2012 MLB Draft: Cleveland Indians Select Outfielder Tyler Naquin

Tyler Naquin, OF, Texas A&M University: The left-handed-hitting Naquin is batting .382/.461/.542 with 21 steals, 25 walks, and 37 strikeouts in 238 at-bats this spring. Considered a terrific pure hitter, the 6-2, 175 pound outfielder lacks home-run power, but runs very well and has an outstanding throwing arm, one of the best in the draft. Most scouts don’t see him as a future star, but they do consider him a safe bet to reach the majors and contribute in multiple ways. There is some concern that he could be a “tweener,” lacking the power for a corner but perhaps not quite running well enough to play center. This seems like a pick that could be a slight overdraft, but given the relative lack of college hitting in the class, it isn’t a surprise that Naquin was selected early. The Indians prefer college talent with a certain level of polish, and Naquin certainly fits that profile.