Cleveland Sports Forum

It's been all outfielders, pitchers and first basemen, which certainly makes sense based on our needs and our depth. Glad to see we've not drafted a 2nd baseman yet.

5 158 Merryweather, Julian Oklahoma Baptist University (OK) RHP R/R SR 6'4" 200lbs DOB: 10/14/91

I don't think Seagull will be complaining too much about the size of the pitchers we've been selecting.

2014 Indians 5th round pick: RHP Julian Merryweather



By Staff Report

June 6, 2014

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With their 5th round pick in the 2014 Draft the Cleveland Indians have selected right-handed pitcher Julian Merryweather out of Oklahoma Baptist University.

Born: 10/14/1991 – Height: 6’4” – Weight: 200 – Bats: Right – Throws: Right

Tony’s take: Shortly before the pick was made I made mention in a tweet that the Indians would probably begin to take a few college seniors in order to save some bonus pool money to pay what has been a pretty good haul up to this point. Coming out of a DII school and being a senior he should have almost no leverage and might get a very low under slot deal. Perhaps I am wrong, but this could be more of a Josh Martin kind of lower level depth pickup to fill in some pitching in the lower levels with low upside to be much more. He should pitch in the Mahoning Valley rotation once he is signed and sent there.

Jeff Ellis: Julian Merryweather is a senior sign from Oklahoma Baptist. He is a big kid at 6’5” who has been sitting in the high 80’s for most of his career. Since he is a pitcher at a division two school he has been draft eligible every year and this was the first time he has been selected. His velocity moved up to the low 90’s and he hit 95 this year. He doesn’t take advantage of his size when pitching, and there is no doubt that coming from a DII school that he will benefit from professional coaching. I think if they can fix the delivery and get him to take advantage of his size then maybe he can start hitting 95 with regularity. There is some upside here as coming from a smaller school with great size. Teams have to take senior signs, so when you do so it is nice if that pick could conceivably have some nice upside as well.

Indians snag potential steal in Bradley in third round


By Alec Shirkey / MLB.com | 6/6/2014 2:26 P.M. ET

Bobby Bradley might have expected to go on Day 1 of the First-Year Player Draft, but the Indians were happy to snap him up in Round 3.

Bradley, a prep first baseman out of Harrison Central High School in Mississippi, was selected by the Tribe with the 97th overall pick on Friday. Ranked as the 68th-best prospect in this year's class by MLB.com, the 6-foot-1, 225-pound left-handed hitter offers plus power and contact while also having shown surprisingly good plate discipline for a high-school hitter.

Bradley is committed to play college baseball at LSU next fall, and he may have fallen due to signability concerns. He joins lefty Justus Sheffield (No. 31) and right-hander Grant Hockin (No. 61) as the third prep player taken by the Indians in this year's Draft.

Bradley would be far from the first professional baseball player to graduate from Harrison Central, which produced Major Leaguers in Greg Hibbard and former Tribe outfielder Matt Lawton.

While listed as a first baseman, Bradley has also spent time at catcher and third base. He hit .340 with six home runs in his senior season, walking 29 times in 22 games, after batting .567 as a junior.

Indians agree to terms with LHP Sheffield

By Jordan Bastian and Alec Shirkey / MLB.com | 6/6/2014 2:13 A.M. ET

CLEVELAND --

Justus Sheffield did not make the same decision his brother did a year ago, but their situations were decidedly different.

On Thursday night, the Indians used their second first-round pick in the First-Year Player Draft on Sheffield, a highly-touted high school lefty out of Tennessee. Sheffield had already committed to Vanderbilt University, where his brother, Jordan, redshirted this season after choosing not to sign with the Red Sox after last summer's Draft.

The brothers have discussed this moment numerous times and they chatted again after Cleveland drafted Justus out of Tullahoma High School. By the end of the night, Sheffield had agreed to terms with the Indians on a bonus of $1.6 million, according to MLB.com's Jim Callis.

"Jordan has talked to Justus I couldn't tell you how many times," said Travis Sheffield, the boys' father. "Jordan, we just got off the phone with him. He's excited."

