Hoping to catch on
Travis Ozga's versatility could make him the first FAU player selected in Major League Baseball's 2009 draft, which begins on Tuesday and runs through Thursday.
Originally published on
6/8/2009
by
Chuck King
> Draft capsules: FAU players who could go in MLB Draft
The end of Florida Atlantic’s season meant one thing to first baseman Travis Ozga - it was time to put on the catching gear.
FAU coach John McCormack said Major League Baseball scouts have been intrigued by the possibility slotting Ozga’s bat at the catcher spot – traditionally not considered an offensive position.
That interest prompted Ozga to spend the last couple weeks refining his skills with catching lessons. Ozga only caught bullpen sessions during his senior season, but he was the Owls starting catcher as a sophomore.
“Being a switch-hitting catcher is said to be the quickest ticket to the big leagues,” said Ozga.
The switch-hitting Ozga won’t have to wait very long to see which organization is most impressed with his versatility. Major League Baseball’s First Year Player Draft begins tonight and runs through Thursday, which means Ozga will likely know by the weekend where his baseball career will continue.
Kansas City, San Francisco and the New York Mets have shown interest in Ozga over the last few months. A career .299 hitter, scouts have seen Ozga produce at the plate. How far Ozga goes will likely depend on his defensive skills.
“I know I can play first, I know I can play third, and I know I can catch,” said Ozga. “Whatever gives me the best chance to stay in the lineup, that’s what I am going to do.”
The first three rounds of MLB’s draft begin tonight at 6 p.m. The draft resumes Wednesday at noon for rounds four through 30. The final 20 rounds will be conducted on Thursday, beginning at 11:30 a.m. College juniors and seniors, junior college players and high school seniors are eligible for selection.
There aren’t any Owls expecting to hear their names called on the first day. The consensus among scouts familiar with the FAU program is the first Owl likely won’t be selected until the rounds reach the late teens on Wednesday afternoon.
Ozga, second baseman William Block and catcher Nick Criaris could all be selected before round 20. Ozga, second baseman William Block and catcher Nick Criaris could all be selected around round 20. The Royals weren’t only interested in Ozga, they also showed late interest in Block
“Hopefully we can go together,” Block said. “I’ll be living with somebody, at least I’ll know who he is.”
Criaris knows the draft day routine well. Boston chose him in the 18th round in 2005 as a draft-and-follow prospect prior to his freshman year at Broward Community College.
The catcher chose not to sign with the Red Sox. He received serious attention from clubs each of the last two seasons, only to tell them he was going to attend, then stay at, FAU. He has not received nearly as much attention this year, though.
Seniors frequently aren’t contacted by MLB scouts, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the scouts have lost interest. After seeing a player for several years, scouts often believe they already know what a player can do. And if the player has already completed his final year of college ball, there is no need to see whether he is willing to forego his final season and sign with the club that drafted him.
Still, Criaris admits the lack of contact from scouts has been a little disconcerting.
“It’s just weird to go from getting drafted in the 18th round out of high school to being a senior and not really hearing anything,” Criaris said.
Outfielder David Wilson and pitchers Alex Pepe and Chris Schmitt could also be selected on Wednesday or Thursday. Pitcher Barry Rooks is the only FAU junior with a decent chance of being selected before the end of the 50th round on Thursday.