Official Draft Pick Thread -- Do Not Reply

[Brian the Automator]

In this thread, moderators will add information about each round of the draft, one reply per pick. Users, do NOT reply to this thread. Instead, reply to the thread marked "Official Draft Discussion Thread".

 

We'd like to keep one thread as a purely information thread.

 

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Clicking on a player's name will display only the post containing their information. You can check on the status of each selection in the Official Draft Signings Thread. If you have something to contribute to the thread, please email Bill.

 

ROUND-BY-ROUND:

 

01. Ryan Braun - 3B - University of Miami

02. No Selection - Damian Miller signing

03. Will Inman - RHP - Tunstall High School (VA)

04. Matt Gamel - 3B - Chipola JC (FL)

05. Kevin Roberts - RHP - University of Houston

 

06. Steve Hammond - LHP - Long Beach State

07. Michael Brantley - CF - Ft. Pierce Central HS (FL)

08. Jemile Weeks - SS - Lake Brantley HS (FL)

09. Carlos Hereaud - 3B - Lawrence Elkins HS (TX)

10. Steve Garrison - LHP - The Hun School (NJ)

 

11. Brent Allar - RHP - Weatherford College (TX)

12. John Alonso - 1B - Polk CC (FL)

13. Ryan Babineau - C - Etiwanda HS (CA)

14. Mark James - RHP - Sinclair Secondary School (Ontario)

15. Mike Bell - 2B - Grayson County College (TX)

 

16. Andrew Bailey - RHP - Wagner College (NY)

17. Timothy Smith - RF - Midland College (TX)

18. Zack Braddock - LHP - Gloucester Catholic HS (NJ)

19. Patrick Ryan - RHP - Embry-Riddle University (FL)

20. David Welch - LHP - Texarkana CC

 

21. Justin Spires - RHP - Saddleback CC (CA)

22. Kenny Holmberg - 2B - Embry-Riddle University (FL)

23. Brendan Katin - OF - University of Miami

24. Michael Ramlow - LHP - Owens CC (OH)

25. Taylor Green - 2B - Cypress College (CA)

 

26. Jake Arrieta - RHP - Weatherford College (TX)

27. Brad Willcutt - C - Southern Mississippi University

28. Scotty McKnight - SS - Saddleback CC (CA)

29. Dane Renkert - RHP - Washington State University

30. Omar Aguilar - RHP - Merced College (CA)

 

31. Patrick Murray - 1B - Marina HS (CA)

32. William Pennington - LF - University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa

33. Jorge Core - RHP - Puerto Rico Baseball Academy

34. Riley "Brock" Kjeldgaard - RHP - Indian Hills CC (IA)

35. Sebastien Vendette - RHP - Northeastern Oklahoma A&M

 

36. Stephen Barnes - RHP - Lake City CC (FL)

37. Christopher Hopkins - CF - Sierra JC (CA)

38. Christopher Jean - RHP - Texas State University

39. Bradley Miller - SS - Cowley County CC (KS)

40. Ryan Crew - SS - University of Texas-San Antonio

 

41. Jordan Lennerton - 1B - El Paso CC (TX)

42. Chris Copot - C - Lethbridge CC (Canada)

43. Kyle Eveland - 2B - Palmdale HS (CA)

44. George Washington - RF - Demopilis HS (AL)

45. Ulrich Snijders - C - St. Petersburg JC (FL)

 

46. Alex Lowrey - LF - Monsignor Edward Pace HS (FL)

47. Matthew Broughton - RHP - Triton Central HS (IN)

48. Frederick Lewis - LHP - Buchholz HS (FL)

49. Cory Large - LHP - LD Bell HS (TX)

50. Garret Regan - RF - Sir Winston Churchill HS (Canada)

[Brian the Automator]

Round 1: Ryan Braun - 3B

6'2", 205 lbs - University of Miami - Florida

 

http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/rbraunmug232.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He is originally from Granada Hills, CA.

 

- He was named the 2003 Freshman of the Year by Baseball America.

 

- He was a Junior this past season at Miami.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

University of Miami Player Profile:

LINK

 

From Patrick Ebert's Amateur Player Profile:

 

Braun could emerge as one of the more exciting all-around offensive players from the 2005 draft. He started to produce immediately upon stepping onto Miami's campus, leading Miami in triple crown categories, which led to him being named Baseball America's freshman of the year. He projects to hit for both power and average, and he has the speed to steal 20+ bags as a professional. He has the athleticism to stay at SS, but his actions may be better suited at 3B. He could project favorably to Nomar Garciaparra as an offensive-minded shortstop, with enough pop to justify a move to 3B if needed, and with another big spring he could easily find himself being taken in the top 10 rounds in the June draft. He didn't hit very well on the Cape last summer with a wood bat, so questions about how his bat translates at the pro level may loom.

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Medium build. Athletic frame. Round shoulders. Body similar to Aaron Boone. Aggressive hitter, hits to all fields. Quick bat. Makes adjustments at plate. Power to all fields. Runs well, long strides. Avg arm strength. Makes plays in field. Solid 5-tool player.

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005 (Byline Adam McCalvy):

 

When you need help transforming your basement into a rec room, you call Bob Vila.

 

When you're looking for a promotion from governor of a southern state to the presidency of the United States, you call Karl Rove.

 

And when you're making the move from shortstop to third base, might as well look up Alex Rodriguez.

 

Go ahead, aim big. That's what Ryan Braun did.

 

The University of Miami's Braun worked through the transition from shortstop to third base with A-Rod, the Miami resident and the New York Yankee who made the same move prior to the 2003 season. The tutorial paid off on Tuesday, when the Brewers selected Braun with the fifth overall pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.

 

The Brewers believe they grabbed the most talented player available and simultaneously filled an organizational need by adding a top-notch third baseman.

 

"I'm thrilled," Braun said after practicing with his Miami Hurricanes teammates, who are preparing for this weekend's NCAA Super Regionals. "I obviously understand that there is a chance for me to advance through the system pretty quickly as a third baseman. I am just excited about the opportunity to work hard."

 

The 21-year-old can hit, he can run and he can play a number of different positions. He was at Miami on a partial academic scholarship, so he can think as well. And he is closer to the Majors than any high-ceiling high schooler the Brewers may have coveted.

 

"We feel we got a very good athlete, a very good player," Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik (zur-EN-sik) said minutes after the first round. "And he also plays a position that is a difficult position to fill at any level. If you look at our Minor League system, he fits in nicely, again, as a need, but he was selected for his ability more than anything else."

 

Translation: We need third basemen. We think we got a good one in Braun.

 

"We think he fits in very nicely with what we're trying to do," Zduriencik said.

 

Braun was one of three collegiate third basemen selected within the first five picks on Tuesday, and he is just the second collegiate player drafted in the first round by Zduriencik. Besides Southern University second baseman Rickie Weeks, a no-brainer at No. 2 overall in 2003, Zduriencik's other first-rounders were all high-potential, long-term projects out of high school: outfielder Dave Krynzel (2000), right-hander Mike Jones (2001), first baseman Prince Fielder (2002) and right-hander Mark Rogers (2004).

 

The Brewers have had an eye on Braun since his days as a shortstop at Granada Hills (Calif.) High School. He suffered a strained muscle near his right ribcage that limited his appearance in the Cape Cod League last summer, but Braun is now "100 percent healthy and ready to go," Zduriencik said. He converted from shortstop to third base before this, his junior season at Miami, because "they felt it made their club better. They didn't have a third baseman," Zduriencik said.

 

With the draft looming for Braun and a chance to realize his Major League dreams, there was a bit of risk involved.

 

"I just felt that if I went out there and worked hard, people understood that I was making the transition," he said. "I also feel like I definitely improved throughout the course of the year, which is something, in my opinion, that probably helped me."

 

According to Zduriencik, it did.

 

"We were real excited the past several weeks on how well he's made the transition," Zduriencik said. "The switch from short to third is not an easy transition. He's a kid who was a freshman All-American at shortstop, he's made the switch to third base and we think he's made a nice switch there."

 

Rodriguez helped. Braun said he had a number of conversations with the 29-year-old superstar, who made the move after a trade took him to New York in 2003. Braun said he has had three or four meetings with Rodriguez, who uses the University of Miami facilities during the offseason.

 

"He's been able to give me some helpful hints and pointers to help me out," said Braun, on everything to adjusting to new angles to fielding bunts.

 

"He basically told me everything he went through, and it was a difficult transition for him, too," Braun said. "He understood what I was going through. That's been able to help me."

 

Braun's home run on Sunday led the Hurricanes to the NCAA College Super Regionals, a three-game series against the University of Nebraska that begins Friday. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Braun is hitting .396 (84-for-212) for the Hurricanes and leads his team with 75 RBIs and 18 home runs. He is one of five finalists for the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award, which Weeks won in 2003.

 

"As soon as he is finished playing, then we will begin negotiations to try to make sure that the sooner the better he becomes a Milwaukee Brewer," Zduriencik said.

 

Braun said he hopes negotiations begin the day after his season ends.

 

"I definitely want to get out there as quickly as I can," Braun said. "I understand that the quicker I'm able to sign, the quicker I'm able to get out there."

 

Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, assistant GM Gord Ash, player development director Reid Nichols and Zduriencik met Monday regarding Braun's future with the team. Once he signs, his most likely destinations are Class A West Virginia or rookie Helena, according to Zduriencik said.

 

With the draft's first overall pick, the Arizona Diamondbacks took high school shortstop Justin Upton. Eighteen of the draft's 50 rounds were completed on Tuesday.

 

From the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 06-07-2005 (Byline Tom Haudricourt):

 

In watching Miami's Ryan Braun make the transition from shortstop to third base, the Milwaukee Brewers concentrated on what he did right rather than what he did wrong.

 

"We've watched him extensively the last six weeks, and particularly the last couple of weeks, he has played very well defensively," said Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik.

 

With Braun already proven with the bat, the Brewers had no reservations in making him the fifth pick in the first round of the draft Tuesday. And it certainly didn't hurt that the Brewers had a need at that position in their farm system.

 

"You always have needs," said Zduriencik. "You never know what a year or two can do to change the complexity of your ball club. But, if you look at our minor-league system, he fits nicely."

 

In an exceptional year for college third basemen, Nebraska's Alex Gordon, Virginia's Ryan Zimmerman and Braun were expected to go quickly, and they did. Kansas City took Gordon with the second pick and Washington tabbed Zimmerman at No. 4 (and already has signed him), leaving the Brewers with a somewhat easy decision. Some scouts who saw Braun, 21, were not as convinced that he projected as a major-league third baseman. Instead, there was talk about having to move the right-handed power hitter to the outfield.

 

But Zuriencik said he fully expected Braun to remain at third base in the Brewers' system.

 

"We've watched him since high school," said Zduriencik, who passed along credit to area scout Larry Pardo and East Coast crosschecker Bobby Heck. "They switched him from short to third because they felt it made the club better. We're real excited about how well he made that transition.

 

"The switch from shortstop to third base is not an easy transition. It was just a matter of him getting comfortable. He's got a lot of tools."

 

Braun went to a good source to discuss his position switch - Alex Rodriguez, who made that same move after being traded to the New York Yankees. Rodriguez lives in Miami and works out at the Hurricanes' complex, and Braun picked his brain on a couple of occasions.

 

"I had an opportunity to talk with him about the transition and what he went through," Braun said during a conference call. "He gave me some pointers and hints. He told me everything he went through.

 

"As the year progressed, I've definitely improved. I have the athleticism to make the switch. I understand there's an opportunity for me to advance through the (Brewers') system pretty quickly as a third baseman."

 

Braun is batting .396 with 18 home runs and 75 runs batted in for the Hurricanes, who play at Nebraska this weekend in the NCAA Super Regionals. A berth in the College World Series is at stake in that best-of-three match-up.

 

Braun said he would like to begin his professional career as soon as possible after Miami finishes its season.

 

"I understand that the quicker you get started, the quicker you can move through the system," he said. "I'm absolutely thrilled to have a chance to play for the Milwaukee Brewers."

 

Braun was not drafted out of high school, but neither was Rickie Weeks, the Brewers' first-round draft pick in 2003 now considered the organization's top prospect.

 

"I've heard he's a great player and a great kid," said Braun. "I hope to be a part of the same infield with him in the future."

 

The Brewers did not have a second-round pick, having forfeited it to Oakland for signing free agent catcher Damian Miller. Most notable among their other picks was eighth-rounder Jemile Weeks, a high school shortstop from Altamonte, Fla., and brother of the aforementioned Rickie Weeks.

 

"We hope some day he becomes like Rickie," said Zduriencik. "We didn't draft him just because he's Rickie's brother."

 

In the seventh round, the Brewers drafted high school outfielder Michael Brantley, son of former big leaguer Mickey Brantley.

 

Brewers owner Mark Attanasio, participating in his first draft, came away impressed with both the preparation of the team's scouting staff as well as the selection of Braun.

 

"Jack has it organized like a military operation," Attanasio said. "It really gave me an appreciation of how much work goes into this.

 

"It's a little bit like your first-born. Ryan Braun will always be my first draft pick. We felt he was the best player available and he also happens to be a third baseman, which we need."

 

As expected, the first round was dominated by college players, with 19 selected, including Wade Townsend, who pitched at Rice in 2004 and didn't sign after going in the first round to Baltimore last year. The first pick, however, came out of high school, with Arizona selecting infielder Justin Upton of Chesapeake, Va.

 

Upton's brother, B.J., was the second pick in 2002 by Tampa Bay, making them the highest-drafted pair of brothers in major league history. Eighteen rounds were completed on the first day, with 32 more scheduled for today.

 

From the Miami Herald, 06-07-2005:

 

University of Miami third baseman Ryan Braun went undrafted out of Granada Hills High in Southern California.

 

"Sometimes in high school you kind of tell teams how much money it's going to cost for you to pass up a college education," Braun said. "I felt like if I didn't get enough money to be set up for the rest of my life, it didn't make sense for me to pass up an opportunity like this."

 

As a high school senior at Mt. Carmel in Chicago, pitcher Cesar Carrillo was chosen by the Royals in the 33rd round.

 

"I never really gave it a thought," said the right-hander, who knew his draft status could rise considerably at UM. "But it still was really exciting to be drafted."

 

The heralded University of Miami football program has grown accustomed to multiple first-round draft picks. Today, for the first time, the Hurricanes' baseball program is expected to have two players -- juniors Braun and Carrillo -- chosen in the first round of the major-league amateur draft. It has been seven years since the Canes even had one first-rounder, Pat Burrell, who went to the Philadelphia Phillies as the No. 1 overall pick.

 

"It would be a tremendous honor to get picked in the first round," said Braun, projected by Baseball America to go as high as No. 5 to the Brewers if Alex Gordon of Nebraska and Ryan Zimmerman of Virginia already are taken.

 

"But I've heard so much about how unpredictable the draft is. I try not to think about it too much."

 

Carrillo, who won his first 24 decisions at UM, is projected to be drafted in the second half of the first round.

 

"What's most important is getting drafted by a team you can advance quickly with," said Carrillo (13-2, 2.22 ERA). "Obviously my main goal is to make it to the major leagues."

 

CARRILLO'S POWER

 

Both Braun and Carrillo had their share of frustration heading into the NCAA regionals this past weekend at Mark Light Field. After winning 12 consecutive games this season, Carrillo lost twice during UM's recent six-game slide -- the second loss a strong outing that went unrewarded because his teammates couldn't hit. But an outstanding performance in the NCAA regional Saturday against Mississippi State had baseball types again in awe.

 

"The kid is going to make himself some money if he stays healthy," marveled Bulldogs coach Ron Polk. "He's a strikeout guy. His fastball has life to it. His breaking ball is sharp."

 

Said the 6-3, 177-pound Carrillo: "I've already proven what I can do throughout the past two years. People come out and see I'm still the same Cesar. As long as my fastball is there and it's the same velocity, as long as my changeup is still there, as long as I still have the same stuff, it really doesn't matter."

 

The 6-2, 195-pound Braun, recently named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, feels similarly. Despite his recent slump, he still has a team-leading 18 home runs, 75 RBI, a .741 slugging percentage and 22 stolen bases. He is hitting .396 and went 3 for 10 with two home runs and a triple in the Coral Gables Regional.

