Phillies Select Larry Greene with Top Draft Pick
Posted by Jay Floyd, Tue, June 07, 2011 06:00 AM | Comments: 6
Draft, Minor Leagues, Posts, Prospecting
On Monday night in Secaucus, NJ, the Phillies selected one of the few players that was actually present at the MLB Network studios. With the 39th overall pick, announced by short-season Williamsport Crosscutters manager Mickey Morandini, the Phillies selected high school outfielder Larry Greene.
Described as a slugger with great tools, Greene stands 6-feet-1-inch tall and is listed at 235 pounds. Greene was an AFLAC all-American in 2010 out of Berrien County High School.
According to the Phillies, Greene posted a .536 average in 30 games with 11 doubles, 19 homers, 52 RBI and 37 walks this season.
At times, the 18-year-old Greene has dabbled with switch hitting and playing third base, but both could likely be discontinued as his natural side (lefty) has proven to be superior and the Phillies will prefer Greene to move forward exclusively in the outfield.
Greene, whose mother passed away late last year, asserted on TV, following the announcement of his selection, that his mother was watching the night’s events. Greene’s father, Larry Greene, Sr., was then brought on stage by MLB Network host Hazel Mae and the men embraced.
Here’s a great video by Ryan Dean of Greene showing power at the plate.
And thanks to Josh Norris of the Trentonian, here’s video of Greene speaking to the media immediately after being drafted.
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Jay Floyd is PhilliesNation’s minor league contributor. You can read more from Jay, by visiting his site, PhoulBallz.com.
Posts: 861 The Original Chuck P
Sign em…
Posted: 07:33 AM on June 7, 2011
Posts: 11 philliesphanmike
I have my season tickets with the Lakewood BlueClaws which is the Single A Affiliate of the Phillies. Lets get Larry to Lakewood! I would love to see him play.
Posted: 08:46 AM on June 7, 2011
Posts: 861 The Original Chuck P
Possessing talent is one thing… you’ve gotta be motivated, grounded and passionate to be special. Losing your mother, keeping your head on straight and still being able to excel… that tells me a lot about his character. The fact that he went to the draft says that he cares. By all accounts, his father is a good man and they are obviously close… that’s a good thing. A good support system will be important for Larry.
Luring him away from Alabama (football) might be difficult but you have to be excited about what this kid brings to the table… rated the best power hitting prep prospect in the draft by Keith Law… have to make a real effort.
Posted: 09:33 AM on June 7, 2011
Posts: 1429 Pat Gallen
Kid looks like a bruiser, maybe a fullback or linebacker. Ive heard he projcts to be a 1B or corner outfield guy. Guess shortstop was light again this year.
Glad to have the kid as a Phillie.
Posted: 11:08 AM on June 7, 2011
Posts: 0 Andrew From Waldorf
I am waiting for Baumann and the geek brigade to give the seal of approval.
They matter here.
Except when they fall in love with Strasberg/Prior.
Then the geeks are having their way.
Then people like me point out his delivery.
Posted: 12:49 PM on June 7, 2011
Posts: 442 Bruce
When I first saw his physical stats..6-feet-1-inch tall and 235 pounds, I had this vision of him being a heavy, stocky kid with some power..sort of a image of Cecil Fielder (smile). The video clip confirms my impression (maybe a little leaner than Fielder..LOL). I don’t know what and how many “tools” he possess but time will tell. I also keep in mind high school prospects are a dime a dozen and 90% of them never make it to the Majors.
Of course, the assumption is the Phillies will be able to sign him…if football is not another passion for him.
Posted: 02:09 PM on June 7, 2011