Official Draft Pick Selection / Signing Thread

[colbyjack]

This thread will be used to post all draft picks in order of their selection, as well as page-by-page details of the picks, which we will slowly but surely add to in the coming days.

 

Please do not post in this thread. Non-staff comments will be deleted. Myself or another moderator will update the picks and player profiles. If you have comments/links about a player, please post them in the appropriate discussion thread.

 

Bold indicates player has signed.

 

1. (7 overall): Matt LaPorta, LF, University of Florida

2. (71): Pick forfeited for the signing of Type A free agent Jeff Suppan

3. (101): Jonathan Lucroy, C, Louisiana-Lafayette

4. (131): Eric Farris, 2B, Loyola Marymount

5. (161): Caleb Gindl, CF, Pace High School (FL)

 

6. (191): Daniel Merklinger, LHP, Seton Hall

7. (221): Efrain Nieves, LHP, Puerto Rico BB Academy High School (PR)

8. (251): David Fonseca, SS, Los Angeles Pierce College

9. (281): Kristian Bueno, LHP, Calallen High School (TX)

10. (311): Eric Fryer, C, Ohio State

 

11. (341): Cody Scarpetta, RHP, Guilford High School (IL)

12. (371): Wes Etheridge, RHP, UC Irvine (CA)

13. (401): Christopher Dennis, LF, St. Thomas of Villanova SS

14. (431): Donovan Hand, RHP, Jacksonville St. University (FL)

15. (461): Joey Paciorek, 3B, Blaine High School (WA)

 

16. (491): Joel Morales, RHP, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy High School

17. (521): Erik Miller, CF, Scottsdale Community College (AZ)

18. (551): Bobby Bramhall, LHP, Rice University (TX)

19. (581): Zealous Wheeler, 3B, Wallace State Community College (AL)

20. (611): Cameron Robulack, 1B, Silverthorn Collegiate Institute

 

21. (641): Connor Hoehn, RHP, St. Johns High School (MD)

22. (671): Matthew Cline, SS, Cal St. Long Beach (CA)

23. (701): William Hawn, 3B, South Doyle High School (TN)

24. (731): Jonathan White, CF, Vandebilt University (TN)

25. (761): Chadwick Bell, LHP, South Doyle High School (TN)

 

26. (791): Benjamin Feltner, LF, Texas A&M (TX)

27. (821): Joshua Trejo, LHP, James Logan High School (CA)

28. (851): Steffan Wilson, 3B, Harvard (PA)

29. (881): Travis Nevakshonoff, RHP, DW Poppy Secondary School (Canada)

30. (911): Corey Frerichs, RHP, Temple College (TX)

 

31. (941): Jonathan Clarence, LHP, Columbus North High School (IN)

32. (970): Miguel Vasquez, SS, Seminole Community College (FL)

33. (999): Ryan Jensen, CF, Walnut Grove, British Columbia, Canada

34. (1028) : Casey Baron, LHP, University of Maryland (MD)

35. (1057): Curtis Rindal, 1B, University of Washington (WA)

 

36. (1086): Curtis Pasma, LHP, University of Pacific (CA)

37. (1114): Richard Hague, SS, Klein Collins High School (TX)

38. (1142): Kurt Crowell, OF, Cal State Los Angeles (CA)

39. (1170): Joseph Scott, SS, Cal State Fullerton (CA)

40. (1198) : Jordan Tanner, RHP, Neshannock High School (PA)

 

41. (1224): Adam Arnold, RHP, Thompson River University (Canada)

42. (1250): Chase Reid, RHP, Carrol High School (TX)

43. (1276): Cullen Sexton, RHP, Stevens Point High School (WI)

44. (1302): Shawn Zarraga, C, Trinity Christian Academy (FL)

45. (1328) : Matt Sergey, RHP, South Plantation High School (FL)

 

46. (1352): Stewart Ijames, RF, Owensboro Catholic High School (KY)

47. (1375): Aaron Tullo, RHP, St. Petersburg Junior College (FL)

48.: Pass

49.: Pass

50.: Pass

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 1: Matt LaPorta - LF

6'2", 212, R/R - University of Florida

 

http://www.gatorzone.com/baseball/images/bioimg2007/23.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report

 

Prolific college slugger that leaves the college game tied for ninth in career home runs with 73. Set the all-time mark at Florida, passing Brad Wilkerson and adding nearly 20 more. Was named the SEC player of the year in 2005 after leading the conference in home runs, and entered his junior season as arguably the most dangerous hitter among those eligible for the 2006 draft. A disappointing junior season, marred by injuries, caused LaPorta to fall in the draft, being selected in the 14th round by the Boston Red Sox, and despite a strong push to sign him, LaPorta decided to return for his senior season. That move payed off for LaPorta, as he led the nation in on-base percentage (.582), was second in OPS (1.399), was fifth in slugging percentage (.817) and tied for ninth in home runs with 20.

 

Most impressive was his improved discipline at the plate, as he struck out only 16 times in 169 at-bats after striking out 34 times his junior year and 65 times during his impressive sophomore season.

 

His power comes from a quick, short-swing and a very large, barrel-chested frame. He has power to all fields, and his disciplined eye has allowed him to stay off on soft stuff away, forcing pitchers to pitch him inside, where he thrives.

 

Overall his athleticism is rather limited, as the Brewers intend to have him start his professional career in left field after playing most to all of his collegiate career at first base. He was recruited as a catcher, and there was some thought entering his junior year for him to see some time at third. It doesn't really matter where he plays, as his bat will always earn him his paychecks, and as a 22 year old college senior, he will be placed on the fast-track to Milwaukee.

 

Florida Player Profile

Brewerfan.net Player Profile 2007

Brewerfan.net Player Profile 2006

 

Advised by Scott Boras

 

Birthdate: 1/8/1985

 

Previously Drafted: Chicago Cubs, Round 14, 2003

Boston Red Sox, Round 14, 2006

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

2007 Draft Spotlight: Matt LaPorta

By Marc Hulet

University of Florida senior first baseman Matt LaPorta took some time out before a crucial weekend series with LSU during the weekend of May 11-13 to speak exclusively with BaseballAnalysts.com about his college career and the upcoming Major League Baseball draft. LaPorta has been ranked as one of the top three college bats in the upcoming draft and has a good chance of being taken in the first round.

 

In his sophomore season, LaPorta slugged a school record 26 homers and hit .328/.438/.698. After an injury-marred 2006 junior season, in which he hit .259/.410/.538, LaPorta fell in the draft to the 14th round where he was picked by the Boston Red Sox. Unable to come to an agreement, LaPorta - who is advised by Scott Boras - returned to Florida for this senior year.

 

LaPorta has been nothing short of brilliant during his senior season at Florida with a line of .402/.582/.817 and 20 home runs in 52 games. The biggest knock on LaPorta is his defence, which is not that surprising considering he came to university as a catcher and moved to first base to accommodate slick-fielding Brian Jeroloman.

 

According to Baseball America, LaPorta has improved his approach and kept his hands inside the ball better this year. His plus-plus raw power remains a game-changing tool.

 

Not just a one-dimensional athlete, LaPorta was recognized during the 2006 Cape Cod Summer League season with the Daniel Silva Sportsmanship Award, which honors outstanding sportsmanship on and off the field. On May 22 of this year, LaPorta was announced as the SEC Baseball Player of the Year for the second time in his college career. LaPorta also won the award after his sophomore season.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Are you guys ready for a good series this weekend with LSU?

 

Matt LaPorta: Yeah, it's going to be a big series.

 

BaseballAnalysts: What goals do you have for the remainder of the college season?

 

Matt LaPorta: Just to help my team get to the SEC tournament and hopefully the regionals.

 

BaseballAnalysts: What do you think Florida has to do to be successful?

 

Matt LaPorta: We probably have to win three or four games out of the next two weekends to meet those goals. LSU and Tennessee are two very high-quality teams and we just have to go out and play our game and hopefully we'll come out on top.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Have you achieved all the goals you set out for yourself in college?

 

Matt LaPorta: Yeah, I think I've done a lot of things - more than I ever thought imaginable, really, going into college.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Were you happy about your decision to go to college? (LaPorta was drafted in the 14th round out of high school by the Chicago Cubs, which was his favorite team growing up).

 

Matt LaPorta: Oh yeah, definitely.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Do you have any specific highlights or key moments from your college career?

 

Matt LaPorta: Yeah, I mean there have definitely been some highs and lows but it's hard to say because every year there have been new experiences that have just brought new light to how I see things on and off the field. Obviously going to the College World Series (The University of Texas edged Florida in 2005) is pretty high and getting to play for the USA National team (in 2005 with teammates Adam Davis and Brian Jeroloman) was another high point.

 

BaseballAnalysts: What would it mean to you to win the College Player of the Year award?

 

Matt LaPorta: That would be, you know, a tremendous honor. I couldn't even explain... It would be a miracle. It would truly be a gift from God. That's all I can say.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Do you think you have a good shot at it... You're up against some very good competition.

 

Matt LaPorta: Oh yeah, there is great competition out there. Honestly, I couldn't tell you. We'll see what happens. It's a big honor; I'm sure whoever gets it is well deserving of it.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Who would have your vote?

 

Matt LaPorta: I'm probably going to have to go with my buddy (Vanderbilt pitcher and project first overall draft pick) David Price.

 

BaseballAnalysts: You've had some really outstanding numbers in your senior year. Has the strained oblique muscle that you had last year bothered you at all this season?

 

Matt LaPorta: No, not at all.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Have you had any injuries that have bothered you this year?

 

Matt LaPorta: I injured my quad a little bit and I missed the last couple of weekends, but nothing too big.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Would you attribute the strained oblique muscle to why your numbers were down during your junior year, or were there other factors?

 

Matt LaPorta: A lot of it had to do with that. But I tried to do way too much when I came back and tried to put up numbers like I would have through an entire season and it just wasn't possible. It hurt me.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Were you also trying to help pick up the slack for some of the other players who were having off-years offensively? I know both second baseman Adam Davis (drafted by Cleveland) and catcher Brian Jeroloman (drafted by Toronto) also struggled.

 

Matt LaPorta: Yeah, when I came up to the plate, I felt like I had a lot of pressure to get the runs in and, you know, I came out of my element and didn't stay within myself. I tried to do way too much.

 

BaseballAnalysts: What have been the biggest changes in your game this season?

 

Matt LaPorta: Just putting more of my faith in God and letting him lead the way, as well as playing baseball and having fun. Everything else will just take care of itself.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Are there any highlights from this specific year that you've really enjoyed?

 

Matt LaPorta: I've enjoyed all of it. I'm taking it all in because it's the last time I'll get to play college baseball. I'm enjoying every last minute of it.

 

BaseballAnalysts: So it's bittersweet?

 

Matt LaPorta: Yeah.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Are you looking forward to the opportunity to pursue a pro career?

