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By Joe Kay, Associated Press Updated 7:19 AM Tuesday, June 8, 2010

CINCINNATI — The Reds went for a catcher for the second time in four years, taking Miami's Yasmani Grandal with the 12th overall pick in the first-year player draft on Monday night.

The junior was the Atlantic Coast Conference's player of the year, batting over .412 with 14 homers while leading the Hurricanes to their 38th straight NCAA tournament appearance. He's a switch-hitter who has gotten better at the plate during each of his three years in college.

He also threw out 40 percent of runners this season, making him one of the most complete catchers available in the draft.

"He's very polished," said Chris Buckley, the Reds' senior director of amateur scouting.

The Reds took catcher Devin Mesoraco, a Pennsylvania prep star, with the 15th overall pick in June 2007. Mesoraco spent his first three years of professional baseball at the rookie and Class A levels, struggling to hit consistently. He was moved up to Double-A this year.

When Grandal was still available at the 12th spot, the Reds didn't hesitate to get another catcher.

"It's such a hard position to find," Buckley said. "There's so few everyday catchers across the minor leagues, or even in the major leagues, that we just didn't think we could pass on him."

The Reds have had good success with their top picks lately. Four of the last six are in the majors — right-hander Homer Bailey (2004), right fielder Jay Bruce (2005), center fielder Drew Stubbs (2006) and right-hander Mike Leake (2009).

It's the second time in three years that the Reds took a player from Miami in the first round. They got first baseman Yonder Alonso with the seventh overall pick in 2008.

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