Angels’ top pick has shoulder tear that will probably require surgery

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The Angels love C.J. Cron’s power, but the University of Utah slugger, who was the 17th overall pick in Monday’s draft, is somewhat damaged goods.

The 6-foot-4, 230-pound first baseman played his entire junior season with a tear in his right shoulder. When asked during a conference call if the injury would require surgery, Cron acknowledged that ‘something will have to be done eventually.’

Cron, 21, hit .434 with 15 home runs, 26 doubles and 59 runs batted in this season, and he said the injury ‘didn’t affect my swing much.’ The Angels obviously agree.

‘He played all year long with it -- we knew what was going on,’ said Ric Wilson, the Angels’ scouting director. ‘It’s not as huge a deal as people think it is. It’s a testament to his grit. He wanted to be out there playing.’

Cron, who is being advised by former Angels pitcher Scott Sanderson, said he is ‘going to sign very quickly.’ The 17th pick in last year’s draft, high school outfielder Josh Sale, signed with Tampa Bay for $1.62 million.

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--Mike DiGiovanna