Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

CINCINNATI — It seems the Cincinnati Reds are sticking with a Florida theme.

After drafting Florida Gators’ third baseman Jonathan India with their first pick in the Major League Baseball draft on Monday, the Reds went back to Florida for their second round selection.

Cincinnati selected Jensen Beach High School pitcher Lyon Richardson, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound right-hander who has committed to Florida.

Richardson was primarily an outfielder for much of his high school career, but a blazing fastball clocked between 96-to-97 miles an hour has been cause for his rise as a pitcher.

Consistently in the 93-to-94 miles an hour with his fastball, Richardson has a breaking ball that teeters between 78-to-83 miles an hour.

Scouts have graded Richardson’s fastball at 60, his slider at 55, changeup 45, control 50 and an overall grade of 50.