Indians Draft SS Lindor With Top Pick

With the 8th pick in this years MLB Amateur draft, the Cleveland Indians went with 17 year old SS Francisco Lindor. The youngster out of Montverde Academy in Florida, will eventually add a fine switch hitting bat in the middle infield. Although many experts had predicted a pitcher as the Indians' first selection, the thought of Lindor in the future was too much to pass up.

The Tribe currently has Asdrubal Cabrera at SS, but his fielding is below average and would be a better fit at second. Lindor brings great fielding along with great speed and could end up stealing between 15 and 20 bases a year. However, moving Cabrera back to second impedes the progress of minor league star Jason Kipnis. But, this is an issue that wont be faced till about four years from now. I wouldn't mind that problem if all three are producing well in four years.

Our farm system is already packed with pitching depth and Lindor adds a bat to the mix. With many of our other bats projected to be called up later this year or next, Lindor could be the cornerstone of our farm system. Some experts had him pegged as a top-5 pick. I look forward to watch his progress along the minor league system and hopefully becomes a stud down the line.