INDIANS - 6/19/03

The Indians had a successful draft, arguably the top draft in all of baseball. They have been one of the most-respected teams in terms of draft success over the past few years, and have helped fill numerous holes in their organizational depth chart through solid selections.

In this report, we’ll consider the top selections of the Indians’ draft, and ponder their potential for the future. Player capsules will be provided for the top draftees, but in-depth reports on every player selected are likely unnecessary.

Michael Aubrey, 1B/OF, Tulane University

Aubrey is the most polished hitter in this entire draft, even more than Rickie Weeks. He has a ton of experience and played against top-notch competition in college. In terms of future risk, Aubrey is the safest pick in this entire draft. He will hit for a very high average in the future, and will also supply adequate power totals. As of now, it appears that his home run total will be around 20 per year, which is a little weak from a first baseman. He could move to the outfield, but is excellent defensively at first and will likely stay there. His plate discipline is excellent, and his average will be high enough to warrant keeping Aubrey at first. He has been compared to Sean Casey, but is likely a better long-term option than Casey during his prime. Other comparisons have been made to Jason Giambi and Todd Helton, with less power than either of those. Even if the over-the-fence power doesn’t develop, Aubrey should hit plenty of doubles and spread hits across the entire field. Nobody realistically expected Aubrey to last this long. Aubrey has already begun to play for Class-A Lake County.

Brad Snyder, OF, Ball State University

Snyder is a similar player to David Murphy, who was drafted one pick ahead of Snyder by the Boston Red Sox, and both should be on the fast track to the majors. He came from a relatively small baseball school, which might have hurt his draft status. He has solid speed, power, and plate discipline, all of which make his probability for sustaining success higher than the average draftee. In Cleveland, he may have a hard time rising through the ranks, as outfield depth is rather deep in the organization. If Snyder hits, and most baseball types fully expect that he will, the Indians will be forced to find time for him.

Adam Miller, RHP, McKinney High School

Miller was regarded as one of the top high school pitching prospects in the entire draft. He has good command, and is able to locate the ball anywhere over the plate. He is a good athlete, showing good understanding of the game and the ability to field the position well. As Miller adds some weight to his frame, he will undoubtedly add velocity to his fastball.

Javier Herrera, C, University of Tennessee

Herrera is known primarily for his defensive ability, and that was the main reason for his selection here. He could easily make the majors on his defense alone, but is a question mark offensively. If his hitting comes around, Herrera could quickly develop into one of the better catching prospects in baseball.

Ryan Garko, C, Stanford University

Garko was an odd selection with this pick, considering the front office just selected Herrera and has Bard and Martinez already near the majors. The Indians obviously scouted Garko while they were watching Guthrie develop, and that connection might have been the key to making this pick. Garko is better-known for his offensive prowess, and is bulkier than Herrera. It will be interesting to see if he sticks at catcher or is moved to another position.

Benjamin Harrison, OF, University of Florida

Harrison is tall and athletic, and his current strength is defense. Harrison doesn’t have the arm to paly right field, but would likely fit in at left or center. Offensively, Harrison should develop moderate power in the future. He is toolsy, and has solid speed. If the Indians can develop his bat, Harrison will achieve prospect status. Not likely to sign with the team, as he thinks he should have been drafted higher.

Juan Valdes, OF, Fernando Callejo

Valdes is extremely young and raw at 17-years-old. His biggest problem is a lack of strength, but that can be developed over time. He has a swing that generates line-drive hits, and is a solid defensive player. He is a smart, productive baserunner. Defensively, he is decent. His overall technique could use some work, but he has a solid arm in center field. A long-term, developmental project who could pay dividends.

Kevin Kouzmanoff, 3B, University of Nevada
Matthew Davis, RHP, Ohio State University
Robert Ashabraner, RHP, California State University
Anthony Lunetta, SS, USC
Scott Roehl, RHP, University of Arkansas
Ryan Mulhern, OF, University of Southern Alabama
Brandon Pinckney, SS, Sacramento Community College
Steven Reihnhold, 2B, Tuscola High School
Denton Williams, OF, A&M Consolidated High School
Ryan Spliman, C, Mt Vernon High School
Aaron Laffey, LHP, Allegany High School
Jeffrey Pry, RHP, Franklin High School
Dustin Barnard, RHP, Connors Community College
Joseph Huskins, C, Cypress Junior College
Shane Matthews, RHP, St. Stephens High School
Adam Brandenburg, LHP, Kennesaw State University
Matthew Elliot, RHP, Dixie College
Timothy Montgomery, OF, University of Hawaii
Ryan Goleski, 1B, Eastern Michigan University
Travis DeBondt, LHP, Bakersfield College
Andrew Johnston, RHP, Jefferson College
Michael Felix, LHP, Rutherford High School
Jason James, OF, Kishwaukee College
Brett Parker, SS, Univerisy of Southern Alabama
James Smith, RHP, Merced College
Mark Harris, RHP, William & Mary College
Steven Jackson, RHP, Clemson University
Joseph Reid, RHP, St. John’s University
Roger Lincoln, LHP, Stetson University
Bart Babineaux, OF, El Camino College
Jared Goedert, 3B, Concordia High School
Zach Wallis, LHP, Enid High School
Neall French, C, Grand Rapids Community College
James Raporport, OF, Chaminade Prep High School
Adrian, Schau, RHP, Villanova University
Robert Leonhardt, RHP, Cypress Fairbanks High School
Mark Hanson, RHP, Wake Forest University
Joseph Weaver, RHP, Oklahoma State University
Kyle Muschara, RHP, Lassiter High School
Rafael Cotto, OF, Miguel Such High School
James O’Neill, LHP, Milford High School
Chad Corona, SS, San Diego State University
Jordan Karnofsky, OF, Christian Brothers High School
David Horlacher, RHP, Dixie College
Seth Button, OF, Elk High School