26th Overall: The Boston Red Sox Selected Catcher Blake Swihart

The Boston Red Sox selected Blake Swihart with the 26th pick in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft. The 18 year-old, switch hitting catcher attended Cleveland High School in New Mexico last year. Swihart stands 6’ tall and weighs 170 pounds. He was slotted as the 17th pick by Wally Fish in the S2S Mock Draft.

TOOLS:

Swihart received a great deal of recognition from scouts for being one of the few prep stars with a legitimate bat from both sides of the plate. He’s athletic with a plus arm and actually runs well for a catcher. In a nutshell Swihart features impact talent at the premium position of catcher. His size leaves some folks questioning his ceiling and ability to catch in the show. However, beyond that it’s unanimous that Swihart has the stuff necessary to develop into a solid everyday MLB starter.

WHAT THEY SAY:

ESPN’s Jason Churchill

"The Red Sox get perhaps the top catcher in the class in Swihart, though there are some questions about his defense. The tools are there and his bat may play in a corner outfield spot if he can’t cut it behind the plate. The Red Sox farm system now has a little bit of everything by adding Swihart, a switch-hitting catcher."

ESPN’s Keith Law

"Swihart is one of the best high school position players in this draft, but it’s more about projection of his skills than about present abilities.  He’s an athletic kid with bat speed and arm strength who plays all over the diamond and hasn’t had a chance to develop much as a catcher, but I think that’s his ultimate position in pro ball. His arm is plus, but he’s currently not quick to release the ball, and while his hands are fine his receiving needs work."

MY THOUGHTS:

Swihart stated several times that he was committed to the University of Texas and had no desire to sign if drafted. However, the Boston Red Sox brass and a $2.5 million signing bonus changed his mind shortly before the deadline. Swihart was widely thought of as one of the top prep stars in the 2011 draft. Keith Law and Baseball America also rated him as the 17th and 19th best draft prospect.  The fact that the Red Sox were able to draft and sign him with the 26th pick is a big win for their franchise.

For more on the Boston Red Sox, check out BoSoxInjection.com

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