batman

I agree... this has been a very, very college-heavy day two - they haven't taken *any* prep players! ~Bill

The Brewers targetted Omar Aguilar, a right-hander from Merced College in California, with their 30th round pick. The Royals, meanwhile, took UW-Oshkosh infielder Jeremy Jirschele. Congrats to Jeremy! ~Bill

Round 30: Omar Aguilar - RHP 6'0", 220 lbs - Merced College - California http://www.mercedsun-star.com/images/xtq_pictures/20050504-images/175983-68671.jpg NOTES & INFO: - He has a commitment to the University of Oklahoma. - He hails from Livingston, CA. - He was selected in the eighth round of the 2004 draft by the San Francisco Giants. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: From the Merced Sun-Star, 05-04-2005: Despite a scandal surrounding racial slurs made by the head coach who recruited him, Merced College pitcher Omar Aguilar said he still intends to honor his letter of intent to attend Oklahoma. Aguilar, who signed with the Sooners in the fall, said he won't rule out going to Oklahoma as long as pitching coach Fred Corral is retained on the coaching staff. "I talked to (Corral) and he said everything was going to be all right," Aguilar said. "He's the reason I want to go there." Fourteen-year Sooners head coach Larry Cochell resigned Sunday night, five days after using a racial slur in an off-camera interview with ESPN. The network said Friday that Cochell, who is white, used a slur after praising one of his players, a freshman outfielder who's black. Aguilar said he was shocked by the story. "That's not at all the type of person he is," said Aguilar, who made an official visit to Norman in the fall and signed shortly after. "He's a good coach and he's been there a while." Cochell was 511-336-1 in his career at Oklahoma, which included a College World Series title in 1994. Blue Devils coach Chris Pedretti, whose son Joel is redshirting for the Sooners this year, echoed Aguilar's sentiment. "I'm not surprised that he resigned," Pedretti said, "but in my dealings with him and his reputation over the years, he has been outstanding." Aguilar has sat out much of the year for MC because of soreness in his throwing elbow, and Oklahoma is not his only option. He was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the eighth round in 2004. Even though he has not seen much action this season, Aguilar said he will have the chance to sign with the Giants before the 2005 draft, but probably for less money than if had he pitched the entire year. For now, he's keeping his options open. As is Joel Pedretti, according to Chris Pedretti. Joel, a former All-Central Valley Conference second baseman at MC, may or may not stay at Oklahoma depending on the coaching situation, Chris said. "He's very disappointed," said Chris. "He was looking forward to playing for coach Cochell." From the Merced Sun-Star, 06-01-2005: Things got a lot clearer for one Blue Devil this week, but for pitcher Omar Aguilar, it's back to the draft board. Merced College sophomore shortstop A.J. Pinocchio signed a letter of intent to play at Long Beach State shortly after being named a junior college All-American. Pinocchio was second on the team with 50 hits and a .370 batting average and led MC in runs and walks. He was one of three Central Valley Conference infielders to be named to the All-America team along with Modesto Junior College's Aaron Reza and Porterville's Juan Verdejo. "It's one of the best honors I've had in my baseball career," said Pinocchio, a Sonora native, on being named to the team. "I know the other two guys and those guys are great players. It's a great category to be put in." Long Beach State will host an NCAA regional this weekend, but Pinocchio said it was not only the team's current success that clinched his signing after going on a recruiting visit last week. "I think it's all coaching," he said. "I got to watch them practice instead of playing in games. I got to see more of a hands-on aspect and how the coaches deal with the players." Pinocchio will head to Long Beach in the fall, where he hopes to replace All-Big West shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who is expected to be drafted early in the June 7 amateur draft. Although secure in his decision, Pinocchio said if he is drafted, he may have to re-weigh his own options -- which is exactly what Aguilar will be doing. The hard-throwing right-hander declined