 on major league scale (as a sophomore in high school).