 

A finalist for the 2005 Golden Spikes Award, the equivalent of football's Heisman Trophy, Braun is known nationally for his combination of speed (he runs between 6.3 and 6.4 seconds in the 60-yard dash) and athleticism.

 

"Considering we don't have many power hitters, he carries the load for our team," infielder Roger Tomas said. "And his defense is good. People underestimate it."

 

ANALYZING BRAUN

 

Braun, a natural shortstop, moved to third base this season. He struggled initially.

 

"It has definitely been a difficult transition," he said. "But I've gotten better. At shortstop you have more time to pick out your hop, whereas at third the ball kind of plays you sometimes. You're a lot closer to the hitter. It's a different angle. You're fielding bunts. You get a lot more balls with topspin.

 

"I see myself as a shortstop, but I feel like I have enough athleticism and arm strength to play anywhere."

 

In its draft preview, Baseball America rated Braun the third-fastest runner, second-best athlete and fourth-best power hitter among prospects.

 

"Braun's track record and athletic body give him a chance to be drafted in the first 10 selections," the magazine wrote. "If he's drafted that high, it will be because a team believes in his bat."

 

Of Carrillo, Baseball America wrote: "Carrillo throws his fastball anywhere from 90-95 mph (touching 96-97), depending on the need, and he has shown scouts the ability to maintain his velocity deep into games. . . . He's athletic and quick-armed and should always have good command. Carrillo's stuff won't get much better, but it's plenty good now, making him a candidate to move quickly through the minors."

 

UM coach Jim Morris is reluctant to make any predictions: "They're probably first-round guys, but I try not to predict the draft because it's so unpredictable," he said. "All I know is I wouldn't trade them for anyone."

[Brian the Automator]

Round 2: No Pick

 

The Brewers do not have a pick during this round because Damian Miller was a Type B free agent.

 

http://graphics.jsonline.com/graphics/sports/brew/img/nov04/miller1130.jpg

[Brian the Automator]

Round 3: Will Inman - RHP

6'1", 210 lbs - Tunstall High School - Dry Fork, VA

 

http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/914/223501.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He was named the Virginia Group AA Player of the Year in 2004.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005:

 

Zduriencik was surprised by a report in Baseball America that said many teams shied away from Inman when his velocity dropped in Virginia's Commonwealth Games last summer. ... He is the state's career strikeouts leader and has a college commitment to Auburn. ... "I know that our guys were in there and saw him a lot," Zduriencik said. "We saw every outing for the last five weeks and we're impressed with the young man."

 

From the Roanoke Times & World News, 10-28-2004:

 

Will Inman, who pitched and hit Tunstall to a 4-0 victory over Cave Spring in the Group AA baseball final, has made an oral commitment to Auburn.

 

Inman, a right-hander, pitched a one-hitter and hit a three-run home run in the championship game.

 

From the Roanoke Times & World News, 06-13-2004:

 

Anybody who saw Cave Spring batter baseballs this year could tell you somebody would need a mighty arm to shut down that lineup.

 

Tunstall's Will Inman has such an arm.

 

A junior right-hander, Inman blanked the Knights with a one-hitter, striking out 12 and walking none as the Trojans prevailed 4-0 to win their third Group AA championship, the first since 1994.

 

Inman further adorned his growing reputation by cranking a three-run, fifth-inning home run that ended up putting the Knights away.

 

Inman used more time than a senior citizen taking exercise at the mall to circle the bases at Dedmon Center Park at Radford University after the bash, cupping his ears coming down the third-base line to catch the greetings of his adoring admirers.

 

"That's not the usual home run trot for me; I'm usually jumping around and yelling," he said. "But that time I just wanted to savor the moment."

 

That brand of flamboyance probably was not well-received in the Knights dugout, or so an inside pitch from Kreg Savoie to the next batter, Jacob Thompson, suggested. That brought an immediate warning from the home-plate umpire, which put an end to any further unpleasantness.

 

The damage had been done.

 

Savoie, showing an remarkably resilient left arm - not to mention a giant heart - was back on the mound to save the Knights' season one more time. Since June 5, Savoie had pitched in four games, winning three, including a complete game Tuesday in the state quarterfinals. On Friday, he went 5 2 / 3 relief innings in a 12-4 victory over Sherando. Saturday, he worked 3 2 / 3 more, giving him 20 innings in a week.

 

Against Tunstall (26-3), Savoie came in with one out in the third in relief of starter Barrett Henderson. The plan had been for Henderson to go through the Tunstall lineup once then to bring in Savoie, Knights coach Randy Boone said.

 

"Kreg told me today that his arm felt better than it did yesterday," Boone said. "If a senior tells me he wants the ball in a situation like that, I'm giving it to him."

 

Savoie benefited from a double play that involved runner's interference to end the third. After that, he scattered six hits, striking out five and walking none. Four hits came in the fateful fifth.

 

"I was feeling all right starting out, probably from the excitement and everything," Savoie said. "But as the game went on, I was really starting to get tired. The home run was not because I was tired, though. It was because I left one up. There's nothing you can do about that."

 

It was a 3-2 pitch that Inman hit. Tyler Mills, at the bottom of the order, had started a two-out rally that continued with hits by Brent Weaver, Chris Dixon and Inman.

 

"I don't know what it is, but the fifth inning has been big for us all through the postseason," said coach Barry Shelton, who played on Tunstall's 1976 champions. "That's when we rallied against William Byrd [a 3-1 victory] on Tuesday. With a great team like Cave Spring and pitching like that, we were worried about scoring one run."

 

Inman faced 22 batters, one over the minimum. Robert Mills broke up the no-hitter with two outs in the fourth.

 

"He kept us off balance," Mills said. "He just pitched a great game."

 

Inman's had a great year. The home run was his 11th. He's hitting close to .500. He improved his career record to 29-3, including 13-1 this year. The career victories tied Bubba Scarce, the winning pitcher in the 1994 title game, for the school record. Inman also has 403 career strikeouts.

 

"Today, I think I had my 'A' game," Inman said.

 

From WPCVA.com, 11-19-2004:

 

Tunstall High School seniors Will Inman and Jacob Thompson signed letters of intent Thursday to play baseball at Division I schools in 2005.

 

Inman will play for the Auburn University Tigers.

 

Thompson will play for the Cavaliers of The University of Virginia.

 

Both are pitchers and were instrumental in leading the Tunstall Trojans to last year's state championship.

 

"They are very special young men," said Tunstall coach Barry Shelton. "I knew that from the time they came here as freshmen.

 

"It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to have two kids on the team with the same skills and abilities. The other kids look up to them.

 

"For Will and Jacob to be able to go on in school and play baseball is a dream come true. I am very happy for them."

 

From the mound, Inman, has a 29-3 record, 205 innings pitched, gave up 39 bases on balls, tallied 403 strikeouts and posted an 0.75 earned run average.

 

At the plate he has a .454 batting average with 15 home runs, 18 doubles, 65 RBIs, 70 runs scored, and 83 hits.

 

In 2003 and 2004 he was named first team pitcher All-District, All-Region, and All-State.

 

Inman was District and Regional Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004 and State Player of the Year in 2004, and one of three team MVPs.

 

He holds school records in season strikeouts with 110, career strikeouts with 403, and career wins with 29.

 

Gearing up for the 2005 season, Inman is 97 strikeouts away from the state record.

 

From the mound, Thompson has a 25-3 record, 177 innings pitched, gave up 57 bases on balls, tallied 278 strikeouts, and posted a 1.27 earned run average.

 

At the plate he has a 401 average, 5 home runs, 19 doubles, 54 runs batted in, 50 runs scored and 71 hits.

 

Thompson was first team All-District pitcher in 2003 and 2004.

 

He was second team regional pitcher in 2003 and 2004 and one of three team MVPs for 2004.

 

Thompson and Inman led the team to Piedmont Regular Season Championships in 2003 and 2004, to Piedmont District Tournament Championships in 2002, 2003 and 2004, to Region IV Championships in 2003 and 2004, to the state semi-finals in 2003, and to the State Championship in 2004.

 

Both young athletes know a professional draft looms next June which could afford a look-see from the pros.

 

"I'm kind of staying away from thinking about it," said Inman. "If the opportunity comes, it comes. Right now I'm just concentrating on next season and doing well."

 

They realize success requires a lot of work and both are interested in getting a good education as well as playing baseball.

 

"If the draft comes calling. I think they should seriously look at the money situation," said coach Shelton. "If it is sufficient, they should look into it, then made decisions.

 

"This is a tremendously special day and I am proud to have the opportunity to be associated with these two youngsters. They deserve it."

 

From the Auburn Tigers' website:

 

Will Inman, a 6-0, 200-pound right-handed pitcher from Tunstall High School in Danville, Va., earned all-state, all-region, and all-district honors as a junior after posting a 13-1 record with a 0.32 ERA and 184 strikeouts in 84 innings. The school's all-time strikeout leader with 408, fanned 18 batters in a game as a junior. Inman also hit .500 at the plate last season with 11 home runs and eight doubles.

 

"Will is another player out of the state of Virginia that we're very excited about. He has shattered every pitching record at Tunstall High School with strikeout numbers that are phenomenal. He's got great pitch-ability and is a tough, tough competitor. Will's fastball is 87-91 with a good curve ball and change-up as well."

 

From Baseball America:

 

RHP Will Inman (16), Thompson's teammate at Tunstall High in Danville, actually has enjoyed a more decorated prep career. He broke the state's career strikeout record, passing 500 as a senior. His stocky build at 6 feet, 205 pounds doesn't portend the same projection scouts as Thompson, and many stopped following him because he failed to break 90 mph at the 2004 Commonwealth Games and his delivery showed some effort. That could be a mistake, because Inman hit 90-92 mph regularly as a senior, with his coach saying he might have been worn down last summer following a long postseason run. Inman's curveball isn?t a true power pitch, but generates a lot of swings and misses. He also throws a splitter and a changeup, and will use any of the four offerings in any count.

 

From the Register & Bee, 06-07-2005:

 

Talk about a lot to digest.

 

There are the final exams this afternoon and the state quarterfinal baseball game tonight. Somewhere in the back of the mind are thoughts about Saturday?s graduation and all the while two Tunstall High seniors are waiting for the phone call that could decide their futures.

 

Baseball experts say Jacob Thompson and Will Inman - the pitching duo that has led the Trojans to three consecutive Region IV titles and a Group AA state championship in 2004 - will each get a call informing them they?ve been selected in Major League Baseball?s amateur draft, which begins today and continues Wednesday.

 

?It?s going to be the most hectic day of my life,? Inman said. ?I?m pitching in one of the biggest games of my life, I have all this draft stuff to worry about and I have a government exam. I?ll probably just turn off my phone for a while and let people talk to me after the game about what happens.?

 

Both should be taken today on the draft?s first day, which also happens to be the day Tunstall plays host to Amherst with a berth in the state semifinals on the line. Will Kimmy, who tracks Virginia area prospects for Baseball America said both have pro potential. Thompson?s 6-5 frame is intriguing to pro scouts and Inman has dominated the high school ranks with a fastball in the low to mid 90s. Both have signed to play for NCAA Division I programs - Inman at Auburn and Thompson with Virginia.

 

?Thompson has the highest ceiling of the group, but has a strong commitment to Virginia,? Kimmy said in an email. ?Talent could put him in the top five rounds, but teams might let him slide lower if they don?t believe they can sign him. Inman suffered from a poor showing at the Commonwealth games last year. He was tired after a long high school season and didn?t show much velocity there. His coach had it back up this year, but only a few teams were in on him. He?s possible in the 8-12 round area.?

 

While Inman might not be high on everyone?s list, Atlanta and Milwaukee have made a considerable effort to scout him. Brewers scout Grant Britt said his organization was high on Inman, but where he?s selected depends on whether or not the clubs think he can be signed to a contract.

 

?We like Will and we?re interested in him,? Britt said. ?He?s a good kid and a battler and a competitor. Milwaukee likes him a lot. Jacob has had some injuries this year, but he?s a big guy with a lot of ability too.?

 

Inman has been told he?ll be taken in the first five rounds. He said he?s heading to Auburn if not selected in the first or second rounds, even if he?s taken by Atlanta, the Major League affiliate of the Danville Braves.

 

?(Playing in Danville) would be a great thing to look forward too if I did go to that organization,? Inman said. ?But it?s not going to change my decision on whether to go to school or not.?

 

Thompson said he doesn?t expect to get drafted early because of his intentions to play for Virginia next season.

 

Scouts say other areas players, such as George Washington?s Jonathan Walker and Dan River?s Blake Guthrie, could be picked in later rounds, but none are considered sure things like the Tunstall duo.

 

From the Baseball America Draft Blog:

 

The Brewers and Braves were among the few teams that didn't shy away from Tunstall High righthander Will Inman after he sat in the mid-80s at Virginia's Commonwealth Games last summer. But the state's career strikeouts leader bumped his velocity up to the low-90s as a senior and Milwaukee nabbed him in the third round. He'll now have to decide between pro ball and a college commitment to Auburn.

 

From the Register & Bee, 06-08-2005:

 

Words of congratulation flowed Tuesday following Tunstall?s 5-1 win over Amherst, but not all the words were for the victory; for the win had added to what already was a big day for ace pitcher Will Inman.

 

Earlier, the Milwaukee Brewers drafted him in the third round, making him the 85th overall selection in the 2005 Major League Baseball draft.

 

And with that, Inman said there is a change in plans. Instead of attending Auburn University in Alabama, where he was to receive a scholarship to play baseball, he will report to Phoenix in a few weeks to play rookie level ball with the Arizona Brewers of the Cactus League.

 

?It definitely was a great day,? Inman said following the game. ?Milwaukee has a great organization. I can?t express my thanks enough to Grant Brittain (a Brewers scout). He had faith in me. I know he talked to the organization on my behalf.?

 

Brittain did just that.

 

?He (Inman) is a good athlete, a competitive guy, a strong kid, and a good kid. I think Milwaukee couldn?t be happier. We think we have a future Big Leaguer and a quality person.?

 

Inman, and his father, Curtis, spent a considerable amount of time Monday and Tuesday fielding calls from Major League teams. The calls were from representatives of the Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers.

 

?I was talking to all three at 11 p.m. last night,? the elder Inman said Tuesday. ?It started again at 10 this morning.?

 

As the conversations continued, the amount of money being offered grew. A tentative deal was struck with an offer from the Brewers of $500,000, an amount that normally is reserved for players drafted in the second round, not the third round.

 

?They (representatives of the Brewers) called and asked if they gave him the same money as a second round pick would he come,? Curtis Inman explained. ?He (Will) said he didn?t care as far as what round he was drafted as long as the money was the same.?

 

The deal is tentative because other contract issues, such as assuring there is money set aside for college in the future, remains to be negotiated.

 

?It looks pretty good right now,? Will Inman said. ?I want to finish playing high school baseball now. High school baseball is fun. When you go to that level (professional), it?s an everyday job.?

 

Inman also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Tunstall coach Barry Shelton.

 

?This day would not be possible without Coach Shelton. They (scouts) didn?t come up here looking for me. They came looking at Jake (Jacob Thompson). But coach told them to take a look at me, and they did.?

 

Brittain, a scout for about 10 years, confirmed the story, saying he scouting Inman at the request of Shelton.

 

?This is my first year in the state,? said Brittain, who attended Tuesday?s game. ?Coach Shelton did a real good job of talking to me about this guy.?

 

And Inman did the rest.

 

The right-hander is 12-0 this season and holds state records for most wins in a season, 13, career wins, 41, strikeouts in a season, 184, and career strikeouts, 585. He also is one of the leading hitters on the team.

 

From the News & Advance, 06-08-2005:

 

On a day in which Tunstall star Will Inman had the weight of the world on his shoulders, Josh Lewis lightened the load.

 

The junior shortstop smacked a two-run home run in the fourth inning, giving the Trojans not only a 3-1 lead, but also a measure of confidence.

 

"Anytime we have Will on the mound and we get a couple of runs, you are going to be confident," Tunstall coach Barry Shelton said following the game. "We're not going to lose many of those games."

 

With the lead, the Trojans confidently marched to a 5-1 victory over Amherst on Tuesday, earning their third consecutive trip to the Group AA state semifinals and a chance to fulfill their quest for back-to-back state championships.

 

The home run by Lewis came with one out and an Amherst error that left Cory Dix standing on second base.

 

"It was a fastball down the middle of the plate," Lewis said of the pitch he hit for the home run. "I was looking for a fastball."

