Notice how many shortstops were taken early in the 2018 baseball draft’s first round.
There was one top-10 pick: Nick Madrigal of Oregon State, a slick hitter grabbed fourth by the White Sox, who looks as if he’s eventually ticketed for second base because of a lower-caliber arm.
“It’s just hard to find shortstops in our business,” said Dave Littlefield, the Tigers’ vice president for player development, who saw June’s draft as more proof that those who can play an infield’s flagship position, and swing a bat with punch, are pure gold.
With their first turn, the Tigers opted for a pitcher who wasn’t to be confused with chopped liver, Casey Mize.