New Jersey HS Pitcher To Keep In Mind

[MassBrew]

From northjersey.com:

 

Rutherford (NJ) senior pitcher Vinny Mazzaro has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for St. John's, but Queens might not be his destination after high school.

 

Mazzaro, who signed with the Red Storm three weeks ago, is likely to be picked in baseball's amateur draft in June. If he's selected high enough, and the prevailing thought is he could go within the first 10 rounds, Mazzaro said he'll turn pro.

 

"I'm just going to keep my options open," Mazzaro said. "If everything goes well, then I will go professional. If not, I will attend St. John's. The pro stuff is like a bonus for me. My intention now is to attend St. John's."

 

Red Storm coach Ed Blankmeyer, whose team is ranked 31st in Baseball America's preseason poll, said he understands Mazzaro may never pitch for St. John's.

 

"The kid clearly is a draftable player, but nothing can be said until he throws a pitch in the spring," Blankmeyer said. "His status will be determined at that time. He definitely has an opportunity to play and compete at our level right away."

 

Mazzaro said he has had in-home visits with scouts from the Mets, Brewers, Indians and Red Sox. He expects more before the season begins in March.

 

Mazzaro was an All-North Jersey pitcher last season who led the Bulldogs to the Group 2 State title with an 11-1 record, a 0.75 ERA and 137 strikeouts to only 16 walks in 75 innings. He chose St. John's over Rutgers because "it is a smaller school, and I think I would fit in better than at Rutgers."