Cubs Select Baez In First Round Of 2011 Draft
Published on June 7, 2011 under Northwest League (NWL1)
Boise Hawks News Release
BOISE, ID-The Chicago Cubs selected infielder Javier Baez with the ninth pick overall of the 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft yesterday. Baez played shortstop for Arlington Country Day School in Jacksonville, Florida and was recommended by area scout Tom Clark.
The right-handed hitter has a "tremendously live bat" and "is versatile in the field" according to Tim Wilken, Cubs Director of Amateur and Professional Scouting. Baez hit .771 (64-for-83) in 115 plate appearances. The 18-year-old knocked 20 doubles, six triples, 22 home runs and 52 RBI in his final high school season. The Puerto Rico native also swiped 28 bases, scoring 46 runs with just three strikeouts and 32 walks.
Baez also led Arlington Country Day to the National Association of Christian Athletics championship his senior year. The six-foot, 205-pounder was named the best pure hitter of all high school eligible players in the draft by Baseball America. Baez has above-average power, hitting line drives to all fields, according to Tom Clark and other scouts.
Baez is described as having a "great arm and a smart baserunner in tune with the game" by Wilken. Baseball America also ranked Baez seventh in best overall position players and fifth in high school position players in his draft class. Scouts are comparing Baez to the 2006 Rookie of the Year, Hanley Ramirez.
The 2011 Rawlings First Team Preseason All-American and First Team Florida All-Region is committed to Jacksonville University. Baez is not the first member of his family to be selected in the draft. His brother, Rolando Agosto-also an infielder-was selected in the 15th round by the San Diego Padres in 2002.
This marks the first time a shortstop was selected by the Cubs with a first overall pick since Lou Montanez in 2000. Montanez, who was converted into an outfielder, is currently on the Cubs Major League roster.
The Hawks began Northwest League play as an independent club from 1987-89. The team was affiliated with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from 1990-2000 and have been with the Chicago Cubs since 2001. The club has won 6 NWL Championships, the most recent banner coming in 2004. Season, mini-pack, flex books, group nights, and single game tickets for Hawks' games are available at 208-322-5000, or online at www.boisehawks.com.
Northwest League Stories from June 7, 2011
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- Cubs Select Baez In First Round Of 2011 Draft - Boise Hawks
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