Cleveland used its top first-round pick (No. 21) on University of San Francisco outfielder Bradley Zimmer, but the club addressed pitching 10 picks later. The Indians were awarded the 31st overall selection as compensation for Ubaldo Jimenez leaving via free agency. When Jimenez declined a qualifying offer from the Tribe, and then signed a long-term deal with Baltimore, the Indians earned the extra pick.

The Indians also selected Virginia outfielder Mike Papi (No. 38) and Damien High School (Calif.) righty Grant Hockin (No. 61) on Thursday.

The 18-year-old Sheffield was recently named the Gatorade National Player of the Year, becoming the first player from a Tennessee high school to take home that honor. Cleveland's top Draft pick last year, outfielder Clint Frazier, earned that away in 2013. Pitchers who have won the title in previous years include Zack Greinke (2002), Clayton Kershaw (2006) and Rick Porcello (2007).

"Looking at those names, it's like, 'Wow, how did I win this award?'" Sheffield told the Tennessean on Wednesday.

The Indians know the risk of selecting a prep player committed to a college, but taking such an athlete so high in the Draft tends to help convince them to sign. The 31st selection has a suggested signing-bonus value of $1.733 million, but Sheffield was willing to sign on the dotted line for slightly less. As part of the deal, Cleveland agreed to pay for eight semesters of education at Vanderbilt.

Sheffield might not have been taken by the Tribe if they thought he would not sign.

"With any of our picks in the first 10 rounds," said Brad Grant, Cleveland's director of amateur scouting, "it's extremely important under the new system to ensure that you're able to sign them, and that you can work towards an understanding. So, I think with any of the picks, obviously there's a lot that goes into it to ensure that they're interested in signing."

Last year, the Red Sox selected Jordan Sheffield in the 13th round of the Draft, but the pitcher was sidelined with an elbow injury. Under the circumstances, he opted not to sign and pursue a collegiate career with Vanderbilt.

Justus Sheffield was hardly facing the same situation.

"It was hard for Jordan just because he was injured," Justus told the Tennessean.

This past season, Sheffield spun a perfect 10-0 record for Tullahoma High, turning in a 0.34 ERA to go along with 131 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings. As a batter, he also fared well, hitting at a .405 clip with three homers, 12 doubles and 16 RBIs.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Sheffield features a fastball that sits around 89-92 mph, but can top out around 94 mph. He also throws a power slider and changeup, giving him multiple weapons that will allow the Indians to give him a shot as a starting pitcher.

"Justus Sheffield is a very athletic left-handed pitcher," Grant said. "He's another guy with a really good track record. He played for Team USA, played in all the showcases over the summer."

Brad White, Sheffield's coach at Tullahoma High School, said Justus' height should not be viewed as a hindrance.

"If he's two inches taller, I think he's a guy being talked about at the very top of the Draft," White said. "You can't measure heart and you can't measure competitiveness and compassion. Justus is an 80 on all of those grades, and I think Cleveland is going to reap the benefits of taking him right there."

Travis Sheffield said their family kept the Indians in mind when Draft day arrived.

"The area scout, Chuck Bartlett, he talked to Justus about a week ago," Travis said. "The last words Chuck told Justus I believe were, 'I believe in you. You've got to believe in me.' That was it. It's surprising that it's the Indians, but it's not because, when it's those last words, we put them up on the radar."

It was a proud day for Justus' father.

"We've been on pins and needles all day long," Travis Sheffield said. "He's happy to be an Indian."

Tribe selects RHP Hockin for final pick of Day 1

Draft Report: Grant Hockin, High School Pitcher

CLEVELAND --

The Indians were impressed with the advanced approach to pitching that Grant Hockin has displayed as a high schooler. Cleveland likes his fastball, feels his slider can be a real weapon and was impressed with what it saw in the right-hander's developing changeup.

That is all well and good, but there is also the fact that Hockin is a grandson of Hall of Fame slugger Harmon Killebrew. Maybe that played a role in Cleveland selecting the young pitcher with the 61st overall pick on Day 1 of the First-Year Player Draft on Thursday night.

"I did not," said a laughing Brad Grant, Cleveland's director of amateur scouting. "But, it's always good to have bloodlines, for sure."