 

Matt LaPorta: Oh definitely. It's my time to move on to the next step in my life after this college season.

 

BaseballAnalysts: You hit .250 last year in the Cape Cod League, along with solid on-base and slugging numbers... Do you think you have adequately proven to scouts that you can make the necessary adjustments from aluminum bats to wood?

 

Matt LaPorta: Yeah... but the oblique was still in the back of my mind [during the summer] and I don't think I played anywhere near where I could have if I hadn't had that injury. [scouts] had seen me play up at the Cape and with Team USA and stuff.

 

BaseballAnalysts: What's the biggest difference between using the aluminum and the wood bats for you?

 

Matt LaPorta: You just have to trust your hands more. You can't try to hit a home run or get long because you won't hit the ball well.

 

BaseballAnalysts: What do you think are your personal strengths as a hitter?

 

Matt LaPorta: My ability to take pitches that are balls. And when I do get a pitch, I can capitalize on it and use my power.

 

BaseballAnalysts: What are some of the parts of your game that you think you need to continue to work on to get better?

 

Matt LaPorta: I think all aspects of my game. Baseball is a sport where you never really reach your full potential. Guys are always looking for ways to improve and get better every day. So, with that said, every aspect of my game has got to get better.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Let's switch focuses here for a bit and fast-forward to the draft. Do you have a preference as to which team selects you on draft day?

 

Matt LaPorta: No, not at all. I'd just be fortunate enough to get drafted and open that door to a new world and see what happens.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Would you like to go in the first round of the draft or is that even on your mind?

 

Matt LaPorta: None of that is really on my mind right now. I don't want to focus on anything I can't control. I just want to go out and play baseball, hit and do well. We'll see what happens with that other stuff.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Have there been any specific teams that have shown a lot of interest in you?

 

Matt LaPorta: Yeah, I've had quite a few teams that have shown some interest in me but, you know, it's still early. We'll see who really wants me closer to draft day.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Who did you follow growing up? Were you a baseball fan?

 

Matt LaPorta: Yeah, I was always watching the power hitting guys like Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire. I was in Port Charlotte [Florida] so the Rangers always had spring training down there and I would go watch [Rafael] Palmeiro and those kinds of guys.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Did you follow the Rangers throughout the season too, or just in spring training?

 

Matt LaPorta: Yeah, I followed the Rangers but mostly I was a Cubs fan. My father was from Chicago and his dad is too. He would pick me up from school and we would go watch Cubs games.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Do you have any specific plans for draft day? Have you thought about that yet?

 

Matt LaPorta: Nah, I'm probably just going to hang out at my house and just relax and see what happens.

 

BaseballAnalysts: You're being advised by one of the most powerful agents in baseball. How did that end up happening? Did you approach him or did he approach you?

 

Matt LaPorta: They came up to me. It's funny, I remember when Alex Rodriguez got that $252 million deal with the Rangers and I was, at the time, thinking: 'Scott Boras, this guy's amazing.' I was only wishing and hoping that one day I could be good enough to have him as an adviser and so far it's coming to fruition.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Have you enjoyed working with him?

 

Matt LaPorta: I really enjoy the Boras Corporation. They're a great group of guys and they love baseball. That's the main thing: they're baseball guys.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Are you concerned at all about sliding in the draft because of your representation?

 

Matt LaPorta: No, because before I made the decision I put it in God's hands and it wasn't just a quick decision like I'm going to go with their group. You know, I prayed about it and asked God what I should do and he led me in that direction.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Are you disappointed that a deal did not get done with Boston last year after your junior season?

 

Matt LaPorta: No, not at all. When one door closes, another one opens and I got a chance to come back to college for another year and got to see two national championships, one in football and one in basketball. The people I've met this year, if I had gone to play pro ball I would never have met them. I'm going to make it to the majors whether I signed last year or this year.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Do you keep in touch with any of your former teammates who are in pro ball?

 

Matt LaPorta: Not so much because they're so busy and I'm very busy. It's just hard to find time to stay in touch with them.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Who is the toughest college pitcher that you've ever face?

 

Matt LaPorta: That would be my buddy Ian Kennedy. I only faced him once when we were at the USA tryouts. He struck me out with a fastball right down the middle of the plate. So basically he out-smarted me and I just tipped my hat and went back to the dugout. Just the way he pitches is so crafty and he's very smart.

 

BaseballAnalysts: What professional baseball goals have you set for yourself, if any?

 

Matt LaPorta: Making it to professional baseball, obviously, but that's about as far as it goes right now. I haven't been there so I don't have a base to set any goals. I don't know what it's like.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Are there any players on your team who have really impressed you that you think could be poised for a big breakout in the next year or two?

 

Matt LaPorta: Yeah, our shortstop Cole Figueroa. He's a freshman and he's going to be a phenomenal player and someone to watch out for in the next couple of years.

 

BaseballAnalysts: So the Blue Jays are going to regret not signing him after drafting him out of high school last year?

 

Matt LaPorta: Is that who drafted him?

 

BaseballAnalysts: Yes, it was.

 

Matt LaPorta: Oh yeah. He's a quality person and a great ballplayer.

 

BaseballAnalysts: If you weren't pursuing a career as a baseball player, what other career would you pursue?

 

Matt LaPorta: Entrepreneurialship. I'd like to buy and sell businesses. Things of that nature. And do a lot of investing... Kind of like Donald Trump. The guys on my team always give me crap for it.

 

BaseballAnalysts: Well, thank you very much for your time, Matt, and hopefully we'll get to talk again sometime.

 

Matt LaPorta: All right, sounds good. Take care.

 

BaseballAnalysts: You too.

 

baseballanalysts.com/archives/2007/05/matt_laporta_in_1.php

 

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Focus Area Comments

Hitting Ability: Simply put, LaPorta can flat out hit. Period. After a subpar junior year because of injury, he's back raking again at Florida with outstanding plate discpline to boot.

Power: LaPorta has as much power as any bat, especially from the college ranks, in this draft class. He's got power to all fields and can hit the ball out of any ballpark with any kind of bat.

Running Speed: He's not a runner as a former catcher, but that's not what people will want from him as a pro.

Arm Strength: As a former catcher, he's got decent arm strength for a first baseman.

Fielding: He may never win a gold glove, but he's been OK at first defensively this year.

Physical Description: LaPorta is a big, strong left-handed power-hitting first baseman.

Medical Update: He spent nearly all of his junior season struggling with an oblique injury, but he's clearly healthy now.

Strengths: He can hit and hit with plenty of power.

Weaknesses: Unless someone thinks he can play another position -- not a common belief -- LaPorta is limited to first base or DH duties in the future.

Summary: LaPorta has quickly erased a forgettable injury-riddled junior season with a monster senior campaign. With nothing to lose and healthy, he appears to be relaxed and enjoying the game again. It seems that his decision not to sign with the Red Sox after being drafted in the 14th round a year ago will be a good one for him.

 

-MinorLeagueBaseball.com

 

www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/draft_report/y2007/index.jsp?mc=laporta

 

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SEC Announces Annual Baseball Honors

 

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Florida senior first baseman Matt LaPorta was selected 2007 SEC Baseball Player of the Year, Vanderbilt's junior lefthander David Price was named SEC Pitcher of the Year and Ole Miss outfielder Jordan Henry was named SEC Freshman of the Year by a vote of the league's 12 head baseball coaches. The coaches also tabbed Vanderbilt skipper Tim Corbin as SEC Coach of the Year. Alabama outfielder Emeel Salem was named SEC Baseball Scholar-Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive year.

 

LaPorta and Price lead a list of players named to the first and second-team All-SEC squads for this season. A semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, presented to the top player in collegiate baseball, LaPorta is hitting an SEC-best .419 with 59 runs, 51 walks, 50 RBI and 19 home runs. He leads the league with an .838 slugging percentage and an on-base percentage of .591 and drew 10 walks (nine intentional) in 14 plate appearances last weekend versus Tennessee.

 

-SECsports.com

 

EzCode Parsing Error:=SEC newwindow]SEC Announces Annual Baseball Honors [

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 3: Jonathan Lucroy - C

6'0", 185, R/R - Louisiana Lafayette

 

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2007/05/21/Xpdt2c9K.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Louisiana-Lafayette Player Profile

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report

 

One of the better all-around catching prospects availlable among a deep college catching crops for the 2007 draft. Was named the top prospect of the Florida Collegiate Summer League after the summer of 2006 for his offensive and defensive skills while leading the league in RBI (29).

 

He has a powerful right-handed bat and is able to drive the ball from gap-to-gap. Posted impressive offensive numbers throughout his college career, and hit for both average and power.

 

Lucroy worked hard the past few years to improve his defense behind the plate after starting his college career as a DH. Has a very strong arm, good quickness behind the plate, and natural leadership skills that trickles down to his teammates. A hard-working, blue collar player that has worked very hard to become the player he is today.

 

College Junior

Birthdate: 6/13/1986

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Minorleaguebaseball.com

 

Lucroy: Student Athlete Showcase

June, 2007

 

Courtesy: RaginCajuns.com

http://www.ragincajuns.com

Lucroy's Accolades

Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American (2005)

All-Sun Belt Conference (2005, 2007)

Sun Belt Conference Academic Honor Roll (2006)

 

What has been the most memorable moment of your collegiate career so far?

 

I had five hits in one game my freshman season, and I hit a grand slam against Arkansas State in the conference tournament last year. Also, my first collegiate hit was a homerun.

 

If you could do it all over again, would you still want to be a catcher?

 

Yes because I love it too much to want to play any other position.

 

What are your personal goals for the season?

 

I want to hit at least .350 with more homeruns and RBI than I had last season.

 

What is your goal for the team this season?

 

I want us to win the Sun Belt Conference and make the NCAA tournament.

 

What is the most difficult thing about playing baseball so far away from home?

 

The only thing that is really hard about it is not being able to have my parents come to all of my games.

 

What is your favorite thing about playing baseball?

 

I love the competitive aspect of baseball, and I have a lot of fun playing it.

 

Who is your favorite major league hitter?

 

Albert Pujols because I love his approach to the plate and his ability to hit for both power and average.

 

What is your pre-game ritual?

 

I eat a protein bar and sit in my locker and listen to my iPOD before every game. I like to be pumped up before I go out there.

 

Do you have any superstitions?

 

All baseball players have superstitions but talking about them is one of mine.

 

Would you rather be on American Idol or Dancing With the Stars and why?

 

I would rather be on American Idol because I have bad knees from catching. I can't pull an Emmit Smith.

 

What TV show can you not miss?

 

Grey's Anatomy because my girlfriend makes me watch it. Besides it makes great water cooler talk.

 

What CD is in your car right now?

 

Breaking Benjamin

 

What is your favorite thing about Lafayette?

