California youngster Bauers projects as outfielder

Jake Bauers, a 17-year-old out of Marina (Calif.) High School, was the youngest player the Padres selected Friday in the First-Year Player Draft, going in the seventh round (208th overall).

The Padres think the 6-foot-1, 195 pound left-hander can hit. He put up impressive numbers as a senior -- a .571 average with seven doubles, 10 home runs and 25 RBIs.

Bauer was named to Rawlings California Region All-High School Senior team in 2013. But he is a late bloomer and didn't make the varsity team until his junior season.

He has a short, compact swing and his power numbers will have to improve, as the team projects him as a corner outfielder, but they think that will come as he gets stronger with age. He is committed to Hawaii if he does not sign with the Padres.

Bauers and eighth-round selection, Adrian De Horta, were two players the Padres said they were pleased to see fall to them and that they got "good value picks."