Drafted in the 2nd round (54th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2004 (signed for $650,000).
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While traditional power Miami has ranked among the top college teams all season, it doesn't have a premium draft pick. San Pedro, the team's leader on the field and in the clubhouse, should be the top pick, possibly in the third or fourth round. He's a pure catch-and-throw backstop, showing a plus arm and soft hands. He blocks everything in the dirt, so his pitchers trust him, and he handles the staff well. Offensively, San Pedro has gotten stronger and has raw power, but his approach is poor and his numbers slipped during the season to .310-7-42. He drifts and lunges in his swing and lacks offensive instincts. His glove could get him to the major leagues quickly, while his bat might limit him to a reserve role.
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The Expos were thin on catching prior to the 2004 draft, and upgrading the position was one of their top priorities. They drafted six backstops and signed four, starting with San Pedro in the second round and another top college catcher, South Florida's Devin Ivany, in the sixth. San Pedro, who signed for $650,000, does his best work behind the plate. He's agile and does an excellent job blocking balls in the dirt. His plus arm allows him to shut down the running game, he calls a good game and he handles pitchers well. The question with San Pedro is his bat. Though he has some pop, he doesn't have a good approach or strong hitting mechanics at the plate. He makes inconsistent contact and will sometimes lunge at the ball, leaving him vulnerable to offspeed stuff. Still, San Pedro should move quickly in an organization that lacks depth at his position, and he has a good chance to start 2005 in high Class A. If he refines his offensive game, he could develop into an everyday, defensive-minded catcher who could hit in the lower half of a lineup.
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Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Washington Nationals in 2006
Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Washington Nationals in 2005
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