MILWAUKEE -- The Brewers had been linked for weeks to a Puerto Rican prep prospect, but it wasn't shortstop Delvin Perez who heard his name called by a Milwaukee official on Day 1 of the MLB Draft.
Instead, it was catcher Mario Feliciano, drafted by the Brewers with the 75th overall pick in Lottery Round B. Feliciano is regarded for his offensive upside, but the Brewers believe he's good enough to stick behind the plate.
:: Complete 2016 Draft coverage ::
"We've been through this before here," said Brewers scouting director Ray Montgomery. "I give [catching coordinator] Charlie Green a lot of credit. Way back when we took Jonathan Lucroy in the third round and [some observers] didn't think he'd have a chance to stay behind the dish.
"Fortunately, the work ethic with 'Luc' was beyond anyone's expectation," Montgomery said. "The same thing here with Mario. He's got work to do. He's young -- 17 1/2 years old. Obviously, the offense is advanced vs. the defense right now, but I have nothing but the utmost confidence in our player development people with Mario. He just needs reps."
The Draft continues on Friday with Rounds 3-10. The MLB.com preview show begins at 11:30 a.m. CT, with exclusive coverage of Rounds 3-10 beginning at 12 p.m. CT.
• 5th overall: Corey Ray, OF
• 46th overall: Lucas Erceg, 3B
The Brewers have scouted extensively in Puerto Rico over the years, landing right-hander (and current top pitching prospect) Jorge Lopez in the second round in 2011, and No. 23 prospect Yadiel Rivera in the ninth round in 2010.
"It becomes a place we're comfortable," Montgomery said. "For us this year, there was good talent down there."