Virginia/D.C. Draft Preview
June 3, 2016
By John Nolan and Nathan Rode
The 2016 Major League Draft takes place June 9-11. In advance of the draft, Prep Baseball Report is posting a summary of each state in the coverage area with scouting reports on the top high school draft prospects.
Signability always plays a factor in the draft, but it'll be especially relevant with Virginia’s 2016 class. Five players in the state landed in the PBR Draft 100, but a few of them figure to be tough signs away from their commitments. 3B Joe Rizzo (Oakton HS, VA) could be the highest prep picked since the Rangers took RHP Neil Ramirez 44th overall in 2007. RHP Brenan Hanifee (Turner Ashby HS, VA) came out of nowhere this spring and had some late helium, flashing a low-90s fastball.
24. Joe Rizzo, 3B, Oakton HS, VA
Rizzo has a strong, stocky frame at 5-foot-11, 215 pounds. His calling card is his bat, as he is quick to the ball and gets good extension. His hands are explosive and he can hit for power to all fields.