 

The culture in Lafayette is so much different from where I live back in Central Florida. I love the people here and the food is really great.

 

2006: Named to Sun Belt Conference All-Tournament Team...Caught for the nation's 24th ranked pitching staff...Third on the team with a .333 batting average...Recorded 77 hits on the season with 36 extra-base hits ? 12 homeruns, four triples, 20 doubles...Led team with 68 RBI, which ranked 44th in the NCAA...Second on the team with 50 runs scored... Paced the Cajuns with 12 homeruns, including two grand slams...Led the team with 20 doubles...Led UL with a .610 slugging percentage and 141 total bases...Led team with 26 multiple hit games and 20 multiple RBI games...Had a season high four hits in a 4-for-5 performance against South Alabama in the Sun Belt Conference Tournament...Had a season high six RBI against Arkansas State in the SBC Tournament, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and a grand slam.

 

2005: Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American...Second Team All-Sun Belt Conference... Played in 54 games with 42 starts...Had a team leading .379 batting average...Recorded 69 hits in his freshman campaign, including 15 doubles and 5 homeruns...Registered 33 runs with 48 RBI...Drew 19 walks while striking out 17 times...Started 21-of-22 conference games he played in...Batted .356 against Sun Belt Conference pitching...Had 32 hits, including six doubles and two homeruns in SBC games...Drove in 18 runs and scored 15 runs in conference play.

 

High School: Was a four-year letterwinner for head coaches Don Semento and Terry Nuzum at Umatilla HS...Named honorable mention All-State as a freshman, second team All-Area as a sophomore and first team All-Area, second team All-Central Florida and first team All-State as a junior...Led Bulldogs with a .450 batting average and 10 home runs as a senior...Holds Umatilla HS record with 22 home runs.

 

Personal: Full name is Jonathan Charles Lucroy...Born on June 13, 1986, in Eustis, Fla....Son of Steven and Karen Lucroy...Has two younger brothers, Matthew and David...Majoring in Environmental Resources and Community Sustainability.

 

Lucroy: Student Athlete Showcase

 

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Lucroy named best HR hitter in College Station Regional

 

Quote:

---

Homerun Hitter - Jonathan Lucroy, Louisiana-Lafayette - The junior catcher has been a great hitter since his first year, when he was a freshman All-American. Last season he hit 12 homers, but this year he?s been one of the South?s top power hitters with 17 long balls and 65 RBI.

---

-SouthernCollegeSports.com

 

UPDATE: June 8th

 

Link for new photo while active, text follows:

 

Cajuns' Lucroy goes in the third round to Brewers

 

Amateur Draft 101

Cajuns' Lucroy goes in the third round to Brewers

Dan McDonald

dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com

 

Maybe it was just by chance that Jonathan Lucroy's off-the-field, knock-around baseball cap was an old-school lid of the Milwaukee Brewers.

 

But maybe it was kismet.

 

Lucroy became the second-highest University of Louisiana-Lafayette draft selection since Tony Robichaux took over as head coach in 1995 Thursday, being tabbed in the third round of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft by the Brewers.

 

The Ragin' Cajun junior catcher was the 101st player picked in the annual draft of amateur talent, and was the second selection for the Milwaukee club.

 

"They're one of the teams that had been following me," Lucroy said. "Brian Sankey is their area scout and I saw him at several different games, and he and one of his national people saw me play at McNeese when I had a good game."

 

That good game included a grand-slam homer and one throw-out on an attempted stolen base, but Lucroy's body of work was more important than one game. The Umatilla, Fla., native is UL's all-time career leader in runs batted in (184), total bases (414) and doubles (54), ranks second in hits (241), third in home runs (35) and slugging percentage (.612), and fourth in average (.356).

 

All of those figures are in three years since Lucroy just completed his junior season. But with a high third-round draft selection, one where the slot money for the 101st pick is approximately $337,000, it's expected that Lucroy will sign a contract and by-pass his senior season.

 

Lucroy said that his former coach and advisor Doug Rogalski will talk to Sankey and members of the Brewers front office today to begin negotiations.

 

"I feel good about it because the Brewers are a good organization and they're successful," Lucroy said Thursday evening. "They have a lot of good players in their system, and I'm lucky to be wanted in an organization such as that."

 

Rogalski may have helped bump Lucroy's selection up a couple of slots, after receiving a phone call early in the third round.

 

"He called me and said that the (Cincinnati) Reds had called and said they were going to definitely take me with their next pick," Lucroy said. "He called the Brewers and the (Colorado) Rockies, teams that had picks right in front of the Reds, and told them if they wanted to draft me they needed to do it now. It put a little pressure on them."

 

The Brewers had pick number 101, with the Rockies picking next at 102 ahead of the Reds' No. 104 pick. Colorado took catcher Lars Davis of Illinois right after Lucroy's selection.

 

"I got a call back from the Brewers and they said they were going to take me," Lucroy said. "I had just hung up the phone and heard my name called."

 

The MLB draft ran much later than normal, mostly because the first round was televised on ESPN2. The first round of 30 picks took three and one-half hours, and that was followed by 34 compensatory ("sandwich") picks before the second round began.

 

Milwaukee's only selection before Lucroy was Florida outfielder Matt LaPorta, who was the seventh overall pick. Lucroy was the 11th catcher selected and the seventh collegiate catcher picked.

 

"I figured I'd be in the middle there, late in the second or early in the third round," Lucroy said. "I felt I was right in there with the college catchers drafted before me. It took a long time, but I'm pretty happy."

 

Milwaukee's rookie teams are Helena (Mont.) of the Pioneer League and Maryvale (Ariz.) of the Arizona League.

 

The Class A affiliate is the South Atlantic League's West Virginia Power in Charleston, W.Va., and the High-A affiliate is not far from Lucroy's hometown - the Brevard County Manatees of Viera, Fla., in the Florida State League.

 

Lucroy is the 12th UL player taken in the top 10 rounds under Robichaux, with the only higher selection coming in 1995 when Rayne's Darrin Babineaux was a second-round selection of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 4: Eric Farris - 2B

5'10", 170, R/R - Loyola Marymount

 

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/loyo/sports/m-basebl/auto_headshot/764252.jpeg

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report

 

Farris is a high-energy middle infielder that receives high marks for his gamemanship and his overall abilities as a true ballplayer. He is at his best hitting atop a lineup, using his contact bat to smoke line drives to all parts of the field, drawing walks and causing havoc on the basepaths with his game-changing speed.

 

Defensively he is primarily a second-baseman, but he did play shortstop quite a bit during his junior season at Loyola Marymount due to the team's needs, and he could continue to play shortstop at the next level with very good range, soft hands and the knack to make both the routine and highlight-reel play. His arm is better suited for second base.

 

Farris was named the 54th best prospect on the Cape after the summer of 2006 by PG Crosschecker when he finished seventh in batting (.298) and tied for first in stolen bases (17) while being named the league's All-Star second baseman.

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Loyola Marymount Player Profile

 

College Junior

Birthdate: 3/3/1986

Previously Drafted: Atlanta Braves, Round 42, 2004

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From last summer in the Cape Cod League

 

Quote:

---

Eric Farris and Matt Angle were among the top 10 in hitting, posting respective averages of .298 and .292. Farris, a speedy second baseman out of Loyola Marymount, was tied for the league lead in steals with 17 while leading the team in hits with 45.

---

-CapeCodBaseball.org

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

May 14, 2007

 

SAN BRUNO, Calif. - For the third time this season, Eric Farris is the West Coast Conference Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday. Farris hit .467 on the week to lead LMU to the WCC series victory over Portland in the final weekend of league competition.

 

The Lions' junior hit .467 (7-for-15) over four games this week against 25th-ranked Cal State Fullerton and Portland.

 

He totaled three stolen bases on the week to bring his season total to 33, the most for any Lion since the 1970s.

 

Farris also tallied three runs scored and three RBI as the Lions' leadoff hitter. He had three extra base hits on the week, including two doubles and a home run over the Mikos Blue Monster to give him a slugging percentage of .800 and an on-base percentage of .556.

 

The Lions' shortstop was walked three times, including once intentionally in the bottom of the ninth Sunday against Portland. He was also perfect defensively on the week.

 

Farris went 3-for-4 with two RBI and two stolen bases at 25th-ranked Cal State Fullerton on Tuesday.

 

The weekly honor was the third selection of the season for Farris and the fourth of his career.

 

Farris West Coast Conference's Player of the Week

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 5: Caleb Gindl - CF

5'9", 185, L/L - Pace High School(FL)

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report

 

Gindl is an impressive two-way player coming out of high school that had scouts split on where he fit best at the next level: At the plate or on the mound.

 

His arm strength is his best attribute, which made him such an appealing option as a left-handed pitcher despite his smaller 5'9" frame. His fastball was routinely clocked in the upper 80s, touching the low-90s, and he showed a very aggressive and fearless demeanor on the mound.

 

The Brewers decided to draft Gindl for his bat, with an approach made for hard contact, using quick wrists and good bat speed to smoke line drives to all parts of the field while also showing surprising power potential given his smallish frame. Many notes point to Gindl's size, noting that if he were a few inches taller he may have been in the same conversation as some of the more recognizable outfield and overall hitting prospects in the country.

 

Gindl committed to play college baseball for Troy, but is expected to sign with the Brewers where he will be groomed as a hustling centerfielder with a strong arm and a solid approach at the plate.

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

College offers from Auburn, Troy, and LSU

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Scout.com profile:

 

As a junior, Caleb batted .453 with 7 home runs and 43 RBI. He also pitched in relief, showing a fastball that topped out at 93 miles per hour. For his efforts, he was selected 5A first-team All-State as well as being selected Offensive Player-of-the-Year in his area.

 

During the summer of 2006, he was chosen by Major League Baseball scouts to play on the 20-man southeast team that played at the East Coast Professional Showcase.

 

scout.scout.com/a.z?s=363...id=2630324

 

PG Crosschecker profile from the East Coast Professional Showcase:

 

Would be considered a top level pro prospect if he was 6-2, not 5-9. Quick, strong swing and can crush the ball; shows surprising power and consistent bat speed. Knows how to hit. Plus OF arm. 7.00 runner. Also pitches, throws 89-90 consistently from the left side. What separates him from the Kentrail Davis/Ben Revere level of 5-9 OF?er is simply the running speed. He can hit and play with either of them and out throw them both.

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 6: Daniel Merklinger - LHP

6'1", 195, L/L - Seton Hall (NJ)

 

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2007/05/16/WIYrSjhl.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

 

Merklinger is a well proportioned, projectable left-handed pitching prospect that is somewhat of an enigma in that he dazzled scouts on the Cape last summer, pitching against hitters with a wood bat, but has had mixed results at Seton Hall. The biggest reason is that Merklinger, despite possessing good stuff for a left-handed pitcher, tends to nibble, and doesn't pitch as aggressively as many would like to see.