On a long and fruitful first day of the Draft, the Indians wrapped things up with the selection of Hockin, an 18-year-old right-hander out of Damien High School in California. Hockin joined left-hander Justus Sheffield (31st overall) as one of two prep pitchers selected by Cleveland within the club's four picks on the annual event's opening night.

The Indians began their part in the 2014 Draft by selecting University of San Francisco outfielder Bradley Zimmer with the 21st overall selection, marking the third straight year Cleveland has picked an outfielder first. The Tribe also grabbed Virginia outfielder Mike Papi with the 38th overall section, which fell in the Competive Balance round.

One year after having just one pick on the first day, Cleveland reeled in a balanced quartet of prospects.

"It wasn't anything that was intended," Grant said. "We didn't go in with a plan to try to balance out the four picks. It worked out that way and it's exciting that it did. To get the two advanced college bats, and then mix in the upside with the high school pitchers, that part of it is extremely exciting."

Hockin -- with his 6-foot-4, 195-pound frame -- offers a solid arsenal of pitches and a wiry build that has room to grow in the coming years. He possesses good movement on his changeup, has a fastball that tops out around 95 mph and will mix in a curveball and slider, as well.

Hockin went 9-3 with a 1.49 ERA during his senior season at Damien, striking out 99 across 80 innings.

"[Hockin] is an advanced high school feel-to-pitch pitcher," Grant said. "He brings a solid-average fastball up to 95 with good sink to it. He's got two different breaking balls, a curveball and a slider, with the slider probably being the better of the two. It's hard with depth. It's up to 83-84 and then there's a good feel for a changeup.

"I think with Grant, what really stands out is his feel [for pitching]. He can really locate his fastball. He changes speeds extremely well and has a really good feel for a right-handed pitcher."

Hockin is currently committed to play college baseball for the UCLA Bruins, but Grant did not sound worried about being able to sign the pitcher.

"When we take players," Grant said, "we do it based on that understanding of their willingness to sign."

Indians take Virginia OF Papi with 38th pick

CLEVELAND --

The Indians have had success with drawing from the University of Virginia player pool in the past. On Thursday night, Cleveland used its third pick of the First-Year Player Draft on another Cavalier, outfielder Mike Papi.

In Competitive Balance Round A -- sandwiched between the first and second rounds -- the Indians used the 38th overall pick of the Draft on Papi, adding a hitter who strikes a balance between selectivity and power. It is Papi's keen eye at the plate and versatility in the field that caught Cleveland's attention.

"He does have that advanced feel to hit,' said Brad Grant, the Indians' director of amateur scouting. "He is extremely patient at the plate. He doesn't expand the strike zone. He has a natural ability to hit the ball and he has the ability to move around the field.

"He can play left, he can play right, he can play first. He brings you a lot of versatility in terms of defense to his game. And, there's power that can develop."

Cleveland's selection of the 21-year-old Papi came within a busy day for the Indians, who boasted four picks on the first day of the First-Year Player Draft.

The Tribe's previous selections on Day 1 included University of San Francisco outfielder Bradley Zimmer (No. 21 overall) and high school left-hander Justus Sheffield (No. 31) out of Tennessee. Cleveland later took prep right-hander Grant Hockin out of Damien High School (Calif.) with the 61st overall pick to wrap up its evening.

A year ago, the Indians used a fourth-round selection on Virginia left-hander Kyle Crockett, who then soared though Cleveland's farm system. Earlier this season, Crockett reached the big leagues, becoming the first player from any organization taken in the 2013 Draft to reach the Majors.

No pressure, Papi.

Through 60 games for Virginia this season, Papi has posted a .297/.445/.498 slash line to go with 11 home runs, nine doubles, 51 RBIs and 51 runs scored. The lefty-swinging outfielder also had more walks (53) than strikeouts (43).

Papi was previously drafted in the 30th round of the 2011 Draft by the Angels, but he did not sign.

Grant said Cleveland will likely look to start Papi off in the outfield, but the organization will sit down with him to discuss the situation.

"Once we get Mike into the organization," Grant said, "we'll sit down with him and see where he's comfortable and see what he wants to do. But, we'll expose him to probably multiple different positions and probably start him off in the outfield."

Papi has plenty on his plate right now with Virgina, which is scheduled to face Maryland in a best-of-three super regional series, beginning Saturday.

