Clint Frazier Impresses in Pro Debut

Image: USA Today

It didn’t take long for Clint Frazier to make a statement.

In his first at bat of his first professional game, the fifth overall selection in this year’s draft launched his first professional home run. His big day didn’t end there, as he was also named the 2013 High School Player of the Year on Tuesday.

Frazier, who led off as the designated hitter for the Rookie League Indians, added a triple later in the game. He announced his success via twitter.

Taken out of Loganville High School (Loganville, GA) by the Cleveland Indians, Frazier didn’t waste time showing off his projectable power. Though he DH-ed on Tuesday, Frazier played mostly center field in high school. He probably can’t stay at the position for long in the pros, especially as his body matures and he adds bulk. Frazier will end up on one of the corners, but his bat, especially his power, should play well in right field.

The Indians have left themselves without a ton of minor league talent, especially in the upper levels. The drafting of shortstop Francisco Lindor last year followed by Frazier in 2013 given Cleveland a pair of potential impact bats, though both are years away from the big leagues. Still, you have to start somewhere and Cleveland has done well to land two such highly-regarded prospects.