Drafted in the 4th round (103rd overall) by the Chicago Cubs in 2003 (signed for $375,000).
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Richie has a reputation for indifferent play, but his supporters say that's unfair because he's so smooth behind the plate that it makes him look lackadaisical. Few catchers frame pitches as well as Richie does, a major factor in No. 1 Florida State's 2.77 regular-season ERA, the second-best in NCAA Division I. He had shoulder surgery after his freshman year but has recovered. He shows average arm strength and makes accurate throws. Richie has a long swing geared to the short right-field porch at Dick Howser Stadium and doesn't look strong with the bat. Opponents say they can pound him inside with fastballs and don't think he'll show much power as a pro. But catchers are scarce and he's so gifted defensively that a team could overdraft him in the first round. On talent, he's more of a third- to fifth-rounder.
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Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Chicago Cubs in 2004
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