Drafted in the 15th round (454th overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 2002.
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Panther ranked third among national junior college hitters with a .479 average as a two-way star at Muscatine Community College in 2002. Yet he was a relative unknown until he stood out at a predraft showcase. Based on his first full season, he looks like a 15th-round steal. Panther is an all-around outfielder who resembles a young Steve Finley. He's a line-drive hitter with gap power and plus speed. He needs to get stronger, which would help boost his home run totals. If he reaches his ceiling, he could be a 20-20 player. Panther's arm is another asset. He played mainly right field last year but may also have the range for center, where he saw some brief action. He'll get more time in center field this year in high Class A.
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