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2013 MLB Draft: Detroit Tigers select Corey Knebel at #39

The Tigers used their competitive balance selection on Corey Knebel, a relief pitcher from the University of Texas.

With the 39th pick of the 2013 MLB First Year Player Draft, the Detroit Tigers select Corey Knebel, a right handed pitcher out of Texas. Knebel is a Texas closer, much like Chance Ruffin a few years ago. But the comparisons end there. Ruffin was a guy with multiple pitches and Knebel has power stuff. In particular, he has a great fastball that sits in the low to mid 90s and touches 98 at times. He combines this with a very good curveball and great makeup on the mound; the guy is a bulldog.

That said, Knebel has had some off-the-field issues. He was suspended for getting into a fight with one of his coaches and attempted to use his urine in a teammate's drug test. If he can overcome these issues, he's a good player, and one who could potentially close in Detroit.

The Tigers have one more draft pick tonight, the 58th overall in the second round.

Update:

GIFs

Fastball:

Knebel_fastball_medium

Curveball:

Knebel_curveball_medium

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