to sign with the San Francisco Giants, the team that took him in the eighth round in last year's draft. Aguilar said the Giants offered him a $50,000 signing bonus, but he's hoping to raise his stock after an injury-plagued 2005 campaign and enter this year's draft with the hopes of being offered more. Aguilar also signed with Oklahoma this past fall and is confident he will attend despite head coach Larry Cochell resigning midway through the season after using a racial slur in an off-camera interview with ESPN. "I'm still pretty strong about it," Aguilar said. "If the pitching coach (Fred Corral) ends up leaving, maybe I'll change my mind." For now, Aguilar is focused on rebuilding his reputation as a hot prospect after elbow tendonitis problems limited him to just 20 1/3 innings pitched this season. "I've been throwing bullpens at 100 percent, and my fastball is back up to where it used to be," Aguilar said. "I stayed positive, and my arm came back with just a little bit of rest." Aguilar said he will participate in as many pre-draft workouts as he can to show he is back at full strength, and Pedretti secured a spot for him in the Cape Cod wood bat league this summer. Although going to Oklahoma and appealing for a chance at coming back to MC remain options, Aguilar is trained on the draft. "I'm just waiting, seeing what teams call," he said. "So we'll see." From the Merced Sun-Star, 06-09-2005 (Byline Shawn Jansen): Omar Aguilar knew his arm problems this spring would scare off many major league teams from drafting him. The Milwaukee Brewers weren't afraid. The Brewers selected the former Merced College right-hander with the fifth pick in the 30th round in the second day of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft Wednesday. Merced High pitcher Curtis Partch was the only other local player drafted Wednesday. Partch was picked by the San Francisco Giants in the 49th round. Former Golden Valley and Merced College pitcher Doug Fister was drafted in the sixth round by the New York Yankees Tuesday. Elbow tendonitis sidelined Aguilar for most of the spring. The Blue Devils ace made just six appearances for Merced College this past season. Aguilar finished with two saves and a 2.66 ERA in 201/3 innings pitched. "The injury did scare some teams," said Aguilar, who was selected with the 895th pick. "I wasn't too worried about being drafted or not. I was happy someone drafted me, but I knew it would be late." Getting drafted never gets old for Aguilar. It's the third straight year Aguilar has been picked in the draft. The Giants selected Aguilar out of Livingston High in the 27th round in 2003. The Giants then picked Aguilar in the eighth round last year. Aguilar will wait to see what the Brewers offer before he decides to sign or head to the University of Oklahoma to play baseball next year. "One of things coach (Chris) Pedretti always said was to make sure you have a backup plan," said Aguilar, who plans to play in a summer league in Yuba City. "It's going to depend what the Brewers think of me. We'll see if they want to sign me or if they think I'm a draft and follow." Like Aguilar, Partch pitched sparingly for the Bears this spring. The senior right-hander finished with a 1-3 record with a 5.25 ERA in just 22 and2/3 innings. However, the Giants like the potential of the hard-throwing 6-foot-5, 200-pound Partch. "It surprised me at first," said Partch, who's currently in Colorado with the Merced Volunteers. "It's really exciting. I don't know how to explain it." Partch drove to San Francisco last week to work out for the Giants at SBC Park. The Giants then used the 1,468th pick to select Partch, who plans to play at Merced College next season. "I've been a Giants fan my whole life," Partch said. "It makes it extra special to get drafted by my team." From the Appeal Democrat, 06-26-2005 (Byline Justin Miller): The Gold Sox have lost another player to a major league organization with pitcher Omar Aguilar signing with the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. Aguilar, a Merced College product, was drafted by the Brewers in the 30th round earlier this month in the amateur draft and had a scholarship offer from University of Oklahoma. He made just one appearance with the team after arriving a week ago and looked promising, hitting in the mid 90s while working one spotless inning in the Gold Sox 2-1 win over the Sacramento Legends.