 

The home run was his fourth of the season, but none of the others could match the significance of this one.

 

"It was the biggest hit in my career," he said. "I think it really boosted the team."

 

In addition to boosting the spirit of the team, it gave Inman a bigger margin for error.

 

"It is tough to pitch when it (the score) is 0-0," Inman said. "You can't challenge hitters as much, especially in a park like this. It is such a small park"

 

"But these guys (Lewis and sophomore Jeff Jefferson, who homered in the sixth) are getting stronger. They are great up-and-coming players. It is great that they stepped up today. I couldn't ask for more from my teammates."

 

For Inman, the day had been a whirlwind of activity. There was a government essay to take. Then there was the Major League baseball draft, which meant fielding calls from pro teams who were trying to entice the senior pitcher into skipping, for now, plans to attend Auburn University in Alabama. Inman ended up being drafted in the third round, 85th overall, by the Milwaukee Brewers and, based upon initial negotiations, he now expects to pursue a pro career this summer.

 

And finally, there was the pressure that came with being the ace of the staff and taking the mound with a trip to the state semifinals at stake - and doing so without your best stuff.

 

"In the last two games, I haven't had my best stuff," Inman said. "I've tried to fight through it. ? I'm definitely not tired. I'm in the best shape of my career."

 

Of course, a less-than-stellar performance by Inman still leaves a high standard for any other pitcher reach.

 

The right-hander threw a complete game Tuesday, yielding one run on four hits, while striking out 12 batters. Inman stuck out two of the three batters he faced in the fourth inning, and when Lewis' home run gave him the 3-1 in the bottom of the inning, Inman challenged Amherst's best hitters in the fifth and sixth, striking out five.

 

The task was completed with two more strikeouts in the final inning.

 

The start of the game, however, was shaky for Inman.

 

The Lancers scored in the first inning when Alonzo Poe was hit by a pitch, stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a two-out liner by Rico Robinson that just eluded Tunstall second baseman Justin Fulton.

 

Tunstall tied the score in the second when Dix scored on a groundball error. Dix had singled, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Lewis and advanced to third on a passed ball.

 

Amherst wasted no time in applying more pressure in the third. With one out, Marcus Rose and Poe each singled and stole second and third, respectively. Inman, however, struck out Dustin Crouch and the threat ended with cleanup hitter Robinson grounding out to second base.

 

That was the last time Amherst threatened as Inman dominated the rest of the game.

 

For Amherst, which eliminated Tunstall two seasons ago in the state semifinals, it was the second loss of the season to the Trojans. The first came in late March in a 6-0 game in which Inman struck out 17 and yielded just two hits.

 

"We knew that game meant nothing today," Shelton said. "They (the Lancers) are a dangerous team and they came out fired up."

 

From the EzCode Parsing Error:=]Roanoke Times[, 06-10-2005 (Byline Aaron McFarling):

 

He spits on the dugout floor and looks up from behind a low-brimmed cap. The most exciting high school player around is trying to explain what really gets him going.

 

His mind drifts ... then he snaps to attention. "Oh, this is the one I love hearing," Will Inman says. "I love hearing the leadoff batter strike out and then go back to the dugout yelling, 'He's not throwing that hard! He's not throwing that hard!'

 

"Yeah, I love that one. That's always a great one."

 

Change your plans this morning. Skip work, skip class, find a baby sitter, do whatever you've got to do. Get down to Calfee Park in Pulaski and watch Tunstall senior Will Inman play at 11 a.m. in the state baseball semifinals.

 

You won't be sorry.

 

Oh, you might get annoyed a time or two by something Inman does. You might even walk away thinking that sportsmanship's gone completely to pot, that the Milwaukee Brewers just drafted - and offered a half-million dollars to - a total madman.

 

But trust me on this: You'll be thoroughly entertained.

 

Inman knows he has plenty of critics. Maybe they don't like the way he pumps his fist after the 92 mph fastball cracks the mitt, or the way he shouts to the sky when the curve ball breaks just right, or the way his home run trot seems to take a little longer when it stings the opponent the most.

 

But these people need to get over it. The fact is, nobody plays the game harder. Nobody. The 18-year-old right-hander is everything that's great about these high school playoffs - high talent, higher emotion - and if it rubs somebody the wrong way, too bad.

 

"Oh, God, yeah, dude," Inman says, when asked if he caught any flak after last year's state championship game against Cave Spring when he struck out 12, smacked a three-run homer and held none of his cocksure antics back in a 4-0 Tunstall win. "Random people saw me and would get on me. About yelling! After getting a big strikeout or something, yelling and a fist pump."

 

He shakes his head.

 

"I want to see these people pitch in the World Series," he says of his critics. "Do they not watch baseball on T.V.? Do they not see Josh Beckett out there chunckin' it? Roger Clemens? Randy Johnson, dude, this guy used to just chew down some hitters, man. They'd outweigh him by maybe 30 or 40 pounds, and he'd just chew them down. Man, you can't be scared.

 

"I don't care what people think of me on the field," he says. "Because if you don't know me off the field, you have no right to make a decision on me."

 

His pulse is quickening now, his voice rising. He's getting into his competitive mode, the one that has made him the all-time strikeout leader in the state of Virginia with 585, the one that sometimes has his coach on the defensive.

 

"I've had other coaches and umpires say, 'Coach, you need to tone him down,'" Tunstall coach Barry Shelton says.

 

"But as a coach, it's hard to do that when that's his makeup. If you take away his makeup, you take away some of the edge that he has out there. That's what makes him go."

 

And go he has. A 41-3 career record, a 0.68 career ERA, 29 career home runs, a school-record 26 doubles.

 

Of course, having a fastball that consistently hovers above 90 mph doesn't hurt either. But it's the total competitive package that convinced Auburn University to offer him a scholarship, an offer he will decline after the Brewers selected him in the third round this week and ponied up the $500,000 signing bonus Inman was seeking.

 

"I'm not a big spender," Inman says, explaining that he plans to save the money. "The necessities keep me very comfortable. I don't like having anything nice because I always screw it up."

 

This is the other side of Inman, the side his teammates know, the modest kid who grew up just outside Danville and was surprised that he developed into a prospect. He's only flown once - for his official visit to Auburn - and says he's rarely left Dry Fork.

 

"I guess I never really compared myself with the rest of the world," says Inman, who struck out the first 11 batters he faced in his freshman debut. "I didn't know what else was out there."

 

He knows now - a new challenge. And as soon as this state title run is over (Inman will likely DH today and pitch Saturday in the finals if Tunstall makes it), he'll sign with the Brewers, take a week's vacation and then fly to Arizona to begin his pro career.

 

Critics are welcome to follow if they wish.

 

"I'll be more intense there, man," he says of the next level. "Because I know that I won't be facing Billy Joe that just came up from ninth grade. I'm going to be facing damn men that got 30-year-old beards and may be popping steroids."

 

See? Always entertaining.

 

Don't miss it.

 

From the Media General News Service, 06-04-2005 (Byline Shane Mettlen):

 

With no outs, Virginia High runners at second and third and the scored tied 2-2 in the fifth inning Friday night, it looked like the season might come to a disappointing end for Tunstall.

 

Instead, the defending Group AA state champions buckled down and eliminated the Bearcats from the Region IV playoffs for the third consecutive year with a 5-2 victory.

 

Tunstall will play either Dan River or Abingdon at 6 p.m. today at home for the regional championship and has secured a trip to Radford next week for the state tournament.

 

It started out as a rough evening for Piedmont District player of the year Will Inman, who struck out and flied out his first two times at bat and was less dominant than normal on the mound in the early innings. Inman found himself in a jam in the fifth when Virginia High strung together three infield singles to load the bases before Zak Messer hit a line-drive single to left field to score a run. A wild pitch allowed the tying run to score and moved two runners into scoring position

 

But Inman struck out the next three batters and led off the bottom of the inning with a home run to put Tunstall back in front 3-2.

 

"I didn?t have my best stuff out there early in the game and when you don?t have your best stuff you got to work with what you got," Inman said. "You can?t just give up. That?s where I think I?m different, because a lot of people give up. You can?t be nervous in baseball, because if you?re nervous you get shots hit off of you."

 

The Trojan?s led 2-0 after three innings, despite not getting a hit off Bearcats starter Preston Smith. Smith registered two strikeouts in three innings of work, but walked six. Smith plunked Tunstall senior Josh Stowe to start the bottom of the second. Justin Fulton bunted to move Stowe to third. Virginia High first baseman Ryan Jordan fielded the bunt, but threw it by third baseman Daniel Stevens, allowing Stowe to come home and put the Trojans up 1-0.

 

Tunstall scored again in the third when Josh Lewis drew a leadoff walk and Corey Dix later drove him in with a ground ball through Stevens? legs.

 

"I feel very fortunate for us to win this game," Tunstall coach Barry Shelton said. "They actually made some errors that helped us. I kind of feel lucky to get away with this one. They actually put the bat on the ball more against will than most teams do. They kind of had us on the ropes their in the fifth inning."

 

The Bearcats picked up some momentum when second baseman Sean Bobbitt beat out a single to short to lead off the fifth. Willie Davis and Kevin Morrison each followed with perfect bunts to load the bases, setting the table for Messer. Virginia High tied the game and hushed the Tunstall crowd, but Inman retired the Bearcats in order the rest of the night.

 

"This is three years in a row that Will has sent us home," Virginia High coach Mark Daniels said. "I wish we could have pushed one or two more across there in the fifth, but we didn?t. Will got the lead back and boy, he was never going to relinquish it."

 

Inman struck out 12 and allowed six hits in the complete-game victory. Justin Grimm replaced Smith on the mound for the Bearcats in the fourth and took the loss, striking out five.

 

From the Roanoke Times, 06-12-2005:

 

Tunstall's Will Inman pitched a two-hitter and went 3-for-5 to lead the Trojans to their second consecutive Group AA baseball championship in a 17-1 win over Turner Ashby on Saturday at Radford.

 

Tyler Mills (3-for-5) and Justin Thompson (3-for-4) joined Inman with three hits and two RBI apiece. Inman allowed one run on two hits while striking out 13. Tunstall (26-1), which previously won state titles in 1976, 1995 and 2004, scored in the first on a solo home run by Jacob Thompson.

 

The Trojans then scored four runs in the second and five in the third, sparked by a leadoff solo home run by Josh Lewis. Tunstall completed the scoring with seven runs in the fifth.

 

The win marked the most runs scored by one team (17) in the state championship game. It tied the most runs scored by two teams (18) and is the largest margin of victory in the state finals.

[batman]

Round 4: Matthew Gamel - 3B

6'0", 205 lbs - Chipola Junior College - Florida

 

http://www.chipleybugle.com/localnewsmay05/mayphotos/chipola-baseball-1b.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He was a first-team All-Panhandle Conference selection for the 2005 season and was the Conference Player of the Year.

 

- He was recruited and signed with the University of Louisiana at Monroe to play next year (if he doesn't sign with the Crew).

 

- He went to Bishop Kenny High School, a Catholic school in Jacksonville, FL that Micah Owings also attended.

 

- He was a teammate of recent DFE signee Darren Ford at Chipola..

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005:

 

"This kid's got size, he's got strength and he's a pretty good-looking hitter," Zduriencik said. "He may play third base, he may play first base, he may play left field. You never know with these kids. We'll get him in the system and let him run." ... Gamel was named a First-Team All-American by the National Junior College Athletics Association. ... He has signed with the University of Louisiana-Monroe.

 

From The News Star, 06-05-2005:

 

The player of the year in his junior college conference, Gamel hit .440 with 13 HRs and 57 RBIs. Baseball America projects him as a pick in the first 10 rounds. According to MLB.com, has "Medium, solid, well proportioned build. Body similar to Robin Ventura. Short, compact stroke. Gets hands to ball quick. Will go w/pitch. Patient hitter, waits for his pitch. Scrappy player."

 

From Baseball America:

 

A juco player who wasn?t under control was Chipola 3B Matt Gamel (34), who proved to be one of the best hitters in the state at any level. A juco all-American, Gamel has a short, quick lefthanded swing that he repeats. He?s also considered a solid defender at third base with good enough hands and arm strength for the position. Committed to Louisiana-Monroe, he should go in the first 10 rounds.

 

From The Chipley Bugle, 06-03-2005:

 

Chipola College infielder Matt Gamel has been named a First-Team All-American by the National Junior College Athletics Association.

 

Gamel led the Indians to a second place finish in the Florida Community College State Baseball tournament in May. He finished the year with a .446 batting average, including 14 homeruns, 14 doubles, three triples and 63 RBI's.

 

The 6-0, 205 pound Gamel also is the FCCAA Player of the Year and was named First Team FCCAA All State/Region VIII. He transferred to Chipola from Daytona Beach Community College in the Fall of 2004.

 

The Indians captured the 2005 Panhandle Conference Championship with an 18-7 league record and a 39-19 overall finish. Gamel won Panhandle Conference Player of the Year honors and was named to the All-Conference team.

 

Chipola head coach Jeff Johnson, who has sent 66 players on to either professional baseball or to four-year college programs, said, "Matt is the best hitter I've ever coached. He can hit line drives and gap to gap with power. He had an outstanding year."

 

Gamel has signed with the University of Louisiana at Monroe, but is projected to go early in the Major League Baseball draft next week.

 

From Baseball America:

 

While putting together our draft preview issue, we checked in with Jeff Johnson, the head coach at Chipola (Fla.) Junior College to get the vitals on speedy outfielder Darren Ford, who signed a couple of weeks ago with the Brewers. During the same call, all Johnson wanted to tell us about was Matt Gamel, his third baseman, who as the 115th pick, will join Ford in the Brewers system. Gamel went .433-14-63 this year, and Johnson called him the second or third best hitter in the state.

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Medium, solid, well proportioned build. Body similar to Robin Ventura. Short, compact stroke. Gets hands to ball quick. Will go w/ pitch. Patient hitter, waits for his pitch. Scrappy player.

[batman]

Round 5: Kevin Roberts - RHP

6'0", 190 lbs - University of Houston - Texas

 

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/hou/sports/m-basebl/auto_headshot/24145.jpeg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- Was named to the All-Conference-USA second team.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005:

 

Wiry at six feet and 185 pounds, Roberts was a two-way standout at Houston who was named to the All-Conference-USA second team. ... "He played second base and he pitched as a starter and a closer," Zduriencik said. "He was a major part of their program and he did a lot of things to help them win a lot of ballgames. He has a real nice arm and a real nice curveball, and he played every day at second base when he wasn't pitching. The thought for us is that he's going to become a pitcher full-time."

 

Player Profile From UH:

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/hou/sports/m-basebl/auto_headshot/24145.jpeg

 

From Baseball America:

 

Lightly recruited out of high school, Roberts has become a two-way standout at Houston. He has hit .359 with a team-high eight homers this spring, while going 6-3, 3.59 as the Cougars' No. 3 starter. He's wiry strong and has some pop at the plate, though he's a little shaky on defense. His future is on the mound. Roberts' stuff hasn't been consistently sharp this spring, mostly because he has been pulling double duty. At his best, he has shown a 90-94 mph fastball, a true 12-to-6 curveball and a good straight changeup. He projects more as a pro reliever, though it has been difficult for scouts to get a feel for him in that role. He looked good coming out of the bullpen in the Cape Cod League last summer, though he pitched just 11 innings for Falmouth. The success of Jesse Crain and Ryan Wagner has teams willing to bank on another Houston reliever, and the feeling is Roberts will have two consistent plus pitches when he focuses solely on pitching.

 

From the Houston Chronicle, 05-25-2005:

 

Roberts established himself as one of the team's most consistent performers at the plate and on the mound. He hit .356 with nine homers and went 6-3 with a 3.59 ERA as a pitcher.

 

From the Houston Chronicle, 01-05-2005:

 

Houston junior Kevin Roberts has been named the Greater Houston Area's Preseason College Player of the Year by the Houston Athletic Committee.

 

Roberts, who hit a team-leading .374 (with six homers and 31 RBIs) and went 5-4 with a 4.26 ERA, will be honored Jan. 27 at a dinner in the Ballroom of the Americas at the Hilton Americas-Houston.

