32nd Overall: Tampa Bay Rays Select Jake Hager
By Aaron Somers
The Tampa Bay selected Jake Hager with the 32nd pick in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft. The 18 year-old, right-handed short stop attended Las Vegas Sierra Vista High School last season. He stands 6’1″ tall and weighs 180 pounds. Hager was not featured as a first round selection by Wally Fish in the S2S Mock Draft. He was also ranked just 122nd on Baseball Americas top 200.
NUMBERS & TOOLS:
Hager hit .547 with 11 home runs and 57 RBI in his his senior year, leading Siera Vista High School to a 34-5 record. His performance earned him the Gatorade Nevada Baseball Player of the Year.
At the plate Hager possesses the ability to spray line drives to all fields. On the base-paths and in the field Hager has average speed. Defensively, Hager has soft hands, solid footwork and an above-average arm that project well. Scouts believe his skill-set should allow him to remain at shortstop in the show. They also see second or third base as potential landing spots for Hager down the road.
WHAT THEY SAY:
Baseball America
"Hager doesn’t have one standout tool, but he can do a little bit of everything and always plays hard. He has some pop, though he profiles as more of a gap hitter with average power. He’s a leader on the field with good makeup, exactly what you want from a shortstop."
John Sickels–SBNation
"A slight overdraft but I understand it. Baseball rat with solid tools, has a chance to stick at shortstop, should hit for average with gap power."
Ben Ice–Rays colored Glasses
"Draft experts may consider him a reach, but the Rays have an eye for talent and Hager could be a nice addition to this year’s bumper crop of draft choices."
THOUGHTS:
Hager, who had committed to Arizona State, signed with the Rays for $936K which was an estimated $9K over slot. Hager was a bit of a reach this early, but Tampa rarely misses in the draft. As I said before, I’m not exactly sure Tampa could go wrong with this years draft, considering that they had ten of the first top sixty picks. His floor should realistically be in the neighborhood of a utility infielder role. I would have either rolled the dice on a prep arm or looked at a solid college relief arm to aid their bullpen. Regardless, the decision was made and Hager signed, so I guess only time will tell.
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