Here ya' go. ~Bill

I've seen him pitch twice (maybe three times) and he's a solid reliever... I wouldn't be surprised if he was in Double-A to start the season, unless they plan on converting him into a starter. ~Bill

Another cool pick comes in the 29th round as the Brewers nabbed Washington State righty Dane Renkert. ~Bill

Round 29: Dane Renkert - RHP 6'1", 210 lbs - Washington State University - Washington http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/wast/sports/m-basebl/auto_headshot/109233.jpeg NOTES & INFO: - An ace reliever, Renkert went 1-3 with 5 saves and a 4.89 ERA in 30 appearances (one start). He fanned 41 and walked 19 in 57 innings and opponents batted .295 against him. He allowed three home runs and led his team in ERA, appearances, saves, and games finished. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Washington State Player Profile: http://wsucougars.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/renkert_dane00.html Bellingham Herald, 6-9-05 Sehome graduate and former Bellingham Bell Dane Renkert was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 29th round of Major League Baseball's draft on Wednesday. "He's had a couple good years with us with the Bells and he's proven himself at Lower Columbia and Washington State," said Brandon Newell, Bells co-head coach and Northwest Scouting Supervisor for the Brewers. "He's a strong kid who's durable and throws strikes." Newell said Renkert will report on Sunday to the Helena (Mont.) Brewers of the Pioneer League. Renkert was honorable mention all-Pac-10 and led the Cougars in ERA (4.89) and set a record for appearances (30) in a single-season by a pitcher.

With their 28th round pick, the Brewers selected Scott McKnight, a shortstop from California's Saddleback Community College. ~Bill

Round 28: Scotty McKnight - SS 6'1", 155 lbs - Saddleback CC - California NOTES & INFO: - Former Saddleback Gauchos include Mark Grace, Tim Wallach, and Nick Punto. - He was a freshman this past season. He hails from Temecula Valley, California. - He was named to the 2005 Orange Empire All-Conference Second Team. - In 144 at-bats, he hit .354/.411/.493 with 7 2B, 3 HR, and a 9:31 K:BB ratio. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