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Strong right arm. Quick, compact delivery. Very aggressive tactics. FB sits in the low-90s w/ good tail on the two-seamer. Power curve has 1-7 tilt and late, sharp bite. An out-pitch. Throws a palm ball w/ big fade away. (Includes Video)

[batman]

Round 6: Steven Hammond - LHP

6'2", 205 lbs - Long Beach State - California

 

http://www.longbeachstate.com/PIX/PIXBBC/MUGS/hammond-bb.gif.gif

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He's only a junior but he is out of eligibility, so there shouldn't be a signability issue.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005:

 

"He's playing at one of the best programs in the country," Zduriencik said. "I watched him play right at the beginning of the season in late January against Arizona State and our guys continued to follow up with him. As the year went on we saw great progression. He's a little bit older, but in a lot of ways that wasn't bad. He was used primarily in a relief role, as a set-up man, closer. We'll turn him over to Reid [Nichols, the farm director] and see what happens."

 

Long Beach State Player Profile:

http://www.longbeachstate.com/bbo/bbc/BIO/biobbchammond05.htm

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Strong, compact body. Broad back, shoulders. Strong legs. Not afraid to challenge hitters. Shows ML FB, good tailing action. Loose, easy, live arm. Hides ball well. FB 89 mph. Hard, sweeping, 3/4 plane sliders. Arm strength, movement. (No Video)

[batman]

Round 7: Michael Brantley - CF

6'2", 180 lbs - Ft. Pierce Central HS - Florida

 

http://mas.scripps.com/TCP/2005/06/16/17SBRANTLEYSB-8911_d.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He is the son of former big leaguer Mickey Brantley. Did you know that he was traded to the Brewers on June 6, 1990 for Frank Bolick? Me neither.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005:

 

Brantley's father, Mickey, played four seasons in the Minors and was traded to the Brewers in 1990, but he never played for Milwaukee. ... Mickey Brantley is now the hitting instructor for the Toronto Blue Jays. ... "Incidentally, I had hired Mickey when I was Minor League director of the Mets as one of our roving hitting guys," Zduriencik said.

 

From the Palm Beach Post, 10-04-2004:

 

There were so many things Lanette Faustini anticipated about this school year, her senior year at Fort Pierce Westwood High School: her advanced veterinary tech classes, her trumpet solos in the marching band and, of course, graduation.

 

But after Hurricane Frances lifted the roof off her Port St. Lucie home a month ago, Faustini's biggest concern is more basic: Where will she live?

 

"I'm wondering if we'll be able to find a place to live (in St. Lucie County), because I really don't want to go to another school," Faustini said.

 

Faustini's mother, Anna, a single mom who is unemployed, keeps getting turned down at apartment complexes from Fort Pierce to Jensen Beach because she can't meet the minimum income. With each rejection, the possibility of Faustini having to move in with her grandfather and enroll at Boca Raton High School grows greater every day.

 

Faustini, 18, won't return to Westwood today, when about 22,000 St. Lucie County students will go back to 25 schools for the first time since Sept. 1. She's still splitting time between a friend's house in Lake Worth and her family in Boca Raton.

 

"It just makes me really scared. I was a little panicked before, but I'm really panicked now," Anna Faustini said. "It's vital that she doesn't miss any more."

 

The Faustinis plan to have Lanette back at school by Tuesday.

 

"I'm anxious to get started, to get back to normal," Lanette said.

 

At least for the week, they will stay with a friend in Port St. Lucie. After that, who knows?

 

"We're just taking it one day at a time," Anna said.

 

The month-long break is especially hard on seniors. Fall semester is when they should be meeting with guidance counselors to plan for college, taking college entrance exams and applying for scholarships.

 

Faustini is afraid the time away from school could hurt her chances at getting financial assistance for college.

 

Fall athletes ? football and volleyball players, golfers, swimmers ? are supposed to be showing off for college scouts. Marching bands should be perfecting their halftime shows for state competitions, and committees at each of the five high schools should be putting finishing touches on homecoming festivities and planning for the prom.

 

"That senior year is so important to kids," said St. Lucie County School Board member John Carvelli, a former high school assistant principal. "It builds the foundation for the future and the next chapter of their lives. I just want it to be a positive experience for them."

 

Senior year was shaping up to be expensive for Faustini: senior pictures, cap and gown, a yearbook. But the storm has left her family struggling even more.

 

"Nobody's going to have the money to do the things that were supposed to be senior activities," said Trina Trimm, principal of St. Lucie West Centennial High. "People will have spent their money on boarding up and then on cleaning up. Who has the money to buy a homecoming dress or senior ring? Families' priorities have changed."

 

All of those normal senior activities have been replaced during the past month by hurricane preparations and cleanup. Students attended school only one day in September and 16 days in August. They have been out for 20 days since, by far the most of any district in the state.

 

"It's been more about how the house is doing, making sure the tarps are on," said Fort Pierce Central senior Michael Brantley, a golfer and baseball player. "All of the outside work, that's been my job. I've been up on the roof with tarps, wood, nails and screws."

 

The unplanned break has not been fun, students say. Lincoln Park Academy senior Christa Kiernan said she and her friends have been cleaning houses all over the county with their youth group, and at night they have been flocking to any house with electricity. The countywide curfews and lack of electricity have ruined their social lives.

 

"It hasn't felt like a vacation," Kiernan said. "I still don't have power, and didn't for two weeks after the first storm.... We don't even know how our school is."

 

With classes resuming today at most schools ? including all high schools except Fort Pierce Central ? students will get some answers about how the rest of the year will look. Winter break has been shortened from 10 days to seven; spring break has been pushed back two weeks and shortened from six days to four.

 

Graduations have been pushed back a week, to the weekend of June 3-5, which is earlier than Kiernan and Brantley feared.

 

School officials want to resume the academic year so students can get as much class time as possible before they take their college entrance exams. Those scores also are used for determining scholarships and for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests, scheduled for the spring.

 

"The concern is that we're missing vital instruction," said Owen Roberts, the school district's executive director of assessment and accountability.

 

Although Faustini said she's eager to return to school for her vet tech classes ? students were dissecting fetal pigs in the days before Frances ? she really wants to be back with the marching band, where she was selected for a leadership position this year, so she can perform her trumpet solo.

 

Kiernan wants to get working on Lincoln Park's yearbook and worries the time out of school may delay the book. Brantley has yet to play a golf match and is concerned his baseball season ? he hopes for a college scholarship ? will be altered.

 

"As educators, the academic year is what we're most concerned about," Centennial's Trimm said. "But for those kids, a lot of them do well academically because they're involved in all those activities. And now they've lost some of that."

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Great athletic frame, lean muscles, strong wrists and forearms. Makes contact, drives ball from gap to gap. Has strength for future home run power. Good reactions to fly balls, takes proper angles and routes. Aggressive on bases, has good instincts. Good looking athlete. Son of Mickey Brantley, current Blue Jays coach. (No Video)

 

***

 

From the TCPalm, 06-09-2005 (Byline Lisa Riddle):

 

Fort Pierce Central's Michael Brantley muscled through pitchers this season with a .595 batting average, catching the eye of area high school players as well as pro scouts.

 

Selected this week in the seventh round of the first-year player draft by the Milwaukee Brewers, Brantley's hitting prowess led the Cobras into the District 14-5A final and a 22-6 season.

 

He has proved a talented student of his father, Mickey Brantley, the current hitting instructor for the Toronto Blue Jays and a former major leaguer. Michael Brantley had 12 RBIs and scored 22 runs while serving mainly as a center fielder and pitcher.

 

"I spent a lot of time hitting with my father," said Brantley, the Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers 2005 Baseball Player of the Year, who also stole a whopping 32 bases this year.

 

Brantley's well-known hitting ability meant opposing pitchers often saved their best stuff for him.

 

"It made it a little more challenging for me, but I'm always up for a good challenge," he said.

 

Fort Pierce Central coach Bill Hicks has watched Brantley grow from a scrawny player in youth baseball leagues into a strong, powerful four-year starter for the Cobras.

 

"It's been tremendous seeing him grow," Hicks said. "The first time I saw him, he was this polite, cute, little kid. Now, he has great ability in every phase of the game."

 

Port St. Lucie coach Tony Malizia said Brantley's talent has been formidable.

 

"He's just phenomenal," Malizia said. "He's got a good arm, good speed, and he's a very good outfielder."

 

Brantley, who could have spent the season strictly in center field, also significantly contributed from the mound to help fill a team need.

 

"I sat down with the pitching coach and counted on Michael to pitch this year," Hicks said. "His mound awareness and intelligence make him one of the best pitchers I've had."

 

Brantley did more than just fill a void this season, he made his fastball even faster and more importantly added to his off-speed arsenal to keep opponents guessing.

 

He finished the year with a 4-2 record and 1.40 ERA, permitting only 19 hits in 45 innings. He had 42 strikeouts.

 

He proved he could face adversity and excel during his high school career. He was injured during most of his sophomore season because of arm overuse. Quickly making up for lost time, he made his final two years with the Cobras count and attracted the interest of a professional ballclub fresh out of high school.

 

Michael Brantley

Fort Pierce Central, senior

 

Position: Center fielder, pitcher

 

Statistics: Batted .595 with 12 RBIs. Known for his speed, he stole 32 bases and scored 22 runs. On the mound, he was 4-2 with a 1.40 ERA, allowing nine earned runs in 45 innings and struck out 42.

 

Coach Bill Hicks said: "It's been tremendous seeing him grow. The first time I saw him, he was this polite, cute little kid. Now, he has great ability in every phase of the game."

 

http://mas.scripps.com/TCP/2005/06/07/Q-brantleyFB-8013_e.jpg

 

***

 

From the TCPalm, 06-17-2005:

 

Michael Brantley turned his final high school season into a pitch, hit and run clinic.

 

The Fort Pierce Central High School graduate, who was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh round of the draft June 8, was a first-team pick on the Class 5A All-State team released Thursday.

 

A center fielder, Brantley batted .595 (50-for-84) with 22 runs, 12 RBIs and a Treasure Coast-best 32 stolen bases as Fort Pierce Central had its best season in 23 years.

 

Brantley also went 4-2 with a 1.40 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 45 innings as a pitcher.

 

Five other Treasure Coast players were all-state picks.

 

Port St. Lucie pitcher Phil Rorabaugh was a second-teamer in Class 5A. Fort Pierce Central catcher Jeremy Gillan was a third-team choice while PSL infielder Mike McGee earned honorable mention.

 

In Class 6A, Vero Beach pitcher Alex Cobb was second team and Martin County outfielder Justin Vasquez was honorable mention.

 

Rorabaugh, a senior, was 8-1 with three shutouts and a 0.67 ERA. He allowed just 40 hits in 73 innings and struck out 86.

 

Gillan, playing catcher for the first time since he was a pre-teen, batted .453 with two home runs, five doubles and 23 RBIs. He also scored eight runs.

 

McGee, a sophomore, batted .402 with 24 runs and 21 RBIs. He has 73 hits in two varsity seasons.

 

Cobb, a junior, was 8-2 with a 0.62 ERA and a school-record 139 strikeouts in 90 innings. He allowed 37 hits and eight earned runs.

 

Vasquez, a sophomore, batted .420 and had at least one hit in 22 of 25 games.

[batman]

Round 8: Jemile Weeks - SS

5'9", 160 lbs - Lake Brantley HS - Florida

 

http://img181.echo.cx/img181/4540/weeks4ob.jpg

 

(Full-Size Photo)

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He is the younger brother of Rickie Weeks.

 

- He has a commitment to play at the University of Miami.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005:

 

When the Brewers drafted Rickie Weeks with the second overall pick in 2003, it was an easy choice. Will his little brother prove an eighth-round steal two years later?

 

The Brewers made 17 selections on Day 1 of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft including Jemile Weeks, an 18-year-old shortstop from Lake Brantley High School in Florida selected in the eighth round at No. 235 overall.

 

"He's young," Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik said. "He's a high school kid, and, you know, Rickie was small and undersized. Jemile is small in stature right now, but he's got great actions. We're going to sit down and talk to the family, see what their desires are."

 

Weeks has a scholarship offer from the University of Miami, home of the Brewers' No. 1 draft pick on Tuesday, third baseman Ryan Braun. The switch-hitting Weeks has a quick bat and, according to MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo, at least one National League scout says he is impressed with the way Weeks handles himself on the bases.

 

His older brother, Rickie, has been tearing through the Brewers' Minor League system. He is at Triple-A Nashville this year, batting .321 with 12 home runs and 48 RBIs, all but banging on the Brewers' clubhouse door at Miller Park.

 

"The one thing you don't want to do is have Jemile hang on to Rickie or Rickie hang onto Jemile," Zduriencik said. "They are who they are. ... The fact that they are brothers is unique, but [Jemile] was drafted for his skill level."

 

Eighteen of the draft's 50 rounds were completed on Tuesday and the Brewers had 17 picks (they lost their second-round selection to Oakland as compensation for signing free agent catcher Damian Miller). Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik began his day by selecting University of Miami third baseman Ryan Braun with the fifth overall pick.

 

The Brewers have never been shy about drafting high school players, but on Tuesday they slightly favored collegians (eight high school picks versus nine players from four-year, community or junior colleges). Eight of the picks were pitchers (five right-handers and three left-handers), six were infielders, two were outfielders and 13th-round pick Ryan Babenau was the only catcher.

 

"The bottom line is you take good players," Zduriencik said. "If you draft enough good players, you'll find places for them to play."

 

From MLB.com:

 

Middle infield seems to be the place where families get together. In addition to the brothers Upton, the Weeks' siblings are also making this draft a family affair. Rickie Weeks, who is currently starring for Nashville of the Pacific Coast League, is a former first-round pick of Milwaukee. Jemile Weeks is a senior at Lake Brantley High in Florida and has drawn comparisons to his older brother.

 

The switch-hitting Weeks has a quick bat and has good power to the alleys and at least one National League scout says he is impressed with the way Weeks handles himself on the bases. He's committed to the University of Miami but whether he ever plays there remains to be seen.

 

From StudentSportsBaseball.com:

 

Analysis (of Miami recruiting class): The Canes kept many of the best preps in Florida from leaving the Sunshine State. The success to this recruiting class is in its stockpile of pitching and athletic position players. Speedster SS/2B Jemile Weeks (Altamonte Springs, Lake Brantley FL) will be a quality lead-off hitter for the program. Top Recruit: RHP Chris Volstad (Palm Beach Gardens FL)

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Plays w/ a lively, athletic body. Switch-hitting, line driver hitter w/ good pop. Aggressive hitter who's best when driving the ball into the gaps. Good feet and a great first step. Fields w/ sure hands and nice carry on throws. Aggressive, instinctive base runner. Brother of Rickie Weeks. (No Video)

 

From Perfect Game USA:

 

2004 National Showcase - Jemile Weeks is a thin lean 5'9/150 MIF from Altomonte Springs, FL, very quick and sure handed INF, runs well, outstanding range, great hands, arm is quick and effortless, quick fluid swing, switch hitter, excellent power potential, projects big, highest level college prospect with good draft potential, good student.

 

2005 World Showcase - Jemile Weeks is a 2005 middle infielder from Altamonte Springs, Florida, with a strong and athletic frame at 5'9", 160 lbs. Plays the game with ease and smoothness, great actions defensively, top level defensive player, advanced hitting tools, pro level bat speed, great hands at the plate, drives balls with present raw power, great all around game.

[batman]

Round 9: Carlos Hereaud - 3B

6'0", 195 lbs - Lawrence Elkins HS - Texas

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- Signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Houston.

 

- Named to the 1st Team All-Greater Houston Pre-Season team by the Houston Chronicle.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005:

 

The Brewers got a good look at Hereaud in Area Code Games last summer ... According to Baseball America, Hereaud's parents moved their family from Venezuela to get their children a better education, so it may be difficult to sign him away from his University of Houston scholarship. ... "He played shortstop in high school and played some third base and some second base," Zduriencik said. "Carlos, again, is a guy who we think has a chance to be an offensive player, whether he plays third, second or left field. We like the bat. The kid is an athlete and has versatility."

 

From Baseball America:

 

Venezuelan came to U.S. two years ago, stands out as a hitter.

 

From the Houston Chronicle, 08-05-2004:

 

Other players from Houston given strong consideration for the Most Valuable Player honor (for the state championship tournament) included shortstop Carlos Hereaud of Elkins High School and third baseman Trey Sperring of Cy Creek High School. Hereaud hit two home runs in the semifinal game, and for the tournament collected eight hits, including three triples and amassed a 1.000 slugging percentage. Sperring, who also had a 1.000 slugging percentage, hit .706 for the tournament (12-for-17 plus three walks) including three doubles, five RBI and eight runs scored.

