Cubs select Cincinnati outfielder Ian Happ with 9th overall pick

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The Chicago Cubs added to their high-octane roster of top prospects Monday with one of the more unheralded talents in this year's draft.

The Cubs continued their recent trend of selecting polished college bats in the first round of the draft by taking outfielder and second baseman Ian Happ out of the University of Cincinnati with the ninth pick overall.

Happ, who's the highest Bearcat ever taken in the amateur draft, is considered among the most complete hitters in his class, boasting a robust .369/.492/.672 slash line through 56 games as a junior this season.

Though there are concerns over whether Happ possesses the defensive chops to stick up the middle, his bat is considered strong enough to play at an outfield position as well.

Bio

Position: 2B/OF
School: University of Cincinnati
Height/Weight: 6-0, 205 pounds
Age: 20
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right

Stats

Overview

The switch-hitting Happ ranks as one of the top position players in the draft with solid average and power. Despite a small frame, Happ led the Bearcats with 14 home runs and a .369 average.

Though he's played second base for Cincinnati, some scouts question his ability to play at the major league level and project him as a corner outfielder.

Highlights

(Courtesy: MLB.com)