Round 27's selection is catcher Brad Willcutt from Southern Miss. ~Bill

Round 27: Brad Willcutt - C 6'1", 220 lbs - Southern Mississippi University - Mississippi http://www.southernmiss.com/uploads/images/Brad-Willcutt.jpg NOTES & INFO: - He was a Senior this past year at Southern Miss. - Played his prep ball at Heritage Academy in Columbus, Mississippi. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Southern Mississippi Player Profile: http://www.southernmiss.com/sports/baseball/rosters/displayPlayer.asp?PLAYER_ID=2765 From the Hattiesburg American, 05-22-2005: The University of Southern Mississippi ended a season full of peaks and valleys on top. Now the Golden Eagles just hope they can avoid falling off the mountain in next week's Conference USA Tournament. Sophomore starting pitcher Patrick Ezell gave Southern Miss a much-needed strong starting pitching performance, becoming the first Eagle starter to last six innings in almost a month, as the Eagles beat Houston 11-7. "I wasn't going to be satisfied with anything less," said Ezell (7-2). "I kept telling myself, 18 outs. Just get it to the sixth. When you have a plan like that, it works out a lot better than if you just hope for the best." And senior first baseman Brad Willcutt ended his final regular-season at Southern miss with perhaps the best day of his grand career. Willcutt tied a school and Conference USA record with four doubles Saturday, and also had a two-run home run in the third inning. He was 5-for-6 with four RBIs and four runs scored. "It was decent," Willcutt dead-panned after the game. "I had one game at South Alabama, I think I had four extra-base hits, but this tops it. Especially being a conference game and the last regular-season game I'll play. This is a good way to go out, but we've got some games left." It hasn't been an easy season for Southern Miss. The Eagles expected this to be something of a rebuilding year after losing a number of key players from last year's team. Their 39-17 record to end the regular season (20-10 in C-USA play) is likely an overachievement, especially considering the number of injuries the team has faced. At the same time, the team has had some weaknesses exposed, especially in the latter half of the regular season, and over the last two months has often followed up a good performance with a sub-par game. Going into the C-USA Tournament, which starts Wednesday at Pete Taylor Park, the Eagles' offense and bullpen have been strong, but starting pitching is the concern. Southern Miss head coach Corky Palmer hopes Ezell's Saturday performance against Houston (27-28, 16-13 C-USA) is a sign that's starting to change. Ezell gave up two runs on three hits in the first inning and a three-run home run to Brad Lincoln in the third, but retired nine of the last 10 batters he faced. His six-inning stint was the longest for Southern Miss since Brad Owen lasted six against UAB on May 6. "Other than the home run, Patrick Ezell was really tough," Palmer said. "The first inning it was all kind of chintzy hits. They never hit a ball hard off him; they all found some eyes. Other than that three-run home run, he just got after it. If he can bottle that, it will be tremendous." Ezell said the home run was to Lincoln's credit. "I don't know how he hit that pitch out," Ezell said. "It was a good pitch." Ezell has been one of the case studies in Southern Miss' starting pitching struggles this season. The preseason C-USA pitcher of the year, he had a 6.39 ERA going into Saturday's game. He and the other starters have been inconsistent, especially late in the season. "It's tough to sit there and watch it," Ezell said. "Those are your brothers, they're your teammates. But that's the great thing about baseball, you get another chance. I've struggled this year, but I got another chance." The Southern Miss offense also struggled in late April and early May, but is hot right now, and Willcutt was on fire Saturday. "It's been a roller-coaster ride this year, ups and downs," Willcutt said. "We've done a little bit of this, little bit of that. But this offense is rolling like I haven't seen all year." Willcutt broke yet another Southern Miss career record, passing Jeff Cook on the all-time runs scored list. He now holds the school records for at-bats, runs, doubles, RBIs and walks, and is likely to break the records for hits, total bases, games played and possibly home runs. "Willcutt, what a day," Palmer said. "It couldn't happen better to end the regular season. He'll go down as one of the better players to