 

His fastball sits in the 88-91 range, a curveball that is a very good pitch when it is on and a solid changeup, giving him a very solid three-pitch repertoire. If the Brewers can convince Merklinger to attack hitters more with his fastball to set up his solid secondary offerings, he could be a very effective pitcher in the mold of Chris Capuano.

 

MLB.com scouting report:

 

Considered one of the better pitching prospects in last year's Cape Cod League, Merklinger has been a bit disappointing in his junior year. The southpaw has been showing below-average stuff and his command hasn't been sharp enough to make up for it. Still, he's a college lefty who has shown the ability to pitch in the past. He could be a No. 5 starter or a lefty specialist, especially if his breaking stuff can continue to improve.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Focus Area Comments

Fastball: Merklinger's fastball is well below-average.

FB Movement: He does throw a four-seam and two-seam fastball with decent action. He could have future-average life.

Curve: It could be his best pitch and projects to be an average pitch in the future.

Changeup: His changeup is below-average right now, but projects as an average offering.

Control: He's generally around the plate, but his command overall is below-average.

Poise: His overall makeup is fine.

Physical Description: Merklinger has a body type similar to Steve Kline.

Medical Update: Healthy.

Strengths: The curve has the chance to be a pretty good pitch.

Weaknesses: While he generally can throw strikes, his stuff is all below-average.

Summary: Considered one of the better pitching prospects in last year's Cape Cod League, Merklinger has been a bit disappointing in his junior year. The southpaw has been showing below-average stuff and his command hasn't been sharp enough to make up for it. Still, he's a college lefty who has shown the ability to pitch in the past. He could be a No. 5 starter or a lefty specialist, especially if his breaking stuff can continue to improve.

 

 

MinorLeagueBaseball.com draft report

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 7: Efrain Nieves - LHP

6'0", 169, L/L - Puerto Rico BB Academy HS (PR)

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

 

Nieves is a live-armed, smaller lefty that makes pitching look like playing catch. His fastball is clocked regularly in the high-80s, touching 90, and many expect his fastball to increase in velocity as he continues to fill out his shorter and lighter frame.

 

Another plus to Nieves game is the natural movement on his fastball. That movement along with his effortless delivery leads many to believe he has a very high upside despite his smallish stature. His secondary pitches need to be tightened up, but his curveball can be a very sharp pitch when it is on, and he has also flashed a promising changeup.

 

Nieves doesn't turn 18 until November, so time is definitely on his side.

 

Birthdate: 11/15/1989

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 8: David Fonseca - SS

6'0", 180, R/R - Los Angeles Pierce College (CA)

 

http://www.bigleagueworldseries.org/images/2005/west_southeast.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

 

Fonseca is a well built overall athlete, with wiry, fast-twitch reflexes as he looks like a natural playing shortstop. He has quick feet, soft hands and a strong arm, which should allow him to stick at the shortstop position. His best tool is his speed, as he could be groomed as a leadoff hitting middle infielder. There is some pop in his bat, driving the ball from gap to gap, and he has plenty of room to add strength to his long and lithe frame which could mean more over the fence power down the road.

 

Previously Drafted: St Louis Cardinals, Round 29, 2005

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 9: Kristian Bueno - LHP

6'2", 195, L/L - Calallen High School (TX)

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Bueno is committed to pitch at Angelina College next year, but could skip the college route and sign a pro contract with the Brewers.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 10: Eric Fryer - C

6'2", 215, R/R - Ohio State

 

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/osu/sports/m-basebl/auto_headshot/884474.jpeg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

 

Fryer is a very good overall athlete that could play any position on the field, but excels behind the plate with good lateral quickness, soft hands, a strong arm, and a heady approach to the game that makes him a natural leader calling games and handling a pitching staff.

 

As good as his athleticism and versatility is, his bat is in question. He has the tools to succeed, with a solid approach, decent power potential and good bat speed, but so far he has not produced as much as scouts would like to see. If he finds his stroke at the pro level he could be a steal.

 

Ohio State Player Profile

 

Birthdate: 8/26/1985

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Link to CSTV.com

 

"I am real excited about the opportunity to perform at the next level," said Fryer. "A lot of hard work went in to getting to this point. I want to thank Coach (Bob Todd) and the coaching staff for helping me grow as a player. I was pretty raw when I got to Ohio State and the coaches refined my skills and helped me tremendously."

 

Fryer was tied for fifth on the team in hitting at .322, first in doubles (16), second in RBI (50) and third in hits (74). He started 61 of 62 games on the year and was a second-team All-Big Ten choice this season. Fryer was a second-team All-Big Ten and All-Mideast Region pick as a sophomore.

 

***

In the Dugout with Eric Fryer - May 22, 2006

 

Before every game sophomore catcher Eric Fryer always checks the stands for his biggest fans: his grandparents, his mom, his dad and his two younger brothers. They have always been a driving force, not only in his baseball career, but all through his life. Every time he sees his family at his games, he always wants to do everything he can for them. Fryer's strong family life has helped him become a leader for the Buckeyes and help the team out in what ever way he can. When the Reynoldsburg, Ohio, native steps on the field, he never forgets how lucky he is to be living his dream of playing for Ohio State. He always is reminded by his family in the stands who are always there to watch him.

 

What other sports did you play when you were growing up?

"In high school I played baseball and basketball. I only played basketball through my sophomore year. In middle school I played basketball, baseball and football. Baseball is it for me though, I trained all through the winter for it and played in spring and summer leagues."

 

What made you choose baseball?

"Well I was better at baseball then anything else. The camaraderie is great. The guys in the locker room are great and you get to know your teammates a lot more than in other sports because it is a longer season.

 

What is the toughest position for you to play?

"It would have to be DH. I would much rather be out on the field playing catcher or first base. It is very different from anything else. If you have a bad at bat you don't get the chance to make it up in the field. When you have a bad at bat it will stick with. I would say in some ways it is even harder than playing in the field. You have to be really mentally tough because not being on the field can sometimes take you out to the rhythm of the game and keep focused all the time."

 

Is there any special reason that you wear No. 33?

"I wore No. 11 all through high school, but when I came here it was already taken. So first they gave me (No. 3) to wear but I had to change my number again for whatever reason. I looked at it and I did like the '3' I had been wearing but I still had a thing for an odd repeater, so I went with 33 and have been wearing it ever since."

 

What do you like to do away from baseball?

"I like to hang around with the guys (on the team) the most. I really like to go bowling. I used to go a lot in high school and I was pretty good I bowled about 215-220 most of time. However I really haven't gone in a while now so I'm probably pretty awful now. Also in the summer, my family and I always go up to Michigan and go hunting and fishing."

 

What influence has your family had on your baseball career?

"We have all been real big Buckeye supporters throughout. My dad and I used to play baseball in the backyard growing up. My mom would travel around with me to all my games and they would bring my two little brothers, Matt and Tim, along with them. Matt is a great baseball player and Tim is very good at football. My parents never pushed me though when it was time to pick a school. Ohio State was just a great fit for me and it was the place I always wanted to go to when I was growing up."

 

Do think being an older brother has helped you become a leader in the club house?

"When I was back home, I'm not so sure if I was leading them more or less than I was bossing them around. Sometimes I think I was a little tough on them. Now, though, it is fun to teach them what I know and help raise them a little. I really enjoy teaching Matt what I know about baseball. Tim has really always been into football and I have really never had to help him out. He is really good about working things out himself. Leadership really comes from just being with the guys over the summer and just letting that carry over into the spring."

 

Does your family come to a lot of your games?

"They come out all the time they come out as much as they can. When my brothers get done with practice or a game they come on over and watch me play. My dad coaches my brother Matt so sometimes for the bigger games, Matt's practice might end a little early so they can make it to the stadium to see most of my game. I get really pumped up to see them in the stands. My mom and my grandparents make it to just about everyone of my games but when I see them in the stands it is all the motivation I need to go out there and do my best."

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 11: Cody Scarpetta - RHP

6'3", 225, R/R - Guilford HS (IL)

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/images/profilepics/07pgind56.jpg

 

http://cmsimg.rrstar.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

The Brewers selected Cody's father, Dan, in the third round of the 1982 draft. The younger Scarpetta checks in at a chiseled 6?3?, 225 pounds, and uses his size to sit consistently in the 88-92 range while touching 94. He also shows a pretty good mid-70s breaking pitch, a pitch that could use a little more bite to it, but he still shows the ability to throw strikes with it, giving him the foundation for two very solid offerings.

 

Scarpetta is also a pretty good hitter, and he could play two ways should he honor his commitment to Creighton University, but at the pro level his future lies on the mound. Having dropped to the 11th round, signability could be an issue.

 

Birthdate: 8/25/1988

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Beloit Daily News:

 

The Milwaukee Brewers like hard-throwing high schoolers. Rockford Guilford's Cody Scarpetta is a hard-throwing high school right-hander.

 

A match made in heaven.

 

The Brewers took the Rockford prep star in the 11th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. Scarpetta was ranked as a four-star player (out of five) by Baseball America and has a scholarship at Creighton waiting for him if he doesn't sign with the Brewers. Scarpetta's father, Dan, was selected in the third round by the Milwaukee Brewers 25 years ago and spent a season pitching for the then-named Beloit Brewers.

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 12: Wes Etheridge - RHP

6'1", 185, R/R - UC Irvine (CA)

 

http://pe.cypresscollege.edu/sports/men/images/base060214.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

Built lithe and rangy, Etheridge makes pitching look easy. There isn't any wasted movement to his delivery, and his arm has proved to be very reliable and durable being used in a swing-role for much of his college career. His success during the 2007 is a big reason for UC Irvine's overall success on their way to the College World Series.

 

He's never going to light up radar guns, instead relying on a sinking fastball and nifty changeup that induces a lot of awkward swings and weak ground balls. His stature and stuff is very similar to Matt Wise's, and that is probably his upside in a best-case scenario.

 

UC Irvine Player Profile

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 13: Christopher Dennis - LF

6'1", 205, L/R - St Thomas of Villanova SS

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

Dennis has played catcher in high school, and was drafted by the Devil Rays last year in the 38th round of the draft. An odd rule allows players from Ontario to return to school for an additional year of high school.

 

He was moved to the outfield this past year, and while he doesn't have the most ideal speed or quickness for the outfield, or any spot on the diamond for that matter, his bat really came to life this past year that elevated his draft position. He has good overall hitting mechanics, solid bat speed, and encouraging power potential.

 

Birthdate: 9/15/1988

 

Committed to play for Connors State Junior College (OK)

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Schoolmates picked by Brewers, White Sox

 

Jim Parker

Windsor Star (Ontarion, Canada)

 

Saturday, June 09, 2007

 

Major League Baseball came knocking for a pair of local prospects Friday.