 

From Baseball America:

 

While Johnny Whittleman is regarded as the best-hitting high school infielder in Texas, Hereaud has his supporters. Opinion is more mixed on Hereaud than Whittleman, but those who like him say he can catch up to even the best fastballs. Others say Hereaud hasn't matched his Area Code Games performance from last summer and think he has trouble with breaking balls. Like Whittleman, Hereaud probably will have to move off shortstop when he leaves high school, but he usually finds a way to get the job done with his fine instincts. He has average speed, though he has a thick lower half and figures to slow down. His arm is decent, and he may fit better at second base than at third. Hereaud's parents moved their family from Venezuela to get their children a better education, so it may be difficult to sign him away from his Houston scholarship.

 

From the University of Houston's Daily Cougar:

 

Hereaud was also ranked by Jason Becker's Texas Baseball News as the No. 16 prospect in the state and No. 63 prospect in the country. However he sat out the entire 2004 season after transferring to Elkins from his native Venezuela.

 

But when he played junior varsity at Elkins, he batted .473 and racked up 11 doubles, three triples, four home funs and 26 RBI's. He was invited to participate in the prestigious Area Code Games in California.

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Medium frame. Strong, muscular, well defined build. Similar to Edgardo Alfonzo. Compact, line drive stroke. Uses whole field. Potential to hit for avg. Runs better underway. Soft hands. Mature, polished player. Potential offensive-type 2B, 3B at ML level. (Video Included)

[batman]

Round 10: Steve Garrison - LHP

6'1", 185 lbs - The Hun School - New Jersey

 

http://towntopics.com/jul1404/sports3.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- The Hun School of Princeton costs $31,350 plus $12,050 or $6,860 for boarding students. Wow.

 

- He has a baseball scholarship to the University of North Carolina.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005:

 

Has a commitment to the University of North Carolina if he does not sign with the Brewers. "I'd love to play in the pros, but I'd also love to play at UNC," Garrison told the Trenton Times. "I'm kind of neutral right now. I have an idea of what it would take (to skip college). It's not so much the round I'm chosen, as much as the money and whether the team would pay for college later on."

 

From Baseball America:

 

LHP Steve Garrison (4) grades out third among New Jersey?s elite high school arms for the purposes of this year?s draft, but some scouts believe he may end up better in the long run than Hunt or Mazzaro. He throws strikes with all his pitches, with command to both sides of the plate. His fastball was mainly in the 86-88 mph range this spring, but it has been 90-91 in the past and scouts have no doubt it will return to that velocity, and possibly exceed it because he is athletic and has good arm speed. He also has a quality slider that he can bury under the hands of righthanded hitters. On talent, mound presence and feel for the game, Garrison would surely go in the first 10 round, but he is a signability risk of a strong commitment to North Carolina, and that could knock him down and possibly right out of the draft.

 

From TownTopics.com:

 

Steve Garrison may only be entering his senior year at the Hun School but he has already lived one of his dreams.

 

In late June, the gifted lefty pitcher toed the rubber at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia for Mercer all-stars in the championship game of the Carpenter Cup Classic.

 

Garrison went three innings, giving up just two hits and striking out three as to get the win as Mercer topped the Tri-Cape all-stars 3-1 to win its first title in the 19 years of the event which showcases teams of high school all stars from various parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

 

In reflecting on pitching in the plush new home of the Phillies, which seats 43,500, Garrison said it was a magical experience.

 

"It was a once in a lifetime thing," said Garrison. "We were playing at the University of Pennsylvania one game and then the next game was at Citizens Bank Park. I was so excited that we had a chance to play for the championship. I knew we had a great team and a real chance to win it."

 

The unflappable Garrison, known for his cool-headed approach to pitching, asserted that he and his teammates weren't overwhelmed by the excitement of performing in the major league environment.

 

"Once the game started, we were just thinking about winning, " said Garrison, who pitched Hun to the state Prep A title in 2002 as a freshman. "I was just looking to concentrate, zero in and throw strikes. I was confident we could do the job."

 

As Garrison has developed through his high school career, he has gained increasing confidence in his stuff. "My fastball and my cutter are my best pitches right now," said Garrison, who typically batted third in the order this spring for Hun.

 

"I'm getting confidence in throwing all of my pitches. When I'm hitting and I get ahead in the count, I look for a fastball. As a pitcher, I try to keep batters off balance by throwing breaking stuff and not giving in."

 

Despite what he has already accomplished on the mound, Garrison recognizes that he has plenty of room for improvement. "I need to work on my velocity," added Garrison, who is currently pitching for Ewing Post 314 in the Mercer County American Legion League. "I want to get bigger and gain some weight."

 

Garrison is hoping that his night at Citizens Bank Park was just his first taste of the big time. "My preference is to play for someone in Division I," said Garrison, who is looking at playing in the south, possibly for an Atlantic Coast Conference school.

 

"But if I get drafted and they really wanted me, I'd have a tough time turning that down. I'll go with whoever wants me. I've always wanted to play pro ball, that's the dream of every little boy. I want to go as far as I can."

 

Having already accomplished one dream this summer, it would hardly be surprising to see Garrison go on to achieve some of his other aspirations.

 

From the New Jersey Herald:

 

The third-seeded Bucs defeated arch-rival Peddie, the No. 2 seed, 6-2 in their Prep A State Tournament opener. They have a tall order on Wednesday when they meet top-seeded Hun and its left-handed stud, Steve Garrison.

 

"I think he averages 89 (mph), and he's hitting 91, 92. He's a big lefty, he brings the gas," said Stone, whose squad beat the Raiders' No. 2 pitcher earlier this season. "They're the team to beat because of him, but the thing about a double-elimination tournament is that you can't win it with just one pitcher."

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Well proportioned body. Lean, athletic look. Jamie Moyer body type. Live arm w/ free, fluid motion. Tight wrapped 10-4 CB strike pitch when low. Mixes in small, late slider. Deceptive change sinks and tails. Works quick and low in zone. Good feel for all pitches. (Video Included)

 

June 15, 2005

 

Hun Pitcher Garrison Headed to Pros After Brewers Take Him in MLB Draft

By Bill Alden, www.towntopics.com (Princeton, NJ)

 

By all rights, Steve Garrison should have slept like a log on the night of June 6.

 

After all, Garrison had concluded his senior year at the Hun School, having graduated three days earlier.

 

He had a summer of American Legion and high school all star baseball to look forward to before heading to the University of North Carolina in the fall.

 

But Garrison tossed and turned that night, realizing that the Major League Baseball draft the next day could dramatically alter the course of his life.

 

"I didn't get much sleep Monday night," said Garrison. "I was excited but nervous at the same time."

 

Garrison's edginess increased as June 7 unfolded. "Every round that went without me being picked, it was like "oh no,'" recalled Garrison, who was listening to the draft over MLB radio. "You are never sure what's going to happen until your name is called."

 

The call came for Garrison in the 10th round as he was chosen by the Milwaukee Brewers as the 295th pick overall in the draft .

 

"The Brewers had shown the most interest in me all along," said Garrison, who had been out to Milwaukee during graduation week for a pre-draft workout.

 

By Thursday, Garrison was an employee of the Brewers as he signed with the club and decided to forgo North Carolina in order to start his pro career. This week, Garrison heads west to the Arizona Summer League to play for the Maryvale affiliate of the Brewers.

 

The gifted lefthander acknowledged that it was tough to pass up North Carolina. "It was a very tough decision," recalled Garrison, who said he signed for "fifth round money."

 

"They are setting up a college fund for me so I will probably go somewhere locally like Rutgers or Rider for a semester at a time."

 

In the meantime, Garrison is primed for the education he will receive on the diamond.

 

"We start practicing on Monday and then have games on Thursday," said Garrison, who possesses pinpoint control and a fastball in the low 90s.

 

"It's going to be a strict routine. I'm looking forward to being pushed at this level. I want to become a more well-rounded pitcher."

 

Garrison acknowledges that he hasn't wasted time changing his pro baseball allegiance. "I was a big fan of Mark Mulder," said Garrison with a laugh referring to the All-Star pitcher. "I rooted for the Oakland A's when he was there and then I liked St. Louis when he moved there. Now, I'm a huge Ben Sheets fan."

 

Hun head coach Bill McQuade believes his star is doing the right thing by going pro now. "If Stevie went to college, he would be going through this at age 22 or 23," said McQuade. "He's getting a head start. It will be a big change, he is an 18-year-old going against 22 or 23 year olds. The biggest challenge will the mental grind, playing games everyday and travelling around on buses."

 

Noting that Garrison was a star from his first start at Hun, McQuade believes the pitching prodigy has what it takes to reach the major leagues.

 

"Stevie impressed all the scouts with his pinpoint control," said McQuade, noting that Garrison struck out 84 and walked just five in 48 innings of work this spring.

 

"His velocity has gone for around 80 m.p.h. as a freshman to 91 this spring. He has command of all his pitches and he developed a nasty slider. As long as he stays away from an arm injury and gets a little stronger, he could jump through this quickly."

 

For Garrison, getting the chance to prove himself at the pro level is a dream come true. "I've wanted to be a professional baseball player since middle school," said Garrison. "I'm starting what I hope will be my career."

 

While becoming a pro has been in the back of Garrison's mind for a while, his main focus at Hun was helping the Raiders reach a higher level.

 

"I didn't dwell on my personal goals," said Garrison who went 8-0 in his senior season at Hun and posted a career record of 25-4 in winning the team MVP all four years of his high school career. "I was with my friends. I just wanted to play with the team and help them win. As a bonus, I'm getting to go on to the next level."

 

In McQuade's view, Garrison's humility is one of his most impressive traits. "You wouldn't know he is a star," asserted McQuade. "He talks about everyone else but himself. It's sincere, he does it from the heart."

 

For Garrison, the relationships he has forged with his high school teammates helped land him in pro ball.

 

"We're all brothers, we're one big family," said Garrison, noting that such past teammates as Tom Monfiletto, Matt Stillitano, Eli Obus, and Will Barrett supported him at major league tryouts this spring. "If I get there [the major leagues], they are going with me. I'll never have better friends than that."

 

As Garrison takes the first steps in that journey, he won't rest until he makes his friends proud.

 

JOINING THE BREW CREW: Hun School pitching star Steve Garrison fires a pitch last month in his final high school appearance. Last week, Garrison, who went 8-0 in his senior season at Hun, was chosen by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 10th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft. Garrison, the 295th pick overall in the draft, subsequently signed with the team and has joined the club's Maryvale franchise in the Arizona Summer League.

(Photo by Bill Allen/NJ SportAction)

 

http://www.towntopics.com/jun1505/sports2.jpg

[batman]

Round 11: Brent Allar - RHP

6'2", 210 lbs - Weatherford College - Texas

 

http://www.wc.edu/athletics/baseball/images/leaguesite/players/BrentAllarsm.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He played his prep ball at Aledo High School in Aledo, Texas.

 

- He majored in Political Science at Weatherford, a 5,500+ student junior college located 30 miles west of Fort Worth.

 

- He has committed to attend Texas Christian University along with 26th-round selection and fellow Weatherford alum Jake Arrieta.

 

- As a sophomore, he went 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA for the Coyotes. He allowed 20 hits and 12 walks in 22 innings while striking out 19. All 19 appearances were in relief.

 

- He is currently pitching for the McKinney Marshals in the Texas Collegiate League along with Arrieta. In 10 games (1 start), he is 0-0 with a 4.02 ERA and 20 strikeouts and 13 walks in 15 and two-thirds innings.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Weatherford College Player Profile:

HERE

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Tall athletic body. Similar to Mike DeJean. Fastball sinks w/ very good velocity. Challenges hitters. Also throws circle change. (No video)

 

From Weatherford's Baseball Website, 06-10-2005:

 

Four Weatherford College baseball players and two WC signees were selected in the First-Year Player Draft conducted by Major League Baseball June 7-8. German Duran, Brent Allar, Chase Phillips, Jake Arrieta, Gibbs Wilson and Gary Poynter were all selected by MLB franchises in the 50-round draft.

 

?It?s been an exciting two days,? said Jeff Lightfoot, WC head coach. ?I think it says a little bit about the direction of our program, and where we?re heading. Plus, it?s just an exciting time in the lives of these young men.?

 

Duran, an infielder from Ft. Worth, was a sixth-round selection of the Texas Rangers and the 189th pick overall. He became the highest draft pick in the three-year history of the WC program.

 

Allar, a pitcher from Aledo, was chosen in the 11th round by the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cleveland Indians picked Phillips, a WC signee from Lubbock Monterey, in the 15th round.

 

On the second day of the draft, Plano native Jake Arrieta was chosen by the Brewers in the 26th round. WC closer Gibbs Wilson, an Abilene High School graduate, was a 36th-round pick for the Detroit Tigers. Gary Poynter, a WC signee from Flower Mound Marcus, went to the Cincinnati Reds in the 48th round.

 

?The fact that four current players and two draftees were drafted means a lot for our baseball program,? Lightfoot said. ?It shows we have a lot to draw top talent here?our community, our facilities and our college in general. It was a good couple of days for us.?

 

Duran and Allar were both sophomores in the most recent college baseball season. Lightfoot said Poynter will play at WC next year. Phillips and Arrieta have yet to announce whether they will play at WC or enter the professional ranks.

[batman]

Round 12: John Alonso - 1B

6'0", 220 lbs - Polk CC - Florida

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He hit .355/.464/.645 with 13 doubles, nine homers, and a 31:25 strikeout:walk ratio. (PDF Stats)

 

- He was only a freshman this past season. He went to Bishop Moore HS in Florida.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From the Orlando Sentinel, 04-15-2004:

 

A three-year varsity starter, Alonso's total focus is on baseball where he is looking at Polk Community College on the next level. He reveres a legendary New York Yankee outfielder, the late Joe DiMaggio, as his favorite athlete.

[batman]

Round 13: Ryan Babineau - C

6'2", 190 lbs - Etiwanda HS - California

 

http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/1130/190876.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005:

 

One of 36 high school players competing in the national All-American Baseball Game on June 13 in Albuquerque, N.M. ... The only catcher selected by the Brewers on Day 1 despite a shortage of catching in the team's minor league system. "You look at the board and there's not a lot of catching up there," Zduriencik said. "You take the players where they are on the board. Catching is what it is."

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Athletic frame. Similar to Brent Mayne. Catch and throw guy w/ good leadership qualities. Excellent student. ML starter potential w/ quick release and accurate arm. Quick bat shows future power. (Video Included)

 

From StudentSportsBasball.com:

 

Etiwanda senior Ryan Babineau was named to the 2005 All-American Baseball Game presented by PlayStation. Babineau joins the ranks of the country's top 36 high school baseball players competing in the national All-American Baseball Game on Monday, June 13, 2005 at Isotopes Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This classic East vs. West match-up, produced by NJ-based SportsLink Inc., will be televised on Fox Sports Net at 7:00 p.m. (MST).

 

Dana Lehner, Baseball Game Director for SportsLink said, "We recognize the value of putting individual talents toward achieving team goals, and Ryan's talents make him a strong addition to the All-American team. This game will highlight his skills before a national audience. We're pleased to provide this opportunity to him and to all of the All-Americans."

 

Babineau, a UCLA signee, is a standout catcher for Etiwanda High School and was one of 75 players nominated nationally and one of 36 selected to participate by the AABG Selection Team.

 

"Ryan is one of the top catching prospects in the country and is especially well known for his defensive skills. He has an athletic body, advanced catch-and-throw skills, good strength and a quick arm. He has continued to develop power at the plate and is considered extremely projectable and a top-flight prospect. We're excited to have him in our game," Lehner said.

 

From Perfect Game USA:

 

2004 National Showcase - Ryan Babineau is a 6'2"/190 "05" catcher from Alta Loma, CA with a physically projectable body, MLB arm strength, very athletic, runs well, hits 90's plus pitching, outstanding catcher, highest level prospect with good draft potential, very good student

 

2004 Sunshine West Showcase - Ryan Babineau is a 2005 C/1B from Alta Loma, CA. Top national level catcher defensively. Quick with very strong arm, Athletic, invited to PG National. Very good student.

