FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2016
INDIANS 2016 FIRST-YEAR PLAYER DRAFT RECAP
CLEVELAND, OH - Information on Cleveland Indians 2016 First-Year Player Draft selections.
Round 1 (#14 overall)
OF WILL BENSON
AGE/DOB: 17, June 16, 1998
High School: Westminster Schools (GA)
SIGNED 6/17
BATS/THROWS: L/L
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-5/215
Attended The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Georgia. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound athlete played in 35 games across his senior season for the Wildcats, batting .454 (44-97) with 11 doubles, 8 home runs, 41 RBI and a 1.380 OPS (.566 OBP/.814 SLG). The left-handed batter and thrower also drew 29 walks against 11 strikeouts, going 11-for-12 in stolen base attempts. Benson was named to the 2016 Rawlings Perfect Game All-American First Team after appearing in the 2015 Team USA Baseball Tournament of Stars summer showcase, as well as the Under Armour All-America game last August at Wrigley Field in Chicago. His selection to the USA 18U National Team included a trip to the WBSC 18U Baseball World Cup in Nishinomiya, Japan…Benson, also a standout player on the Westminster basketball team, has signed a National Letter of Intent with the Duke University baseball program. From MLB.com on Benson
Comments: It's almost impossible to discuss Benson with a scout and not have Jason Heyward's name come up as a
comparison. They're both Atlanta-area high school prospects, left-handed hitters with similar builds at the same stage of their careers and outstanding athletes for their size. Benson led The Westminster Schools to the Georgia 3-A championship this spring, the Wildcats' first title since 1975. Benson's bat speed and strength give him well-above-average raw power, and the fact that he's more aggressive than Heyward bodes well for Benson's chances of tapping into it. He's at his best when he uses a short stroke, though he falls into the trap of trying to do too much at times. He hasn't had a great spring with the bat but still has enough offensive upside and all-around potential to go in the first round. A solid runner, Benson led the U.S. 18-and-under team with four steals in 14 games during the summer. Though he plays center field in high school, the Duke recruit will move to right field in pro ball and has the required arm strength for the position. He also has experience at first base.
Round 2 (#55 overall)
INF NOLAN JONES
AGE/DOB: 18, May 7, 1998
High School: Holy Ghost Prep (PA)
BATS/THROWS: L/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-3/195
2016 graduate of Holy Ghost Prep (Bensalem, PA), where he posted a .636 average (28-for-44) with five home runs, 24 RBI and 26 runs scored in 19 games during his senior campaign, despite missing the start of the season due to a back injury. The left-handed hitter tallied 24 walks against just three strikeouts in 72 plate appearances for the Firebirds. Jones also doubled as right-handed reliever, working 8.0 shutout innings with 11 strikeouts over four appearances on the mound…The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Virginia commit led the Firebirds to back-to-back PIAA District 1 AAA postseason appearances, as Holy Ghost Prep won the title in 2015 & advanced to the semifinals in 2016. Jones was also named a 2016 Rawlings-Perfect Game 1st Team All-American.
\From MLB.com on Jones
Comments: The last time the state of Pennsylvania had a hitter get drafted in the first round was back in 2007, when Devin
Mesoraco was taken by the Reds. This year, there could be two high school bats selected in the opening round, Alex Kirilloff near Pittsburgh and Jones, a talented infielder outside of Philadelphia. Jones' senior year started slow as he tweaked his back and missed the beginning of the season. As he returned, he was getting a lot of looks as he was thought to be one of the better pure high school bats in the country. Jones has good bat speed and excellent raw power from the left side. An average runner who might have slowed down a tick as he's added weight to his lanky frame, Jones has good hands and actions for the infield, though most see a move from shortstop, his high school position, in the future. Some feel the 6-foot-4 Virginia commit will profile well at third. But while he throws in the low-90s off of the mound, his arm action has others thinking that perhaps he'd profile best as a big offensive-minded second baseman or perhaps a left fielder.
Competitive Balance Round B (#72 overall)
C LOGAN ICE
AGE/DOB: 21, May 27, 1995
College: Oregon State
SIGNED 6/17
BATS/THROWS: S/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5/10/195
Finished junior year at OSU, batting .310 (54-for-174) with seven home runs and 39 RBI for the season in 54 games for the Beavers. He drew a team-high 37 walks, while also posting Oregon State's highest slugging percentage (.563) and on-base percentage (.432). He ranked second on the team in both RBI and home runs. The 5-foot-11, 191-pound catcher threw out 44 percent of base stealers last season (19-of-43) and committed just four errors on his way to being named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. Ice was also named one of three finalists for the Johnny Bench Award, which recognizes the top catcher the NCAA.
