|
6/9/2009 - BASEBALL
Trio of A-Sun Hurlers Look to Hear Names Called Early
|
Print
A-Sun Draft HistoryMACON, Ga. - The first three rounds of the Major League Baseball Draft take place today with Kennesaw State's Chad Jenkins and Kyle Heckathorn and Lipscomb's Rex Brothers tabbed as potential first-round choices.
From Maurice Patton's article in Tuesday's Nashville Tennessean
He might not be the first local player chosen, though, as Lipscomb pitcher Rex Brothers is projected as an early selection as well. From the high school ranks, Shelbyville pitcher Jordan Cooper might go in today's first three rounds as well.
"It's a very exciting time in a person's life," said Cooper, who has signed with Kentucky. "Every kid dreams about being in the professional leagues one day. I'm very honored to be at this stage.
"But you never know what teams are thinking. You might get picked and you might not. I'm not going to let it affect me."
Minor has been on the scouting radar of most teams since his high school career at Forrest when Tampa Bay picked him in the 13th round three years ago.
But Brothers hadn't enjoyed the same exposure prior to this season. A 12-strikeout performance against Kennesaw State, though, turned some heads.
"I really impressed myself and several other people among the major league (evaluators)," Brothers said. "After that, it kind of took off and (scouts) started to come more and more."
From Tim Tucker and Doug Roberson's article in Tuesday's Atlanta Journal Constitution
Three of the state’s top college baseball players — a first baseman from Georgia and two pitchers from Kennesaw State — look to cash in on their stellar collegiate careers when the Major League Baseball draft begins Tuesday night.
The Bulldogs’ Rich Poythress and Kennesaw State right-handers Chad Jenkins and Kyle Heckathorn have been widely projected to go in or near the first round in various mock drafts leading up to the real thing.
“It’s really starting to sink in this is going to happen,” Poythress said. “I’m real excited but pretty much at ease, really not that worried about it. It helps having a dad who’s been through it.”
Poythress’ father, Richard, was a 26th-round pick of the Cubs in 1973, playing shortstop in their minor-league system until an injury ended his career.
Poythress, Jenkins and Heckathorn were juniors this past season, meaning they have the option of returning for one more year of college ball. But all intend to sign pro contracts and move on.
Their 2009 seasons:
• Poythress hit .376 with 25 home runs and a UGA-record 86 RBIs, making first-team all-SEC.
• Jenkins, who describes himself as a “command guy [who] likes to induce a lot of ground balls,” was the Atlantic Sun Conference’s pitcher of the year, going 8-1 with a 2.54 ERA and, at one point, a 41-inning scoreless streak.
• Heckathorn, a self-described “power pitcher” who likes to “attack hitters,” was 4-1 with a 3.44 ERA.
All are Georgia natives — Poythress from Grovetown, Jenkins from Canton and Heckathorn from Ringgold.