 

2004 West Coast Top Prospect Showcase - Ryan Babineau (2005) is a 6-2, 195 catcher from Southern California and one of the best catching prospects in the country. Strong and quick, pop times down to 1.88. Pro level defensive skills. Still very projectable. Good bat speed with a chance to develop power. Committed to UCLA but a potential high draft pick.

[And That]

Round 14: Mark James - RHP

6'1", 185 lbs - Sinclair Secondary School - Ontario

 

http://img175.echo.cx/img175/6042/james9ea.jpg

 

(Full-Size Image)

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005:

 

One of two native Canadians selected by Milwaukee, which has a number of prominent Canadians in the front office including general manager Dooug Melvin, assistant GM Gord Ash and advisor Dick Groch. "This is one kid Dick was certainly responsible for," Zduriencik said. "In my first couple years here, we didn't have good information in Canada. The fact that Dick is up there running our Canadian operations is a great benefit to us."

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Medium frame. Athletic, evenly proportioned build. Similar to Joel Pineiro. Downplane FB tails and sinks, mostly around 86 mph. 3/4-rotating CB w/ occasional late, sharp, strike zone bite. Straight change-up sinks and fades. Deceptive delivery. (Video included.)

 

From Diamond Kings Baseball Report:

 

James is a tall, lanky and evenly proportioned pitcher with a narrow waist and slopping shoulders. A little on the thin side makes this 6'2 project nicely. Has room to grow and is already touching close to 90. Consistantly worked the mid 80's and showed 89. Smooth, fluid delivery. High 3/4 delivery. FB had some movement. CB had decent late break but could be improved. Good mound presence. Loves to challenge hitters. Changed speeds well. Composed pitcher that will pitch in college. Added velo could make him an impact D1 player.

 

Team Ontario Player Profile:

LINK

[And That]

Round 15: Michael Bell - 2B

6'0", 200 lbs - Grayson County College - Texas

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- Was named the 30th best prospect in the 2004 Cape Cod League by Baseball America.

 

- Was named to the All-Southwest District NJCAA Team and was named the district's Defensive Player of the Year.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

 

From The Herald Democrat, 06-07-2005:

 

In the 2005 First Year Player Draft that begins today, look for two Grayson County College players to be selected in the first seven rounds.

 

First team All-America and former Grayson shortstop Michael Bell might go in the first five rounds, according to coach Tim Tadlock.

 

"He'll go at least on the first day," Tadlock said.

 

Bell had an outstanding senior season, hitting .419 with 95 hits in 227 at-bats. He hit 14 home runs and drove in 77 runs. He stole 28 bases.

 

From the Redding, 06-09-2005 (Byline Jeffrey Jen):

 

For the past two days, the Major League Baseball Draft has been taking place.

 

Though anyone from college seniors to prep seniors to junior college players can be chosen, sometimes it pays to wait a few years to further develop your game.

 

That was the case for 2003 Red Bluff graduate Michael Bell in this year's draft, which concluded Wednesday.

 

Bell was the only north state player chosen this year after two standout seasons at Grayson County Junior College in Texas. Tuesday, he was chosen in the 15th round by the Milwaukee Brewers with the 445th overall pick.

 

After leaving Spartan country two years ago, Bell was selected in the 43rd round by the San Francisco Giants.

 

This season, he had a huge year offensively for Vikings as a sophomore second baseman, batting .441 with 14 home runs, 77 RBI and 27 stolen bases. He led the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference in hits (94), homers, RBI, stolen bases and runs (75) for the 45-13 Vikings.

 

Bell was hoping to be chosen in the top 10 rounds, like Foothill's Brandon McConnell was two years ago when he was taken in the eighth round by the Minnesota Twins.

 

However, Bell's name was called five rounds too late for that, but still in the first day and still much earlier when the Giants chose him in 2003.

 

Bell was the 14th individual pick by the Brewers and the first second baseman. The Brewers did take three second basemen in subsequent rounds, the next earliest coming in the 22nd round.

 

Now, it's likely Bell could sign with the Brewers organization. If he gets a contract, he likely will be moved to one of two rookie-league teams, the ASL Brewers in the Arizona League, or the Helena (Mont.) Brewers of the Pioneer League.

 

"He had an outstanding arm and could really swing a bat," said Jim Bonomini, the former Spartans baseball coach who coached Bell at Red Bluff. "When he was hot, you didn't want to face him no matter what stuff you had. He likes the limelight and has always wanted to play pro ball."

 

From the EzCode Parsing Error:=]Red Bluff Daily News[, 06-14-2005 (Byline Paul Gadbois):

 

Michael Bell, a 2003 graduate of Red Bluff High School, was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 15th round of Major League Baseball's amateur draft.

 

On Saturday, Bell signed for a fourth-round bonus which is six figures and Monday he flew to Helena, Mont., where he will soon join the Brewers rookie affiliate club.

 

Bell, who led the Grayson County College league in virtually every offensive category this season, was taken as a third baseman after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants as a catcher two summers ago out of high school in the 43rd round.

[batman]

Round 16: Andrew Bailey - RHP

6'3", 220 lbs - Wagner College - New York

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- Went 3-2 with a 3.46 ERA in seven starts. Struck out 47 and walked 12 in 41 and two-thirds innings. (STATS)

 

- Had Tommy John Surgery early in the season (so he'll be unavailable for quite some time).

 

- Had a 94 mph fastball prior to surgery.

 

- He attended Paul VI HS in Haddon Heights, NJ.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From MLB.com, 06-07-2005:

 

Underwent "Tommy John" surgery recently and will be out until next spring. "We liked his arm before the surgery," Zduriencik said. "With some of these things, you roll the dice. Maybe we'll uncover something here that could be good for us."

 

From the Staten Island Advance, 05-26-2005:

 

The wheels started to come off when, three weeks into the season, ace Andrew Bailey suffered an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery and sending pro scouts elsewhere to look for prospects.

 

From the MLB.com Draft Tracker:

 

Workhorse-type body w/ potential power arm. Could be durable starter or closer depending on secondary pitches. Quick, live arm, throws FB inside effectively, Mixes in long, 10-to-4 curve. Some feel for tailing circle change. Makeup to succeed. (Video Included)

[batman]

Round 17: Timothy Smith - RF

6'2", 200 lbs - Midland College - Texas

 

http://www.midland.edu/athletics/baseball/images/IMG_7850.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He's a Canuck - native of Toronto and alum of Birchmont Park C.I. High School.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Midland College Player Profile:

http://www.midland.edu/athletics/baseball/smith.htm

 

Tim was a 2004 draft pick of the New York Mets (21st round) and a two-year member of the Team Canada Junior National team. He was the team captain of the high school team. He was selection to the provincial team as well as the Toronto Star GTA All-Star team.

 

As a member of the Birchmount Park team, Tim and his teammates won the Prentice Cup and went undefeated that season. He was also named High School Player of the Year.

 

Tim's many interests include training, PlayStation 2, listening to music, watching television and surfing the Internet. His favorite movie and television show are ?*61? and ?This Week in Baseball? respectively. His favorite website is www.baseball.ca and he listens mostly to hip-hop music. Tim is a fan of his hometown Toronto Blue Jays and Barry Bonds of the Giants.

 

From the Midland Reporter-Telegram, 06-08-2005 (Byline Len Hayward):

 

Midland College outfielder Tim Smith was selected in the 17th round, 505 overall, by the Milwaukee Brewers.

 

Smith, a freshman at MC this past spring, hit .468 with 55 RBI and eight home runs. Last year, Smith - a native of Toronto - was a 21st round selection of the New York Mets but could not get an immigration visa in time to sign with the Mets.

 

"He went where I predicted," MC baseball coach Steve Ramharter said. "The Brewers seemed to show the most interest and they're going to try to sign him. Of course, he's always got the option of coming back here next year."

[batman]

Round 18: Zack Braddock - LHP

6'3", 220 lbs - Gloucester Catholic HS - New Jersey

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- His given name is William.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From the Courier-Post, 06-08-2005 (Byline Kevin Minnick):

 

Zach Braddock got the call he'd been waiting for on Tuesday.

 

Less than a year removed from Tommy John surgery to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, the Gloucester Catholic High School left-hander was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round (535th pick overall) of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.

 

"It's great. It's everything I've worked for. It's all come together at the right time," said Braddock, who's 4-1 for the pitching-rich Rams this spring. "I'm pretty sure it will be a draft-and-follow situation. I'll go to the school (Chipola Junior College outside of Tallahassee, Fla.) under the organization of the Brewers just because of the sheer timing of the surgery. I'll go for maybe a year or half a year to give my arm the time it needs to fully recover."

 

Braddock had the surgery on June 21 of last year, receiving a ligament from a cadaver. He was then put on a strenuous stretching program.

 

The only doubt was how long it would take to get back.

 

"Probably the hardest thing was realizing how far I actually had gone back and how hard it was going to be to get where I was," the Southampton resident said. "But my teammates really helped me get through the whole thing."

 

"You can imagine a 17-year-old senior heading anywhere but where he needs to be," said Bill Braddock, Zach's father. "But from the time he started rehabilitation until early April when he got to pitch, this kid worked.

 

"He was misdiagnosed a couple of times with tendonitis. He was in great shape before the injury and it really was all biomechanics and not from throwing too many curveballs. His lower body was not in sync with his upper body."

 

Braddock joins a long list of Gloucester Catholic players to be taken in the amateur draft including the likes of Greg Burke, Mark Michael, Kevin Kelly and Matt DeMarco.

 

"We kind of expected it. He probably would have gone higher if not for the surgery," Gloucester Catholic coach Dennis Barth said. "He's always been a hard worker, sometimes to the point where we have to tone him back. He wanted to be a big league pitcher down the line.

 

"He's a medical miracle getting back this fast. That's just the kind of athlete he is."

 

Still not fully recovered, Braddock has been clocked at 88-89 mph on his fastball. He's gained about 20 pounds over the past year, which has also helped him at the plate. Barth has been using him as a designated hitter at times, but Braddock did throw a five-inning no-hitter against Deptford in his last outing.

 

"He's swinging the bat around .500," said Barth, whose team faces Christian Brothers Academy in the Non-Public South A final today at Mercer County Park.

 

"I may use him out of the bullpen. If we get through (today), we'll see about Saturday. He's still building up his arm."

 

From the Gloucester County Times, 06-08-2005 (Byline Scott Chappelear):

 

A year ago, Gloucester Catholic High School pitcher Zach Braddock was wondering when his baseball career might resume.

 

Now he's got to decide how quickly he's going to start his professional career.

 

The Rams senior was taken by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round with the 535th overall pick during the first day of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft -- just 12 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery to replace a torn elbow ligament.

 

"I was talking with the Brewers scout throughout the year and had a pretty good feel for them," said Braddock. "It wasn't a surprise to get drafted by the Brewers, but it was a surprise where I got drafted."

 

Last June, after being told once already that the arm discomfort he had experienced much of the year was nothing serious, he started the Rams' NJSIAA Non-Public A South championship game against Holy Cross -- a 9-6 defeat.

 

Shortly afterward, the left-hander found out that the MRI he had taken days before the game revealed a slight tear in his elbow ligament. Then he found out how old the injury was.

 

He had the Tommy John surgery, and began the long road back to the mound in Brooklawn. It was a road made much shorter by his athletic ability and a dedicated coaching staff.

 

"Because he's so young and such a good athlete, he's come back faster than any person I've ever seen," said Rams head coach Dennis Barth. "He's kind of a medical miracle."

 

"It took a lot of effort from my coaches working with me and keeping up with where I was (in my rehab), it really helped along the way," noted Braddock. "I really hoped (to get back), to be a part of the championship team I hope we are in my senior year.

 

"The rehab was more tedious because of the time it took, just how long it spanned, but it really wasn't that hard. The hardest part was that I felt ready before I really was."

 

Braddock has pitched 26 2/3 innings heading into today's Non-Public A South final against Christian Brothers, posting a 3-1 record and 2.63 ERA. He's given up just 12 hits, walked 23 and struck out 45.

 

"It's the kind of thing where you have to feel your way through," Barth said. "You may feel fine, but you can't get too far ahead. There will be times your arm doesn't feel too good. It's a learn-to-crawl-before-you-walk kind of thing.

 

"He's still not there control and velocity-wise, but every time out he's gotten better for the most part. He's feeling his way back, he's got a new arm really. I know he's going to throw harder than he did before the injury. I know if he hadn't gotten hurt he definitely would have been a top-5 round draft pick."

 

"I like to say I was taken fifth overall in the 18th round, thank you," Braddock joked. "You can't be upset with this. I know it's going to take some time to get back to 100 percent, so whatever happens next year is fine."

 

Ironically, Braddock was selected in the same position and by the same team as Vineland outfielder Darren Ford in 2004. The Catholic senior may end up following in Ford's footsteps and using the draft-and-follow option.

 

"I think I'm probably going to opt for Chipola (Junior College in Marianna, Florida), I can get some experience in college and continue to rehab my arm," said Braddock, who could still sign with the Brewers for up to a year before becoming a free agent again. "The program's excellent. I can continue my therapy there."

 

It seems certain though that Braddock is not only on the road to recovery, but on the road to success.

 

"He's worked at it," Barth said. "He's had some setbacks along the way, but he's always been a hard worker. You knew he was something special as soon as you saw him, even when he was a freshman."

 

From Philly.com, 06-07-2005 (Byline Sam Carchidi):

 

To a pitcher, a torn elbow ligament used to signal the end of a career. That was before Frank Jobe's revolutionary surgery was performed on Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tommy John in 1974.

 

The surgery has saved many major-league pitchers' careers - see Jon Lieber, Adam Eaton and, of course, John, to name a few. But it has also helped fuel the hopes of several up-and-coming pitchers.

 

Gloucester Catholic High senior Zach Braddock, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound lefthander, fits in that category.

 

Less than a year ago, Braddock had what has become known as "Tommy John surgery" to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. The surgery was such a success that Braddock, after an off-season workout regimen, missed only a couple of weeks before being able to pitch for Gloucester Catholic this year.

 

And, though not yet at 100 percent and still trying to regain his control, Braddock has been effective enough to have a swarm of major-league scouts on his trail. Braddock, who is 4-1 with a 2.62 ERA, is expected to be selected in the first-year players' draft, which will be held today and tomorrow.

 

"I'm excited," Braddock said from his home in Southampton, Burlington County, the other night. "Most of the scouts I've talked to are saying I should get drafted anywhere from the 15th to the 30th round."

 

Most likely, Braddock, 17, will be a "draft and follow." He will likely be drafted in a late round and observed when he plays this summer and at a junior college. Major-league baseball teams own the rights of junior-college players until the week before next year's draft.

 

"If the money is right, I'd like to sign," Braddock said.

 

A year ago, signing with a pro team wasn't foremost on Braddock's mind. All he wanted was to throw without pain.

 

Enter Craig Morgan, a Wilmington surgeon who has operated on several pro athletes.

 

"When you go into his office, it's like a who's who in sports with all the [photos] of people he's operated on - Curt Schilling, Jennifer Capriati, Kerry Kittles," said Bill Braddock, Zach's dad. "I figured, 'If he's good enough for Schilling, he's good enough for my kid.' "

 

Morgan operated on Schilling's shoulder in 1995 and 1999.

 

In the Tommy John surgery, a tendon is usually removed from the patient's wrist or hamstring and grafted into the elbow. In Braddock's case, a tendon was taken from a cadaver.

 

James Andrews, an Alabama orthopedic surgeon who performs about 150 reconstructions a year, told USA Today that the success rate for major-league pitchers is 85 percent.

 

Zach Braddock said Morgan told him the elbow will eventually be stronger and have more elasticity than before the surgery. The doctor didn't cut any muscle tissue, and that quickened the recovery period.

 

In the off-season, a period in which he grew two inches and gained 20 pounds, Braddock started his rehabilitation by doing isometrics and some light weightlifting. When the doctor released his patient, he gave him three words of advice:

 

"Stretch, stretch and stretch."

 

The hope is that the stretching exercises will take strain off the elbow and will eventually increase the speed of Braddock's fastball.

 

"Dr. Morgan told him that the day he stops stretching is the day he won't be a baseball player," Bill Braddock said. "He told him that if your lower-body flexibility is equivalent to the upper body, you'll increase your fastball three to five miles an hour. He has the data to support it."