ever play here." The Eagles were hoping to earn at least the No. 3 seed in the C-USA tournament. They found out they'd done so in about the seventh inning Saturday when they learned that East Carolina lost to Saint Louis, meaning Southern Miss will largely avoid No. 1 seed Tulane in the tournament. "We didn't want to get the three-seed by a loss; we wanted to do it ourselves," Willcutt said. "We did that, and hopefully gained some momentum." Southern Miss opens the tournament against No. 6 seed USF at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Palmer said freshman Barry Bowden will start on the mound for the Eagles. Bowden warmed up in the bullpen after Ezell gave up the three-run home run, but wasn't needed in the Houston series. "Really, in my thinking, that's who I wanted to go with, so it couldn't have worked out better," Palmer said. From the Hattiesburg American, 05-22-2005: Southern Miss senior catcher Brad Willcutt holds or has a chance to break a number of school career records. On Saturday, he moved into the lead on the all-time runs list. Willcutt has at least two games left in the upcoming Conference USA tournament and the postseason to add to his totals. Where he ranks on the university's all-time baseball lists: Runs batted in 1. Brad Willcutt, 234 2. Tommy Davis (1992-94), 204 Doubles 1. Brad Willcutt, 72 2. Tommy Davis, 58 Walks 1. Brad Willcutt, 135 2. Andy Woodard (1990-93), 133 At Bats 1. Brad Willcutt, 920 2. Kyle Logan (1994-97), 902 Runs 1. Brad Willcutt, 202 2. Jeff Cook (2000-03), 200 Hits 1. Jeff Cook, 292 2. Brad Willcutt, 287 Total bases 1. Jeff Cook, 505 2. Brad Willcutt, 499 Home runs 1. Jeff Cook, 50 2. Brad Willcutt, 46 Games played 1. Chad Hebert (1989-92), 239 2. Brad Willcutt, 237 From the Sun Herald, 06-02-2005: Southern Miss senior catcher Brad Willcutt has been named to the College Baseball Foundation National Honors Team. Willcutt was honored two times by the College Baseball Foundation for his performance this season and helped Southern Miss to a 41-19 season. The Columbus native led Southern Miss with 16 home runs, 21 doubles, 82 RBIs and 149 total bases this season. The College Baseball Foundation is dedicated to preserving college baseball history and to recognizing standout teams and people who have influenced the collegiate game. Willcutt and Southern Miss will compete in the school's third-consecutive NCAA Regional this weekend as the No. 2 seed in Oxford against No. 3 seed Oklahoma at 3 p.m. on Friday. Ole Miss standout Brian Pettway along with Brian Bogusevic, Micah Owings and Ryan Patterson of LSU were also named to the team. Tulane's Rick Jones, Oregon State's Pat Casey and Pat McMahon of Florida were named the College Baseball Foundation Coaches of the Year. From the Hattiesburg American, 06-09-2005 (Byline Daimon Eklund): The wait finally ended for Brad Willcutt Wednesday afternoon. Four days after his University of Southern Mississippi baseball career ended, Willcutt found out how his professional career will begin - in the minor-league system of the Milwaukee Brewers. Willcutt was taken in the 27th round of the Major League Baseball Draft, with the 805th overall pick. "It was tough," Willcutt said. "We watched it all day (Tuesday) and after it stopped, it was a tough night waiting to find out where I'd go. There was a lot of relief (Wednesday). Willcutt monitored the draft with his family in his hometown of Columbus. The 50-round draft started Tuesday afternoon, and resumed Wednesday. Willcutt said he expected to be drafted sometime between the 15th and 25th rounds. He expects the Brewers to send him to their rookie-level team in Helena, Mont. Willcutt led Southern Miss with 16 home runs and 82 RBIs this past season. "He had a super year," Southern Miss coach Corky Palmer said. "I'm very happy he got drafted. He deserved it." Willcutt was the only Southern Miss player drafted this year. The Golden Eagles had five players drafted last season, and three after the 2003 campaign. Willcutt entered his junior year with hopes of being drafted a year early, but he struggled at the plate early in the year and was passed over as a junior. "This year, I just went out and had fun," Willcutt said Wednesday. "I went out and knew professional baseball was a good possibility for me. I'm happy to be picked by the Brewers today." Palmer said he expects Willcutt to hold his own in the minor leagues. "Brad has a good, level swing and he's throwing better than he has since he was a freshman," Palmer said. "I think he'll do fine, I really do."

