Stryker Trahan Officially Signs With Arizona Diamondbacks (Or So He Tweets)

2012 MLB Draft Results, Day 3: Arizona Diamondbacks Picks

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced they selected 25 additional players in rounds 16-40 of the 2012 MLB Draft today. Of the D-backs’ 40 picks over the last three days, they selected 4 catchers, 10 infielders, 8 outfielders, 3 left-handed pitchers and 15 right-handed pitchers.

Today’s selections of note include: LHP Mathew Dermody (23rd round, 723 overall) from the University of Iowa; RHP Chris Capper (26th round, 813 overall) the co-captain for BYU's baseball team; RHP Chase Stevens (30th round, 933 overall), coming off a strong season at Oklahoma State University; outfielder Cam Gibson (38th round, 333rd overall), a 2012 Louisville Slugger Pre-Season High School All-American who's headed to Michigan State, and right-handed pitcher Zane Hemond (40th round, 1,233rd overall) is the grandson to D-backs staff member Roland Hemond.

Here's a list of today's draft picks.

• 513th pick: SS Landon Lassiter, North Davidson HS, North Carolina
• 543rd pick: OF Yogey Perez-Ramos, Miami Dade CC South< FL
  
• 573rd pick: 2B Kevin Medrano, Missouri State, MO
  
• 603rd pick: RHP RJ Hively Ole Miss, MS
  
• 633rd pick: 1B Jacob House, Texas A&M, Texas
• 663rd pick: 1B Rudy Flores, Florida International, FL
  
• 693rd pick: RHP Holden Helmink, Willis HS, TX
  
• 723rd pick: LHP Matthew Dermody, Iowa, IA
  
• 753rd pick: 3B Mark Ginther, Oklahoma State, OK
  
• 783rd pick: RHP Vincent Spilker, Lee University, TN
  
• 813th pick: RHP Christopher Capper, BYU, UT
  
• 843rd pick: CF Damion Smith, Holy Names Catholic HS
  
• 873rd pick: SS Max Schrock, Cardinal Gibbons HS, NC
  
• 903rd pick: SS Adam McConnell, Richmond, VA
  
• 933rd pick: RHP Shelby Stevens, Oklahoma State U, OK
  
• 963rd pick: RHP Andrew Potter, Eastside HS, CA
  
• 993rd pick: LHP Daniel Watts, Jacksonville State University, AL
  
• 1023rd pick: RHP Jonathan Pulley, Spartanburg Methodist College, SC
  
• 1053rd pick: RHP Jared Ray, U Houston, TX
  
• 1083rd pick: RHP Robbie Buller, Houston Baptist U, TX
  
• 1113rd pick: LHP Andrew Barbosa, South Florida, FL
  
• 1143rd pick: CF Breland Almadova, Hawaii U, HI
  
• 1173rd pick: CF Cameron Gibson, Grosse Pointe South HS, MI
  
• 1203rd pick: C Rafael Garcia, Gilroy HS, CA
  
• 1233rd pick: RHP Zane Hemond, Montrose HS, CO

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MLB Draft 2012: Diamondbacks Have Strong Showing In Early Rounds

The Arizona Diamondbacks have done a very nice job of drafting, developing and sending their homegrown players to the Major League level in recent years. The club was picking a bit later than they're accustomed to at the 2012 MLB Draft due to their strong run last season, but most scouts seem to like their picks thus far.

Keith Law of ESPN took a look at the D-backs' first five picks ($) and gave some thoughts on each player. Here is a snippet from his evaluations:

I loved Stryker Trahan (1) with the first pick; he's improving as a catcher, and he's athletic enough to do it, but more importantly I think he'll hit and hit for power, so if he has to move out from behind the plate he still has a chance to profile. Jose Munoz (2) was a mild surprise, a lean-bodied shortstop with a plus arm and future above-average power who has a pretty high ceiling if he can stay at the position. Jake Barrett (3) has outstanding stuff, up to 96 mph with a plus slider and pretty good control, but it's a violent delivery and he's had multiple bouts of elbow soreness. Chuck Taylor (4) can run and play center, but the bat is a huge gamble. Ronnie Freeman (5) projects as a backup catcher who's good enough to the play the position but not plus and doesn't have the bat to profile as a regular.

These are simply one man's opinions, but it does seem like Arizona did a nice job in the first few rounds this week. With the first two days in the books (rounds 1 through 15) it is imperative for the club to find a few of the diamonds in the rough on Wednesday, especially in the later rounds.

The third and final day of the 2012 draft will begin at 9 a.m. MST on Wednesday. Rounds 16 through 40 will be completed in what will be a very busy day for young baseball players all across the country.

