Summary
The reason that Dickerson is getting a profile here isn't that he's one of the rumored picks at No. 11 for the Astros. It's not because he's put up a great stat line at Indiana this season. It's because Bobby Heck told Stephen Goff of the Houston Examiner a few months back that Dickerson was a name to watch.
He also mentioned Kolten Wong in that conversation, so there's something to pay attention to when Heck speaks. However, Dickerson did not have a great season this year at Indiana. That's partly because the team disappointed, going 30-25 and partly because a back injury limited his effectiveness early in the season.
He has rebounded, though, and finished the season with the highest batting average and most home runs on the Hoosier team. The big lefty hit .367/.440/.540 in 215 at-bats with nine home runs, 10 doubles, 49 RBIs, 21 strikeouts and 25 walks.
The biggest question mark with the outfielder is where he plays in the pros. He's not the best fielder in the world and those back issues will probably scare some teams off, thinking it'll relegate him to left field or first base. His swing will get him drafted highly. As you can see in the video below, he's got quick hands and the bat stays in the zone for a while. He's also got a nice, natural uppercut to his swing so he can generate easy power.
Floor
The problem with guys who can't play defense, or who aren't fast enough to play in the outfield is that they have a harder shot at making the majors. That puts their floor pretty low. Add in Dickerson's injury history, and his floor gets even lower. Still, his bat and the fact that he swings from the left side should give him the chance to carve out a niche as a pinch-hitter at the very worst. After all, Russell Branyan has played for a long time.
Ceiling
I've already invoked Adam Dunn's name, but it feels more appropriate for Dickerson. He may struggle to hit for a high average, but those quick hands mean he won't get jammed very often. If he fills out a little on his long frame, he could hit a good number of home runs, too, and be a nice No. 5 or 6 hitter in a lineup. Dunn may be the more well-known comp, but Daryle Ward may also be a nice one.
Will the Astros pick him? If so, where?
No. 11 is way too high for Dickerson. The way his stock has dropped, he might be considered in the second round, but even then, that seems a little high. If I had to bet, I'd say the Astros would jump on him in Round Three, if Dickerson is still around at their pick. Before then, I think Houston would go for players that fit their mold of speed/defense and pitching.
Where is he projected to go right now?
Keith Law did not have him listed.
Deep Leagues had him at No. 42 to the Rays.
Jonathan Mayo did not have him listed.
Perfect Game USA did not have him listed.
Baseball America did not have him listed.
John Sickels did not have him listed.
Bibliography (Scouting Reports and video)
Below the jump
Baseball Beginnings' John Klima:
Always had the raw power but improved as a hitter and gained confidence. Average to above-average power production potential, playable tools otherwise.
Dickerson is a polished college bat with a solid track record of performance, but doesn't have the defensive upside of some other premium college bats in this draft.
The 6-foot-3, 225-pound lefthander has pure hitting ability, average to plus power to all parts of the ballpark and an advanced approach. Pitchers rarely have challenged Dickerson on the inner half, and scouts have lauded his willingness to use the opposite field.