The Reds, in last year's 31st round. ~Bill

The latest (round 26) is Jacob Arrieta, a right-handed pitcher at Weatherford College in Texas. He was a teammate of 11th round pick and fellow RHP Brent Allar. Also, Whitewater's Kevin Tomasiewicz was selected by the Mets in the 26th round. ~Bill

Round 26: Jake Arrieta - RHP 6'3", 210 lbs - Weatherford College - Texas http://www.wc.edu/athletics/baseball/images/leaguesite/players/JakeArrietasm.jpg NOTES & INFO: - His name is alternately spelled "Arietta" - we are not sure which is the correct version. - He was a freshman this past season at Weatherford. - He was a 31st round selection of the Cincinnati Reds in 2004 out of Plano East HS in Plano, Texas. - He was recruited and signed by Oklahoma State University before his freshman season but elected to attend a two-year college instead. - He went 5-2 with a 4.81 ERA at Weatherford this season. In 13 games (12 starts), he compiled 63 strikeouts and 41 walks in 63 and two-thirds innings. He ranked sixth in the league in Ks. - He has a commitment to Texas Christian University for the 2006 season. - He is currently pitching for the McKinney Marshals in the Texas Collegiate League along with Brent Allar. In six games (all starts), he is 2-2 with a 1.46 ERA and 34 strikeouts and 14 walks in 37 innings. He was named to the League's All-Star Team and started the game for the Speaker Division club. - He is listed in other places as being 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Weatherford College Player Profile: tinyurl.com/c52qv From an OSU fan site (prior to his freshman season): Jake is a hard-throwing right hander who has worked with former Oklahoma State pitcher Mike Henneman. He has a good slider and live arm, and throws around 91 miles per hour. He was also recruited by TCU and Texas-Arlington. From his Player Profile on the McKinney Marshals site: Favorite Team: Texas Rangers Favorite Player: Roger Clemens Favorite Musician/ Musical Group: Trapt Favorite Food: Tuna Favorite Car: Ford Mustang Role Model: Dad Favorite Vacation Spot: Daytona Beach Hobbies: Working out, friends, X-Box From the McKinney Marshals Website, 06-29-2005: Jake Arietta didn?t allow an earned run in eight innings and Logan Parker drove in five runs as McKinney beat Weatherford 6-1 on Tuesday at Gabe Nesbitt Field to increase their winning streak to 7 games. Arietta (2-1) struck out six, walked four and allowed four hits. Parker belted a two-run homer in the fourth to give McKinney the lead and ripped a three-run triple in the eighth inning. The Wranglers scored their only run on Travis Reagan?s RBI groundout in the fourth. McKinney answered immediately with Parker?s blast off Donald Furrow (2-2) in the bottom of the fourth. The first four hitters in the Marshals? order ? Jose Salazar, Louie Alamia, Trey Rachal and Parker ? were a combined 9-for-14. Marshals coach Kyle Hope was impressed with Arietta?s outing. ?Jake pitched one of his better games tonight. With the draft behind him and his recent signing with TCU, I think he has relaxed a little and it showed tonight." The Marshals set the Texas Collegiate League record for longest winning streak last summer winning 7 straight games between June 17 to June 24. The Marshals will attempt to break their 2004 season record tonight and win 8 straight tonight when they take on the Denton Outlaws in Denton. The Marshals next home game will be on Thursday at 7:35. They will take on the Mineral Wells Steam at The Gabe Nesbitt Field. From Weatherford's Baseball Website, 06-10-2005: Four Weatherford College baseball players and two WC signees were selected in the First-Year Player Draft conducted by Major League Baseball June 7-8. German Duran, Brent Allar, Chase Phillips, Jake Arrieta, Gibbs Wilson and Gary Poynter were all selected by MLB franchises in the 50-round draft. ?It?s been an exciting two days,? said Jeff Lightfoot, WC head coach. ?I think it says a little bit about the direction of our program, and where we?re heading. Plus, it?s just an exciting time in the lives of these young men.? Duran, an infielder from Ft. Worth, was a sixth-round selection of the Texas Rangers and the 189th pick overall. He became the highest draft pick in the three-year history of the WC program. Allar, a pitcher from Aledo, was chosen in the 11th round by the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cleveland Indians picked Phillips, a WC signee from Lubbock Monterey, in the 15th round. On the second day of the draft, Plano native Jake Arrieta was chosen by the Brewers in the 26th round. WC closer Gibbs Wilson, an Abilene High School graduate, was a 36th-round pick for the Detroit Tigers. Gary Poynter, a WC signee from Flower Mound Marcus, went to the Cincinnati Reds in the 48th round. ?The fact that four current players and two draftees were drafted means a lot for our baseball program,? Lightfoot said. ?It shows we have a lot to draw top talent here?our community, our facilities and our college in general. It was a good couple of days for us.? Duran and Allar were both sophomores in the most recent college baseball season. Lightfoot said Poynter will play at WC next year. Phillips and Arrieta have yet to announce whether they will play at WC or enter the professional ranks.