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MLB Draft 2012: A Rundown Of the Arizona Diamondbacks' Picks

After a fast and furious second day at the MLB Draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks have now made 15 selections. With the 26th overall pick, the D-Backs went with catcher Stryker Trahan, a high schooler out of Acadiana in Louisiana. With their 2nd and 3rd picks, they took a shortstop out of Los Altos HS California named Jose Munoz and a right-handed pitcher out of Arizona State, Jake Barrett.

With the 153rd overall pick, the D-Backs chose CF Chuck Taylor. With 183 overall, they went with another catcher, Ronnie Freeman out of Kennesaw State. According to MLB.com's scouting report on Freeman, he "is a good power-hitting college catcher who isn't a bad defender, either. Freeman has shown he is capable of being a middle-of-the-order bat this season at Kennesaw State by driving in runs and showing off his above-average power. He has good strike-zone discipline and has shown the ability to draw walks consistently. Defensively, he has a decent arm but doesn't have the quickness behind the plate that you want out a catcher. He should have the ability to stay behind the plate in pro ball, and this, combined with his power potential, should make him a valuable prospect in the Draft."

With the 213th pick, Arizona grabbed 3B Jacob Lamb of the Washington Huskies. Check out the 6'3, 215 pound left-handed batter's scouting video here.

Here are the rest of the Diamondbacks picks from Tuesday, with analysis soon to follow.

243 Overall: SS Andrew Velazquez, Fordham Prep School, NY

273 Overall: CF Evan Marzilli, South Carolina

303 Overall: RHP Jeff Gibbs, University of Maine - Orono

333 Overall: OF Daniel Poma, Hofstra

363 Overall: Ben Eckels, Davis Senior HS, CA

393 Overall: CF Keith Glenn, Arizona Christian

423 Overall: C Phildrick Llewellyn, Trinity Christian Academy, FL

453 Overall: RHP Derrick Stultz, South Florida

483 Overall: RHP Michael Forslund, Liberty University

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MLB Draft 2012: Diamondbacks Select SS Jose Munoz, RHP Jake Barrett

With the 90th overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Jose Munoz, a shortstop out of Los Altos HS, California. Scouting video, courtesy of MLB.com, found here.

With the 120th overall pick, the D-Backs went with 6'4, 220 lb RHP Jake Barrett. Per MLB.com's scouting report, "The Blue Jays made a run at signing the big right-hander when he was an Arizona high school product, but he headed to ASU instead. Three years later, he's emerging as one of the hardest-throwing arms from the college crop.Getting body comps to big relievers like Heath Bell and Jonathan Broxton, Barrett can flat-out bring it. He has the stuff to be a starter -- a role he fills in college -- with the plus fastball, a slider and a changeup. But his size to go along with a maximum effort delivery and spotty command have many believing he'll be in the back end of a bullpen as a reliever.A team could send him out as a starter in order to let him work on his pitches, but with a fastball that hits the upper-90s and the kind of aggressive mentality you like to see in a short reliever, he could move more quickly in a bullpen role."

More coming soon on the rest of the Diamonbacks' 2012 MLB Draft selections...

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Stryker Trahan Thrilled To Be a Diamondback

Stryker Trahan comes from a family of catchers in Louisiana. That much we learned Monday night after the Diamondbacks made him the 26th overall pick of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft Monday night.

Trahan said he's been a catcher since he started playing baseball. His parents, uncles, an aunt and a few cousins all served behind the plate, and his favorite major-league catcher is Jonathan Lucroy of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Trahan hopes everything goes smoothly with contract negotiations so that he can join the D-backs organization. He is committed to Mississippi for college, but admittedly wasn't thinking about that as he and his family reveled in the joy of his selection.

"Before I knew it, I was being thrown in the pool," Trahan said of the draft day celebration at his home, where family and friends gathered.

After Monday's day of congratulations for the high-school senior, there's a sense from both the D-backs and Trahan that both parties can agree to a deal and bonus money.

D-backs' Execs Discuss Selection Of Stryker Trahan In MLB Draft

The Arizona Diamondbacks have their guy in Louisiana high-school star catcher Stryker Trahan after choosing him in the first round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft Monday, and all I can think of is the "Airplane!" movie character played by Robert Hays.

He played the lead role, and ex-military pilot named Ted Striker.

We move on. Trahan has a name not easily forgotten, and Diamondbacks director of scouting Ray Montgomery and general manager Kevin Towers are looking forward to seeing what their big prize of the day will do within the organization.

