INDIANS Draft to focus on catchers, pitchers

Cleveland has three first round picks in next week's amateur draft.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
The Cleveland Indians' draft philosophy is simple: Pick the best player on the board.
With the amateur baseball draft one week away, the Indians are preparing to stock their farm system with more talent.
John Mirabelli, head of scouting operations and assistant general manager, knows the pressure is on him and his staff to make good decisions for a rebuilding franchise.
"We realize that when you're going to rebuild, a lot of the focus and emphasis is put on the draft," Mirabelli said. "We understand that. We know we have to deliver the players.
"For [general manager] Mark Shapiro and [owner] Larry Dolan's plan to work, we have to be successful."
Multiple picks
In the 50-round draft that will be held by conference call June 3-4, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have the first pick. The Indians have the 11th, 18th and 31st picks in the first round.
The 18th and 31st picks, with the latter being a supplemental first-round selection, are compensation for the Philadelphia Phillies signing Jim Thome as a Type A free agent.
"It's a good crop," Mirabelli said of this year's draft class. "The consensus in the industry is that there isn't an impact franchise kind of player, but a lot of good players."
The 2003 draft class is unusually deep in position players, Mirabelli said.
"It's a rare year," he said. "Pitching is always a strength in the draft, but this is one of those unique years when position players outnumber the pitchers."
Targeting talent
Although Mirabelli declined to name players that interest the Indians, he did say the organization is looking to fill needs at catcher and pitcher.
"Like in a lot of organizations, there seems to be a shortage in catching," he said. "Everybody in baseball acclaims our No. 1-rated prospect in Victor Martinez. After that, we're a little thin there."
With their top pick in last year's draft, the Indians selected pitcher Jeremy Guthrie from Stanford. The right-hander already has worked his way to Double-A Akron, impressing the Tribe's brass.
"Less than a year out of the [2002] draft and to have a player at Double-A with dominating numbers, he's certainly made a big impact," Mirabelli said.
Stocking the Scrappers
Many of the players selected in the draft will end up with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.
Of the Indians' first 24 picks last year, 11 saw time at the Class-A short-season affiliate that plays in Niles.
Making the most impact at Mahoning Valley last season was outfielder Ben Francisco, a fifth-round pick from UCLA.
Francisco won the New York-Penn League's batting title with a .349 average and earned two player-of-the-year awards.
"He was outstanding," Mirabelli said. "He exceeded our expectations."
Once he recovers from a wrist injury suffered in spring training, Francisco probably will be sent to Class-A Kinston, Mirabelli said.
Valley-bound
Players currently in extended spring training whom the Indians are looking to send to Mahoning Valley, Mirabelli listed, include pitchers Rodolfo Navarro, Dan Rich, Blake Taylor and Chris White, and outfielders Mike Conroy, Jose Cruz and Luis Hodge.
Mirabelli said the Indians are satisfied with Mahoning Valley as its short-season affiliate.
"It's awesome," he said. "It has everything for our players -- from the host families to the fan support to the facilities. You cannot ask for anything more than that for an entry-level position into baseball."
richesson@vindy.com