NYPL Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Indians Sign 1st Round Pick, Assign to Mahoning Valley

Published on June 16, 2012 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Mahoning Valley Scrappers News Release


CLEVELAND -- The Indians wasted little time signing their top two picks from last week's First-Year Player Draft.

With the July 13 signing deadline still nearly a month away, Cleveland agreed to terms with both outfielder Tyler Naquin and pitcher Mitch Brown on Friday. Both Naquin and Brown were at Progressive Field before Friday night's game against the Pirates.

Both players will leave Saturday to begin a short season in the Minor Leagues. Naquin will head to Class A Mahoning Valley and Brown will go to Rookie League Arizona.

"We were fortunate to be able to get both Mitch and Tyler signed and out playing," said Indians scouting director Brad Grant. "To get both of these guys out and starting to develop now, and get a full short season in is definitely an advantage to both of them."

Naquin, the 15th overall pick out of Texas A&M, will receive a $1.75 million signing bonus. He hit .380 with 18 doubles, six triples, three home runs and 49 RBIs in 61 games for the Aggies last season. The Indians plan to develop him as a center fielder.

"You dream about it as a kid," Naquin said. "To make it come true -- it's an unbelievable experience. The journey doesn't stop here. ... The goal is just to work your way up as fast as you can and play hard."

The Indians have now signed 12 of their 40 Draft picks, overall.

Media Day is today, June 16th at 2:00 pm at Eastwood Field. The Scrappers home opener is Wednesday, June 20th at 7:05 pm against the Jamestown Jammers. They open the season on the road in Jamestown on Monday, June 18th.

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