Marlins snag outfielder Aper in sixth round

The Marlins drafted outfielder Ryan Aper with the 172nd overall pick of the First-Year Player Draft, taking their fourth position player in as many picks on Friday.

Miami took three pitchers after drafting North Carolina third baseman Colin Moran sixth overall on Thursday night.

Aper has done nothing but hit for the last two years at Lincoln Land Community College (Ill.). Among Division II junior colleges, he ranked first nationally with 17 home runs and third with 51 stolen bases. He led Lincoln Land with a .462 batting average, a .540 on-base percentage, 82 runs scored, 188 total bases and 55 RBIs.

"Aper really has kind of both," Stan Meek, the Marlins' vice president of scouting, said. "He kind of has the power and speed."

Aper is very athletic and has solid tools, but scouts aren't completely sold on his hitting ability. He has a quick swing, but some still wonder how he will adjust to better pitching.

He has good power, and at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, room to get stronger. He covers ground well in center field and has a strong arm. He is committed to Middle Tennessee State.

Aper was the second outfielder taken by the Marlins on Friday, joining fourth-round selection K.J. Woods, who could potentially move to first base.

Third-round shortstop Ben DeLuzio could potentially move to center field -- Aper's listed position.