Cleveland Indians: Who will represent the team during the 2017 MLB Draft?
By Ryan Rosko
The 2017 MLB Draft is coming up, so who will be there supporting the Cleveland Indians?
In recent drafts, the Cleveland Indians have done very well. Back in 2011, Cleveland drafted shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Other notable first rounders are outfielder Clint Frazier in 2013 and left-handed pitcher Justus Sheffield in 2014. Not to mention promising right-handed pitcher Triston McKenzie, who was selected in 2015.
Of course Frazier and Sheffield are no longer with the organization. However, if it were not for them, left-handed reliever Andrew Miller would not be a key piece to Cleveland’s bullpen.
Thinking about it now, the trade package the Tribe gave up is still a lot, but one must give up top talents to improve the big league roster.
Who will be the next big time addition Cleveland adds? That remains to be seen, but we do know who will be at that the draft representing them.
According to Cleveland.com‘s Zack Meisel, former closer Mike Jackson will be in attendance, starting on June 12.
Former Cleveland Indians reliever Mike Jackson to represent team at MLB Draft https://t.co/sD0SirP542
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) June 2, 2017
Now, Cleveland won’t be drafting in the round because they signed first baseman/designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion this past offseason. Per Meisel, two of their first three picks are close together and Jackson will not be the only former Indians player at the draft either.
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The Indians’ first three picks are 64, 71, and 102. Other familiar faces at the draft will be former outfielders Nick Swisher (for the New York Yankees), David Murphy (for the Texas Rangers), and Austin Kearns (for the Cincinnati Reds).
According to baseball-reference.com, Jackson pitched for Cleveland from 1997-1999. During that time, he accumulated a 6-10 record, along with a 2.99 ERA, 94 saves, and a 1.108 WHIP.
Prior to the drafting of Lindor, Cleveland went quite awhile without consistent success with their first selections (regardless of round) over the years. After the 2011 draft when Cleveland brought in Lindor to the fold, the depth has increased overall in the organization.
Yes, the depth helps the franchise is general. However, when Lindor was drafted, it really seemed like the light bulb turned on. The successful run they are on now started with that selection. From there, opportunities came up with trades, like the one for Miller.
Also, hitting on draft picks early has helped the minor league foundation overall. Without their early draft success, additional pressure would have been placed on both Cleveland’s front office and players drafted a lit bit later on to develop faster.
Next: 7 Indians' trade targets
Luckily, that is not the case. Jackson helped Cleveland in his time during the postseason. Hopefully he is a good luck charm during the upcoming draft as the Tribe’s successful drafts continues!