Instincts may take college shortstop Frazier far

In a Draft light on college shortstops, Mississippi State's Adam Frazier stood out despite his lack of elite tools.

Frazier, selected 179th overall by the Pirates, has excellent plate discipline and uses a quick left-handed stroke to hit line drives to all fields. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds, Frazier has minimal power -- he didn't hit a home run throughout his college career -- and is unlikely to develop much more strength.

Frazier was a member of the Collegiate National Team last summer, though he wasn't the starting shortstop.

Frazier entered this year's NCAA Regional play batting .352 with a .399 on-base percentage, 20 walks, 25 strikeouts and a .461 slugging percentage boosted by 16 doubles and a team-leading six triples.

The junior is a heady player and uses his instincts well on the basepaths and in the field. He stole seven bases in 11 attempts for the Bulldogs during the regular season and Southeastern Conference Tournament.

While Frazier doesn't wow observers with his glove, he is a steady presence with an average arm at shortstop.