 

Braddock began throwing off a mound in March, and his fastball this spring has been in the mid- to upper 80s, topping out at 89. He pitched a no-hitter against Deptford, and he has struck out 45 and allowed only 12 hits in 26 2/3 innings. The one negative: 23 walks.

 

Braddock estimates that he was 80 percent of his old self in April and that the number has now climbed to 90 percent. "The velocity is not quite there yet, and I'm still working on my command," said Braddock, who is hitting .500. "I'm still fine-tuning things."

 

The fact that he is so young - he won't turn 18 until Aug. 23 - and that he has made such a quick recovery from surgery should entice scouts.

 

On the other hand, some scouts want to see Braddock throw more breaking balls - pitches that put more strain on the elbow - before they can properly evaluate him.

 

"I like to use my curve as a set-up pitch, but I can't yet because it's only 10 or 11 months since the surgery and the protocol for my recovery doesn't have me throwing many breaking balls for another month or two," he said. "Basically, I'm throwing a fastball and change-up right now."

 

Braddock said his recovery was "more mental than physical. A lot of guys will tell you that. Your arm feels better than you'd think, and pacing yourself is half the battle. At the same time, you're afraid to let loose in the beginning. You just have to keep reminding yourself that you're healthy and throw through it."

 

And thank Frank Jobe for pioneering a surgery that, in 1974, seemed like a medical miracle.

 

From Philly.com, 06-08-2005 (Byline Sam Carchidi):

 

Those who are selected relatively late in Major League Baseball's first-year players' draft only have to look at Vineland High's Darren Ford for inspiration.

 

Ford was a standout at Vineland last year and was chosen last year by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round after hitting .308, stealing 38 bases in 39 attempts and being named to The Inquirer's all-South Jersey team.

 

The Brewers called him a "draft and follow" - that is, they would follow his progress in the summer and in his first year of junior college, then decide whether they wanted to sign him.

 

They liked what they saw - Ford hit .306 and stole 45 bases for Chipola (Fla.) Junior College - and Milwaukee recently signed him for a package worth about $200,000.

 

Coincidently, in last night's 18th round - the same round in which Ford was selected last June - Milwaukee chose Gloucester Catholic lefthander Zach Braddock, who has made a rapid recovery from last year's Tommy John surgery.

 

The Brewers are hoping that Braddock becomes a success story in the mold of Ford.

 

If Ford ever makes it to the majors, speed will be his ticket. The Major League Scouting Bureau rates him as an 80 runner on the 20-80 scouting scale.

 

"He has top-of-the-scale speed, and he's learning how to use it," said Brewers scout Tony Blengino during a break in yesterday's draft. "His bat is a little green, but he's performed well so far in extended spring training."

 

Ford has played a handful of games for the Brewers' extended spring-training team in Phoenix. He will soon be assigned to one of Milwaukee's rookie-league teams, either the Helena (Mont.) Brewers in the Pioneer League or the Arizona Brewers in the Arizona League.

 

As for Braddock, he also is considered a draft and follow - "unless he pitches lights-out this summer and forces our hand," Blengino said with a smile last night.

 

Braddock will pitch for Brooklawn's American Legion team this summer. He then plans to attend Chipola Junior College, like Ford.

 

The first 18 draft rounds were held yesterday and last night; the final 32 rounds will be held today.

 

Braddock "is the kind of kid we didn't want to leave there for the second day," Blengino said. "We didn't want to give people a chance to think about him overnight."

 

Blengino acknowledged that, because Braddock had elbow surgery last year, he was somewhat of a risk. "But we had our medical guy examine his reports and we think it's a manageable risk," he said.

 

The Brewers also selected another South Jersey product, picking Wagner righthander Andrew Bailey in the 16th round. Bailey, a Paul VI graduate, had Tommy John surgery last month. Milwaukee hopes to sign him to a 2006 contract and it will be patient as he goes through a rehabilitation period.

[madbad2000]

Round 19: Patrick Ryan - RHP

6'0", 200 lbs - Embry-Riddle University - Florida

 

http://daytona.embryriddlesports.com//images/bball/2005/1/13/ryan_p.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He hails from Brooksville, Florida and previously attended Lake Sumter CC.

 

- His nickname is "Beef".

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

From Embry-Riddle Player Profile:

 

Ryan is only the second FSC Player of the Year and first team All-American in ERAU history to return for his senior season?combines a low 90s fastball with an 82 mph, 12/6 curveball and a quality change-up? a very driven athlete who continues to make significant gains in the weight room and with overall fitness level?experience and leadership will be key factors in the team?s success in 2005.

 

As a Junior in 2004: Led the ball club in appearances with 31, a new Embry-Riddle single season record?drew nine starts?posted an 8-2 record with a 3.18 ERA?tied for first in the league in saves (8) ?struck out a team high 94 batters in 85 innings pitched?12th in the nation in average strikeouts per nine inning game (9.95)?tossed a complete game two-hit shutout against Brewton-Parker (Feb 7) with 10 strikeouts and allowed only two base runners in six innings?posted another 10 strikeout game against Cumberland (Feb. 19)?struck out nine in a seven-inning, two-hit shutout against Florida Memorial (Feb. 24) to help the Eagles secure their third straight conference regular season title?first-team All-American?NAIA Region XIV and FSC Player of the Year?NAIA All-America Scholar Athlete.

 

At Lake Sumter Community College: Played two seasons for Coach Mike Matulia?s Lakers?posted a 2.65 ERA with three complete games in 90 innings as a sophomore?named to the All-Mid-Florida Conference team in 2002?two-time academic All-Conference selection.

 

High School: Graduated from Central High School in 2001?earned three letters playing for Coach Gary Buel?two-time All-Conference selection?also played three seasons for the Hernando Dixie All-Stars club team.

 

Personal: Born in Chicago, Illinois on May 31, 1983?son of Nelson and Rene Snow?majoring in Aviation Business Management?volunteer at the 2003 Special Olympics Golf Tournament.

 

Reason for Choosing Embry-Riddle: ?Because the baseball team wins?

 

From EzCode Parsing Error:=]Hernando Today[, 06-17-2005 (Byline Marty Miller):

 

With 30 major league teams and 50 rounds of a draft of amateur baseball players, it would seem that a person getting drafted by a Major League Baseball club is not such a big thing.

 

But when you remember how many baseball players are out there, it takes on a different light when someone from Hernando County is picked by a major league club.

 

For former Central High standout Patrick ?Beef? Ryan, this year's draft was an important one as he had to sit through 18 rounds of the draft on the first day before he was picked in the 19th round by the Milwaukee Brewers.

 

Ryan, who helped pitch his college, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, to the national championship game of the NAIA Baseball World Series this year, signed a contract with the Brewers the same day he was drafted.

 

Now after a five-day rookie camp in Arizona, Ryan believes he will be heading for Montana where he will join the Helena, Montana of the Pioneer League to begin his road that hopefully will lead to a spot in the majors.

 

With 50 rounds of the major league draft as compared to the seven of the NFL and two of the NBA, the position of where a player gets picked does not make a lot of difference.

 

"I know some people who were suppose to get picked in the early rounds and didn't get picked until the second day," Ryan said before he headed to Arizona. "So I wasn't too upset I wasn't picked on the first day. From all the indications, there were a couple of teams that thought about taking me on the first day."

 

"But I wasn't sure, so I didn't get my hopes up too much. Anyway, after about the 15th round, it's all about the same anyway."

 

Ryan sported an outstanding 13-3 record with a 1.60 earned run average this year for the Embry-Riddle Eagles and was named as the Florida Sun Conference Player of the Year and was an NAIA first-team All-American selection.

 

The Daytona Beach-based Eagles won its conference and advanced to the NAIA Super Regional against Lee University of Cleveland, Tenn.

 

The Eagles won that series 2-1 and Ryan won Game 2, 3-0, going 7.1 innings while giving up seven hits, no runs while walking none and striking out three.

In the national tournament, ERU went in as the number one seed and in game three and on his 22nd birthday, Ryan was the starter and winning pitcher as he beat Biola, Cal. 6-3, going seven innings, giving up six hits, no walks and six strikeouts.

 

The next day, ERU beat Oklahoma City 12-5 and followed that with a 3-0 win over Lewis and Clark State, Idaho as Ryan went 1.2 innings to earn the save.

Then in the title game against Oklahoma City and with no days rest, Ryan started and lasted four innings as the Eagles lost 8-1.

 

Something?s brewing

 

Although Ryan's mother said that four teams had shown an interest in drafting Ryan, the Brewers finally were the ones who took him. "I had talked with their scout a couple of times earlier in the year."

 

Ryan also has had a taste of pro ball during spring training; he pitched against a Chicago Cubs minor league team. "I went two innings and didn't give up a run and only one hit," Ryan said. "It was after that when the Brewers scout talked to me and told me I could make it in pro ball."

 

Ryan's taste of the Brewers organization comes this week when he goes to Arizona for a five-day mini-camp. "After that, I'll probably be sent to their rookie-league team in Helena, Mont. in the Pioneer League."

 

When asked what kind of advantages he might have over other pitchers drafted by the Brewers, Ryan was fairly clear. "I think it definitely was an advantage that I played college ball because a lot of those guys haven't had to go through all the things I have."

 

While he still isn't sure what his place will be in their organization, Ryan said he got somewhat of an idea after talking with the Brewers scout who signed him.

 

"He said they write down their recommendation and he had me more of a number five starter. Say if a staff goes with a five-man rotation, then I'll be the number five starter. But if they go with a four-man one, then I'll probably be in the bullpen and come out as the long man in relief."

 

When asked what his best and worst traits were as a pitcher, Ryan thought he knew them. "My best trait is that I throw strikes and that I don't walk a lot of people. I also have to work on my change up some."

 

He also said that while some in baseball look to the number on the radar gun, he doesn't think that is so important. "Most of the scouts I talked to say velocity doesn't mean all that much. I can get up to 88-90 mph on my fastball. But I have good movement on it and I have a good curve, but I get hitters out consistently. You have to get people out and if you do, they can't really deny you."

 

Ryan isn't sure when his first appearance will come at Helena, but he does know the kind of reaction he got Wednesday when he was drafted. "The cell phone crashed twice on me," he said with a laugh.

 

"The Brewers called me at 12:05 to tell me they picked me and by 12:40, my cell phone had gone dead. I charged it before I left home and then after I got back, I recharged it again and called everyone who had left a voice mail message. And then it crashed again."

[madbad2000]

Round 20: David Welch - LHP

6'4", 200 lbs - Texarkana CC - Texas

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He is from Sydney, Australia.

 

- He has committed to attend Texas Tech University.

 

- He was a 38th round pick of the Yankees in 2003.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

[madbad2000]

Round 21: Justin Stires - RHP

6'2", 195 lbs - Saddleback CC - California

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

[batman]

Round 22: Kenny Holmberg - 2B

5'9", 175 lbs - Embry-Riddle University - Florida

 

http://daytona.embryriddlesports.com//images/bball/2004/1/12/Holmberg.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 49th round of the 2001 draft out of Dunedin High School in Florida.

 

- Previously attended St. Petersburg JC.

 

- His father Dennis played for the Brewers from 1970-1975 and has coached for the Blue Jays for 26 years.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

Embry-Riddle Player Profile:

http://daytona.embryriddlesports.com/roster.asp?playerid=203&sport=2

 

From the St. Petersburg Times, 03-13-2005 (Byline Nancy Morgan):

 

It was only natural that Dunedin's Kenny Holmberg take up baseball.

 

His father, Dennis, played professionally and has coached for nearly 30 years.

 

Some family members jokingly say Holmberg was given a bat and not a pacifier at birth.

 

Holmberg, 21, is a senior co-captain for the Embry-Riddle Eagles in Daytona Beach. The infielder is among the top hitters on the team with a .355 average. He has a .490 on-base percentage.

 

"I probably started swinging a bat when I was 4 or 5," Holmberg said.

 

"I learned a lot growing up. When my dad was in Dunedin with the Blue Jays, he would let me run around the cages hitting," Holmberg said. "I did that until I was exhausted."

 

When Holmberg was 6, he began a Little League career with Dunedin National that concluded in 2001 with a third-place finish in the Big League World Series.

 

Playing for Dunedin High School's Falcons, Holmberg led Pinellas County in batting his senior year with a .521 average. He was drafted in the 49th round by Toronto. "I learned to hit growing up and have sort of a natural swing," Holmberg said. "I try to practice hitting as much as possible, although it can be tough with school and other things going on. "What I try to do is get good at-bats and hit the ball off the barrel of the bat. I look for a good pitch, preferably a fastball, and work the count to my favor so I can get a good pitch that I can handle."

 

After high school graduation, Holmberg spent two years at St. Petersburg Junior College. He was the captain and sparked the program to back-to-back conference championships.

 

Last year at Embry-Riddle, Holmberg hit .374 and drove in 60 runs.

 

In a semifinal game of NAIA World Series, he went 4-for-4, delivered a winning double in the bottom of the ninth inning against Lewis-Clark State and was selected for the all-tournament team.

 

"Contributing to that win over Lewis-Clark was definitely a highlight for me," Holmberg said. "They've probably won 14 national championships. "My dad has been an unbelievable influence in my development as a player.

 

"All the players I had an opportunity to be around growing up - like Carlos Delgado, Roberto Abernathy and Brent Abernathy - certainly were an inspiration," Holmberg said. "Their drive and ambition were incredible."

 

Embry-Riddle is ranked fourth in the NAIA. The team owned a 24-1 record entering this weekend's competition.

 

"I'd love to go out on a national championship team," Holmberg said.

 

"When I was in high school, we had unbelievable talent and lost in the first game of regional play. We had a great team at JC, but we fell short. Last year, we finished third in the NAIA."

 

This season, "it would be great to be a national champion," he said. "I'll do everything I can to help make that happen."

 

From the Daytona Beach News-Journal, 05-15-2005 (Byline Sean Kernan):

 

Kenny Holmberg is one tough baseball player. The Embry-Riddle Eagle is as old-school as they come, a Charlie Hustle type who sprints on and off the field. He gets the most out of every minute he spends on a baseball field.

 

But for ERAU's senior shortstop, that toughness isn't even on the charts compared with the will he's seen from his parents. To know the Holmbergs' tragic story is to know where Kenny gets the determination that has made him the heart and soul of an Embry-Riddle baseball team that is 47-7 and headed to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics World Series later this month.

 

Diane Holmberg brought son Kenny into this world a little more than 22 years ago. When Kenny was just 2, Diane was on her way to teach Bible school in upstate New York, near Syracuse, where her husband, Dennis, was a coach for the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. A teenage driver crashed into Diane Holmberg's car. Kenny and 5-year-old sister, Brianne, were in the back seat and escaped injury.

 

The good news stopped there, however.

 

Diane Holmberg suffered a brain injury that has left her in a vegetative state to this day. The high-profile Terri Schiavo case stirred long-held emotions for the family, but the controversy changed nothing in the family's decades-long journey of love and endurance.

 

Now 51, Diane has a feeding tube in her stomach and is cared for in a facility in Norwalk, Conn. Diane's family, including her father, Nardin Duncan, and brother, Jimmy Duncan, visit regularly. Kenny also has made trips in recent years to see his mother.

 

"The past two times I've been up to Connecticut, she definitely acknowledged that I was there," Kenny says with conviction. "And to me, for her not to see me grow up, for her to just see pictures of me, and then to recognize me, it just means so much. All I can hope for is she knows I'm leading a successful life. I'm in school; I'm going to get a degree; I'm doing well. And I know she's accomplishing something still. She inspires me."

 

Diane Holmberg's apparent will to live inspires her son in everything he does, just as his father's example -- of a hard-working parent -- showed him what it takes to succeed on a baseball field. Who better to have set an example for becoming a professional baseball player than a father who has worked 35 years in the game as a player, coach and manager?

 

"Isn't my dad amazing? You think about (the result of the accident) and almost 20 years down the road he's still going," Kenny says, shaking his head in disbelief.

 

"I've seen what he has to go through . . . 20 years living, adjusting, making himself better, and he always has had a smile on his face. I'm sure my mom was the same way, and I'm sure that's how she wanted him to be."

 

What Dennis Holmberg has done during the nearly 20 years since that tragic June morning is be a loving husband and father, Kenny says. On top of that, he's been a minor-league coach or manager for the Blue Jays, even spent a couple of seasons in the big leagues, and continues to be a substitute special education teacher in the Palm Harbor area in the offseason.