After being drafted, Papi took to Twitter and posted this message: "Extremely blessed to be an [Indian] and a huge thank you to all my supporters. But we still have some [Virginia baseball] business to take care of."

Indians select outfielder Zimmer with 21st overall pick

CLEVELAND --

A natural rivalry usually exists when it comes to brothers. The Indians threw some fuel on a familial fire on Thursday night, when the club nabbed collegiate outfielder Bradley Zimmer with its first pick in the first round of the First-Year Player Draft.

Cleveland used the Draft's 21st overall selection to pick Zimmer out of the University of San Francisco. Two years ago, Kansas City used the fifth overall pick on Zimmer's brother, Kyle, a right-handed pitcher working his way up the Royals' system.

If the Zimmer boys continue on their current paths, they could square off not just as brothers, but as division rivals. After being taken in the first round by the Tribe, the little brother flashed a wide grin and issued the first verbal jab in front of a national audience.

"We both know that I could take him all day," Zimmer said in an interview on MLB Network.

Asked for his thoughts on that potential clash, Brad Grant, the Indians' director of amateur scouting let out a laugh.

"I'd like to see that matchup," Grant said. "I think it'd be a really good matchup. Hopefully, Bradley can take him out of the yard."

The Indians have looked forward to Thursday for several months. With a wealth of picks on the first day of the Draft, Cleveland had a number of directions to explore within the first two rounds. With the 21st pick in the first round, the Indians kicked off their busy night by grabbing the 21-year-old Zimmer, who brings a unique blend of speed and power potential.

With his parents -- Eric and Cathy -- at his side, and a host of family and friends surrounding him, Zimmer donned an Indians cap after the room erupted in cheers at the call of his name. The hat was brought to the house by one of Zimmer's aunts, who purchased one for each of the clubs that had a pick in the first 30 spots.

"I haven't been very familiar with the Indians in the past," Zimmer said. "But I'm looking forward to diving in there and making an impact right away for them, and getting up to the big leagues and being an impact player for them, and bringing back a World Series to Cleveland."

What about the rest of the hats?

"Return them," Zimmer said with a laugh. "Those are in her hands."

The Indians also drafted high school pitchers Justus Sheffield (Tullahoma High School in Tennessee) and Grant Hockin (Damien High in California) with the 31st and 61st picks, respectively. In the Competitive Balance round, Cleveland used the 38th overall pick on Virginia outfielder Mike Papi.

The first-day flurry was much different than a year ago, when the Tribe took prep outfielder Clint Frazier with the fifth overall pick in the first round, but then did not pick again until the Draft's second day. This year's Draft continues on Friday with Rounds 3-10. The MLB.com pregame show begins at 12:30 p.m. ET, with exclusive coverage of Rounds 3-10 beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

"We didn't go in with a plan to try to balance out the four picks," Grant said of taking two position players and two pitchers. "It worked out that way and it's exciting that it did."

This past season, Zimmer was the only collegiate player to be ranked in the top 50 in both stolen bases (21) and slugging percentage (.573). In 54 games for San Francisco, the left-handed-hitting Zimmer hit .368 with seven home runs, 10 doubles, seven triples, 31 RBIs, 31 walks, 42 runs scored and 81 hits. He posted a .461 on-base percentage along the way.

The two-time All-West Coast Conference member was named a 2014 preseason All-American selection by Louisville Slugger, Baseball America and Perfect Game USA. Heading into the Draft, he was ranked 10th overall on MLB.com's Top 200 prospects list.

"It's the combination of tools that are really exciting with Bradley," Grant said. "It's a plus runner, a chance for a plus center fielder, plus arm and then just an advanced feel to hit. Despite the thin athletic frame, there's power in the bat as well. It's an exciting player that brings a lot of tools to the table."

After Zimmer was selected by the Indians, San Francisco head coach Nino Giarratano had the opportunity to chat briefly with Kyle Zimmer, who was on hand for his brother's big moment.

"Kyle said he was probably happier for Bradley than he was for himself two years ago in the Draft," Giarratano said. "It's got to be just a wonderful feeling to see your younger brother get an opportunity and have the same chance that you're going to have to play at the professional level. I can't imagine how excited the family is."

