Don’t let the title deceive you, in the 28th round of the MLB Draft yesterday, the San Diego Padres selected Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel as a Shortstop. The former Heisman trophy winner was drafted in the NFL by the Cleveland Browns with the 22nd pick in the 1st round, and he remains unsigned.
Manziel growing up was a Texas Rangers fan and played infielder at Tivy High School. Before long, he left his baseball career in favor of football. He played baseball through his junior year at Texas A&M, but skipped out in his senior season to graduate early and focus on playing football. He never played baseball again. The Padres have their own reasons for drafting the former Heisman winner. It could be them saying “Hey Johnny, here’s a second option if that football career falls through.” It could be the Padres drafting a shortstop because they need one.
Another possibility could be because of his throwing arm. He was one of the, if not the best QB in the NFL draft and the one thing a person needs to be a dominant QB is a strong arm. With Johnny Football, it’s like his arm is an actual cannon. He’s got a strong arm, throwing power, and he’s accurate with his throws. But there’s a little publicity issue when it comes to Manziel. He has confidence, some may even go as far and say it’s not confidence its ego. He recently told reporters “I’m going to live my life to the fullest.” I think he’s lived up to that, seeing as there’s a pic of Manziel on an inflatable swan chugging champagne. However, Manziel is still a very talented athlete. His skill on the field speaks volumes and it’ll be interesting to see what happens.
In my opinion, this move is a huge gamble. Sure, I can’t deny how talented this kid is. But he’s a ticking time bomb when it comes to publicity. He could be fine one minute then the next minute there could be a video of him on a Godzilla statue screaming “Giddy up, Pony!” Now that was just an example and if that actually happens, blame me. But in all seriousness, he is uncontrollable, for a lack of better words. I agree with him, if he feels he should live life to the fullest then by all means find more inflatable swans and champagne bottles. But if this stuff keeps happening, how’s that going to make the Padres and Browns organizations look? That’s just something to keep in mind.
Photo Credit: USA Today
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