Drafted in the 16th round (483rd overall) by the Oakland Athletics in 2009.
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Surefire high school hitters are a scare commodity in Southern California and throughout the 2009 draft class, and that helps Leyland stand out. A 6-foot-3, 225-pounder, he may be the most mature and fundamentally sound high school hitter in the state. In an early season game, one coach told his team of Leyland: "These guys have an Adam Dunn over there." Two homers later the same coach lamented, "I shouldn't have pitched to him." Leyland has average to above-average raw power, which has been on display at showcases nationwide. He has done more in those events than hammer the ball in BP, also showing his power in game action. Few high schoolers are as advanced fundamentally as Leyland. His stance is well balanced, and his swing is short to the ball and long afterward. Leyland does not run well, so first base or catcher will be his future defensive home. While not a polished catcher, his hands work decently at that spot. His arm is acceptable, though he'll need work on his catch and throw technique. Whatever position he plays, Leyland's bat will always be his trump card. Few high school hitters can match his blend of raw power and technical precision.
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Leyland batted .506 with 11 home runs to lead San Dimas High to a southern California sectional championship as a senior. The A's thought he had some of the best raw power in the 2009 draft, so they were thrilled he only cost them a 16th-round pick and a $75,000 bonus. A physical specimen, Leyland is balanced and generates leverage in his swing. He has excellent timing to go with his strength, though he's still refining his approach at the plate. Leyland's defense has a long ways to go He needs plenty of work behind the plate, where he lacks quickness and athleticism. He does have arm strength, but he'll have to clean up his receiving and throwing mechanics. First base is the lone option if catching doesn't work out, because he doesn't run well enough to play anywhere else in the field. The A's can give Leyland time to develop because they have catching prospects at higher levels of the system. He'll probably begin 2010 in extended spring training before heading to Vancouver in June.
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