2012 Indians 6th round pick: 2B Joseph Wendle
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June 5, 2012
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With their 6th round pick in the 2012 MLB Draft the Cleveland Indians selected second baseman Joseph Wendle out of West Chester University (PA).
Born: 4/26/1990 – Height: 5’11” – Weight: 190 – Bats: Left – Throws: Right
Links: West Chester player page
Ranks: Unranked
Tony's quick take: The Indians pulled a move similar to what they did in 2010 when they selected infielder Nick Bartolone in the 6th round from out of nowhere and from an unknown school. Not a lot is known about Wendle and this looks like a pick to give the Indians a player to sign for slot or even under it so they can sign some of their tough earlier round picks from the second through fifth rounds. Wendle is a plus defender that has a good feel for hitting and is gamer, which again, sounds a lot like Bartolone coming out of college.
Jeff Ellis: I have to think Wendle is going to be an easy sign, and might even be underslot to help them sign some of the earlier picks. He is a division two player and is a senior. His best tool is his glove and he has shown a good bat in school and in the summer leagues. He is a smart player, knows the strike zone and has an advanced feel for hitting. His combination of a solid bat with his defense and arm, should allow him to end up being a possible utility infielder type down the road for the Tribe.
Press release: Named National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association (NCBWA) first team all-America for the 2012 NCAA Division II college baseball national champions…Also named a first team Capital One/CoSIDA Academic all-America…For his senior season hit .399 (79-198) with 19 2B, 9 3B, 12HR, 59RBI and 64 runs scored in 56 games for West Chester University…Won the PSAC triple crown by leading the conference in batting average, home runs and RBI.
Video: none available
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