The halfway point brings us Taylor Green, a second-baseman from Cypress College in California. EDIT: He's a Canuck, and that. ~Bill

Round 25: Taylor Green - 2B 5'11", 190 lbs - Cypress College - California http://www.bcpbl.com/04rosters/04images/2004248.jpg NOTES & INFO: - He was a freshman this past season at Cypress and was the team's starting shortstop. - He was named to the Orange Empire Conference 20205 All-Star first team. - He's a Canuck... he attended high school at Mark Isfeld in British Columbia. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: B.C. Premier Baseball League Player Profile: http://www.bcpbl.com/04players/player.php?key=2004248

A tall, lanky left-hander was selected in the 24th round, Michael Ramlow from Owens Community College in Ohio. ~Bill

Round 24: Michael Ramlow - LHP 6'5", 165 lbs - Owens CC - Ohio http://www.owens.edu/athletics/mbaseball/images/15.jpg NOTES & INFO: - He was a freshman this past season. - He played his high school ball at Maumee High School in Maumee, OH. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE:

The 23rd round brings us Brendan Katin, a teammate of Braun's at the University of Miami. He's a big (well, kinda fat) outfielder but a very good hitter. I dig him. ~Bill

Round 23: Brendan Katin - OF 6'1", 235 lbs - University of Miami - Florida http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/mifl/sports/m-basebl/auto_headshot/134134.jpeg NOTES & INFO: - He finished the year hitting .328/.368/.527 with 14 doubles and seven homers in 186 at-bats. He walked nine times while fanning on 44 occasions. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: University of Miami Player Profile: http://hurricanesports.collegesports.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/katin_brendan00.html From the News-Press, 06-09-2005 (Byline Craig Handel): Of all the calls Miami Hurricane slugger Brendan Katin received Wednesday morning, one was a doozy. It came from a Milwaukee Brewers scout, no less. "He asked if I wanted to sign," Katin said. It's like asking Southwest Floridians if they've had enough rain or hate mowing the lawn. But, sure enough, though, a couple of hours later, Katin found out from brother Steven and father Michael that he was drafted ? by the Brewers. Katin intends to sign. Milwaukee drafted Katin, a former Fort Myers High standout, in the 23rd round of the Major League Baseball Draft on Wednesday. He was the first of three local players selected on the second day of the two-day event. Four area players were drafted, which is down from the past two years. ? Recent Charlotte High graduate Tyler Wright was selected on the 24th round by the Chicago White Sox. Wright, who intends to play at South Florida Community College in Avon Park, is the sixth Charlotte High graduate selected in the draft since 2000. That's more than any other Southwest Florida high school since 2000. ? Recent Mariner High graduate Casey Coleman, who was 14-1 as a pitcher, was selected in the 49th round by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He was drafted 40 years after his father, Joe, was the third player selected in baseball's inaugural draft in 1965. Both are right-handed pitchers. The younger Coleman has signed to play at Florida Gulf Coast University. ? Charlotte High grad Jeff Corsaletti, a University of Florida center fielder, was selected in the sixth round Tuesday by the Boston Red Sox. Five players were chosen from the area in 2004 and seven area players were drafted in 2003. Katin, a senior outfielder for the Hurricanes, who will travel to Nebraska for super-regional play this weekend, headlined Wednesday's local picks. He's hitting .335 with seven homers and 41 RBI. "I was hoping to be drafted on the first day, but I'm happy with it, I guess," Katin said. "The Tigers also wanted me pretty bad but they needed to be sure my knee was 100 percent. That was maybe one of the factors with why I wasn't taken higher." Katin tore the meniscus in his knee earlier this season, which forced him to miss 10 games. He went 4-for-5 in a 10-4 win over Mississippi State, which clinched the regional for the Hurricanes. The scouting report on Katin from mlb.com is a flattering one: Large muscular build. Strong, athletic frame. Bat speed through hitting zone, makes hard contact. Accurate arm. Big-time legitimate power to all fields. Very good athlete for size. Katin, who played in junior college before attending Miami the past two seasons, said he's glad he went to college, even beyond the fact he's a semester away from a liberal arts degree. "If I went out of high school, I never would've survived," he said. "I've matured a lot. As a young kid, I didn't really know myself." Because he's a senior drafted past the 10th round, Katin said his signing bonus isn't any different than for a 50th-round pick ? $1,000. Wright doesn't expect to make any money out of the draft. He said the White Sox told him they selected him as what is known as a "draft-and-follow" pick. Teams often draft a player and follow his progress. The White Sox own rights to Wright until just before the 2006 draft. "It's fine with me," Wright, 18, said. "I don't feel I'm ready to move on to the world of professional baseball yet." Charlotte High baseball coach Mike Metcalfe isn't surprised Wright was selected. "He's a great athlete," Metcalfe said. "He was a two-sport athlete. Brings maximum speed to the game and he covers a great amount of range. Above average range." Wright played wide receiver and defensive back for the Charlotte football team.

The latest pick, round 22, is Kenneth Holmberg from Embry-Riddle University in Florida. That's the same school that Patrick Ryan, the team's 19th round pick attended. Holmberg is a second-baseman and is the son of a minor league coach (the Brewers were insistent on pointing that out). ~Bill

