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Sure, the Red Sox are "having a ball" following last night's walk-off win, but the front office has reason to celebrate too after drafting high-school LHP Trey Ball.
The Red Sox used their highest draft pick in 20 years on high school left-hander Trey Ball.
The 6-foot-6 Ball, who comes out of New Castle Chrysler (Ind.) High School, located approximately an hour east of Indianapolis, was selected No. 7 overall in the amateut baseball draft last night. In his senior season, he hit 10 home runs to go along with a 6-0 pitching record and 0.76 ERA.
Ball, the Gatorade Indiana Baseball Player of the Year, has a commitment to play in college for the University of Texas. In a conference call, the 18-year-old (he turns 19 on June 27) indicated he was ready to turn pro and pitch for the Red Sox.
“Growing up, I always did two-way, so I was open-minded to anything, but coming on the gun this year, this spring, my pitching came out strongest this year, and that’s what took off this year for me,” said Ball. “Right now, it’s still open. We haven’t shut the door on anything. But it’s the best fit for me and my family. Anything can happen, but I feel that Boston is right for me.”
Herald: Red Sox play Ball, draft high school lefty
Very interesting pick by the Red Sox. Ball has served a solid two-way player, as he has been valuable bat in his lineup in addition to his pitching.
The Red Sox have gone down this road before. Remember two-way player phenom Casey Kelly? As we all know, Kelly was shipped to the Padres in exchange for 1B Adrian Gonzalez. (Kelly still in the minors, 23-years old). Luckily, it looks as if Ball has committed to pitching for his future professional baseball career.
The last high school lefty to be drafted by the Sox was last night's starter, Jon Lester. Ball's fastball tops out at 94 mph and also has an above average curveball, as well as a change-up.
I was almost certain the Red Sox would draft a bat last night with their first-round pick, 7th overall. I mean, when's the last time the Sox developed a power bat? Mo Vaughn? Trot Nixon? Doesn't it seem like they have enough young pitching? I guess the old adage is true: you can never have too much pitching.
Rest of the links:
Globe: Ortiz hits walkoff home run to lift Red Sox | Globe: Mike Carp swinging hot bat for Sox | Globe: Red Sox prospect Michael Almanzar starting to deliver on potential | Globe: Red Sox take pitcher Trey Ball with 7th pick of draft | Herald: David Ortiz offers a flashback | Herald: Jonny Gomes sets the stage | Herald: Lefty Jon Lester proves better late | Herald: Felix Doubront turns things around in rotation | Herald: Family affair: Stephen Drew recalls draft memories for himself, brothers