2014 MLB draft: Tigers pick Derek Hill

The Detroit Tigers drafted outfielder Derek Hill out of Elk Grove (Calif.) High School with the 23rd pick of the 2014 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Yes, a position player. Yes, the Tigers. Yes he is years away from Detroit. We are as amazed as you are.

Hill is 6'1, 185-pound player described as the best defensive outfielder in the draft, capable of making highlight reel catches. He provides plenty of speed as well. The knock right now is whether his bat will translate and how much power he'll develop.

"The Tigers organization is excited to select Derek Hill this evening," Tigers Vice President, Amateur Scouting and Special Assistant to the General Manager, David Chadd said. "Derek is an excellent hitter, a great defensive outfielder and has electric speed. We're pleased to have the opportunity to add him to our organization."

Hill is committed to Oregon.

A popular comparison for Hill has been Tigers right fielder Torii Hunter, who happens to be his favorite player.

Tigers' first round draft picks in the Dombrowski Era

2014 23 Derek Hill OF Elk Grove, HS

2013 20 Jonathan Crawford RHP U of Florida

2013 39 Cory Knebel RHRP U of Texas

2012 None

2011 None

2010 44 Nick Castellanos 3B Archbishop McCarthy HS, Florida

2010 48 Chance Ruffin RHP U of Texas

2009 9 Jacob Turner RHP Westminster Christian HS, St Louis, MO

2008 21 Ryan Perry RHP U of Arizona

2007 27 Rick Porcello RHP Seton Hall Prep HS, New Jersey

2007 60 Brandon Hamilton RHP Stanhope Elmore HS, Alabama

2006 6 Andrew Miller LHP U of North Carolina

2005 10 Cameron Maybin OF TC Roberson HS, North Carolina

2004 2 Justin Verlander RHP Old Dominion U, North Carolina

2003 3 Kyle Sleeth RHP Wake Forest U, North Carolina

2002 8 Scott Moore SS Cypress HS, California