Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Tigers Draft Third Baseman and Reliever with Early Picks

The Tigers lost their first round pick in the 2010 First Year Player draft to the Houston Astros when they signed free agent reliever Jose Valverde this off-season.  However, they did gain two supplemental picks at the end of the first round for losing Fernando Rodney and Brandon Lyon to free agency. 

They used one supplemental pick (the 44th pick in todays' draft) to sign high school infielder Nick Castellanos.  The 6-4 225 pound Castellanos played shortstop for Archbishop McCarthy High School in Southwest Ranches, Florida.  The Tigers have already revealed that Castellanos will play third base as a professional.  He reportedly has good power potential and the skills to be a solid defender at the hot corner. 

Baseball America had Castellanos listed as the 14th third round pick in their final mock draft. He slipped to the Tigers due to sign-abilty issues - he has committed to the University of Miami.  The Tigers have been aggressive in selecting and successfully signing these types of picks in the past. 

The Tigers then selected reliever Chance Ruffin of the University of Texas with the 48th pick.  The six-foot-one right-hander had a 0.73 ERA and 96/18 K/BB ratio in 61 2/3 innings this spring.  He is a polished pitcher, who could move quickly through the system.  Ruffin is the son of former major leaguer Bruce Ruffin. 

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