Padres Select Southeastern Louisiana RHP Chris Franklin in 12th Round of 2010 MLB Draft

With their twelfth selection in the 2010 MLB draft, the Padres tabbed Southeastern Lousiana righty Chris Franklin, a 22-year-old righty who is the oldest player the Padres picked to this point.

Franklin spent most of 2010 in relief in college, but did make five starts. He went 8-7 with a 3.87 ERA and an 82/30 K/BB ratio in 88 innings.

Franklin also played some infield, but he couldn’t crack a .700 OPS, so he isn’t likely to serve as a position player in pro ball.

Franklin runs his fastball up to 95 and has a plus slider. He’ll likely stay in relief in pro ball and work with just those two pitches, a combination that has worked for many a big league reliever.

Franklin’s not a flashy pick, but he’s got good stuff and decent command for a 12th-rounder. You have to like that.