by Dennis Waszak Jr.
(Associated Press)
NEW YORK – Matt Bush, a slick-fielding high school shortstop from California, was taken by the San Diego Padres with the No. 1 pick in Monday's baseball draft.
Bush, from Mission Bay High School, is the first high school shortstop selected with the top pick since Seattle took Alex Rodriguez in 1993.
Bush also pitched in high school, but his defensive abilities and strong arm put him at the top of the draft.
The selection was a bit of a surprise by the Padres, who said in the days leading up to the draft that they narrowed their choices to three college players: Florida State shortstop Stephen Drew, and right-handers Jered Weaver of Long Beach State and Jeff Niemann of Rice.
Signability likely played a major role in the Padres' final decision, as agent Scott Boras represents both Drew and Weaver.
On the mound, the 5-foot-11 Bush throws a 94 mph fastball with a solid curve and went 5-1 with two saves and 0.73 ERA, but he'll likely be a middle infielder in the pros.
(Associated Press)
NEW YORK – Matt Bush, a slick-fielding high school shortstop from California, was taken by the San Diego Padres with the No. 1 pick in Monday's baseball draft.
Bush, from Mission Bay High School, is the first high school shortstop selected with the top pick since Seattle took Alex Rodriguez in 1993.
Bush also pitched in high school, but his defensive abilities and strong arm put him at the top of the draft.
The selection was a bit of a surprise by the Padres, who said in the days leading up to the draft that they narrowed their choices to three college players: Florida State shortstop Stephen Drew, and right-handers Jered Weaver of Long Beach State and Jeff Niemann of Rice.
Signability likely played a major role in the Padres' final decision, as agent Scott Boras represents both Drew and Weaver.
On the mound, the 5-foot-11 Bush throws a 94 mph fastball with a solid curve and went 5-1 with two saves and 0.73 ERA, but he'll likely be a middle infielder in the pros.