 

The Milwaukee Brewers grabbed catcher Chris Dennis of Windsor in the 13th round of the draft while Villanova schoolmate Mitch Delaney of LaSalle went to the Chicago White Sox in the 21st round.

 

Both are teammates with the London Diamonds of the Inter-County Baseball League and quickly had to put the celebration on hold to pack up and head for a game.

 

"I'm excited," Dennis said. "It's right where they projected me to go. I'm just glad I didn't drop down."

 

The 18-year-old Dennis was a 38th round pick by Tampa Bay last year, but turned down a $15,000 U.S. signing bonus to go back in the draft.

 

He was rewarded by going in the 13th round and 728 picks higher than a year ago.

 

"I have to talk to the Brewers and see what their plans are for me, but (with where he was taken) they'll definitely be offering (a deal) I can sign," Dennis said.

 

FAMILY SACRIFICES

 

The six-foot-one, 215-pound Dennis is known more for his left-handed bat. A member of Canada's bronze-medal winning world junior team a year ago, Dennis has an offer to attend Connors State College in Warner, Okla., if he doesn't sign.

 

"I was happy I got drafted last year, but I wasn't happy with where I went," Dennis said.

 

"My family's sacrificed a lot and it's been a lot of hard work the last year.

 

I went out and got bigger and stronger."

 

Unlike previous years where teams had until the start of the school year in September to sign a player, Major League Baseball clubs are under a much tighter deadline this year.

 

Clubs must sign draft picks by Aug. 15 or they go back in the draft next year.

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 14: Donovan Hand - RHP

6'4", 205, R/R - Jacksonville St U (FL)

 

http://www.jsugamecocksports.com/images/articles/86202_Hand_Donovanweb.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Jacksonville State Player Profile

 

Birthdate: 4/20/1986

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

JSU Athletic Site: Hand Selected by Brewers

 

JSU's Hand Taken by Brewers in 14th Round of MLB Draft

 

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. ? The Milwaukeee Brewers selected Jacksonville State pitcher Donovan Hand on Friday in the 14th round of the Major League Baseball?s 2007 First-Year Player Draft.

 

Hand, a junior right-handed hurler, was the 13th pick taken by the Brewers as the 431st overall pick in the Draft and was the first Gamecock selected in the Draft since three players were taken in 2003.

 

A 6-foot-4, 205-pound right-handed pitcher from Hatton, Ala., Hand was an All-OVC selection for the third ime in his three-yare career at JSU this season, when he led the Gamecocks with seven wins and 82 strikeouts. He posted a 2.87 earned run average in Ohio Valley Conference play and held conference foes to a mere .192 batting average. He was named the league?s Pitcher of the Week four times in 2007.

 

***

Link while active, text follows:

 

Hatton grad taken in 14th round, but he's uncertain if he'll sign deal or return for senior year at Jax State

 

By Mark Edwards

medwards@decaturdaily.com

Decatur, Alabama

 

Jacksonville State right-handed pitcher Donovan Hand spent much of Friday morning at his parents' home in Hatton, monitoring the baseball draft on the Internet.

 

The Hatton High graduate had reason to watch, since both the Washington Nationals and Milwaukee Brewers had indicated to him that they might take him.

 

About 12:30 p.m., the wait ended. The Brewers took Hand in the 14th round and the 431st selection of the draft.

 

"I'm pretty excited," said Hand, 21, who is 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds. "It's always been my dream to play in the major leagues."

 

However, this is only the start of the process for Hand, and he's uncertain if it will end with him signing with the Brewers. He still has one more year of eligibility at Jacksonville State, which means he could return to school and re-enter the draft in the summer of 2008.

 

"I'm not 100 percent sure if I'll sign with them or if I'll return to Jacksonville State," he said. "A lot depends on negotiating. Over the next couple of weeks, I'll figure out what I want to do."

 

However, Hand has a preference on how this turns out.

 

"I guess I'm leaning toward signing," Hand said.

 

Hand said he has known Brewers scout Joe Mason since high school. Mason scouts Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi for the major league club.

 

"I knew the Brewers were interested, but I didn't know they were this serious," he said.

 

Hand finished this season with a 7-8 record after struggling with his pitching mechanics early in the year and beginning 0-4. His 3.78 ERA led the team, and that number went down to 2.87 against Ohio Valley Conference opponents. Conference batters hit only .192 against him.

 

He made all-OVC for the third time in three years and was named the league's pitcher of the week four times.

 

He entered the season with a 19-8 record in his first two years and a 2.72 ERA.

 

"When my coach and I were talking after the season, I told him that even though my numbers don't show it, I thought this was my best year of pitching," Hand said. "I had to battle through a lot. Instead of 7-8, it easily could've been 10-5 or 12-4."

 

At Hatton, he helped the Hornets finish runner-up in the Class 2A state playoffs in 2003. As a senior in 2004, he finished 7-0 with an 0.62 ERA.

 

Pro draft visits Hatton

 

Donovan Hand, an all-state baseball pitcher in 2003 and ?04 at Hatton High, went in the 14th round of the pro baseball draft Friday to the Milwaukee Brewers.

 

Hand has posted a 26-16 record in three years at Jacksonville State and made all-Ohio Valley Conference all three seasons.

 

Hand has the option of signing with the Brewers or returning to school for his senior season and re-entering the draft in 2008.

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 15: Joey Paciorek - 3B

6'2", 225, R/R - Blaine HS (WA)

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/images/profilepics/06natl159.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

It's not a surprise that Paciorek looks as though he was born to play the gamehe bloodlines, as his father and two uncles played professional baseball. He is built very tall and strong, with natural power potential given his frame, and he is athletic enough to have handled shortstop during his high school career. He projects to slide over to third base as he doesn't have the ideal lateral quickness to handle short, but he has the soft hands and arm strength to handle the hot corner.

 

His bat will determine how far he goes. He uses very quick hands and his natural strength to drive balls out of the ballpark. He is a little on the slow side, but again, his speed is not going to determine how far he makes it. His upside may be a limited somewhat, but he could put up some big numbers in the lower levels to help generate some steam during the early years of his professional career.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Brewers pick Blaine?s Paciorek in 15th round

 

DOUG PACEY, Bellingham Herald

 

Joey Paciorek is following in his father?s and uncles? footsteps.

 

The Blaine senior was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 15th round of the Major League Baseball Draft on Friday.

 

?Definitely, it?s kind of cool,? Paciorek said of playing pro ball like his father, Jim, and uncles Tom and John. ?They tell me you get to play every day.?

 

The Brewers project Paciorek as a third baseman, though he mostly played shortstop and pitched at Blaine.

 

?He?s a big, physical high school kid who?s ready to handle professional baseball,? said Brandon Newell, the Brewers? Northwest scouting supervisor. ?Additionally, he?s a great hitter with great genes.?

 

Paciorek will report to the Brewers? short-season rookie ball team in Maryvale, Ariz., after he signs, Newell said.

 

At Blaine this season, Paciorek broke the school record for batting average he set last year by hitting .516.

 

Newell said the Brewers liked that Paciorek played three sports ? football, basketball and baseball ? and the organization is looking forward to seeing what Paciorek can accomplish when he?s only playing baseball.

 

?He was successful in all three sports,? Newell said, ?and that?s without focusing on just one.?

 

Paciorek, who was all- Northwest Conference in the three sports, anticipates improvement, too.

 

?I haven?t had much time to work on baseball in the offseason because of the other sports,? he said.

 

Paciorek said the Brewers showed the most interest of any team, though he did have ?a couple? workouts with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He was in Milwaukee, Wis., last weekend to work out for the Brewers.

 

?I?m glad to be with the Brewers,? Paciorek said.

 

***

Paciorek worked out In Milwaukee prior to draft

 

Paciorek in first televised baseball draft

by Jack Kintner, Blaine (WA) Northern Light

 

One reason Sehome high school dominated this year?s county high school all-star baseball game last week, putting pitcher Jordan Chambers and shortstop Kai Hatch into the state all-star game, was that the best athlete wasn?t even on the field.

 

Blaine?s Joey Paciorek, who excelled as a pitcher and shortstop and was the leading hitter this year among all county schools, was back in Milwaukee, Wis., as one of the Brewers? top 20 prospects for this year?s draft.

 

Paciorek?s been seen by most of the Brewers' front office, and the group he was invited to join ? which included both high school and college players ? is expected to form the core of this week?s amateur baseball draft, the first ever to be televised live.

 

The connection between the Brewers, arguably the best team in baseball this year, and Blaine is two-fold. Paciorek?s dad Jim was the Brewers eighth-round draft pick in 1982, although he spent most of his major league career playing in Japan, a country he first visited while an undergraduate at the University of Michigan (class of ?81). He?s served as an assistant baseball coach to Gary Clausen for the past few years.

 

Blaine high school principal Dan Newell?s son Brandon Newell, northwest scouting coordinator for the Brewers organization, invited Paciorek back to Milwaukee Stadium for the tryout. ?He swung the bat very well, showed them what he had,? said Newell, ?The apple doesn?t fall far from the tree.?

 

Indeed. Three of Joey?s uncles and three cousins have all played professional baseball, including long-time Seattle Mariners outfielder, first baseman and DH Tom Paciorek.

 

?They?re known chiefly as good hitters,? Newell said. Joey?s uncle and Tom?s older brother John, in fact, has the highest major league batting average ever recorded, a perfect 1.000, earned in the only major league game he played in when he went three for three for Houston in 1963.

 

?What Joey has is a good combination of size and agility. I?d compare him to [Cardinals third baseman] Scott Rolen or [Phillies outfielder and DH] Pat Burrell,? Newell said.

 

***

Four-year Blaine standout Joey Paciorek provided a hint of how well he could perform with a wooden bat.

 

Paciorek pounded two doubles and later singled with two outs and a full count, scoring Kai Hatch with the winning run in the last inning to give Post 7 King Nissan a 5-4 senior American League baseball victory over the Langley Blaze on Thursday at Joe Martin Field.

 

Paciorek is looking to make a different kind of move today during the second day of the Major League Baseball entry draft.

 

?I hope I?ll be chosen (today),? Paciorek said. ?Last week I went to Milwaukee for the Brewers? pre-draft workout.?

 

After a highly productive career with a metal bat at Blaine, Paciorek is savoring the thought of using wood bats in the pros. In a recent workout, he cracked five balls out of spacious Joe Martin with a wood bat.

 

?I?ve only used wood a few times,? said Paciorek, who has signed to play for Lower Columbia College. ?I would have a tough decision to make if I?m drafted, but I can?t go wrong either way.?

