2012 Indians 15th round pick: Catcher Nelson Rodriguez
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By Jim Pete June 5, 2012
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With their 15th round pick in the 2012 MLB Draft the Cleveland Indians select catcher Nelson Rodriguez out of George Washington High School in New York City.
Ranks:
Perfect Game: 395
Jeff Ellis: Nelson Rodriguez is a massive catcher at 6'2" 250, who is going to move to first base. He has massive power to all fields and won the Perfect Game Home run contest in 2011, which was held in Petco Park. He managed to hit home runs in all parts of the field. He has a great arm but is just too big to be a catcher. His hit tool is a question, but the massive right handed power to all fields is what got him drafted. If he can hit enough, then he has the power to play first base and be an interesting prospect down the line. I think a good chance he might sign, as I am sure the Indians checked with him. He is a community college commit and might be signed away for 100K, which is still a significant chunk of money.
Jim Pete: Just watching his early swings, and hearing a bit from Jeff and others posting, this kid reminds me of Jesus Aguilar, the current Carolina Mudcats first baseman, although he could actually have a bit more advanced bat at this early age. The only reason why I think they can sign this kid is because he's clearly a kid in New York City struggling to find a place to play. A hundred grand is a ton of money for a kid like this, and I'd think heading to the Indians instead of community college may be his best way to the bigs.
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Jim is currently the co-site editor, the ATF/Carolina Mudcats/Indians/General Site Columnist, and the co-host of IPI's weekly online radio show, Smoke Signals. You can follow Jim on Twitter @Jim_IPI, or contact him via e-mail at jpete@indiansprospectinsider.com.