MLB.com on Ice
Comments: A three-year starter at Oregon State, Ice had two relatively non-descript seasons then picked the right time to
figure things out. In a year lacking in the catching and college bat departments, Ice's strong year in a big program has put him in line to come off the board in the first few rounds. Ice might not have the offensive profile of some of the college backstops higher on this list, but that doesn't mean he's not without skills at the plate. The switch-hitter has shown a very good feel for hitting during his junior season, hitting for average and some extra-base ability, while walking more than he struck out. Compared to those offensive-minded collegians, though, Ice has a better chance to stick behind the plate. It's nothing fancy, but he has average receiving skills and an average arm that has been effective at times in controlling the running game. Names like Zack Collins and Matt Thiass will undoubtedly come off the board first, but a team could find value a bit later with Ice, who has a better chance of being a solid everyday catcher.
Round 3 (#93 overall)
RHP AARON CIVALE
AGE/DOB: 21, June 12, 1995
College: Northeastern
SIGNED 6/17
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-1/210
Northeastern University. Civale went 9-3 with a 1.73 ERA (114.1IP, 91H, 22ER, 22BB, 121SO). The junior converted reliever ranked among the top 15 Division I pitchers in innings (2nd), strikeouts (7th) and ERA (13th). After the season he was named a 2016 Louisville Slugger Third Team All-American and CAA Co-Pitcher of the Year.
From MLB.com on Civale
A reliever for his first two years at Northeastern University in Boston, Civale moved into the rotation as a junior. The right-hander saw his stock rise considerably as he put up tremendous numbers as a Friday night starter in the Colonial Athletic Association. Civale fills up the strike zone with four different pitches. He lacks velocity, pitching mostly with an average fastball, though he was up to 93-94 mph in relief stints last summer in the Cape Cod League. His best pitch is his slider/cutter. It's a plus pitch thrown around 88 mph, but with slider action. Without it, he'd be a fairly pedestrian right-hander, given that his curve is fringy and he doesn't use his changeup much. Because of his pitchability and command, he has the chance to be a back-end starter, a poor man's Mike Leake. If a team wanted to put him in the bullpen and let him lean on his fastball-cutter combination, he could move quickly through a Minor League system.
Round 4 (#122 overall)
RHP SHANE BIEBER
AGE/DOB: 21, May 31, 1995
College: UC Santa Barbara
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-3/195
UC Santa Barbara. The 6-3, 195lb right-hander was recently named All-Big West First Team, going 11-3 with a 2.86 ERA in 16 starts (119.2IP, 112H, 38ER, 15BB, 96SO, 1.13 BB per 9.0IP). He led the Big West in wins and is the third-winningest pitcher in UCSB history (reached the seventh inning in all 16 starts). UCSB travels to
Louisville this weekend in an NCAA Super Regional.
From MLB.com on Krieger
UC Santa Barbara had a pair of pitchers from its staff get drafted in the top five rounds in 2015, with Dillon Tate going No. 4 overall and Justin Jacome landing in the fifth. While you typically "Never Say Never" in the Draft, it's unlikely Bieber will land in Tate territory, but the three-year starter should hear his name called before Jacome did. Right now, Bieber is the epitome of the advanced, yet not exciting, college arm. A Sunday starter a year ago, the right-hander has served as UCSB's Friday night guy after a strong showing in the Cape Cod League last summer. He doesn't have a true out pitch, using three average offerings effectively. He generally pitches around 90-91 mph, but there could be some more velocity to unlock at the next level. He mixes in a solid slider and changeup and pounds the strike zone with all three pitches. A lack of a true out pitch limits Bieber's ceiling, but his polish and track record will interest many teams. The fact he could move quickly and teams won't have to "Baby" him should also work in his favor.
Round 5 (#152 overall)
OF CONNER CAPEL
AGE/DOB: 19, May 19, 1997
High School: Seven Lakes HS (Katy, TX)
BATS/THROWS: L/L
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-1/185
SIGNED 6/21
Finished his senior season batting .456 with 36 runs, 27 doubles and 23 stolen bases. The University of Texas commit is a 6-3, 195lb, left-handed hitting outfielder. His father, Mike, pitched on the 1983 Texas National Championship squad and appeared in 49 games with the Cubs, Brewers and Astros from 1988-91.
From MLB.com on Krieger
Capel is the son of Mike Capel, one of four big league pitchers on Texas' 1983 College World Series championship club. Conner is committed to the Longhorns but may not make it to Austin after taking a huge step forward at Seven Lakes High (Katy, Texas) this spring. He could be the first prep position player drafted in the state. Scouts praise Capel's makeup, billing him as a grinder with tools. He dedicated himself to conditioning during the fall and winter and emerged as a significantly stronger and faster player. Previously rated as a 55 runner on the 20-80 scouting scale, he has improved his speed by at least a full grade and some evaluators give him a 70. Capel doesn't have the prettiest left-handed swing, but he recognizes pitches well and repeatedly barrels balls. More of a gap-to-gap hitter at this point, he might develop average power when he starts turning on more pitches. Though he has the speed and instincts to play center field, Seven Lakes deploys him in right field, where he has a strong arm that has delivered 90-mph fastballs off the mound.
Round 6 (#182 overall)
INF ULYSSES CANTU
AGE/DOB: 18, May 1, 1998
High School: W.E. Boswell HS (Texas)
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5-11/220
SIGNED 6/21
In the Sixth Round (182nd), the club selected INF ULYSSES CANTU out of W.E. Boswell High School in Saginaw, Texas. The Texas Tech recruit hit .374 (34-91) with 6 home runs and 29 RBI in 30 games this spring and was named 5-5A District (TX) Offensive Player of the Year.
From MLB.com on Cantu
Cantu consistently smoked the ball at the Area Code Games last August and at the World Wood Bat Association World Championship two months later, establishing himself as one of the best high school hitters in the 2016 Draft. He hasn't looked as sharp while bothered by a shoulder injury this spring, however, and scouts still aren't sure where he'll find a defensive home. When healthy, Cantu has a quick, compact right-handed swing and barrels balls with ease. He has good balance at the plate and recognizes pitches and manages the strike zone better than most prepsters. He has some strength too and could have average or better power. Cantu has some arm strength, but his hands, quickness and athleticism leave something to be desired. The Texas Tech recruit works hard and perhaps could become an adequate third baseman. Some teams think catching could be an interesting option, though that would take a toll on his bat, while others wonder if he might wind up as a 5-foot-11, righty-hitting first baseman.
Round 7 (#214 overall)
C MICHAEL TINSLEY
AGE/DOB: 21, May 10, 1995
College: Kansas
SIGNED 6/21
BATS/THROWS: L/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-0/195
In 2016 he became the first catcher in KU history to earn All-Big 12 First Team honors, hitting a conference-high .377 (80-212) with 47 runs, 15 2B, 2 HR, 42 RBI and a .460 on-base pct. He led the league in hits, was 3rd in runs and 7th in RBI in the Big-12. The junior and Menlo Park, CA native was also second-team Big-12 in 2015 during his sophomore campaign.
MLB.com on Tinsley
Tinsley has always hit, and the 6-foot, 194-pound catcher did that this season for Kansas, leading the Jayhawks with a .377 batting average. He’s an OK catcher, though his arm’s a little short. He’s also played well in the outfield and is considered to have good makeup.
Round 8 (#242 overall)
RHP ANDREW LANTRIP
AGE/DOB: 21, May 11, 1995
College: Houston
SIGNED 6/21
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-2/180
The University of Houston product was a preseason first Team NCBWA All-American and went 6-6 with a 2.60 ERA in 15 games/14 starts for the Cougars this spring (90.0IP, 80H, 30R/26ER, 5BB, 84SO, 0.5 BB per 9.0IP). The 6-2 junior hails from Livingston, TX. He led the nation in strikeout-to-walk ratio and at one point went 11 straight outings w/o issuing a walk. 2015 American Athletic Conference Second Team.
From MLB.com on Lantrip
A right-hander out of Houston, Lantrip throws lots of strikes using a lower arm slot. He has a fastball that ranges from 88-93 mph and a decent changeup to go along with a good breaking ball..
Round 9 (#272 overall)
OF HOSEA NELSON
AGE/DOB: 22, Sept. 5, 1993
College: Clarendon College (TX)
BATS/THROWS: L/L
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-0/210
SIGNED 6/16
The Clarendon College (TX) product was named Western Junior College Athletic Conference MVP after batting .531 (104-196) with 18 2B, 9 3B, 20 HR and 100 RBI in 55 games. Hails from Detroit, MI.
Round 10 (#302 overall)
SS SAMAD TAYLOR
AGE/DOB: 17, July 11, 1998
High School: Corona Senior HS
SIGNED 6/17
BATS/THROWS: S/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5-10/160
Round 11 (#332 overall)
OF ANDREW CALICA
AGE/DOB: 22, Mar 5, 1994
College: UC Santa Barbara
BATS/THROWS: L/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-1/190
Big West honorable mention sports a .446 on-base pct this year.
Round 12 (#362 overall)
RHP ZACH PLESAC
AGE/DOB: 21, Jan 21, 1995
College: Ball State
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-2/200
Nephew of former MLB pitcher Dan Plesac (current MLB Network analyst)…Reconstructive surgery on right elbow in May.
Round 13 (#392 overall)
C GAVIN COLLINS
AGE/DOB: 21, Jul 17, 1995
College: Mississippi State
SIGNED 6/21
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 5-11/190
Round 14 (#422 overall)
OF MITCH LONGO
AGE/DOB: 21, Jan 12, 1995
College: Ohio University
SIGNED 6/16
BATS/THROWS: L/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-0/190
Hails from Mayfield, OH. Named second team All-MAC in 2016…Longo led the team with a .360 batting average, a .438 on-base percentage, 77 hits, 14 doubles and 12 stolen bases.
Round 15 (#452 overall)
C ZACH SMITH
AGE/DOB: 18, Nov. 14, 1997
High School: Eastern Wayne HS (NC)
BATS/THROWS: L/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-1/190
MLB.com on Smith
Smith, a catcher at Eastern Wayne (N.C.) High School who is committed to UNC-Charlotte, has some hitting ability, according to scouts, and could be selected somewhere in the sixth-to-eighth round range of the Draft. According to MaxPreps, in 23 games his senior season, the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Smith hit .282 with a home run and seven doubles.
Round 16 (#482 overall)
LHP BEN KRAUTH
AGE/DOB: 22, Mar. 10, 1994
College: Kansas
SIGNED 6/21
BATS/THROWS: L/L
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-0/180
First team Big-12 selection…According to KUathletics.com “Krauth finished third in the regular season in the
league in innings pitched (92.0), second in strikeouts (103), first in starts (15) and second in complete games (2). He posted a 3.33 ERA, a 5-6 overall record and held opponents to a .251 batting average.”
Round 17 (#512 overall)
OF TRENTON BROOKS
AGE/DOB: 20, Jul 3, 1995
College: Nevada Reno
SIGNED 6/21
BATS/THROWS: L/L
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-0/180
Tallied 62 hits, 39 runs and 42 RBI at the plate to go along with a .277 average (nevadawolfpack.com) … Led the
team and ranked fifth in the Mountain West with 19 doubles … Also led the team in walks and ranked third in the conference with 40 walks
Round 18 (#542 overall)
LHP RAYMOND BURGOS
AGE/DOB: 17, Nov 29, 1998
High School: Pedro Faula Orellano HS (Puerto Rico)
BATS/THROWS: L/L
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-5/170
Round 19 (#572 overall)
RHP DAKODY CLEMMER
AGE/DOB: 20, Jan 19, 1996
College: Central Arizona College
SIGNED 6/18
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-2 /200
2nd team All-ACCAC (6-3, 3.38 ERA)
Round 20 (#602 overall)
INF BENJAMIN BAIRD
AGE/DOB: 18, Jan 7, 1998
High School: Aguora HS (CA)
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-2/185
Round 21 (#632 overall)
RHP WIL CROWE
AGE/DOB: 21, Sept 9, 1994
College: South Carolina
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-2/240
Red-shirted in 2016 after undergoing reconstructive surgery on right elbow mid-way thru the 2015 campaign.
Round 22 (#662 overall)
RHP MASON STUDSTILL
AGE/DOB: 18, Aug. 22, 1997
High School: Rockledge HS (FL)
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-2/210
Round 23 (#692 overall)
RHP MICHAEL LETKEWICZ
AGE/DOB: 22, Jan 31, 1994
College: Augustana College (IL)
SIGNED 6/16
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-4/220
Round 24 (#722 overall)
LHP SKYLAR ARIAS
AGE/DOB: 18, Jun 30, 1997
College: Tallahassee CC
SIGNED 6/18
BATS/THROWS: L/L
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-3/190
Round 25 (#752 overall)
INF JONATHAN LAURENO
AGE/DOB: 20, Dec. 21, 1995
College: Connors State College (OK) SIGNED 6/18
BATS/THROWS: R/R
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-1/200
Hit .347 with 11 HR and 53 RBI this spring
Round 26 (#782 overall)
LHP TANNER TULLY
AGE/DOB: 21, Nov. 30, 1994
College: Ohio State University
BATS/THROWS: L/L
HEIGHT/WEIGHT: 6-0/200
SIGNED 6/18
First Team All-Big Ten …Was 8-3 with a 2.34 ERA and 76 strikeouts to 21 walks in 103.2 innings pitched (led Big 10)…From Elkhart, IN