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 16: Joel Morales - RHP

6'3", 200, R/R - Puerto Rico Baseball Academy High School

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

Many scouts considered Morales to be the best pitching prospect from Puerto Rico this year, one of the best groups of talents from the island in years. He has a very live arm, and the velocity on his fastball has increased by 10 miles per hour over the last year, as he now reaches the low-90s. Despite his relative youth and inexperience, he shows an advanced approach to pitching, with a solid four pitch repertoire that includes a slider, curveball and changeup, all of which have the foundation for being solid average pitches if not better at the next level.

 

In addition his arm action and overall mechanics are relatively clean, and it's only a matter of getting more innings under his belt while he continues to mature and progress to see what he can truly do.

 

Birthdate: 3/12/1989

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 17: Erik Miller - CF

6'3", 200, R/R - Scottsdale Community College (AZ)

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

Miller is a well built and athletic physical specimen. He stole 27 bases and hit six home runs in a junior college conference that uses wood bats. He is a rare blend of power and speed that just needs to continue to work hard and gain experience for his game to come together. He has the tools to succeed, and is one of the more exciting sleepers from the 2007 draft class to keep an eye on.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 18: Bobby Bramhall - LHP

5'11", 185, L/L - Rice University (TX)

 

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/rice/sports/m-basebl/auto_headshot/847373.jpeg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

 

Bramhall is a shorter left-handed pitcher that has promise as a left-handed specialist with a high-80s fastball and a very good curveball that often buckles the knees of opposing batters. His overall athleticism has also allowed him to see some time as a outfielder during his career at Rice.

 

He may be a relatively easy sign, as he reportedly has made it be known that he would like to start his professional career. He could move quickly as a reliever with a fair amount of success under his belt at the college level playing for perennial D1 powerhouse, Rice.

 

Rice Player Profile

 

Birthdate: 7/13/1985

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Tomorrow's Leaders

 

April 4, 2007

 

Rice junior pitcher Bobby Bramhall is pretty sure that things happen for a reason. He's not always sure why, but he's thankful that he can at least see, literally see that is, a bigger picture.

 

Only a short time ago in his freshman season when he also doubled as an outfielder/left-handed hitter, Bramhall noticed a disturbing trend. When playing in the outfield he began to have more and more trouble seeing the ball come off the bat, or picking up the horsehide sphere in an overcast sky or at night under the stadium lights.

 

How can this be? Only the semester before Bramhall underwent the laser surgery procedure to correct a case of far-sightedness and astigmatism that sometimes effects young adults. In Bramhall's case however, the procedure soon began to have the reverse effect and his vision started getting worse and worse with every passing week. Just barely 20 years old at the time, Bobby Bramhall got the frightening news.

 

"The doctors said that if I hadn't come in when I had and undergone a second surgery, one to correct the first one, it really would have been difficult to correct," Bramhall said. "It was scary for sure, but you have to have faith in God to watch over things and help the doctors do their work.

 

"I can see fine now," Bramhall said, still with a sense of relief even two years later. "I feel like I am blessed that things worked out. It's made me look at things, and I guess you could say 'see things' in a whole new way."

 

With his vision cleared, the 5-foot-11 College Station native has had two outstanding seasons for the Owls' prestigious baseball program. In 2006 he went 4-2 on the mound and maintained a 2.36 ERA in 53.1 innings. He saved some of his best for last and, when the team needed him most, pitched a career-long 4.2 innings of two-hit relief at the College World Series in Omaha.

 

Bramhall is having an even better 2007 season as one of the team's first options out of the bullpen. He filled a vital role when fellow left-hander Cole St.Clair, a first team all-America selection from a year ago, was sidelined before the start of the season. Bramhall has quickly picked up three wins and three saves in 10 appearances. He has maintained a 1.75 ERA and struck out 31 hitters in 25.2 innings. Overall, Bramhall has faced 92 opposing hitters and held the foes to a composite .163 batting average.

 

The success on the field is impressive enough, but there's still another side to Bramhall that separates him from a number of other college students and student-athletes. The lefty is one of the leaders of Rice's chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), as well as some of the community service efforts taken-up by Rice student-athletes. Bramhall has helped spearhead a number of off-field projects ranging from visiting hospitalized children in the nearby Texas Medical Center, to clothing drives for the needy, to helping the FCA "huddles" organize the weekly meeting process which gives student athletes fellowship and motivation.

 

Bramhall has been witness to many different motivational speakers, but it's hard to imagine that any visitor in that role would quite have anything as inspiring as his own story of nearly losing his sight, but coming back to be one of the pitching and off-the-field leaders of the nationally-ranked baseball program - all while having a big part in a myriad of community service duties.

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 19: Zealous Wheeler - 3B

5'10", 220, R/R - Wallace State Community College (AL)

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Link

 

by Will Heath, dailyhome.com

 

06-09-2007

 

Childersburg?s Zealous Wheeler is living a dream.

 

After putting up eye-catching numbers in his sophomore season at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, Wheeler received a pleasant surprise Friday when the Milwaukee Brewers called him to say they?d grabbed him with the 581st overall pick in this year?s 2007 Major League Baseball Draft.

 

?I?ve been doing a little work, and they called me and told me,? he said. ?They got me by surprise.?

 

The 5-10, 220-pound Wheeler became the 19th pick of the draft by the Brewers? organization. The Brewers also grabbed Jacksonville State?s Donovan Hand earlier in the draft.

 

?It feels good,? Wheeler said. ?All my hard work has paid off. I give thanks to my mom and dad for raising me, to come up and get my lessons and play ball, keep me straight.?

 

This season was a banner one for Wheeler, whose team finished with a final record of 40-10 before losing to Chattahoochee Valley 1-0.

 

Playing 50 games at third base, Wheeler finished with a batting average of .412, and a slugging percentage of .701. He had 73 hits, 10 home runs and 19 doubles. For the season, he drove in 51 runs and scored 59.

 

He attributed this past season?s success to more experience.

 

?Last year, come in as a freshman, just step right in the fire,? he said. ?It was alright, but this year was just a lot of experience. It just came easy.?

 

Wheeler, who has already signed a full scholarship to UAB for his final two years of school, says he isn?t sure whether he?ll enroll in school or pursue his dream of pro baseball.

 

His high school head coach believes he can do whatever he wants.

 

?It?s always good to see a guy you?ve coached go on to do bigger and better things,? Childersburg head coach Chad Slaten said. ?Every kid in Childersburg, their dream is to play pro baseball. Zealous has that chance and I know that?s been a lifelong dream of his.

 

?I really believe he?s got a chance to make it to the big leagues, just because he?s a great hitter, and he has a great work ethic and he?s such a great person.

 

?It all comes back to his mama and daddy. They?ve done a great job of raising two wonderful boys. There?s so many kids that year in and year out with great ability, but they don?t have the work ethic, and he?s got it.?

 

***

Wheeler brothers taking baseball world by storm

 

by Will Heath, dailyhome.com

 

06-10-2007

 

Friday was a pretty good day for the Wheeler brothers.

I caught up to Zealous and Bryan Friday afternoon, right after reading about the elder going to the Milwaukee organization in the 11th round of the Major League Baseball draft.

 

?Caught me by surprise,? Zealous said, a little giddy.

 

It was a banner spring for Wheeler, who finished the 2007 baseball season ? his second and final one at Wallace-Hanceville ? with a batting average over .400, including 10 home runs and 19 doubles.

 

For the season (50 games), Wheeler drove in 51 runs and scored 59.

 

Those numbers were good enough to get Zealous noticed by the Brewers, who grabbed him with the 581st overall pick on Friday.

 

Less than 15 seconds later, I was chatting up little brother Bryan, who sounded a little stunned to find out he?d been named Player of the Year in 4A by the state?s sportswriters.

 

In this particular conversation, ?a little giddy? isn?t quite descriptive enough.

 

?Oh ... man, really? Wow ... I don?t even know what to say.?

 

No matter. Bryan?s actions did most of the talking this past spring. The Tigers? center fielder had a season for the ages, finishing with 65 hits, 74 RBIs, 12 doubles and 17 home runs.

 

His final batting average was .471. He stole 13 bases. And he was a part of a Childersburg team that scored 107 runs in 10 state playoff games, on its way to claiming the 4A state title.

 

By the way, Bryan Wheeler?s got a year of high school left.

 

?It?s nothing you can say about that,? he said. ?I got a chance to do it again next year.?

 

The relationship between the two brothers has already been pretty well documented. Neither of them gave even a hint in an earlier interview that a rivalry could exist between them.

 

?No rivalry,? Bryan said. ?I love my brother to death.?

 

?I love my brother,? Zealous said. ?He?s working hard and it?s paying off for him. We love each other. I want him to do good and I want to do good.?

 

But imagine this: what if you could get them on the same team? What if UAB ? which has signed Zealous for the next two years, assuming he doesn?t go off to chase his professional dreams ? goes hard after Bryan next winter, and the two of them suit up as Blazers for the spring of 2009?

 

Obviously, the age difference would be a factor, as would be the adjustment level from high school to Division I (substantial).

 

Still, having those two bats in your lineup couldn?t hurt you in a tight spot ? I?d hate to have to walk one, knowing the other was on deck.

 

Not to mention, reporters covering the games would have quite a time trying to interview the two of them at the same time.

 

Especially when they?re both taken by surprise.

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 20: Cameron Robulack - 1B

6'3", 220, L/R - Silverthorn Collegiate Institute

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/images/profilepics/06mwt75.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

While Robulack was a solid draft prospect entering the spring, he was really helped by the fact that he played on the same team as first round pick Phillippe Aumont. Big large and powerful, there are some concerns about his overall athleticism and his conditioning, but if he lives up to his power potential no one will care about his body or how he moves around the first base bag. He swings from the left-side of the plate, and has drawn some unfair comparisons to Justin Morneau, probably more for being a fellow Canadian than anything else. He can struggle to make contact at times, and may be without a defensive home.

 

Birthdate: 11/2/1988

 

Committed to play for the University of Nebraska

 

Per BA Draft Blog, signed 6/8/2007 for $75,000.

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Draft Prospect Q&A

 

By Frankie Piliere, Scout.com

 

May 25, 2007

 

As a Canadian player, left-hand hitting Cameron Robulack may not get quite the hype he deserves as a very strong draft prospect. However, the slugging Ontario native is drawing significant interest from teams as a 3rd to 5th round pick. We recently caught up with Robulack for a Q&A session.

 

Scout.com: First of all, how do you feel about how you've shown yourself this spring and basically what are your general thoughts on your performance?

 

Cameron Robulack: I've showed quite well. I had a good spring and our season started late since we are in Canada but since it's started I've done well.

 

Scout.com: Compare yourself to last fall or last summer. How are you a different player and what have you improved in your game?

 

Cameron Robulack: I think the biggest difference in my game is maturity in all aspects, body development, size, hitting, hitting with power and mentally in my approach to the game.

 

Scout.com: Looking ahead, what parts of your game would you like to improve on and how do you plan to do so?

