The Orioles have selected OF Josh Hart with the 37th selection in the 2013 MLB Rule 4 Draft.
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Hart, 18 (10/2/94) is a speedy and toolsy outfielder from Lilburn Georgia.
Photo Courtesy of Perfect Game
Here is a scouting report from the knowledgeable Don Olsen:
Josh Hart just brings flashes of Chet Lemon when I watch him play. My last trip in April was showing another layer to his game. He was starting to show more bat speed, strength, and a touch of leverage. He is turning on pitches that were no longer just gap, he showed some home run pop. I think he rounds out and maxes out with a 5 power. I think he has the approach, the raw speed, the ability to barrel up with excellent bat head control to factor out as a 6 contact and I might be shorting him. He is a solid runner that I grade above average to plus, with a great first step. Natural instincts off the bat, great range and glove where he should stick in CF. He is truly an underrated 4 tool prospect that could profile as a high doubles hitter with his speed in a premium defensive position.
Here is a video, courtesy of the Baseball Prospectus Team.
Once again, expect the Orioles second selection on the first day to start out in the GCL. He seems like a very strong selection at this time, and I have to say that I am excited about having such an athletic player join the organization. This is the type of player that the Orioles have desperately needed to jump-start their system.
Tucker Blair was born and raised in the Baltimore area and currently lives in Elkridge, Maryland. He graduated from York College of Pennsylvania with a B.S in Entrepreneurial Studies and is currently a Project Analyst for a Management Consulting Firm in Federal Hill, Baltimore. Tucker was previously the Managing Editor at Orioles Nation, where he worked on prospect lists, reports, and analysis on the Orioles minor league system. He also previously wrote his personal blog, The EntreprenOriole.