Mariners take catcher Mike Zunino with No. 3 pick
Jun 4, 2012, 3:36 PM | Updated: 6:12 pm
Mariners scouting director Tom McNamara describes Mike Zunino as a "sturdy, blue-collar, talented defensive receiver with extra-base offensive potential." (AP)
(AP)
As expected, the Mariners have selected Florida catcher Mike Zunino with the third overall pick in Monday’s amateur draft.
Zunino, a 21-year-old junior, was considered the top collegiate position player in this year’s draft. He was the 2011 SEC player of the year and is a two-time semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, which is given to the top college player. In 189 career games, Zunino has hit .325 with 57 doubles, one triple, 46 home runs and 168 RBIs.
This season, he is hitting .316 with 18 homers and 60 RBIs, helping the Gators advance to the NCAA super regionals.
“Mike is a sturdy, blue-collar, talented defensive receiver with extra-base offensive potential,” Mariners scouting director Tom McNamara said in a press release. “He is a winning player, and will be a good fit with the Mariners. We look forward to having him in our organization and working his way towards being part of our Major League club in the future.”
Zunino attended high school in Coral Gables, Fla.
The Houston Astros took Puerto Rican shortstop Carlos Correa with the first overall pick. Byron Buxton, a high school outfielder from Georgia, went second to the Twins.
