2012 Indians 27th round pick: RHP Ray Castillo
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June 6, 2012
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In the 27th round of the 2012 MLB Draft the Cleveland Indians have selected right-handed pitcher Ray Castillo out of Russell County High School (AL).
Date of birth: 3/23/1994 - Height: 6’0” - Weight: 180 - Bats: Right - Throws: Right
Quick take: The Indians continues to take high school right-handed arms even late in the draft. Castillo is committed to the University of Alabama. He features a three pitch mix of a fastball, curveball and changeup with a fastball that sits in the upper 80s and has flashed 91 MPH. He has a loose delivery, quick arm, and build where as he matures and gets better coaching his stuff is expected to play up a lot more.
Jeff Ellis: Ray Castillo is a 6'1" right hander committed to Alabama. He is an interesting pitcher in that he throws a low 90's fastball that has been gaining velocity over the last year. He throws a solid curve and has a working change. Any high school player is going to be a hard sign at this point, especially one committed to a major school. The intrigue on Castillo is that he had a bit of a jump this year in terms of velocity which I am sure made teams like the Indians think that there might be even more velocity in his arm going forward. I also found this pick interesting because after going for so many huge arms, this is the third straight pick of a pitcher who would be considered undersized. I like this approach as size to me is over played. A guy who can play can play and there is value in players who are shorter at this point in the draft.
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