Draft: Mets Draft SS Reese Havens
The Mets have drafted SS Reese Havens from South Carolina with their second first-round pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft.
For video and information on Havens, go to MLB.com, where they write:
“A legitimate prospect in high school, teams were scared off because of a strong commitment to South Carolina. He’s improved steadily in his three years there and has evolved into a good all-around hitter with outstanding plate discpline. He may need to move to third down the road because of his lack of range, but his smarts in the field may at least give him the opportunity to play his way off of short as a pro. At either spot, he’s sure to go off the board pretty quickly.”
According to ESPN’s Keith Law, during his appearance on ESPN 2, Havens is a ‘great baseball player,’ with ‘great eye-hand coordination, and ‘great instincts.’
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Peter Gammons noted that most teams view Havens as a potential catcher, ‘like a Russell Martin type.’
…Update… 4:34 PM…
John Manuel of Baseball America writes about Reese:
Havens resuscitated his career in the Cape Cod League last summer, changing his approach and moving his hands in his swing, and his power took off this spring. He takes a healthy hack but after struggling for two seasons, he took off this year and profiles as an offensive infielder. More than likely, he fits better at second base or third.
