Twins select Blankenhorn to begin Day 2
Prep third baseman, Maryland lefty follow in next two rounds
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Twins opened Day 2 of the 2015 Draft by selecting a pair of high school third basemen with their first two picks before adding another college arm in Round 5.
With the No. 80 overall pick in the third round, the Twins selected high school infielder Travis Blankenhorn. The 19-year-old hails from Pottsville Area High School in Pennsylvania. He played shortstop in high school, but the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder projects as a third baseman. He's the first high school player taken by the Twins in the Draft, as they went with college pitchers Tyler Jay (No. 6 overall) and Kyle Cody (No. 80) with their first two picks.
Blankenhorn saw his stock rise after playing well in the East Coast Pro Showcase in Syracuse and the Metropolitan Baseball Classic held at Citi Field in New York. He swings from the left side and is expected to develop power. He's currently committed to the University of Kentucky.
"He's a really good athlete," Twins scouting director Deron Johnson said. "He's a strong, powerful kid. We really like his swing and think he has chance for power. He profiles in any corner. He was a really good high school basketball player."
Round 4: 3B Trey Cabbage, Grainger (Tenn.) High School
Like Blankenhorn, Cabbage possesses a sweet left-handed swing that allows him to hit for average. The power is still developing, but at 6-foot-3, 190-pounds, he has the frame to add power.
Video: 2015 Draft: MLB.com looks at the Twins' picks
Cabbage, 18, is regarded as a good athlete, as he played football and basketball in high school and also saw time at shortstop and at pitcher. He still needs to work on his footwork, but he has the quickness and arm strength to stick at third base. Cabbage is committed to the University of Tennessee.
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"He's got a really good swing," Johnson said. "He's a really good athlete as well and a really good high school basketball player. But we really like his bat and like his power potential as well. He and Blankenhorn are very similar players."
Video: Draft Report: Trey Cabbage, HS Third Baseman
Round 5: LHP Alex Robinson, Maryland
Robinson started his collegiate career as a starter, but moved to the bullpen his sophomore year and saw time as Maryland's closer during his junior season.
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Robinson, 20, posted a 1.63 ERA with 32 strikeouts and 20 walks in 27 2/3 innings this season. He has a career 3.69 ERA with 97 strikeouts and 78 walks in 100 innings. He's known for his 94-96 mph fastball and power slider, and projects as a reliever going forward.
Video: Draft Report: Alex Robinson, College Pitcher
"He's another power arm," Johnson said. "He is a reliever. He can run it up to 96 [mph] with a good breaking ball. He's very aggressive."
The Draft concludes on Wednesday, with exclusive coverage of Rounds 11-40 beginning on MLB.com at 11 a.m. CT.