The Tampa Bay Rays have selected 2B LeVon Washington out of Buchholz High School in Florida with the 30th overall draft choice. Washington already has a blemish on his health track record with a nagging shoulder injury that has already impacted his arm strength, plummeting his evaluation in that department to below average. With his dip in arm strength but still great range and speed to his name, the Rays may move him into a centerfielder’s role. Many accolades have been given to how he handles himself at the plate, sporting a great approach, solid bat speed, and a natural swing. Washington had originally committed to the University of Florida. Despite being behind B.J. Upton and a couple other talented centerfielders in the minors, Tampa could use Washington as a trading chip in years to come. The Tampa Bay Rays currently sit at a record of 29-31 in the AL East, as they trail the first place New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox by six games. In 2008, the Rays drafted SS Tim Beckham from Griffin High School in Georgia with the 1st overall pick. In 2009 at Class A Ball with the Bowling Green Hot Rods of the South Atlantic League, Beckham is hitting .297 with 3 home runs and 31 RBIs.
