2013 MLB Draft: Detroit Tigers First Round Draft History

March 2, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers outfielder Nick Castellanos (79) was the Tigers last first round draft pick in 2010. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

On the eve of the 2013 MLB draft, the Detroit Tigers evaluate prospects and look for player that will make a contribution to the roster within the next few years. Unlike the NFL Draft, 1st round players in the baseball draft probably won’t see the field at Comerica Park for a few years. Team’s often draft the best available prospect rather than current team needs. Draft picks also normally follow a particular pattern based the general managers philosophy.

Dave Dombrowski has a philosophy. Dombrowski likes to draft pitchers in the first round and he has done so with 7 of the Tigers 10 first round picks. In fact, Dave Dombrowski’s Tigers draft history he has only drafted a position player 3 times. The most recent is Nick Castellanos in 2010.

Here it the Tigers first round draft history since Dave Dombrowski took over the team.

SEASON	PLAYER	POS	SCHOOL/HOMETOWN	PICK
2010	Nick Castellanos	3B	Archbishop McCarthy HS, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.	44
2010	Chance Ruffin	RHP	Texas	48
2009	Jacob Turner	RHP	Westminster Christian Academy, St. Louis, Mo.	9
2008	Ryan Perry	RHP	Univ. of Arizona	21
2007	Rick Porcello	RHP	Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, N.J.	27
2006	Andrew Miller	LHP	North Carolina	6
2005	Cameron Maybin	CF	T C Roberson HS (NC)	10
2004	Justin Verlander	RHP	Old Dominion	2
2003	Kyle Sleeth	RHP	Wake Forest U	3
2002	Scott Moore	SS	Cypress, CA	8

So who will the Detroit Tigers select in the 2013 MLB Draft? Chances are it will be a pitcher. It is an area where Dave Dombrowski seems to have the most success. Keith Law has projected RHP Devin Williams from Hazelwood High School in Missouri. He has a power fastball but needs to develop a breaking pitch (sound familiar?).

Home/Detroit Sports