PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL Indians prepare for average draft

Many of the drafted players will begin their pro careers with the Scrappers.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
The Cleveland Indians scouting department will be digging deeper than usual to discover prospects with which to stock its farm system.
That's because the 2004 Major League Draft doesn't contain as many "impact, high-caliber" players like in past years, said John Mirabelli, director of scouting operations for the Indians.
"It's a fair draft," Mirabelli said. "There's some depth, particularly on the pitching side. There's some quality arms, but overall I rate it as below average."
Does that make it any tougher on the scouting department?
"It doesn't make it any tougher than any other year," Mirabelli said. "You still try to find guys who might not be coveted as much who will give you some upside."
In the first round of the draft, which will be held Monday and Tuesday by conference call, the Indians hold the sixth pick.
What type of player do they plan on drafting?
"You don't base it on needs," Mirabelli said. "You try to find the best college guy or the best high school guy. We're looking for the player that provides us with the best return and the least amount of risk."
Not until late in the 50-round draft do teams target players based on organizational need, Mirabelli noted. The Indians would like to address speed and right-handed power hitters.
And there's something else.
"It's a clich & eacute;, but you never have enough pitching," Mirabelli said. "When in doubt, lean toward pitching."
Talent pool
According to the magazine Baseball America, Florida State shortstop Stephen Drew is a strong contender to be taken first by the San Diego Padres.
The Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Milwaukee Brewers will draft before the Indians.
In addition to Drew, Baseball America's top 10 players include Rice pitcher Philip Humber, La Grange (Texas) High pitcher Homer Bailey, Redan High (Ga.) shortstop Chris Nelson, Long Beach State pitcher Jered Weaver, Rice pitcher Jeff Niemann, Old Dominion pitcher Justin Verlander, Mission Bay High (Calif.) shortstop Matt Bush, Mount Ararat High (Maine) pitcher Mark Rogers and Vanderbilt pitcher Jeremy Sowers.
Future Scrappers
Mahoning Valley Scrappers fans should take note of the draft next week. Many players drafted by the Indians will play for the Scrappers in the New York-Penn League this summer.
They will also be one step closer to playing in the big leagues and fulfilling childhood dreams.
"Our philosophy is, we have guys move at their own pace. We never try to rush someone" up the minor league ladder, Mirabelli said. "The player tells you by his performance when it's time for him to move."
richesson@vindy.com