As we applauded the Pittsburgh Pirates for taking the best player on the board and worrying about the signing later,we frown on tonight's selection of outfielder Tyler Naquin of Texas A&M by the Cleveland Indians.
Considering the Indians need for a power prospect and to take a player with seven homers in three college seasons makes me think that this was a player picked because he would sign for the slotted bonus.
Naquin is reported to have plus speed and hits for average along with having one of the strongest throwing arms in the draft.
Naquin hits lefthanded and is thought to have the potential to hit above .300,but to me,Naquin might not have the power to play a corner outfield spot and might not fit as a center fielder.
Most previews had Naquin as a first rounder or a "sandwich"compensation pick at worst,but nowhere near the 15th pick.
The MLB Network used their comparison for Naquin as David DeJesus.
Sorry,but when I own a top 15 pick,I do not want a David DeJesus type player.
What this pick reminds me of is the 2005 first round drafting of Trevor Crowe-a fast college outfielder without power that never broke through to claim a roster spot,although he did see some action in Cleveland,
This one looks to me to be about saving money and with an organization that is already vulnerable to this type of charge,the Indians certainly did not take a step forward in that direction that clearly seems to be more about bucks than bang......
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