I wanted to make sure this got some eyeballs as well.  Thanks, TT!  - Slyde

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   As we continue our look at the 2009 MLB Draft, we turn our attention to an uninspiring group of college outfielders. If North Carolina’s Dustin Ackley (listed as a first baseman) or Notre Dame’s A.J. Pollock (currently at second base) are included here, it picks up a bit. If not, it’s a group of mostly fourth outfielder prospects for a championship caliber club. Previosuly, we previewed college pitchers and college infielders.

   All of these guys might be available when the Reds pick at No. 8. Remember, though, a lot can and will change before June. Here’s a look:

Kentrail Davis, Tennessee

   Davis, a left-handed hitter, is a terrific athlete who could have played college football at the Division I level. A draft-eligible sophomore, Davis (5-9, 200) has extra leverage, meaning he likely will be a difficult sign, particularly with Scott Boaras as his advisor. Davis features 6.6-second speed over 60 yards. His history of working summers pouring cement for his dad helped make him extremely strong for his size. He has plus raw power and above average bat speed, despite a swing that isn’t as smooth as it could be. Davis draws comparisons to Kirby Puckett. Davis, who has an average arm, last season went 13-44-.330 .435 .583. Davis batted .292 with runners in scoring position.

Blake Dean, LSU

   Dean (6-1, 208) bats from the left side. He is exceptional in big games and stars against strong competition. He batted .407 in the postseason in 2008.  A first-team All-American as a sophomore, Dean has power. Last season he produced a line of 20-73-.353 .439 .680, with 18 doubles and three triples. Dean lacks speed and has a left field arm. He fits well defensively in left.

Jason Kipnis, Arizona State

   A 6-foot, 180-pound transfer from Kentucky, Kipnis is a player. Last season he put up a line of 14-73-.371 .485 .667. Kipnis, who hits left-handed, had 16 doubles, 6 triples, scored 76 runs and went 24-for-28 in stolen base attempts. A fourth-round draft pick of the Padres as a draft eligible sophomore, Kipnis had a 51:41 BB:K ratio in 2008. He has played all three outfield positions, as well as second base. He can hit with pull power and has average speed. Kipnis has a fluid swing and a discerning eye at the plate, although some question how well he will hit with wood bats. Kipnis’ biggest flaw is his arm strength. Whether he can remain in center field will determine his value. Some scouts see him as a “tweener” – not enough power for a corner, not enough speed for center.  He was kicked off the team at UK for an unspecified rules violation, which raises a red flag as for his make up.

Mark Krauss, Ohio

   A physical specimen at 6-3, 220, Krauss was the No. 27 prospect in the Cape Cod League last season after batting .344 with a league best 34 RBI. Krauss also plays third base and can fill in at first base. Very intelligent, Krauss went 10-54-.332 .448 .568 last season. He scored 62 runs, smacked 20 doubles, 2 triples and walked 48 times. Krauss was 5-for-10 in stolen base attempts. Patient at the plate, Krauss has a good eye. Krauss is from Deshler, Ohio, and played at Patrick Henry HS. Krauss uses the whole field and has gap power. Defensively, he has work to do.

Blake Smith, California

   Smith (6-2, 220) doubles as a right-handed pitcher. He also has played first base. Smith batted a team-best .327 with Team USA in the World Collegiate Baseball Championship last summer. A right fielder, Smith has an outstanding arm. Last season at Cal, Smith went 12-43-.296 and his numbers were down from his freshman season. Smith can hit some, but is allergic to walks. Teams that think he is capable of starting might opt to try Smith as a pitcher, as he consistently throws 92-94 and has hit 96. He is among he most athletic players available in the draft.

Brett Jackson, California

   Jackson (6-2, 210) is a left-handed-hitting center fielder. Jackson has a strong arm and plus speed, with enough range to stick in center. He posted a line of 4-14-.238 last summer in the Cape Cod League. At Cal, he went 4-40-.307 with 12 stolen bases. Jackson has yet to turn potential into performance, but scouts drool at his ability and athleticism. He is raw on the base paths.

Matt den Dekker, Florida

   Den Dekker (6-1, 205) displays very good speed and used it to go 20-for-20 in stolen bases last season. Den Dekker features a strong arm and the defensive ability to stick in center field. He was Team USA’s best defensive outfielder, but batted just .229. An outstanding athlete, the left-handed hitting den Dekker swings and misses often, especially against off-speed stuff.. Den Dekker gets from home to first in 4.1 seconds and his frame can handle the rigors of pro ball. Den Dekker doubles as a pitcher, but is a better prospect as an outfielder. Last season he posted a line of 8-48-.333 with 55 runs, 9 doubles and 2 triples.

Jared Mitchell, LSU

   A 10th-round pick of the Twins out of high school, Mitchell (6-foot, 185) bats and throws left-handed. A wide receiver on the Tigers football team, Mitchell started five games last season and caught 13 passes for 143 yards. A tremendous athlete who moved from center to left last season, Mitchell has a flair for making highlight reel catches. He is the premier combination of speed and defense among draft-eligible outfielders. Mitchell hits to all fields and has a quick bat. Last season Mitchell went 6-29-.297 .363 .469 with 16 stolen bases in 18 attempts, although he is still learning the art of stealing a base. He scored 44 runs, had 10 doubles and one triple. His 49 strike outs in 175 at bats are a concern. Mitchell has 6.35-second speed over 60 yards, but a below average arm. Mitchell has raw power and adjusts fairly well but scouts question whether he has more aptitude for baseball or football.

Tim Wheeler, Sacramento State

   A lanky left-handed hitter, Wheeler (6-4, 205) has a strong arm from center. He had eight assists last season when he boasted a line of 3-43-.330, with 12 doubles and one triple. Wheeler was 10-for-12 in stolen bases. He profiles as a singles hitter. Wheeler runs the bases well, is a strong bunter and is very intelligent. Wheeler plays hard and could be a favorite of a team that plays small ball.

Angelo Songco, Loyola-Marymount

   Songco (6-foot, 175) bats and throws lefty. He is known for dropping a flyball in the 18th inning of a Cape Cod League semifinal to allow the winning run. Songco, though, hit eight home runs on the Cape and won the league’s home run derby. At Loyola last season, Songco went 15-48-.366 .459 .681. He had 17 doubles. Songco features a strong arm and solid power.

Ten more to watch: Nate Lape (Marshall), Josh Fellhauer (Cal State-Fullerton), Ryan Jones (Wichita State), Aaron Senne (Missouri), Aaron Miller (Baylor), Eric Decker (Minnesota), Jordan Henry (Mississippi), Neil Medchill (Oklahoma State), Steven Sultzbaugh (Rice), Addison Johnson (Clemson).