Bradley Zimmer -- a junior at USF -- was previously drafted by the Cubs in the 23rd round of the 2011 Draft, but he did not sign. Instead, Zimmer attended San Francisco, where his older brother also went to college. The boys have their parents to thank for their athletic ability. Their dad played baseball at UC San Diego and their mom ran track at San Diego State.

"I definitely got my speed from my mom," Zimmer said on MLB Network, "and got the power and the arm from my dad."

Kyle Zimmer was also gifted with a strong right arm which convinced Kansas City to Draft him in 2012.

The brothers have never faced one another in a game.

"Hopefully, in the near future I'll be squaring off against him on the big stage," Bradley Zimmer said. "I know that day will come eventually. I think everyone's looking forward to it."

Jordan Bastian is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, and follow him on Twitter @MLBastian. Alec Shirkey is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Indians list Sheffield at 6-1 190. Baseball America database says he's 5-11. But they like his stuff.

Merryweather and other 4th year seniors in the next few rounds will just be fill in talent; players they can sign for minimal bonusus like the $10,000 Joe Wendle received a year or two ago.

6th rounder at least made BA's Top 500 prospects:

6 188 Indians Greg Allen OF San Diego State CA

Allen generates a wide range of opinion among Southern California area scouts, with some liking him in the top three or four rounds but others seeing him as a fifth- to 10th-round talent. He has posted three solid years for San Diego State but has never topped an .800 OPS, and some scouts question whether he’ll hit enough to be an everyday player. Generously listed at 6 feet, 175 pounds, Allen has well below-average power but is capable of shooting balls into the gaps at times. A switch-hitter, he has a less complex swing and more patience from the left side. He has enough bat-to-ball instincts to give him a chance to be an average hitter if he can learn to chase fewer breaking balls. He has become more patient at the plate in the last two years, walking about as much as he strikes out. Allen is an aggressive baserunner with plus speed, helping him steal 50 bases over the last two years at San Diego State. His speed plays up in center field, where he has an extra gear when chasing down balls in the gaps, earning him above-average grades on his defense. He has an average arm


Sounds like your typical college kid with pretty good rating for 4 of the 5 tools, but nothing that suggests he'll get beyond Akron. See: Jordan Smith, strugging this year to hit 200 for the Ducks; upside probably another RubberDuck: Bryson Myles who's still putting up decent numbers in AA but is hard to imagine doing the same up I-77.

7 218 Lucas, Simeon Grant Community HS (IL) C L/R HS 6'2" 195lbs DOB: 02/07/96

Lucas has the chance to be a very good all-around catcher and has many teams interested in him based on his potential both offensively and defensively. At the plate, he has great bat speed from the left side, a smooth swing and makes consistent, hard contact to all fields. Right now, Lucas has mostly gap power, but he could grow into more power as he develops. He will need more work with blocking and receiving, though he does have a solid arm. If a team is willing to be patient and wait for Lucas’ glove to catch up to his offensive potential, it could have a solid big league backstop on its hands

2014 Indians 6th round pick: CF Greg Allen



By Staff Report

June 6, 2014

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With their 6th round pick in the 2014 Draft the Cleveland Indians have selected center fielder Greg Allen out of San Diego State University.

Born: 3/15/1993 – Height: 6’0” – Weight: 175 – Bats: Switch – Throws: Right

Ranks:

MLB.com: 81
Baseball America: 162

Tony’s take: The Indians once again took a guy who was higher on draft boards but slipped to the sixth round. He has a wiry dram and with a pro strength and conditioning program could fill out more which could allow him to show more gap power. He has a patient approach and grinds out at bats and has plus speed, so he profiles as a top of the lineup hitter. As a switch-hitter and the versatility to move around in the outfield he projects as a fourth outfielder, but the fact the Indians classified him as a center fielder when they selected him shows they may initially try and develop him as a center fielder and see what happens. He has the potential to be an impact player with his glove and speed, so if he hits this guy could really be something for the Indians. He could be the regular center fielder at Mahoning Valley to start the season.

