The Reds had the #2 overall pick in last night’s MLB Draft. It was the Reds highest draft pick since 1983. There was obviously a lot of pressure on the Reds to get this pick right. The consensus from most baseball writers was that the Reds made the right decision here. Obviously, we will not know the truth for years to come. This is basically a lottery ticket. Let’s just hope the Reds chose the right ticket.
The Reds drafted 3B/INF Nick Senzel from the University of Tennessee with the #2 overall pick in the MLB Draft. Senzel hit .352/.456/.595 with 8 HR in his junior season with the Vols. Reports are that Senzel is a very polished college player, who hits for average and power. Senzel is a good defensive third baseman, who has also played second base. Senzel also has good speed, as he stole 25 bases this season for Tennessee.
Peter Gammons was asked during the MLB Network draft broadcast who he thought would be the fastest player to reach the MLB, and Gammons said Senzel. We’ve recently seen college hitters such as Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber from the Cubs reach the big leagues within two seasons. It wouldn’t be crazy to see Senzel reach the big leagues by 2018.
Here is more on Senzel:
Cincinnati Enquirer’s C. Trent Rosecrans
Senzel was certainly seen as the best college hitter available.
At Tennessee, Senzel played all four infield positions, with most of his action this season coming at third base. Of the questions about Senzel, his ability to stick there has been one of the biggest.
His college coach, Dave Serrano, recently said he has no doubt Senzel could stick at third and even thinks he could start at shortstop.
The next step is for Senzel to get signed. Although he said he’s anxious to start his pro career, there’s also a matter of millions of dollars on the line. The slot pick for the No. 2 pick is $7.763 million. Senzel is represented by Scott Boras.
Listed at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Senzel has a muscular, pro build that looks about five to 10 pounds denser. He’s barrel-chested with broad shoulders and, in general, well developed and proportioned. Though he won’t get much stronger than he already is, you probably don’t want him to, either, as added mass would just limit his flexibility and medium-twitch athleticism.
Senzel has the tools to hit for both average and power thanks to his feel for the barrel, natural strength and advanced strike-zone awareness.
Hit: 60Raw Power: 55/60Game Power: 50Field: 40/45Throw: 55/55Run: 50/50FV: 55
Patrick Jeter will introduce Taylor Trammell, the #35 overall pick at 2:00 PM.