Dodgers Draft Corey Seager in First Round with No. 18 Pick

The Dodgers did something that they haven’t done in many years today in the first day of the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Historically the Dodgers have favored pitching in the draft, but this year they instead went with a high school infielder from Northwest Cabarrus High School in Concord, North Carolina. Corey Seager is the younger brother of Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager. Like his older brother, 18-year old Corey is an infielder.

Corey has said to be able to play shortstop and third base. Although he was drafted as a shortstop, he is seen as a future third baseman because of his size. The Dodgers’ farm system is clearly lacking in depth for infielders, so this seems like a great pick. Corey batted .519 with 10 homeruns and 37 RBI this year in 28 games for his high school. He has been said to have great bat speed and power potential. He committed to playing and attending the University of South Carolina.

The 6’4″ 205 pound infielder is also successful academically. He boasts a 4.05 weighted G.P.A  and is a member of many extracurricular clubs.

The Dodgers have $5,202,800 designated for their 11 top picks. The amount for the 18th slot is $1.95 million.

The last time the Dodgers selected a position player with their top pick was back in 2002, when assistant general manager Logan White chose James Loney as their first pick.

If the Dodgers aren’t able to sign Seager, he probably will be drafted even higher out of college next time.

The Dodgers continued the trend, and they selected a second young player with baseball lineage this evening. They chose Jesmuel Valentin as the 51st overall pick. Jesmuel is the son of

former Major Leaguer Jose Valentin. If you remember, Jose played one year for the Dodgers in 2005. He only hit .170 in his 58 games. The Dodgers received this slot in the draft after Rod Barajas, a type B free agent, signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates this past offseason. Jesmuel is a 5’10” 175 pound infielder drafted out of the Puerto Rican Baseball Academy. He played alongside number one pick Carlos Correa who was selected by the Houston Astros this evening. He plays shortstop, but is seen as a future second baseman. Valentin is naturally right-handed, but he has also been working on learning to switch-hit. He has committed to LSU.

We will have continuing coverage of the 2012 Draft as day two unfolds tomorrow.