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Missoula PaddleHeads

Two Top Draft Picks Join Osprey

August 14, 2013 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release


MISSOULA, MONT. -- The Osprey took on a new look after a series of roster moves on Wednesday, with two of the Arizona Diamondbacks' highest 2013 draft picks coming to Missoula. The D-backs have promoted OF Justin Williams and 2B Jamie Westbrook to Missoula from the Arizona League, and reassigned 2B Denver Chavez to Hillsboro of the Northwest League (Short-Season A). The D-backs selected Williams in the 2nd Round (#52 overall) of this year's Draft on June 6 out of Terrebonne High School in Williams' native Louisiana, signed him on June 16, and assigned him to the AZL. Williams hit .345 for the young D-Backs in 37 games, with one home run and 32 RBIs. He posted a .398 on-base percentage and slugged .446. The 17-year old led the team in batting average, RBIs and doubles (12). His "secondary numbers" were also impressive - Williams hit .354 with runners on base and .360 with runners in scoring position. Williams led the AZL in hits (51), tied for 2nd in RBIs and was 3rd in batting average.

Williams was drafted as a shortstop -- the position he played in high school. But scouts predicted he'd be moved to the outfield, which is exactly what the Diamondbacks did. Williams has exclusively played outfield in the AZL and will be an outfielder for the Osprey. Baseball America's scouting report on the 6-2, 215-pound Williams described him as "a man-child with huge raw power ... some scouts (put) top-of-the-scale power grades on him ... needs to keep his feet quieter and hit from a solid foundation to get to his power ... strong enough to drive the ball to all parts of the park ... (he'll) have to add polish to hit better pitching."

Westbrook joined the Arizona organization after being drafted in the 5th Round (#150 overall) out of Basha High School in Chandler, AZ and signing on June 9. He's played 40 games in the Arizona League, batting .292 with one homer and 20 RBIs. He posted a .468 slugging percentage and hit .328 with runners in scoring position. Westbrook led the AZL in triples (8), was tied for 3rd in total bases (72), 4th in runs scored (31) and 5th in at bats (154). He had signed to play college ball at Pepperdine before being drafted. MLB.com's scouting report said Westbrook has "a very good feel for hitting and, even with a small frame, has plus bat speed ... good instincts and is very aggressive on the basepaths ... should be a solid base stealer in pro ball ... profiles best at second base and should be an above-average defender ... great baseball IQ and outstanding makeup."

Westbrook has played exclusively at second base in the AZL. He's a distant cousin of former NFL running back Brian Westbrook. Both Williams and Westbrook are expected to join the Osprey in time for tonight's game against Grand Junction at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. Chavez hit .185 in 20 games for the Osprey, with three triples and four RBIs. Arizona picked him in the 30th Round of this year's First Year Player Draft after a senior season at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in which he hit .357 and stole 17 bases. The Mustangs were 40-19 and qualified for the NCAA tournament. Osprey tickets can be purchased at the MSO Hub Box Office at 140 North Higgins Avenue in downtown Missoula, by phone at (406) 543-3300, or online at www.missoulaosprey.com.

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