Draft Profile: 6th Round Selection Zach Risedorf

The Padres’ Sixth Round Selection Zach Risedorf with mandatory credit going to http://powershowcase.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/

In the sixth round of this year’s Major League Baseball First Year Players Draft, the San Diego Padres looked to build depth behind the plate when they drafted prep catcher Zach Risedorf out of Northwestern Regional High School in Barkhamstead Connecticut.

The 5’11, 190 lb. Risedorf impressed Padres’ scouts with his defensive skills and quick release to second base. Over the last couple of seasons, Padres’ catchers have consistently been at the bottom of the league in throwing out base runners, so this was one area of concern the organization is looking to further develop.

In addition, the lack of depth and the inconsistencies shown by those throughout the organization emphasizes GM Josh Byrnes’ focus to develop a good defensive catcher whether it is through the draft or trade.

Padres’ scout Jim Bretz, who recommended Risedorf, adds,  “Zach is a high-upside high school catcher with a plus arm, solid defensive skills and a chance to have a solid bat. He’s a very heady player with excellent game awareness. A “baseball rat” who brings a solid work ethic to the field every day. This is the kind of player that coaches and instructors will love working with and pitchers will enjoy throwing to.”

Being so young, it will be sometime until Risedorf will make an impact in the organization.  If he does decide to forego college and head into the minors, this can potentially turn into a solid selection as they will have a talented catcher to make into a better player. The selection of Risedorf continues to reflect a different philosophy from the Padres’ in this draft to focus a little more on the offensive side of the ball rather than a continual push for pitching.