17. Bryan Petersen

17. Bryan Petersen - Outfield - 6'0 - 200lbs - Throws: Right - Bats: Left
(last year: 44)

The Marlins drafted outfielder Bryan Petersen in the 4th round of the 2007 draft out of UC Irvine. Petersen was on the 2007 College World Series All Tourney team after batting .533 in the CWS. In the summer of 2006, Bryan opened the eyes of scouts in the Alaska League after flashing plus tools in speed and power. So far though, Petersen’s raw power has not translated into game power, mainly due to the fact he bails out too soon on breaking balls out of the strike zone.

2008 was a big time breakout season for Petersen as he played in Greensboro, Jupiter and Carolina. With the Grasshoppers, Bryan hit .301/.381/.541 with 19 homeruns and 15 stolen bases. He skipped Jupiter and played in 12 games for Carolina because of a few injuries to the Mudcats outfielders. Once Cam Maybin and Co. got healthy, Petersen finished off the last 40 games in Jupiter. Although his .265 average looks brutal on the surface, he actually hit .310 over his last 116 at bats in Jupiter. The power didn’t really show up in the Florida State League, but few put up big numbers there.

Petersen actually was the second former Chatsworth HS player taken, with 1st round pick Matt Dominguez also attending CHS. Being a two way player at UC Irvine, Petersen possesses a very strong arm in the outfield and with his athleticism; he can play all three outfield positions. He is projected to be a corner outfielder, as opposed to a straight up centerfielder. Bryan has drawn comparisons in his swing to former Pirates and current Padres outfielder Brian Giles. He will more than likely begin the season in Double-A Jacksonville and with a big season, he could get a look in 2010 for an outfield spot.