Montgomery told reporters Monday after the selection of Trahan that he likes the youngster as a catcher, his natural position, and that it was his ability to hit that really stood out.

"Obviously he's going to have some work to do back there (behind the plate)," Montgomery said. "But I think with the bat profile where it is and the position he plays and the fact that he hits left-handed, it's a pretty good package and I'm very happy to get it at (pick) No. 26."

Montgomery feels Trahan is athletic enough to play perhaps left field, though the plan is to keep him at catcher.

As a hitter, Montgomery likes Trahan's swing and feels he will develop more power. The D-backs feel confident in being able to sign Trahan, who has committed to Ole Miss.

Towers said Trahan addresses an organizational need and that scouts scoured the U.S. and Latin America looking for quality catching prospects. He said the club felt Trahan was one of the top two catchers in the draft.

"Stryker certainly has all the intangibles to be able stay back there for a long time," Montgomery said. "He's a leader on the football team, so I think you put that combined with his overall athletic package and you get a pretty nice package behind the plate. And again, the bat being the key."

Trahan moved from linebacker to quarterback of his high school team.

2012 MLB Draft: Arizona Diamondbacks Select Stryker Trahan With 26th Pick Overall

After waiting almost the entire first round, the Arizona Diamondbacks were able to draft the guy they were targeting. With the 26th pick in the MLB Draft, they selected high school catcher Stryker Trahan.

The young left-handed hitting catcher, from Louisiana, has a big bat. He batted .460 with five homers and 39 RBI, slugging .736.

Before you think that the D-backs have drafted the eventual replacement for catcher Miguel Montero, there are doubts about his ability to play catcher at the highest level. His bat is way ahead of his glove and there is the possibility he gets moved to another position, such as a corner outfield position.

However, with his youth, swing and strength from the left side of the plate, Arizona was able to get the guy they really wanted.

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2012 MLB Mock Draft: Diamondbacks Might Target Addison Russell

The 2012 MLB Draft begins on Monday and the Arizona Diamondbacks are the holders of the No. 26 overall pick. They'll be hoping to pick up a quality prospect in the first round.

In the latest mock draft at Minor League Ball, John Sickels believes the D-backs will use their first-round pick to select a shortstop. Here's his take:

26) Arizona Diamondbacks: Tons of options here, although everyone thinks Arizona is looking for hitting. The farm system needs depth up the middle, and Addison Russell, SS, Florida HS would fit the bill. Other options: Stephen Piscotty, Rahier, Roache, or James Ramsey as a no-hassle pick.

We'll have to wait and see how it all works out for the Diamondbacks. More infield help for the next few years would certainly be welcomed as the Diamondbacks continue to grow together and gel as a team.

For all news and information regarding the Arizona Diamondbacks, please visit AZ Snake Pit.

2012 MLB Draft Order: Where The Diamondbacks Will Pick

The 2012 MLB Draft takes place on Monday and the Arizona Diamondbacks will be hoping to make a splash. The three-day event runs through Wednesday, but the first round on Monday will naturally be the main event.

As one of the few drawbacks of being the reigning National League West champions, the Diamondbacks will have one of the lower picks in the first round. They hold the No. 26 overall pick, but luckily the talent pool is quite deep this year. Some teams, such as the Los Angeles Angels, will be without first-round picks this year, so the D-backs can consider themselves lucky.

Here's the full draft order for Monday's first round.

1 Houston Astros
2 Minnesota Twins
3 Seattle Mariners
4 Baltimore Orioles
5 Kansas City Royals
6 Chicago Cubs
7 San Diego Padres
8 Pittsburgh Pirates
9 Miami Marlins
10 Colorado Rockies
11 Oakland Athletics
12 New York Mets
13 Chicago White Sox
14 Cincinnati Reds
15 Cleveland Indians
16 Washington Nationals
17 Toronto Blue Jays
18 Los Angeles Dodgers
19 St. Louis Cardinals
20 San Francisco Giants
21 Atlanta Braves
22 Toronto Blue Jays
23 St. Louis Cardinals
24 Boston Red Sox
25 Tampa Bay Rays
26 Arizona Diamondbacks
27 Milwaukee Brewers
28 Milwaukee Brewers
29 Philadelphia Phillies
30 New York Yankees
31 Boston Red Sox

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2012 MLB Draft: Diamondbacks Select Ty Buttrey In Latest Mock Draft

The Arizona Diamondbacks will be picking a bit later than they are used to thanks to their run at the playoffs last season, but they should still be able to add a solid prospect with their first round pick. The club has the No. 26 pick at the 2012 Draft, which will begin on Monday night.

According to Keith Law of ESPN ($), the D-backs will select right-handed pitcher Ty Buttrey in the first round.

