Orioles Second Round Draft Pick: Mychal Givens

We used our second round pick to draft Mychal Givens, I have to admit that I really liked this pick at the spot where we drafted him, we received a high potential, athletic player. Although Givens was announced as a pitcher, we will develop him at shortstop. Givens is a 6’2 athletic kid from Florida, making our first two picks 19 year olds out of high school.

A lot of the scouts said that Givens was one of the most athletic players in the draft. Even though he doesn’t have lightning speed he is above average runner that can get from home to second in a hurry. With his quick feet and good instinct for the ball he is one of the best fielding short stops in the draft that can cover a large area. He was also a highly scouted pitching prospect so he has a very good arm and shouldn’t have a problem throwing people out.

One of the problems with Givens is his how well can he develop on offense. He was at best an average hitter in high school, so one of the concerns is will it translate to the minors. Although he didn’t have a lot power while in high school, with his athletic body he should easily buff up to add some more pop to his bat.

With his good speed, fielding, and arm he certainly has all the tools to become a very good shortstop. I believe once his body matures even more and hits the weight room that he will add the bat to make him a complete player. If he also adds power to his offense he will certainly be a dangerous player in the future. Another good job from the scouts to find a very young, athletic, and high potential player.