Drafted in the 8th round (240th overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 2010 (signed for $1,000,000).
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Lavisky and batterymate Stetson Allie could be the highest-drafted pair of high school teammates in the 2010 draft. Allie has pitched his way into the upper half of the first round, while Lavisky's all-around ability and makeup have created interest as early as the sandwich round. More likely, he'll go around the third. He's a strong, 6-foot-1, 210-pounder with plus power from the right side of the plate. He has a sound swing, though there are potential issues with his timing and bat speed that may hamper his ability to hit for a high average. Because Allie has an electric and sometimes erratic arm, Lavisky has gotten plenty of experience receiving pro-quality stuff and has developed into a quality receiver. He has slightly above-average arm strength and makes accurate throws, though he could stand to shorten his release. St. Edward's starting quarterback before he decided to give up football last fall, Lavisky is a better athlete than most catchers and has strong leadership skills. He's not afraid to get on the talented Allie when needed. Lavisky has committed to Georgia Tech and will be a draft-eligible sophomore in 2012 if he attends college.
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The Indians didn't have to go far to scout Lavisky, who went to high school five miles from Progressive Field. He won a 2010 Ohio Division I championship at St. Edward High (Lakewood, Ohio), where his teammates included Pirates second-round pick Stetson Allie and Tommy Mirabelli, whose father John is Cleveland's vice president of scouting operations. Some teams considered Lavisky a sandwich-round talent, but his seven-figure asking price allowed him to slide to the Indians in the eighth round. He signed for $1 million and has the potential to be a solid all-around catcher. Handling Allie's high-90s (and sometimes erratic) fastballs in high school prepared Lavisky well for pro ball. He's athletic and a good receiver. He has a solid-average, accurate arm, though his release can get long. Lavisky's best offensive tool is his above-average raw power. He's strong and has quick wrists, but he's not a pure hitter. His swing can get long and can create timing problems, leading to strikeouts. Like most catchers, he's a below-average runner. Lavisky draws great reviews for his leadership and intangibles behind the plate, showing advanced maturity for his age. He should open 2011 at Lake County, 25 miles from his hometown.
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