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In Biondi, Mets pick leadoff-type hitter

College seniors got a lot of attention in last year's Draft, as teams took many of them early to be creative with the new bonus pool system. That worked to Patrick Biondi's benefit, whose speed and defensive ability contributed to his position.

"Left-handed hitting, speed center fielder, get on base type of guy," said Tommy Tanous, the Mets' director of amateur scouting. "Might be slight of build a little bit, but this is your top-of-the-order type of hitter."

Biondi is a Brett Gardner type -- a left-handed hitter who sprays line drives and uses his speed to get on and then wreak havoc on the basepaths. The Cape Cod League batting champion is also an excellent defender and can no doubt stay in center field at the next level. He batted .309 with 51 hits and 16 RBIs in 50 games for the Michigan Wolverines. He also broke the Big Ten record with six stolen bases in his final game.

The only thing Biondi doesn't have is power, but he has the chance to be a leadoff-type hitter who can affect the game with his legs as much as with his bat and glove.

Chris Iseman is an associate reporter for MLB.com.
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