After the Diamondbacks withdrew their offer to first-round pick Barret Loux last summer due to concerns with his shoulder and elbow, they pursued two later picks with the extra money. They were unsuccessful in steering lefthander Kevin Ziomek away from Vanderbilt but signed Linton for 1.25M at the Aug. 16 deadline, after he had already started football practice at North Carolina. He's extremely athletic and is an above-average runner, with plus bat speed and raw power. He draws Matt Holliday comparisons for his physicality. The Diamondbacks still aren't sure exactly what kind of player they're getting because, as a two-sport athlete, Linton never dedicated himself completely to baseball. It was obvious in instructional league that he was still in football shape. The big question mark with Linton is his swing, as some scouts saw him as a front-foot hitter in high school. During instructional league, coaches worked with him to improve the rhythm of this swing in order to get the lower half and the upper half working together. His arm strength has already improved, from below-average when he signed to average in instructional league. He profiles as a corner outfielder and is learning the nuances of defensive play as well. Linton will start the year in extended spring training before heading to one of the Diamondbacks' short-season teams for his official pro debut. --

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