The Chicago Cubs went against conventional wisdom when they drafted Kris Bryant in 2013.

Chicago was expected to take one of the two best college pitchers available with the second overall pick, but Senior Vice President of Player Development and Amateur Scouting Jason McLeod went off course by taking the third baseman.

Bryant is the No. 2 ranked prospect in baseball and could make his Major League debut as early as Friday.

McLeod admits that there were major questions about Bryant's "hit tool." Bryant was "on the outside looking in" because of that in regards to Chicago using the No. 2 pick on him.

A San Diego native, McLeod has known San Diego coach Rich Hill forever, and Hill did everything he could to sell Bryant's potential.

"Rich Hill's going to shoot straight with me," McLeod said. "He couldn't speak more highly of a player and a person you would potentially bring into an organization, in terms of a teammate, the work ethic, all of those things."

McLeod also leaned on a series of scouts, who became sold on Bryant as his college career progressed.