Padres draft Austin Allen, C, Florida Tech in 4th round

When Jonathan Mayo and Jim Callis began talking about Padres' 4th round selection Austin Allen on the MLB.com video stream, one of the first things out of their mouths was that they weren't sure that Allen would stay at catcher. At 6'4", 225 lbs he does seem a bit big for a catcher. This may sound like a negative, but really the important thing is Allen's bat as you'll see from this MLB.com scouting report:

College catchers are always in high demand, and short supply, come Draft time. A left-handed hitting backstop who performs, no matter where, is bound to move up Draft boards and that's exactly what was happening with Allen as June approached. One of the best Division II talents in the country, Allen can really swing the bat. He has plus bat speed from the left side of the plate with a good overall approach that should allow him to hit for average. He has plenty of power and could have even more as he learns to pull the ball more when needed. His overall catching is a work in progress, as he has limited agility, but many think he has the chance to stick behind the plate. He does have decent hands and good raw arm strength, though his exchange and footwork make his overall arm just average. Even if a team isn't sure Allen can be a catcher long-term, there's a good chance one will buy the bat at some point in the early rounds

The Padres have answers long term at catcher, so who cares if Allen has to play elsewhere? The important thing is that the organization is getting a good bat. Bats are something the farm system sorely needs. Austin Allen is a welcome addition, wherever he ends up playing.