Boston tabs speedy switch-hitter with pick No. 194

The Red Sox found themselves a speedy switch-hitter with their sixth-round selection in the First-Year Player Draft on Friday, taking Danny Mars out of Chipola College (Florida).

Mars, a center fielder, had a solid year for Chipola, hitting .380 with a .460 on-base percentage and a .584 slugging percentage. He added 29 stolen bases and four home runs.

"He's a 70 runner, so he can fly," said Red Sox director of amateur scouting Amiel Sawdaye.

His left-handed stroke is still developing, because he just became a switch-hitter within the last two to three years.

"Obviously, we were really impressed with his left-handed swing. He's not a huge kid," said Sawdaye. "There will be development with him. If he can really learn to repeat his swing left-handed, and iron out his mechanics, he's a guy we feel has a really good chance to play center field for us. It's hard to find these type of kids right now. He also has a really good arm."

Mars was in Boston last week visiting with the Red Sox and was thrilled that was the team that drafted him.

"More than honored to be drafted by the Boston Red Sox. Unbelievable day! #SoxNation," Mars tweeted.

The Draft concludes on Saturday, with exclusive coverage of Rounds 11-40 beginning on MLB.com at 1 p.m. ET.