 

Cameron Robulack: To become a major leaguer I need to keep improving all aspects of my game, and this is done through hard work and determination.

 

Scout.com: You're a player that has really flown under the radar so to speak, at least among media outlets. Do you like playing to exceed expectations and what are your thoughts on the expectations of you as a player?

 

Cameron Robulack: It's not a bad thing that every kid is not always seen by everyone, but to those that know me I've fullfilled the expectation of a good power hitter with a good average and alot of RBI. I understand that I have still alot of projectability and look forward to catching up with it.

 

Scout.com: How would you describe yourself as a hitter and what is your approach at the plate?

 

Cameron Robulack: I feel I am a tough out at the plate. I am a good power hitter and a big time run producer. I have equal success against right handed and left handed pitching and am always thinking of hitting the ball hard.

 

Scout.com: If you had to compare yourself to a big leaguer player in terms of style, who would it be and why?

 

Cameron Robulack: Justin Morneau. I feel coming from Canada we play the same type of game and style of play. I am a big impact player who much like Morneau hits with alot of power, hits well for average and is the type of player that everyone doesn't want to face with base runners.

 

Scout.com: What are your expectations of a pro career for you? In other words, how do you feel about possibly turning pro and what do you expect that experience would be like?

 

Cameron Robulack: I want to play pro ball. Baseball is my only focus and I will enjoy the opportunity to work at the sport I love to play everyday.

 

Scout.com: Your known as a very good power hitting prospect. Where do you think that power comes from?

 

Cameron Robulack: Hard work, good coaching as a youth and my determination to be great.

 

Scout.com: What are some of your major goals for the next six months?

 

Cameron Robulack: My goals is to have a great season and to keep taking strides to become a major leaguer.

 

Scout.com: What are your thoughts on going pro versus going to college?

 

Cameron Robulack: I love the game of baseball, want to play pro ball, and I play baseball to become a great major leaguer.

 

Scout.com: If there was something a pro scout may not notice about you just by watching you play, what would it be?

 

Cameron Robulack: My knowledge about the game of baseball.

[colbyjack]

Round 21: Connor Hoehn - RHP

6'1", 190, R/R - St. Johns High School (MD)

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/images/profilepics/06natl92.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

On pure talent, Hoehn could have easily been taken in the top 10 rounds. His ceiling is somewhat limited since he doesn't have the most projectable of frames, but that doesn't really matter given his stuff. He pitches consistently in the low-90s, can touch the mid-90s, and his fastball shows very good late life. He also throws a good slider that has shown flashes of being a dominant pitch at times. He needs to find more consistency with his breaking ball while refining his changeup. He projects as a sinker-slider type of pitcher, but likely will be tough to pry away from Alabama.

 

Birthdate: 7/5/1989

 

College commitment is to the University of Alabama. He has pitched in the mid-90's.

 

From tidefans.com:

 

*Consistently works down in the zone with a heavy 90-93 mph fastball with good sink and run complemented with a hard "frisbee" slider. While internet scouting reports always have to be taken with a grain of salt, they can still provide a fairly helpful basis for projection. Hoehn would appear to have future closer written all over him.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Baseball America Blog Entry Posted Apr. 11, 2007 by Alan Matthews

 

ANAHEIM?As luck would have it, the best games in Tuesday?s quarterfinal action were all held at one location, so I saved some gas money and settled in for a couple of intriguing matchups.

 

One of the benefits of the National Classic is seeing the different styles of play from teams from different parts of the country, and hitting has prevailed over pitching for the most part this week.

 

Connor Hoehn?s name has been whispered frequently this spring, and there were a few dozen scouts on hand to see him strut his stuff against one of the best hitting teams in Florida, Palm Beach Central (Wellington, Fla.).

 

Hoehn?s a well-built, 6-foot-2 righthander from St. John?s College High in Washington, D.C. He?s had some helium this spring thanks mostly to a fastball that has been up to 93 mph.

 

The Alabama signee touched 91 Tuesday, and discovered just how tough Palm Beach Central?s lineup can be. Hoehn hung tough through five innings, departing with a lead before Palm Beach rallied, but his secondary stuff and overall command are behind that of some of the country?s elite arms.

 

He threw a couple of above-average sliders at 77-80 mph, but he tends to get underneath and around the ball upon release, which causes his fastball to flatten out and his slider to spin side-to-side without depth.

 

Because of his arm strength and frame, there could be a team out there that drafts him in the fourth- to seventh-round range, depending on his signability.

[colbyjack]

SIGNED

 

Round 22: Matthew Cline - SS

5'10", 155, R/R - Cal St. Long Beach (CA)\

 

http://www.longbeachstate.com/PIX/PIXBBC/MUGS/2007/cline-base.gif

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

Cline is a shorter second baseman that is short in stature and in tools but is long in heart. He is a high-intensity player that hustles on every play and makes anyone that watches him an immediate fan of the way he plays the game. He's not overly fast, he doesn't have much of an arm, and he doesn't have much power, but he does have a knack for getting on base. He's likely not much more than an organizational soldier, but he could surprise a few people given his approach to the game.

 

Long Beach State Player Profile

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Cline perseveres after sibling tragedy

 

Dirtbag has brother with him

By Bob Keisser, Long Beach Press-Telegram Staff Writer

 

LONG BEACH - Matt Cline wasn't born with his nose in the fine red clay of a baseball field, but he's certainly comfortable once he gets there.

 

As much as anyone on the 2007 Dirtbags, the senior second baseman embodies the team philosophy and spirit that has made it a postseason perennial, and the team wouldn't be hosting a regional Friday at Blair Field if not for the contributions of Cline on and off the field.

 

He's as driven as Rickey Henderson looking to steal a base, Russell Martin taking a collision at the plate and Ken Griffey planting his face on the center-field fence to make a catch.

 

But there is another aspect of Cline's personality that few people know of.

 

In 2003, in his CIF champion senior year at Edison High School, Cline's older brother Michael was killed in an accidental gunshot incident.

 

Michael was seven years older than Matt and had been the prototypical big brother in a family that had gone through divorce and its attendant pain. Matt's mother and father split when he was a toddler. His mom Cheryl moved to the South. His dad, Randy, stayed in Southern California, and brother Michael became a stabilizing role in his life.

 

"It was particularly hard on my mom," Matt said. "For me, I had looked up to him for a long time. He's still with me."

 

Before every game, Matt uses his cleats to write Michael's name in the dirt around second base.

 

His brother's passing led Matt Cline to figuratively take his place. Michael was married with two kids, and in the ensuing years, Matt has become more than an uncle to his nephews.

 

"I'm not their dad," he said. "Michael will always be their dad. But it was difficult for them, and I want them to have someone in the family to look up to."

 

For all of his aggressive play on the field, Cline has always been more of a quiet leader on the team, his intensity sometimes turned inwards. He takes losses harder than anyone in the team. The Dirtbags are his family, too, and he obviously takes family seriously.

 

When the team hit a bad patch of play in late March, losing six of seven and throwing the ball around the park like kids playing T-Ball, Cline and his veteran teammates called for a team meeting away from the ballpark and without the coaches, just so everyone could let whatever they were feeling out.

 

Two days later, the team went on its 21-3 spree.

 

Cline played two years at Orange Coast College after high school, earning JC All-American honors as a sophomore. He was a late recruit by Long Beach State for 2006, not arriving until the January workouts began, putting him four months behind everyone else.

 

"He had a lot of catching up to do," coach Mike Weathers said. "There's a long learning process, and coming in January was difficult. The jobs on the team were already more or less won."

 

By the third week of the season, Cline was earning playing time with incumbent Chuck Sindlinger, and by season's end he was the starter. He hit .308 for the season batting out of the ninth spot.

 

He came back strong this season, then erupted with the bat at midseason and now is third in the team at .332, with a .426 on-base percentage and tied for second in hits with 63.

 

His hot streak led Weathers to move him up into the No. 2 spot in the batting order.

 

He's worked himself into being a prospective draft pick next month despite his size.

 

"Matt is much more familiar with the program now," Weathers said. "He understands his role and understands what he's capable of. He's always been the kind of guy who will battle you, a hard-nosed Dirtbag, and did everything pretty well. Now he's doing some things extremely well."

 

"The team's entire motivation this year was to just play hard, be a team and see what happens," Cline said. "This (getting to the postseason) was our goal all season long, and we're really ready to make something of it."

 

In Cline's case, he's actually playing for two families, one that wears baseball uniforms and another that now leans on Matt the way he once leaned on his brother.

[colbyjack]

Round 23: William Hawn - 3B

6'1", 195, L/R - South Doyle High School (TN)

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/images/profilepics/06natl87.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

Hawn was looking forward to a big senior season after hitting .564 with 14 home runs as a junior, but he tore his ACL playing basketball and missed his senior season. This immediately makes him a tough sign given how late the Brewers drafted him, coupled with his commitment to Arkansas.

 

When healthy, Hawn's calling card is power, as he's a well built left-handed slugger that can mash the best pitches to any part of the field. He does have the tendency to over-swing and strike out too much, and despite playing the outfield and third base in high school, all of his other tools are below average. He lacks quickness and straight-line speed, neither of which will be helped by his knee injury, which may limit him to first base at the next level.

 

Birthdate: 8/11/1988

 

Goes by the name Cody.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Hawn, Bell, must decide between college and minors

 

Three players drafted from South-Doyle

By JESSE SMITHEY, smitheyj@knews.com

 

June 9, 2007

 

Fresh off Friday lunch at R.J.'s Courtyard in Alcoa, South-Doyle High School third baseman Cody Hawn plopped down at the ol' computer and popped open the live draft tracker on the Major League Baseball Web site.

 

Up came his name, the Milwaukee Brewers selecting him in the 23rd round with the 701st pick overall.

 

That was a third of the surprise.

 

The Brewers got his high school teammate, Chad Bell, minutes later in the 25th round and the 761st overall pick.

 

"He went right after me," said Hawn. "It was crazy."

 

Then in the 30th round, Cleveland took South-Doyle centerfielder/pitcher Bryce Brentz with the 917th pick. The draft lasted 50 rounds.

 

Previously, only two South-Doyle players had been selected out of high school: Chris Kirkland (2004, Florida, 49th round) and Anthony Stevens (2002, Pittsburgh, 28th round).

 

While Kirkland was a late-round pick, South-Doyle coach Robby Howard said the Marlins still offered him a "boat load" of money to lure him from the college ranks. Kirkland recently finished his junior season at Memphis.

 

The three 18-year-olds will make the same pro or college decision in the upcoming months. Hawn and Bell signed with Arkansas and Memphis, respectively. Brentz is set to join Middle Tennessee State.

 

Hawn liked Arkansas so much he committed last July. But he missed the 2007 season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during gym class.

 

"I was just excited to get drafted," said Hawn. "I figured my knee and not getting to play would affect where I got drafted. But I'm happy with where I went."

