Drafted in the 40th round (1,219th overall) by the New York Yankees in 1997.
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Vento was drafted in the 10th round by the Reds out of a New Mexico high school, but opted for junior college instead. A draft-and-follow, he has had to prove himself at every level, battling injuries along the way. He even had a difficult time garnering attention after winning the high Class A Florida State League MVP award in 2001. Vento was limited to 64 games in 2002 after breaking his nose and suffering a second-degree concussion in a home-plate collision. In 2003, he took advantage of his first opportunity in Triple-A after Juan Rivera was promoted to New York. Vento continued to rake in the Arizona Fall League, though a shoulder injury relegated him to DH. Built along the lines of Shane Spencer, Vento makes consistent hard contact and shows above-average power. He has made strides to improve his plate coverage and is no longer as pull-happy, though he still doesn't draw many walks. Vento will spend a full season in Triple-A and be on call in case of emergency in New York. He's not a first-division corner outfielder, though he could fill a reserve role.
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