Draft Recap: D-backs Focus on Drafting Position Players

With an abundance of quality pitching stocked in the Diamondbacks’ farm system, the focus for the organization heading into the 2012 First Year Player Draft was to find quality position players and build depth throughout the organization. Unlike years prior, the team found themselves selecting at the end of each round thanks to their run to the top of the NL West last year. The team was also able to resign their core group of free agents during the off season so they did not receive any extra draft compensation for those free agents.

Three names that stood out:

Stryker Trahan. I believe the D-backs struck gold with their selection of the Acadiana High School Prospect at No. 26 overall. Some regard Trahan as the best catching prospect in the entire draft. With a rare combination of size, speed (for his position), and ability to make contact, Trahan has the makeup to be the D-backs backstop of the future. Thanks to Miguel Montero’s new contract extension, the team has plenty of time to groom Trahan and allow him to develop his raw talent.

Jose Munoz. With so much uncertainty regarding Stephen Drew’s injury and post season plans (he’s in a free agent year), the D-backs found it necessary to find some talent up the middle. In comes Jose Munoz, a High School prospect out of Hacienda Heights, California. The speedy shortstop also possesses a strong arm, and the ability to get on base. His swing could use some work, but some time in the farm system will do him good. A potential future leadoff hitter, I think it was a solid selection with the 90th overall pick.

Jake Barrett. The Valley native and Arizona St. standout was a steal with the 120th overall pick. Having been drafted by Toronto three years ago, Barrett decided to stay close to home and signed with ASU out of High School. Good thing for the D-backs! He’s a big boy who can throw hard, similar to a JJ Putz or Heath Bell type pitcher out there on the mound. With an above average fastball, a slider, and a changeup, he has the ability to come out of the bullpen and be an effective closer.  During this past season, Barrett was able to compile a 1.62 ERA while pitching in 33.1 innings.

Overall, I was happy with the selections we made. We definitely maximized the value of our picks, selecting prospects that were predicted to get snagged earlier in the draft. With the addition of these prospects, management continues to build our farm system into one of the best in all of baseball.