 

The left-handed hitter has ample power in his swing. As a junior, he hit .564 in the regular season with 16 home runs and 43 RBIs; that following a sophomore campaign that featured a .419 batting average, 11 home runs and 37 RBIs.

 

The Brewers called Hawn on Friday, alerting the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder of a forthcoming visit to discuss possibly signing. Hawn said he doesn't know what to expect in those negotiations.

 

"I love Arkansas, and I still plan on going," said Hawn, the Brewers' 22nd pick of the draft. "It just depends on what happens in the money situation."

 

Bell didn't suffer a pitching loss in 2007 until the Class AAA state title game against Bartlett. The 6-3 left-hander was 14-1 with a 1.31 ERA and 141 strikeouts.

 

"I got a really good scholarship to go to Memphis," said Bell, who was in Panama City, Fla., following the draft online. "It would take a lot (to forgo that). I feel like if I go to school and get a lot better in the next three years, I could do a little better than 25th (round). We haven't set an exact (offer) number yet. But I'll talk with my family when I get back."

 

Having three players drafted in one year was a first for South-Doyle.

 

"It starts with talent," said Howard. "They were pretty good players when they got here. Hopefully we did some things to help their games.

 

"It makes you very proud today that people think your kids are good players and good people."

 

***

Hawn stays with South-Doyle to the end

 

Injured star good for team's morale, hitting prowess

By DREW EDWARDS, edwardsd@knews.com

 

May 26, 2007

 

MURFREESBORO ? Cody Hawn didn't wear a jersey Friday night. He wore his heart on his sleeve instead.

The South-Doyle High School third baseman, sidelined all season with a knee injury after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during gym class in January, spent a quiet moment in the dugout at MTSU's Reese Smith Field following the Cherokees' 18-7 loss in the Class AAA state championship game on Friday.

 

He shared a teary-eyed hug with his father, sitting on the back of the bench.

 

He joined his teammates down the right field line, spending long moments hugging each teammate and coach.

 

And he shared in South-Doyle's best baseball season ever, despite the fact he never fielded a ground ball or dug into the batter's box for a single one of the Cherokees' 35 wins this season.

 

"He was as much a part of this success as if he had been out there playing for us," South-Doyle coach Robby Howard said. "He's going to make somebody a great coach if he doesn't want to play someday. Because the guy flat knows the game."

 

Hawn, a preseason All-American who is scheduled to play next season at Arkansas, could have spent his senior season working out.

 

He could have skipped games, or showed up for a few.

 

But Hawn barely missed a practice and then only to rehab his knee.

 

He was a fixture in the dugout at every one of South-Doyle's 45 games this season ? home, away and all this week during the state tournament.

 

Bail on his teammates? Not a chance.

 

"They're my brothers, they really are," Hawn said.

 

"I've known every senior on this team since I was 7 years old. I just couldn't leave them. This is still my team and my family."

 

When the Cherokees' first trip to the state tournament ended Friday night in a lopsided loss, it was tough.

 

Doubly tough on Hawn, who was robbed of this game and the rest of his senior season by a freak injury in gym class.

 

"It's a lot more emotional to sit and watch, knowing it's your last game regardless," Hawn said. "It's probably one of the hardest things of my life to sit here and watch.

 

"I was proud of the team. I'm proud we got here. We made a great run."

 

And although he downplays his role, Hawn still helped the Cherokees.

 

"He was our hitting coach, basically," said senior centerfielder Bryce Brentz, an MTSU signee.

 

"That's one big reason why we got this far. I wouldn't listen to anybody else about hitting. The kid's proved it."

 

That's what a .564 batting average, 16 homers and 43 RBIs as a junior will do for your street cred.

 

When Ryan White, who would have played third in Hawn's absence, also suffered a torn ACL in the preseason, Hawn helped freshman Matt Kirkland get up to speed at third.

 

Kirkland hit two home runs and drove in nine runs this week in Murfreesboro.

 

"They did everything," Hawn said. "They were the ones who got here. I was there more for the moral support, keeping the morale of the team up."

 

Hawn says his love and understanding of baseball has grown this season by not being able to play.

 

And, safe to say, his teammates' love for Hawn has grown too.

 

"Cody's got the heart of a lion," Brentz said.

 

"There isn't a bigger heart or love for the game than that boy has right there. There's not one in the world."

[colbyjack]

Round 24: Jonathan White - CF

6'2", 198, L/L - Vanderbilt University (TN)

 

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/vand/sports/m-basebl/auto_headshot/769870.jpeg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

White is a draft-eligible red-shirt sophomore that more than likely will be headed back to Vanderbilt for his junior year of eligibility. He was named the top prospect last summer playing for the New York Collegiate Baseball League despite missing time after breaking his hand. He has game-changing speed, good bat speed, some power potential, and a natural flair for the game. His arm strength is below average, but if the other tools play up the way they could, that would be a minor quibble. Increased playing time is really the only thing keeping him from putting everything together.

 

Vanderbilt Player Profile

 

Redshirt sophomore

 

Birthdate: 6/16/1986

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

White likely to choose college over Brewers

 

Saturday, June 9, 2007

 

By Danny Parker

Shelbyville (TN) Times-Gazette

 

At youth baseball parks all across the country, youngsters handle bats, balls and gloves with aspirations of taking the field one day in Major League Baseball.

 

In his first year of draft eligibility since leaving high school, Vanderbilt redshirt sophomore Jonathan White was selected with the seventh pick of the 24th round (731 overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers.

 

"It's been my goal since I was a little kid to play professional ball," said White, who grew up watching big leaguers like Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds.

 

White admitted he would like to see the field more during his time in college but was proud to be called upon to produce against some right-handed pitching and as a pinch hitter this past season for a Commodore squad that finished 54-13 and won the Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament titles.

 

The money tossed at second-day picks is a small fraction of that placed in front of first-rounders. Barring injury, he should be able to improve his stock substantially by returning to play under national coach of the year Tim Corbin in '08.

 

"I will probably come back," White said. "I've grown a lot. It was really my first year being an integral member of the team. All the time I put in my freshman and sophomore year really paid off. I was just glad to be a part of it."

 

With the Brewers' Class AA affiliate being in Huntsville and their AAA team in Nashville, his friends and family from Shelbyville would be around an hour away from seeing him play. But, he said that would not be a factor in his decision-making process on whether or not to sign.

 

The local boy follows VU teammates David Price (Devil Rays), Casey Weathers (Rockies), Dominic de la Osa (Tigers), Cody Crowell (Blue Jays), Ty Davis (Diamondbacks), Tyler Rhoden (Reds) and Stephen Shao (Rockies) as draft selections this week.

 

White hit .289 with three home runs and 14 runs driven in for Vandy.

 

The 6-foot-2, 198-pounder was tabbed by Baseball America as the top pro prospect out of the New York Collegiate League last summer despite going down with a broken hand. White carried a .365 batting average with Glens Falls and stole 11 bags without being thrown out.

 

He will play for the Newport Gulls this summer in the New England Collegiate League with Vandy teammate Brad French.

 

White, the son of Jeffrey and Betty White, hit .481 with six home runs, 43 RBIs and 29 stolen bases during his senior season at Shelbyville Central under coach Scott Hall in 2004.

[colbyjack]

Round 25: Chadwick Bell - LHP

6'3", 200, R/L - South Doyle High School (TN)

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

Brewerfan.net Scouting Report:

Bell is the high school teammate of Cody Hawn, and is a very well built left-handed pitcher whose frame leads many to believe that he will continue to add velocity to his present day high-80s fastball, of which he has touched the low-90s, and maintains his velocity deep into ballgames. While the command of his breaking pitch and fastball improved this spring on his way to posting a 13-0 record, he still battles bouts of wildness and inconsistency, but still won the hearts of scouts for his ability to keep his team into ballgames by posting such a successful record. He has committed to play for Memphis, and given how late he was drafted he may be considered a relatively tough sign.

 

Birthdate: 2/28/1989

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Hawn, Bell, must decide between college and minors

 

Three players drafted from South-Doyle

By JESSE SMITHEY, smitheyj@knews.com

 

June 9, 2007

 

Fresh off Friday lunch at R.J.'s Courtyard in Alcoa, South-Doyle High School third baseman Cody Hawn plopped down at the ol' computer and popped open the live draft tracker on the Major League Baseball Web site.

 

Up came his name, the Milwaukee Brewers selecting him in the 23rd round with the 701st pick overall.

 

That was a third of the surprise.

 

The Brewers got his high school teammate, Chad Bell, minutes later in the 25th round and the 761st overall pick.

 

"He went right after me," said Hawn. "It was crazy."

 

Then in the 30th round, Cleveland took South-Doyle centerfielder/pitcher Bryce Brentz with the 917th pick. The draft lasted 50 rounds.

 

Previously, only two South-Doyle players had been selected out of high school: Chris Kirkland (2004, Florida, 49th round) and Anthony Stevens (2002, Pittsburgh, 28th round).

 

While Kirkland was a late-round pick, South-Doyle coach Robby Howard said the Marlins still offered him a "boat load" of money to lure him from the college ranks. Kirkland recently finished his junior season at Memphis.

 

The three 18-year-olds will make the same pro or college decision in the upcoming months. Hawn and Bell signed with Arkansas and Memphis, respectively. Brentz is set to join Middle Tennessee State.

 

Hawn liked Arkansas so much he committed last July. But he missed the 2007 season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during gym class.

 

"I was just excited to get drafted," said Hawn. "I figured my knee and not getting to play would affect where I got drafted. But I'm happy with where I went."

 

The left-handed hitter has ample power in his swing. As a junior, he hit .564 in the regular season with 16 home runs and 43 RBIs; that following a sophomore campaign that featured a .419 batting average, 11 home runs and 37 RBIs.

 

The Brewers called Hawn on Friday, alerting the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder of a forthcoming visit to discuss possibly signing. Hawn said he doesn't know what to expect in those negotiations.

 

"I love Arkansas, and I still plan on going," said Hawn, the Brewers' 22nd pick of the draft. "It just depends on what happens in the money situation."

 

Bell didn't suffer a pitching loss in 2007 until the Class AAA state title game against Bartlett. The 6-3 left-hander was 14-1 with a 1.31 ERA and 141 strikeouts.

 

"I got a really good scholarship to go to Memphis," said Bell, who was in Panama City, Fla., following the draft online. "It would take a lot (to forgo that). I feel like if I go to school and get a lot better in the next three years, I could do a little better than 25th (round). We haven't set an exact (offer) number yet. But I'll talk with my family when I get back."

 

Having three players drafted in one year was a first for South-Doyle.

 

"It starts with talent," said Howard. "They were pretty good players when they got here. Hopefully we did some things to help their games.

 

"It makes you very proud today that people think your kids are good players and good people."