Indians Grab Blair For $580,000



The Indians have signed fourth-round pick Kyle Blair for $580,000, more than double MLB's $245,700 recommendation for the No. 120 slot. Cleveland still has yet to sign three players drafted in front of Blair: Drew Pomeranz, LeVon Washington and Tony Wolters.

Our scouting report from our Draft Preview:

Kyle Blair, rhp, San Diego

Blair was one of the top high school pitching prospects for the 2007 draft, and the Dodgers took him in the fifth round but did not sign him. His first two seasons at San Diego included bursts of brilliance, nagging injuries (shoulder inflammation in 2009 caused him to miss six weeks) and some struggles. In 2010, Blair has finally delivered on his promise. Earlier in his college career, Blair fought a tendency to overthrow, which caused his front side to pull down and open, lessening his velocity and command. Having improved his mechanics, Blair has also rediscovered his power slider. No longer hesitant to challenge hitters inside, Blair pounds the strike zone with a low to mid-90s fastball, complemented by a slider with depth. He has also added an overhand curve and firm changeup. Blair delivered a sensational one-hit, 15-strikeout masterpiece against Portland in his first May start and was finishing strong. He has matured and improved his fastball control, though he's still lacking in command. A free spirit who has traveled the world and worked with Habitat for Humanity to build homes in Honduras, Blair could still be a No. 3 starter.



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