Indians draft mix of college hitters, high school pitchers in early rounds
After the first two days of the MLB Draft, the Indians have spread things out with their selections.
Of their 12 picks, five have been pitchers, three infielders, three outfielders and a catcher. They have also gone with seven from high school and five from college.
"I like how the whole thing has shaken out so far," Indians Director of Amateur Scouting Brad Grant said. "It's a good mix of the whole group to be able to get some established college hitters with some of the high school pitchers.
Cleveland led off the second day by taking first baseman Bobby Bradley in the third round. The Gulfport, Miss., native, who played at Harrison Central High School, hit .340 as a senior. He attended the same high school as Greg Hibbard, who is now a coach in the Indians system, and Matt Lawton.
"He's a big physical left-handed hitter. We're impressed with power he brings to the table," Grant said.
The draft will conclude on Saturday with Rounds 11-40. A look at the Indians' selections so far:
1st round: Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco
1st round (Jimenez-Baltimore): Justus Sheffield, LHP, Tullahoma (Tenn.) HS
Competitive balance: Mike Papi, OF, Virginia
2nd round: Grant Hockin, RHP, Damien HS, LaVerne, Calif.
3rd round: Bobby Bradley, 1B, Harrison Central HS, Gulfport, Miss.
4th round: Sam Hentges, LHP, Mounds View HS, Shoreview, Minn.
5th round: Julian Merryweather, RHP, Oklahoma Baptist
6th round: Greg Allen, CF, San Diego State
7th round: Simeon Lucas, C, Grant Community HS, Ingleside, Ill.
8th round: Micah Miniard, RHP, Boyle County HS, Danville, Ky.
9th round: Alexis Pantoja, SS, Puerto Rico BB Academy
10th round: Steven Patterson, 2B, UC Davis.