 

The father and son have always been close -- had to be as Kenny spent many a day and night around minor-league clubhouses growing up. Dennis Holmberg tried to give his son a normal upbringing -- as normal as one could around a clubhouse full of aspiring baseball players. As a home away from home, what better place for a boy than a baseball stadium?

 

"I remember running around the park up in Syracuse when I was 2 or 3 years old, not playing baseball, but being on the golf cart going from clubhouse to clubhouse," Kenny says. "When I was 7 or 8 I remember shagging fly balls, catching some fly balls and knocking down some grounders."

 

By then his father was an established skipper in the Florida State League. The Dunedin Blue Jays had a few big names come up through the system that Kenny got to know in the early 1990s, including current major-league stars Carlos Delgado, Jeff Kent and Shawn Green.

 

"Shawn Green would come out to my Little League games," Kenny says while sitting in the dugout at ERAU's University Ballpark. "Those are fond memories. Literally I went to the ballpark at 2 o'clock, watched them take (batting practice), went inside and ate the spread with them, maybe took a shower, and got ready for the game. I thought I was on the team. Guys would joke, 'Hey, bring your bat out there tonight. You might get an (at-bat).' I kind of took it seriously. It was fun."

 

Baseball had to be fun, because life dealt the family a blow that was, and remains today, heart-wrenching.

 

'A GENIE TRAPPED IN A BOTTLE'

 

Rescue workers used the jaws of life to get Diane Holmberg out of the car. They managed to save her life, but looking back nearly 20 years later, Dennis Holmberg can't help but ponder the quality-of-life question.

 

"I think the whole goal of everybody (paramedics and emergency personnel) is to keep people from dying . . . You don't know what you're going to get once you save them . . . Forty years ago, the percentage of people surviving car accidents was not nearly as high as it is today or what it was 20 years ago.

 

"I hate to say it, but this is in retrospect, there are times you think maybe death would have been the best thing," he says somberly. "I mean, what kind of life? What kind of life was Terri Schiavo living? Right or wrong, good or bad ... the quality of life is just not there. It's draining. It's very taxing."

 

There was strong hope in the first year after the accident. Diane had been moved to a facility in Bradenton. Dennis visited her every day he could and brought the children. One day Dennis phoned Diane's mother, placed the phone in position, and whispered instructions to his wife.

 

"Say 'Hi' to mom," Dennis said. And Diane said, "Hi." Repeating three more words from her husband, Diane told her mother, "I love you."

 

There were other optimistic signs, such as Diane laughing while watching "Happy Days" on TV. Sadly, Diane's condition never improved, and declined thereafter.

 

Dennis describes Diane's condition as being "like a genie trapped in a bottle," able to take in information but not able to speak.

 

MOTHER'S DAY TIMES FOUR

 

Kenny Holmberg knows his life growing up was difficult, but he refuses to feel sorry for himself. He had a strong support network starting with his father, and continuing with two loving grandmothers and friends' moms who pitched in to help.

 

"Some people say I grew up without a mother, but I go out and get three or four Mother's Day cards every year," Kenny says. "I send one to Donna Banks (a friend's mom) who would make me dinners and sometimes pack school lunches for me. I send one to my Grandma Opal and I send one to my mom. I used to send one to my Grandma Lil, but she passed away two years ago."

 

The shortstop says that as difficult as it was for him growing up in what effectively was a one-parent family, it was much harder on his older sister, Brianne, who now lives in Pittsburgh and also is a college student.

 

"She was deep with Mom," Kenny says. "She was a little older than me and more attached to Mom. It's hard for me to even understand it. It would be like if I was little and something happened to my dad. I just feel so bad for her."

 

NATIONAL NEWS IS PERSONAL

 

The Terri Schiavo story was front and center of current events several weeks ago and the debate raged everywhere from barbershops to churches -- including a current-issues class Kenny Holmberg was taking at Embry-Riddle.

 

"It's very similar to how Terri Schiavo was, and that's tough," Kenny says. "Every day while that was going on I'd hear people talking. 'They should take her off the feeding tube. Maybe they should let her live.' I heard all perspectives. But how would people think if that was their mother, their sister, their aunt, their wife? I mean, you can't put it in perspective if you're just a normal person."

 

The discussion was sensitive, and thanks to instructions by ERAU assistant professor Glenn Dorn, it also was civil.

 

"I probably would have gotten up and left if some kid got up and said: 'Yeah, just pull the plug,' " Kenny says. "Professor Dorn made it clear to the class. 'This is going to be a sensitive subject so I want you guys to think about things before you say them.' I appreciated that."

 

For Kenny and his family, as well as his mother's family, there never has been any controversy over how much care to give his mother.

 

"I don't think (disconnecting the feeding tube has) ever been discussed," Kenny says. "To me it's obvious. If somebody's breathing, if somebody still has coherent thoughts and they understand what's going on, then they deserve to live, because obviously God isn't ready for them. When you pass away, it's your time. If you're on life support, or if you're getting a feeding tube, and people still love you, and people still look at you for motivation ... I mean people get handicapped where they can't take care of themselves."

 

And Dennis Holmberg makes it clear that he has been blessed with terrific in-laws, and the two families -- the Duncans and the Holmbergs -- have supported Diane's care and pitched in to raise Kenny and Brianne.

 

"Her mom passed away maybe two years ago. You couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law and Diane couldn't have asked for a better mother," he says. "I couldn't have had a better father-in-law and she couldn't have had a better father. Her brothers (Jimmy and Ricky Duncan), my mother, my brother David, my sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Jim Pressman, have always been there. It's just a shame. (Diane's) missed out on so much."

 

While so much media attention was devoted to the Schiavo case, Dennis Holmberg was concerned it would upset his son.

 

"I had talked to his dad about it and his dad asked me to keep an eye on Kenny," ERAU coach Greg Guilliams says. "I didn't see anything different. If it did affect him, I didn't notice it."

 

Once again that inherent toughness shielded Kenny from being distracted on the diamond.

 

"My mom is my mother. She's the one who brought me into this world," Kenny says. "It's tough to go up there and see how she is, what kind of state she's in, and to think about some things that could have been. There are just a lot of things that go through my mind when I think about it. I still have her in my heart; I still think about her a lot. I just try to move on."

 

BASEBALL ANCHORS LIFE

 

Baseball has been, and continues to be, more than a pastime to the Holmbergs. The game brought Kenny's parents together so many years ago. Diane attended a Florida State League game in Dunedin on Aug. 2, 1978, and the public address announcer told the crowd it was Dennis Holmberg's birthday. Moments later the Blue Jays coach heard some people singing "Happy Birthday." He looked and saw Diane singing.

 

"It was love at first sight," Dennis still says today.

 

And baseball has been a catharsis for many years after the accident. It has been a bond for father and son, and now it looks like baseball may offer a career to Kenny as well.

 

Kenny's senior season at Embry-Riddle is just the latest chapter in a successful amateur career. He helped lead the Eagles to 33 wins in their first 35 games. Guilliams said his shortstop -- an intense player who has earned the nickname General Patton -- was responsible for at least 10 of those wins.

 

"I notice that a lot of teams we play, Kenny's the guy coaches make comments about," Guilliams says.

 

Some are not so flattering, because Kenny Holmberg tries to say things to distract opponents.

 

"I know I'm glad he's on our team, otherwise I'd hate him," says ERAU assistant coach Todd Guilliams, who is coach Greg Guilliams' brother. "He can get under your skin."

 

The player knows that's one part of the game he'll have to leave behind in June when he's likely to get drafted again by a major league organization. He was selected in the 2001 draft by the Blue Jays, the organization that has been loyal to his father throughout the years, but opted to go to college.

 

Kenny knows the pro game requires a more businesslike approach. For now, scouts appreciate his passion and the physical changes he's made since going to Embry-Riddle. He lost nearly 25 pounds and turned fast-food fat into muscle by improving his diet and working out in an intense weight-training program since leaving junior college. He's become a better player and has at least some scouts thinking he can be more than a player who fills a minor-league position. One high-ranking scout rated him among the top five infielders in the state.

 

"I'm not a really blessed tools player," Kenny says. "I can't hit for power. I'm not an above-average defender, hitter, runner or thrower. But I do know how to play the game. I do understand the right way to go about things, and just know how to win."

 

The college senior knows so much about baseball that there's an even better chance he'll be a coach some day.

 

"He knows baseball from A to Z," says his father, a minor-league manager with more than 1,000 career wins.

 

Unfortunately, Kenny also knows a lot more about dealing with tragedy than most people his age.

 

"I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason," Kenny says, the eyes behind his sunglasses getting moist and his voice cracking a bit. "I hate to think that Mom had to get in a car accident for me to become the ballplayer I am. It's a tough story."

 

A tough story? They don't come much tougher.

 

But neither do ballplayers like Kenny Holmberg.

 

He gets that from his mom and dad.

 

From The Citizen, 06-09-2005:

 

The Milwaukee Brewers selected Auburn Doubledays manager Dennis Holmberg's son, Kenny, with the 655th pick in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft on Wednesday.

 

Kenny Holmberg, was a member of the Embry-Riddle University baseball team as a second basemen. Holmberg batted .342 with eight home runs, 60 RBIs and led the team with 201 assists in the field.

 

From the St. Petersburg Times, 06-12-2005 (Byline Brandon Wright):

 

Kenny Holmberg has spent his entire life surrounded by professional baseball players. He has taken batting practice in the same cage as Carlos Delgado, shagged flyballs with Shawn Green and received fielding tips from Jeff Kent.

 

This week, Holmberg became one of them.

 

Holmberg, a former Dunedin and St. Petersburg College standout, was drafted in the 22nd round by the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday and signed the same night, setting into motion something he has been groomed for since childhood.

 

"It's a dream come true for me," Holmberg said. "Having been around pro ballplayers since I was a kid gave me kind of a unique perspective on things."

 

Holmberg, who starred at Embry-Riddle his junior and senior seasons, was afforded a sneak peek into pro baseball thanks to his father Dennis, who has coached in the Toronto Blue Jays organization the past 28 years and has more than 1,000 victories as a manager.

 

"What I tried to do as a father was provide him an opportunity," Dennis Holmberg said. "There are family ties like in any business, but I think he just wanted to follow in the footsteps of the guys he watched play."

 

But Holmberg, who was drafted out of Dunedin by Toronto in the 49th round, took away more than fundamentals from his time rubbing elbows with big-leaguers.

 

"It was great to be able to meet and practice with (pro) players, but I also learned how to carry myself on and off the field," Holmberg said. "I watched the good examples and bad examples and tried to soak all that in."

 

After a successful career at Dunedin, Holmberg played at SPC two years and led the Titans to back-to-back conference championships. Some Division I and II teams showed interest, but Holmberg settled on Embry-Riddle, a small NAIA school in Daytona Beach known more for its aeronautical program than its baseball team.

 

"The general public might not know about (Embry-Riddle), but I bet if you ask (FSU coach) Mike Martin, South Florida and Tampa, they know us," Holmberg said. "None of those schools wanted to play us."

 

Holmberg batted .374 and was named all-Florida Sun Conference as a junior. This season, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound shortstop hit .342 and had eight home runs and 60 RBIs, earning NAIA All-American honors.

 

"There is absolutely no doubt in my mind he could have played at a Division I school," Dennis Holmberg said. "But I think the situation worked out best for him."

 

The Eagles reached the NAIA World Series in both of Holmberg's years at Embry-Riddle, falling in the championship game last season. Holmberg was named to the all-World Series team both times and won the Golden Glove in 2005. But for all he accomplished on the field, Holmberg said what he learned off it made his stay at Embry-Riddle memorable.

 

"(The coaches) helped me a lot as far as baseball, but they also taught me how to be a better person," Holmberg said. "They run a tough ship up there and you get broken down mentally, so you have to be tough to survive. I grew up spiritually and mentally at Embry-Riddle."

 

Now after years of tips from pros, it is Holmberg's turn. Holmberg leaves today to report to the Brewers' short-season Pioneer League team in Helena, Mont.

 

"I'm ready," Holmberg said. "I'm ready for the success, the failure, the struggle ... whatever. I can't wait."

[batman]

Round 23: Brendan Katin - OF

6'1", 235 lbs - University of Miami - Florida

 

http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/mifl/sports/m-basebl/auto_headshot/134134.jpeg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He finished the year hitting .328/.368/.527 with 14 doubles and seven homers in 186 at-bats. He walked nine times while fanning on 44 occasions.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

 

University of Miami Player Profile:

http://hurricanesports.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/katin_brendan00.html

 

From the News-Press, 06-09-2005 (Byline Craig Handel):

 

Of all the calls Miami Hurricane slugger Brendan Katin received Wednesday morning, one was a doozy. It came from a Milwaukee Brewers scout, no less.

 

"He asked if I wanted to sign," Katin said.

 

It's like asking Southwest Floridians if they've had enough rain or hate mowing the lawn.

 

But, sure enough, though, a couple of hours later, Katin found out from brother Steven and father Michael that he was drafted ? by the Brewers. Katin intends to sign.

 

Milwaukee drafted Katin, a former Fort Myers High standout, in the 23rd round of the Major League Baseball Draft on Wednesday. He was the first of three local players selected on the second day of the two-day event.

 

Four area players were drafted, which is down from the past two years.

 

? Recent Charlotte High graduate Tyler Wright was selected on the 24th round by the Chicago White Sox. Wright, who intends to play at South Florida Community College in Avon Park, is the sixth Charlotte High graduate selected in the draft since 2000. That's more than any other Southwest Florida high school since 2000.

 

? Recent Mariner High graduate Casey Coleman, who was 14-1 as a pitcher, was selected in the 49th round by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He was drafted 40 years after his father, Joe, was the third player selected in baseball's inaugural draft in 1965. Both are right-handed pitchers.

 

The younger Coleman has signed to play at Florida Gulf Coast University.

 

? Charlotte High grad Jeff Corsaletti, a University of Florida center fielder, was selected in the sixth round Tuesday by the Boston Red Sox.

 

Five players were chosen from the area in 2004 and seven area players were drafted in 2003.

 

Katin, a senior outfielder for the Hurricanes, who will travel to Nebraska for super-regional play this weekend, headlined Wednesday's local picks. He's hitting .335 with seven homers and 41 RBI.

 

"I was hoping to be drafted on the first day, but I'm happy with it, I guess," Katin said. "The Tigers also wanted me pretty bad but they needed to be sure my knee was 100 percent. That was maybe one of the factors with why I wasn't taken higher."

 

Katin tore the meniscus in his knee earlier this season, which forced him to miss 10 games. He went 4-for-5 in a 10-4 win over Mississippi State, which clinched the regional for the Hurricanes.

 

The scouting report on Katin from mlb.com is a flattering one: Large muscular build. Strong, athletic frame. Bat speed through hitting zone, makes hard contact. Accurate arm. Big-time legitimate power to all fields. Very good athlete for size.

 

Katin, who played in junior college before attending Miami the past two seasons, said he's glad he went to college, even beyond the fact he's a semester away from a liberal arts degree.

 

"If I went out of high school, I never would've survived," he said. "I've matured a lot. As a young kid, I didn't really know myself."

 

Because he's a senior drafted past the 10th round, Katin said his signing bonus isn't any different than for a 50th-round pick ? $1,000.

 

Wright doesn't expect to make any money out of the draft. He said the White Sox told him they selected him as what is known as a "draft-and-follow" pick. Teams often draft a player and follow his progress. The White Sox own rights to Wright until just before the 2006 draft.

 

"It's fine with me," Wright, 18, said. "I don't feel I'm ready to move on to the world of professional baseball yet."

 

Charlotte High baseball coach Mike Metcalfe isn't surprised Wright was selected.

 

"He's a great athlete," Metcalfe said.

 

"He was a two-sport athlete. Brings maximum speed to the game and he covers a great amount of range. Above average range."

 

Wright played wide receiver and defensive back for the Charlotte football team.

[batman]

Round 24: Michael Ramlow - LHP

6'5", 165 lbs - Owens CC - Ohio

 

http://www.owens.edu/athletics/mbaseball/images/15.jpg

 

NOTES & INFO:

 

- He was a freshman this past season.

 

- He played his high school ball at Maumee High School in Maumee, OH.

 

NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: