The Indians have selected Mike Papi with their competitive balance pick (#38 overall) in the 2014 MLB draft.
Papi is a 21-year-old outfielder/first baseman from the University of Virginia. He is a left-handed batter, listed at 6'3", 195 pounds.
Papi had a strong showing last summer in the Northwoods League, then had a fine season for Virginia, with a .297 batting average, a .445 on-base percentage, and .498 slugging percentage in 60 games, with 9 doubles, 11 home runs, 54 walks, and 43 strikeouts.
As evidenced from his walk rate and OBP, his plate discipline and pitch recognition are as good as any hitter in the draft this year. He's a line-drive hitter right now, but there's room for more power to develop. He is said to have very good bat speed as well. Papi is versatile defensively. He's probably going to be a corner outfielder, but has played first base a fair amount as well. Virginia's home park is a pitchers' park, so he's in some ways even better than his numbers look
The slot value of the pick is $1,495,400.
The Indians' next pick is #61. It's their 2nd-round pick, and their final selection on day one of the draft.
Follow the draft live and discuss the Tribe's picks and whatever else strikes your fancy in LGT's 2014 MLB Draft Open Thread.