Phillies ecstatic to draft slugger Cornelius Randolph in first round

The Philadelphia Phillies aren't exactly sure why Cornelius Randolph was still available when it was time for them to make a selection with their No. 10 overall pick in this year's amateur draft, but they sure are glad it happened.

The Phils were overjoyed to select Randolph, a shortstop from Georgia whom they plan to move to left field, according to scouting director Johnny Almaraz.

Randolph's bat has the Phillies eager to see how he develops in their farm system.

"Best [high school] bat in the country," Almaraz said, per CSN Philadelphia. "Somebody we feel has an extremely high ceiling as far as hitting ability is concerned. He's got a lot of similarities of a lot of pretty good left-handed hitters. I don't want to mention any names, but guys who were batting champions. This guy has that type of ability."

Now, the Phillies are tasked with making sure he signs with the team and doesn't choose to play in college, as he's committed to play at Clemson.

However, the organization is confident they'll be able to corral Rudolph after expending a first-round pick on him.

"I think things will unfold pretty quickly," Almaraz said.

(h/t CSN Philadelphia)