University of North Carolina Athletics
Omaha/Draft Reading List June 10
June 10, 2009 | Baseball
June 10, 2009
Let's tackle the draft news first and then move on to what's happening with the College World Series. As you know by now, the Seattle Mariners took Dustin Ackley with yesterday's second pick. The team expects Ackley to move quickly through their system. They're projecting him as an outfielder. Some in Seattle are calling it a "safe" pick. But sometimes the safe pick is the right pick. Of course, Ackley will be joined in the Seattle system by Kyle Seager, the team's third-round pick. Seattle minor league affiliates include the Clinton Lumberkings (A ball, Clinton, IA); High Desert Mavericks (A ball, Adelanto, CA); West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (AA ball, Jackson, TN--plus they usually play a series at the Carolina Mudcats once per season); and the Tacoma Rainiers (AAA ball, Tacoma, WA).
Alex White's draft day was a little more unpredictable. He was picked by the Cleveland Indians with the 15th overall pick, and the Indians have already said they're projecting him as a reliever rather than a starter. It's possible that transition could happen close to home, as one of Cleveland's A affiliates is in Kinston, where Tim Fedroff currently plays. White's family and friends are excited he could begin his pro career nearby.
No matter how many future pros are on the roster, the Tar Heels face a difficult task against Arizona State on Sunday (ASU's likely starting pitcher in that game, Mike Leake, was taken 8th overall by the Reds). The N&O has a quick overview of the Sun Devils. Leake is the headliner, but ASU has good depth throughout the roster. One of those players who sounds like a typical College World Series difference-maker is shortstop Drew Maggi, who has worked his way up the depth chart to become a key player. According to the locals, this particular Arizona State team is "equal parts gritty and quirky."
Out in Omaha, where the Tar Heels will arrive tomorrow, they're starting to turn their attention away from 2011's new stadium and back to Rosenblatt. A documentary will be filmed at this year's College World Series about the history of Rosenblatt.
