Expect to see the Indians top pick from this year's draft at Eastwood Field in the next week.
Francisco Lindor signed just before Monday's midnight deadline. He reportedly received a $2.9 million signing bonus, the second-highest signing bonus for a drafted player in Indians history, behind the $3 million they gave Jeremy Guthrie in 2002. Lindor was the eighth overall pick in June's major league baseball draft.
Lindor is just 17 years old and won't turn 18 until November. He is a switch hitting shortstop and a line drive guy who won the home run derby at the All-American Game in 2010 despite his small size of 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds. He is from Montverde Academy in Florida.
Lindor began hitting from both sides of the plate in ninth grade and batted .528 (28-for-53) this season with six home runs, seven doubles and two triples. He tallied 13 RBIs, stole 20 bases in 21 chances and crossed home plate on 32 occasions.
In each of the past nine Drafts, Cleveland took a collegiate player with its top selection. The Tribe had not taken a high school position player with its top pick since 2000.
Lindor had also signed a college baseball grant with Florida State.
Lindor is expected to report to Mahoning Valley today (Wednesday, August 17).
The Scrappers' won't play at home again until next Tuesday, August 23 against the Auburn Doubledays.