Jeff Ellis: Allen was a top 100 guy in a lot of places. He played centerfield for San Diego State this year and has the floor of a fourth outfielder and a ceiling of Michael Bourn. I think he has average tools across the board except for three. He has virtually no power, but the other side his speed and defense are both plus tools. Allen is a switch hitter who had a near equal walk to strikeout ratio this year. Allen has a chance to be a leadoff hitter in centerfield who can be a headache on the base paths. He might never be a star, but with an average hit tool and a good eye Allen is an excellent value in the sixth round.

2014 Indians 7th round pick: CA Simeon Lucas



By Staff Report

June 6, 2014

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With their 7th round pick in the 2014 Draft the Cleveland Indians have selected catcher Simeon Lucas out of Grant Community High School (IL).

Born: 2/7/1996 – Height: 6’2” – Weight: 195 – Bats: Left – Throws: Right

Ranks:

Baseball America: 182

Tony’s take: The Indians are back to their up-the-middle philosophy with their last few picks. Lucas is an offensive oriented catcher and a guy that scouts like for his bat. The bat speed is intriguing and the swing is clean, and if his gap power improves to where he starts putting a few more balls over the fence then he is a very interesting player. His defense is a big question mark as he needs work on getting quicker with his transfer and softer with his hands. If he can stay at catcher this is a very good pick, but if he can’t stay there and ends up at a corner position then the value goes down a good amount.

Jeff Ellis: Simeon Lucas was a pick that surprised me as I expected them to start taking more senior signs Simeon is not such a player. He is a hit first player which is what the Indians seems to be targeting as almost every bat they have taken has been a guy whose bat is his major talent and most have had defensive questions. Simeon has great bat speed and a solid left handed stroke. He is 6’2” and the hope is that as he fills out that power will also be a part of his game. The Indians will give Simeon every chance to play catcher since he has the arm for the position and he has improved back there from reports I have seen. Yet there is a chance he ends up in the outfield where his arm would still play and his bat would still work. I am again a fan of this pick, a nice upside bat with an above average chance to stick at catcher.

8 248 Miniard, Micah Boyle County HS (KY) RHP R/R HS 6'7" 195lbs DOB: 04/12/96

Tall and athletic, Miniard offers plenty of projection for scouts to dream on. He has already begun tapping into that potential as he got stronger over the winter and saw his fastball velocity jump as a result. Miniard’s fastball topped out at 94 mph, but he more often pitches in the upper-80s to 90 mph. He also throws a hard, downer curveball that has average potential and a rarely seen changeup. He has a long way to go, but has all the raw tools to become a solid pitcher. Miniard is committed to Western Kentucky where his sister, Hannah, won 13 games for the softball team as a freshman this spring.

2014 Indians 8th round pick: RHP Micah Miniard



By Staff Report

June 6, 2014

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With their 8th round pick in the 2014 Draft the Cleveland Indians have selected right-handed pitcher Micah Miniard out of Boyle County High School (KY).

Born: 4/12/1996 – Height: 6’7” – Weight: 195 – Bats: Right – Throws: Right

Ranks:

Baseball America: 393

Jeff Ellis: Micah Miniard is a very interesting arm, considered by most the top prep arm in the state of Kentucky. He is a huge right hander at 6’7” who sits in the mid 80’s but hit 94 this year. Any kid with his size obvious needs to fill out and this is clearly a kid who has an excellent chance to add some velocity. His best pitch his curveball which flashes plus, but his fastball has some deception in it thanks to his late release from his long frame. This is clearly another upside gamble by the Indians. Miniard has the size and stuff to be a starter, but he has also had some consistency issues. He is a player who will be signed and coached up and I am sure they will work on strengthening as well. I like this pick. Miniard is an interesting talent and worth the risk, especially if he signs for right around slot.

9 278 Pantoja, Alexis Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (Puerto Rico) SS S/S HS 5'11" 150lbs DOB: 01/18/96

Two years after Carlos Correa became the first Puerto Rican to be drafted first overall, the best player on the island is once again a shortstop from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy. Pantoja, however, is a much different player than Correa. Pantoja' defense is well ahead of his offense, and scouts wonder if he will hit enough to be an everyday player. He has a sound approach at the plate, but he has below-average power and will need to put weight on his wispy frame. Pantoja is a slick fielder, capable of making all the plays at the position. He has a solid arm and good range, despite not having great speed. Pantoja earns praise for his baseball IQ and aggressive play. He is committed to Alabama State.