Speedy Twine goes to Marlins at No. 43

On the football field, Justin Twine showed break-away speed, and he once rushed for more than 500 yards in a game for Falls City High School in Texas.

Twine's all-around athleticism captured the attention of the Marlins.

The Marlins selected Twine in the second round -- 43rd overall -- on Thursday in the First-Year Player Draft.

"He's an extremely good athlete," Marlins vice president of scouting Stan Meek said. "He's very strong. Very fast. Very good bat speed. Way above-average bat speed. He's got power. We think he can stay in the middle of the diamond on the infield, either short or second. He fits a lot of things. Really good athlete with baseball skills."

A two-sport standout, Twine can play shortstop and second base. He has a verbal commitment to Texas Christian University, which also has a commitment from Tyler Kolek, picked second overall by Miami.

The Marlins are confident Twine will sign. The slot value of the 43rd pick is $1,316,000.

"We think he will be a basestealer that plays in the middle," Meek said. "He's a very intelligent kid. We think that will speed up his clock as far as him being ready to go."

The Draft continues on Friday with Rounds 3-10. The MLB.com pregame show begins at 12:30 p.m. ET, with exclusive coverage of Rounds 3-10 beginning at 1 p.m.

In his senior season, Twine batted .538 (28-for-52) with six home runs, two doubles, five triples and 22 RBIs.

Middle infield and overall speed are areas the Marlins are looking to improve in the Draft.

"There are high school and college guys out there," Meek said. "The question now, as you get a little deeper in the Draft, who are the guys we can sign with our money? We'll work in the morning and find out what our signability is."