Ty Buttrey, RHP, Providence H.S. (Charlotte, N.C.)
Buttrey is lanky and projectable, although at almost 19 years old, he is one of the oldest prep prospects in the class. I also could see prep righties Lucas Sims or Nick Travieso here.

Arizona could look to add a middle infielder or corner outfielder with their first round pick, but a pitcher does seem to be pretty likely. Buttrey has a lot of potential down the road, but he would need at least a few years in the Minor Leagues to harness his command on the mound. His fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s and also features a nasty curveball as his main out pitch.

For more on the Diamondbacks be sure to check out AZ Snake Pit. Follow the SB Nation Arizona StoryStream for continued updates on the 2012 Draft.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Diamondbacks Choose Tyler Naquin In Latest Projection

The MLB Draft takes place June 4th - 6th, and the mock draft projections are rolling in. Arizona holds the 26th pick in the draft after winning their division last season, and according to Through the Fence Baseball's Dan Kirby, an outfielder from Texas A&M should be on Diamondbacks fans' minds. Says Kirby:

26. Arizona Diamondbacks - Tyler Naquin, OF, Texas A&M

The Diamondbacks have stockpiled some impressive pitching over the last couple of drafts. In Naquin, they get one of the best hitters in the draft along with a guy with a reputation as having the best outfield arm in the country. Through 58 games, he is hitting .384 with 15 doubles, six triples, three home runs, 46 RBI and 21 stolen bases. The 6'-2" left-hander has the ability to be a base-stealing threat, as well as the frame to add more power down the road.

Naquin certainly sounds like an interesting prospect and he's a guy to keep an eye on as the D-Backs are expected to go with offense with their first pick.

Here's a scouting report on Naquin from BaseballProspectNation.com:

Summation: Potential tweener. Untested in CF but profile is helped if he can handle the position in pro ball. Solid-average speed, instincts and plus arm give him a good foundation to transition to CF. Has potential to hit and should get on base at a quality level thanks to advanced approach and pitch recognition skills. Power doesn't profile for an outfield corner but would stand up in CF. Could hit .280 with 30 doubles and 12-14 home runs during his best seasons.

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MLB Mock Draft 2012: Stryker Trahan Selected By Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks will have the 26th overall pick at the 2012 MLB Draft, and the club is expected to go with a hitter in the first round. While they will be picking a little later than they're accustomed to (hey, that's what comes with winning a division title) this looks to be a pretty deep draft for talent with the bat.

The latest mock draft from Baseball America was recently released and they had the D-backs taking high school catcher Stryker Trahan. He is the 10th best high school player in the country according to ESPN and is currently signed with Ole Miss on a baseball scholarship. Should he be selected high enough though, most feel he will forgo college and head straight to the pros.

Here is a scouting report on Trahan from ESPN:

Trahan possesses good arm strength, quick feet and a consistent swing that produces above average power from the left side of the plate. He's strong and sturdy, suggesting he can physically handle catching long term, but he also runs well, posting times from home to first in the low-four seconds range. He's committed to Ole Miss, but the 6-foot-1, 215-pounder has a chance to be taken off the board among the top 20 picks and is among the better high school catching prospects over the past five years.

It might seem a little odd for the Diamondbacks to go with a catcher now after signing Miguel Montero to a five-year deal, but catchers always take a long time to develop in the Minor Leagues and Trahan projects to potentially be an elite hitter behind the plate. Arizona may choose to address an area of need rather than take the best overall talent available, but there will be few hitters with a higher ceiling than Trahan next month at the draft.

For more on the D-backs, be sure to check out AZ Snake Pit.

MLB Draft 2012: Arizona Diamondbacks Draft Pick Order

The Arizona Diamondbacks are not in prime position to draft any high-profile prospects this year, but their front office is doing its best to find some diamond in the roughs that could help the major league ball club in the future.

In last year's draft, the Diamondbacks drafted a pair of right-handed pitchers, Trevor Bauer and Archie Bradley at No. 3 and No. 7 overall respectively.

Here are the team's pick positions in the 2012 MLB Draft, taking place on June 4th through June. After the first three rounds and the two compensation pick rounds, the Diamondbacks will hold the 25th pick in rounds 4 through 40. Arizona does not have any picks within the compensation rounds.

• First round, No. 26 overall
• Second round, No. 90 overall
• Third round, No. 120 overall
• Rounds 4 through 40, No. 153 overall (25th pick)

MLB Mock Draft 2012: Diamondbacks Select Pierce Johnson In First Round

Who might the D-backs draft in June with the 26th pick?