Wes Hodges

Wes Hodges: Third-Baseman

Age: 22 Height: 6’2” Weight: 180 Bats: Right Throws: Right

Hodges has the potential to be the biggest impact player from the Indians 2006 Draft, and would have ranked in the Top 10 of this list if he didn’t have some injury concerns. Going into 2006, Hodges was ranked as a preseason Top 10 college draft prospect and sure fire 1st round pick, but that ranking took a hit when he came down with a stress fracture in his left leg. Hodges initially thought he had a calf strain when the pain surfaced in March, but because the pain continued to get worse as the season wore on he was evaluated further and the stress fracture was found. Hodges fell on draft day, and the Indians gambled and selected Hodges with their third of four second round picks. The Indians signed him for $1 million and to a 2007 contract to hold him out of action the rest of the season and give him more time to mend from the injury. Even though he basically played on one leg almost all of the season, Hodges still hit .329 with 11 HRs and 68 RBIs in 219 at bats at Georgia Tech. Hodges is a very disciplined hitter with great bat-to-ball ability, and has a nice line drive stroke with good power potential. As a defender, Hodges does it all with good hands, a strong arm and very good range at 3B. Hodges could start at Lake County in 2007.

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