A little bit ago, the awkward Bud Selig walked up to the podium in Secaucus, N.J. and announced a bit of a surprise for the Mets, as New York’s National League team selected a position player in Oregon State outfielder Michael Conforto with the 10th overall selection.
Conforto is a left-handed batter and right-handed thrower that projects as a corner outfielder (most likely left field) in the Mets’ system. He alongside former first rounder Brandon Nimmo could be a pair of outfielders in Queens for many years to come.
On the field during his junior season with the Beavers, Conforto was one of three players to start in all 59 games for Oregon State, who was the regional runner-up to UC Irvine in the NCAA Tournament despite being a top seed in their pod. The lefty swinger stands at 6’2” and weighs in at 217 pounds.
He was tied for the team lead with seven home runs and was second on the team with 56 RBIs. He led the team with 111 total bases while walking 55 times for a .504 on-base percentage. He also led the team with 16 doubles, while also smacking a pair of triples.
Personally his family comes from a good pedigree of athletes as his father played football at Penn State, and his mother was as Olympic Gold Medalist in synchronized swimming, while his sister played soccer at Azusa Pacific. And yes, if Azusa Pacific sounds familiar, that would be the same college that Kirk Niewenhuis attended.
Oh and his favorite TV show is Seinfeld, so you know he should be well versed in Keith Hernandez.
In my preview from Wednesday, I know I said I expected the Mets to go in the direction of pitching, especially since they don’t pick again until the third round tomorrow afternoon but I have no major hesitations with this pick. I expect him to head to either Savannah in the South Atlantic League, or St. Lucie in the Florida State League, more than likely he’ll end up in Georgia.
For some video on Conforto, CLICK HERE
and of course to follow him on twitter, he can be found at @MConforto8
Be sure to check back tomorrow and Saturday as we go round-by-round as the Mets replenish the lower levels of their farm system once again!
