62 - Ryan Dent

With the second compensation round pick #62 overall Boston selected 18-year old Ryan Dent from Woodrow Wilson High in Long Beach California. The young shortstop has some pop in the bat and possibly projects as an outfielder.

He has speed and some arm strength and hits to all fields.

The 5'10" Dent bats right handed. He hit .425 with 23 runs and 26 RBI in 80 at bats.

MLB video on Dent here.
























From Boston.com

The skinny: Dent, 18, was ranked the No. 46 overall prospect and the No. 21 position player in the draft by Baseball America. In his senior year at Wilson High School in Long Beach, CA, the 5’10", 180-pounder hit .468 with 29 RBI and 28 stolen bases. The right-handed hitter helped the Wilson High School Bruins win the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division I title for the first time in 57 years this season. According to Baseball America, he has been clocked going from home to first from the right side in under 4.1 seconds.

Red Sox scouting director Jason McLeod says: "Ryan Dent is a tremendously gifted, athletic kid. He played in the middle of the field. He is versatile. He is athletic and brings speed to the diamond. He is also strong for his size. A kid that could certainly stay at shortstop but he could also play centerfield or second base, and one that we are excited to get."

MLB.com says: "Dent was hurt last year, missing some of the summer showcases, but appeared healthy at the Urban Academy...With a strong bat and even better speed, Dent will be a very intriguing prospect for many teams. Athletes like this don’t grow on trees and Dent has shown the ability to hit to all fields and use his speed to wreak havoc on the basepaths. He may not be a middle infielder long-term, but many feel he’s athletic enough to handle a move to the outfield if needed."

Perfect Game says:"Ryan Dent is a 2007 MIF from Woodrow Wilson HS, residing in Long Beach, CA, with a 6'0" 185 lb. frame. Selected for Top Prospect list. Body - lively, athletic, wiry strong. Offense - plus bat speed, hands are very quick, line drives, ball spins a lot of bat, has carry power, ball jumps off bat, uses whole field, easy swing, flat swing plane, hands inside, slasher. Defense - good set-up to ball, strong arm, good body control, has actions, soft hands, ball exits well, good range. Top tier D1 prospect, must follow pro prospect."

Dent has a commitment to play baseball at UCLA.