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Why Andrew Vaughn Is Such A Unique MLB Draft Prospect

Image credit: Andrew Vaughn (Photo by Bill Mitchell)

Trying to find comparable players to Andrew Vaughn is not easy.

As a righthanded hitting college first baseman, Vaughn is trying to become the first player in his demographic to be picked in the top 10 picks since Matt LaPorta in 2007 (LaPorta was announced by the Brewers as an outfielder even though he was a first baseman at Florida). David McCarthy is the only player of this demographic ever picked in the top five picks. While few players have been picked, the group does include Hall of Famer Frank Thomas as well as Mark McGwire and Tim Wallach (who moved from first base to third base as a pro).

Year Pick Player College
2007 7 Matt LaPorta Florida
1991 3 David McCarthy Stanford
1991 7 Joe Vitiello Alabama
1989 7 Frank Thomas Auburn
1984 10 Mark McGwire
Southern California
1979 10 Tim Wallach
Cal State Fullerton
1972 6 Danny Thomas Southern Illinois

But that’s not the only way Vaughn is very rare. He’s also 5-foot-11, which makes him very short for a righthanded-throwing first baseman. Looking at the integration era finds just four sub 6-foot righthanded-throwing first basemen who have played more than 20 games in the major leagues since the integration era began in 1947.

Player Games Played
Steve Garvey 2,332
Bill Skowron 1,658
Chuck Harrison 328
Tyler White 173

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