Awaiting the call
Here's a look at the Florida Atlantic players whose names could be called this week during the upcoming MLB Draft.
Originally published on
6/8/2009
by
Chuck King
Even though the MLB draft begins Tuesday evening, former Florida Atlantic players won’t have to pay too much attention until Wednesday. Here is a list of Owls who could be selected by the time the draft concludes on Thursday.
William Block INF: FAU’s second baseman nearly was selected in last year’s draft, but set his price too high. He could well be the first Owl off the board on Wednesday. The Owls all-time RBI leader offers pop at a position traditionally considered more defensive. St. Louis and Milwaukee were reasonably high one Block prior to last year’s draft.
Travis Ozga C-INF: If Block isn’t the first Owl selected, then it could be Ozga. Known for his bat at FAU, Ozga’s defensive versatility could be his ticket through the minor leagues.
Nick Criairs C: Power hitting catchers are always in demand. Selected out of high school by Boston but chose not to sign. Minnesota, San Diego and Toronto showed interest earlier in his career. Though Criaris wasn’t personally contacted by an MLB scout this year, FAU coach John McCormack said Colorado expressed interest.
Alex Pepe P: Teams always seem willing to take a chance on a need for a lefthander who can throw in the mid 90s. Texas selected Pepe in the 44th round of last year’s draft, but the lefthander decided to return to FAU. Toronto recently expressed interest in the Owls’ all-time appearance leader.
Chris Schmitt P: The Delray Beach resident may get to stay close to home. Florida has shown interest in recent weeks, as have Colorado and Toronto. Washington even made contact in the days leading up to the draft hoping to get one final look at the righthander, but that throwing session didn't pan out.
David Wilson OF: Arguably the Owls most valuable player, Wilson is a bit of a tweener, which likely hurts his draft valuable. He’s an excellent defensive left fielder, but might not be big enough to play what is widely considered a power position. Center fielders can get away with less power at the plate, but Wilson may not be fast enough or have a strong enough arm to play that position in the pros. The Dodgers and Detroit showed interest in Wilson coming out of junior college, but talk about him has been relatively quiet this year.
Adam Morrison P: Showed potential as the Owls Friday starter late in the season. His 3-3 record and 6.82 ERA doesn’t wow, but he was coming off an injury. Clubs are always looking for left-handed pitchers, so someone could take a shot, but he'll likely have to go the free agent route or play independent ball.
Tom Hatcher OF: There is little doubt he can hit, but defensively Hatcher is a liability. Were he to make the major leagues – a long shot – it would likely be in the American League as a designated hitter. Fortunately, most low level minor leagues employ the DH.
Troy Bubley INF: Though he played third base for the Owls, Bubley’s lack of pop means he may be better suited as s second baseman. Could extend his career as a free agent signee.
Barry Rooks P: Likely the only FAU junior to be given serious consideration this week. Depends on whether scouts saw his seven innings of two-hit shutout ball against New Orleans or the 12 earned runs he allowed in his final 9 2/3 innings.