Drafted in the 12th round (356th overall) by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004.
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Nick Hundley, a fifth-round pick in 2002 and one of Arizona's early-round hopes for the 2005 draft, was supposed to handle the catching duties but was upstaged by junior Richard Mercado, a backup in his first two seasons. A tireless work ethic enabled Mercado to expand his role, and he not only took charge behind the plate but also led the Wildcats with a .343 average. Pitchers preferred throwing to him, and he threw out 13 of 30 basestealers with just an average arm. He displayed sound blocking and receiving skills. Scouts didn't see much power from Mercado, but he's shown it with wood in batting practice.
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