Indians select Georgia high school outfielder in draft

Akron Beacon Journal

Clint Frazier had tweeted just seven times and followed only three others on the social media website.

Yet, the newest Indians prospect ought to experience a big bump in followers and should go over 3,000 after becoming the fifth overall selection in the 2013 MLB Draft a little after 7:30 p.m. Thursday night.

When the Indians picked the red-headed Georgia high school outfielder in the first round, Frazier’s Twitter account cjf19 was being followed by 2,896 people.

A significant portion of that total had come from Frazier’s recent cover story in Baseball America’s Annual Draft Preview. Its scouting report included this summary: “While modestly sized, Frazier has fast-twitch athleticism and strength in his hands, wrists and forearms. He generates tremendous bat speed and plus-plus raw power that should play at any level. He hits ’em far and hits homers with regularity.”

Just minutes after the 6-foot-1 Frazier was selected, a couple of Indians players began tweeting and texting their congratulations in an effort to welcome him to the organization.

“Guess I’ll have to check my Twitter by the end of the night,” Frazier, 18, said with a laugh. He said that he “will definitely” sign with the Indians.

A product of Loganville High School, he was recently honored as the Gatorade National Player of the Year. Frazier, who signed a national letter of intent with the University of Georgia, hit .484 with 17 home runs and 45 RBI in 32 games as a senior with a simple offensive approach.

“I just go up there and try to hit the first pitch that’s in the strike zone,” he said.

Frazier will take that approach with him immediately to the professional level. Despite admitting he didn’t know very much about the Indians, he added: “I can promise you that at the end of the night, I will.”

With such a high pick on the first night of the draft that continues for two more days, the Indians had the opportunity to do their fair share of scouting on Frazier. Indians scouting director Brad Grant said the first four picks fell just about as expected.

“He has an impact bat with impact bat speed,” Grant said. “It’s a really loose whippy-fast bat. Not only can he hit, he generates unbelievable power. It’s easy, raw power that translates into the game as he’s able to loft balls out to all fields.”