Detroit Tigers Make History with Their First Round Pick
The Tigers made history yesterday in the Major League Baseball draft. They took Arizona State slugger Spencer Torkelson. He is the first college first baseman and the first ever right handed first baseman ever taken with the first overall pick. Naturally, the Tigers plan on moving him to third base. He is considered the safest pick in the MLB draft but he played first base at Arizona State. Now, as well as getting up to speed on MLB pitching, he'll have to learn a new position. He could also play left field if third doesn't work out.
Torkelson prides himself on being a baseball player and is looking forward to the transition. What did you want him to say... "WTF?"
He lead College Baseball in Home Runs as a freshmen with 25 and hit 23 last year. Scouts say he compares to Mets All-Star slugger Pete Alonso but more athletic.
It's rare for a first baseman to be taken first overall. The last one was Adrian Gonzalez 20 years ago and he went on to have a 15 year career. The only other first baseman ever taken first overall was Ron Blomberg in 1967 by the Yankees. His claim to fame was he was the first designated hitter in MLB history.
Welcome to Michigan Spencer Torkelson! Hopefully we'll get to see you play this year.