Yanks Grab Heathcott with Top Pick

SECAUCUS, NJ – Over the last few years, the Bronx Bombers have always turned to free agency for an outfielder.

That may change with the addition of a high-ceiling prospect in high schooler Slade Heathcott, whom the Yankees tabbed with their first pick in Tuesday night’s 2009 First-Year Player Draft, 29th overall.

Bucking their recent draft trends, Heathcott became the first position player the Yankees have taken with their top selection since taking C.J. Henry 17th overall in 2005.

Heathcott, a powerful offensive outfielder who is coming off ACL surgery, attended Texas High School in Texarkana, Texas.

The team's original first-round pick, the 25th overall, was awarded to the Angels as compensation for free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira. But the Yankees received the 29th pick as compensation for Gerrit Cole, their first-round selection last year, who chose to enroll at UCLA rather than sign with the team.

Some mock drafts had the Yankees taking Reymond Fuentes, from Fernando Callejo high School in Manati, Puerto Rico, but Boston snatched up the nephew of Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran a pick before.

Heathcott is an enigma for scouts. He can play the outfield or pitch. He DHed for most of the spring and was out until mid-March recovering from November surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee. Heathcott is also recovering from a jammed throwing shoulder that kept him from pitching.

When healthy, “he’s an athletic outfielder with five-tool potential,” according to Baseball America.

The 6-foot-1, 190 pound Heathcott was selected for the Aflac All-American Game last summer as a pitcher. It’s still unclear if the whether the Yankees will try and convert him to a pitcher. Some clubs coming into the draft liked Heathcott more for his prowess on the mound. The lefty hits 88-92 mph consistently and touches 94 on occasion, with a promising curveball.

There are some drawbacks that come with drafting the talented Heathcott, who’s had some issues off the field. In addition to questions about his character, Heathcott is verbally committed to LSU.

The Yankees will have until Aug. 16 or until Heathcott enrolls in college, which ever comes first, to ink him to a contract.