Matt McBride

Matt McBride: Catcher

Age: 21 Height: 6’2” Weight: 215 Bats: Right Throws: Right

The Indians selected McBride with the last of their four second round picks in the 2006 Draft. McBride signed quickly, and was assigned to Mahoning Valley where he showcased the talent that had scouts excited about him going into the draft. McBride finished the year hitting .272/.355/.402 with 4 HRs, 31 RBIs and 5 stolen bases in 52 games. McBride provides a rare combination of defense and offense at the catching position, and he was so impressive that Baseball America tabbed him the 3rd best prospect in the NY-Penn League last year. While he is a big and strong catcher, McBride is also athletic and runs very well for a catcher. His strengths as a player are his catch-and-throw skills, especially his plus arm. But, he also has a very cerebral approach behind the plate, and has shown good leadership qualities. McBride is a very patient hitter with good power potential, and has a very good eye and bat-to-ball ability. McBride’s potential as an offensive and defensive catcher lead many to believe he was the top catcher available in the 2006 Draft, and to date he has backed that up. With the sudden depth at catcher in the organization, McBride could start the season next year at Lake County.

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