On To The Pros

Major League Baseball held it's annual draft earlier this week. I would have gotten to it sooner, however, between my priorities and Blogger being down most of last night, I could get to it until today.

I'm fairly pleased with the number of Big Ten players chosen. Does it rival the baseball rich conferences? No, but there is some indication that the guys at the next level believe some of the players in the Big Ten are good enough to get a shot. Here is a list of the Big Ten players chosen.

Prior to the draft, Iowa closer Tim Gudex signed with the Chicago Cubs and Michigan catcher Jeff Kunkel inked a deal with the Detroit Tigers.

In the draft, the Tigers tabbed another Michigan product, lefthander Paul Hammond. Minnesota lefty John Gaub was chosen by Cleveland. A pair of Northwestern hurlers were drafted, as well. George Kontos went to the New York Yankees while Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Dan Brauer was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Three Ohio State Buckeyes heard their named called during MLB's First Year Player Draft. Big Ten Player of the Year Ronnie Bourquin went in the second round to the Tigers. Jedidiah Stephen will begin his professional career in the Baltimore Orioles organization. Cory Luebke was selected by the Texas Rangers.

Purdue managed to beat the Buckeyes by one, as four members of the Boilermakers were drafted earlier this week. Shortstop Mitch Hilligoss will join the Yankees minor league system, Milwaukee grabbed closer Chris Toneguzzi, Jay Buente went to Florida and Dan Sattler was selected by Texas.

Penn State lefty Alan Stidfole signed with Toronto after the draft and will join his brother in the Blue Jays' system.