Round 22: Kenny Holmberg - 2B 5'9", 175 lbs - Embry-Riddle University - Florida http://daytona.embryriddlesports.com//images/bball/2004/1/12/Holmberg.jpg NOTES & INFO: - He was drafted by the Blue Jays in the 49th round of the 2001 draft out of Dunedin High School in Florida. - Previously attended St. Petersburg JC. - His father Dennis played for the Brewers from 1970-1975 and has coached for the Blue Jays for 26 years. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Embry-Riddle Player Profile: http://daytona.embryriddlesports.com/roster.asp?playerid=203&sport=2 From the St. Petersburg Times, 03-13-2005 (Byline Nancy Morgan): It was only natural that Dunedin's Kenny Holmberg take up baseball. His father, Dennis, played professionally and has coached for nearly 30 years. Some family members jokingly say Holmberg was given a bat and not a pacifier at birth. Holmberg, 21, is a senior co-captain for the Embry-Riddle Eagles in Daytona Beach. The infielder is among the top hitters on the team with a .355 average. He has a .490 on-base percentage. "I probably started swinging a bat when I was 4 or 5," Holmberg said. "I learned a lot growing up. When my dad was in Dunedin with the Blue Jays, he would let me run around the cages hitting," Holmberg said. "I did that until I was exhausted." When Holmberg was 6, he began a Little League career with Dunedin National that concluded in 2001 with a third-place finish in the Big League World Series. Playing for Dunedin High School's Falcons, Holmberg led Pinellas County in batting his senior year with a .521 average. He was drafted in the 49th round by Toronto. "I learned to hit growing up and have sort of a natural swing," Holmberg said. "I try to practice hitting as much as possible, although it can be tough with school and other things going on. "What I try to do is get good at-bats and hit the ball off the barrel of the bat. I look for a good pitch, preferably a fastball, and work the count to my favor so I can get a good pitch that I can handle." After high school graduation, Holmberg spent two years at St. Petersburg Junior College. He was the captain and sparked the program to back-to-back conference championships. Last year at Embry-Riddle, Holmberg hit .374 and drove in 60 runs. In a semifinal game of NAIA World Series, he went 4-for-4, delivered a winning double in the bottom of the ninth inning against Lewis-Clark State and was selected for the all-tournament team. "Contributing to that win over Lewis-Clark was definitely a highlight for me," Holmberg said. "They've probably won 14 national championships. "My dad has been an unbelievable influence in my development as a player. "All the players I had an opportunity to be around growing up - like Carlos Delgado, Roberto Abernathy and Brent Abernathy - certainly were an inspiration," Holmberg said. "Their drive and ambition were incredible." Embry-Riddle is ranked fourth in the NAIA. The team owned a 24-1 record entering this weekend's competition. "I'd love to go out on a national championship team," Holmberg said. "When I was in high school, we had unbelievable talent and lost in the first game of regional play. We had a great team at JC, but we fell short. Last year, we finished third in the NAIA." This season, "it would be great to be a national champion," he said. "I'll do everything I can to help make that happen." From the Daytona Beach News-Journal, 05-15-2005 (Byline Sean Kernan): Kenny Holmberg is one tough baseball player. The Embry-Riddle Eagle is as old-school as they come, a Charlie Hustle type who sprints on and off the field. He gets the most out of every minute he spends on a baseball field. But for ERAU's senior shortstop, that toughness isn't even on the charts compared with the will he's seen from his parents. To know the Holmbergs' tragic story is to know where Kenny gets the determination that has made him the heart and soul of an Embry-Riddle baseball team that is 47-7 and headed to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics World Series later this month. Diane Holmberg brought son Kenny into this world a little more than 22 years ago. When Kenny was just 2, Diane was on her way to teach Bible school in upstate New York, near Syracuse, where her husband, Dennis, was a coach for the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. A teenage driver crashed into Diane Holmberg's car. Kenny and 5-year-old sister, Brianne, were in the back seat and escaped injury. The good news stopped there, however. Diane Holmberg suffered a brain injury that has left her in a vegetative state to this day. The high-profile Terri Schiavo case stirred long-held emotions for the family, but the controversy changed nothing in the family's decades-long journey of love and endurance. Now 51, Diane has a feeding tube in her stomach and is cared for in a facility in Norwalk, Conn. Diane's family, including her father, Nardin Duncan, and brother, Jimmy Duncan, visit regularly. Kenny also has made trips in recent years to see his mother. "The past two times I've been up to Connecticut, she definitely acknowledged that I was there," Kenny says with conviction. "And to me, for her not to see me grow up, for her to just see pictures of me, and then to recognize me, it just means so much. All I can hope for is she knows I'm leading a successful life. I'm in school; I'm going to get a degree; I'm doing well. And I know she's accomplishing something still. She inspires me." Diane Holmberg's apparent will to live inspires her son in everything he does, just as his father's example -- of a hard-working parent -- showed him what it takes to succeed on a baseball field. Who better to have set an example for becoming a professional baseball player than a father who has worked 35 years in the game as a player, coach and manager? "Isn't my dad amazing? You think about (the result of the accident) and almost 20 years down the road he's still going," Kenny says, shaking his head in disbelief. "I've seen what he has to go through . . . 20 years living, adjusting, making himself better, and he always has had a smile on his face. I'm sure my mom was the same way, and I'm sure that's how she wanted him to be." What Dennis Holmberg has done during the nearly 20 years since that tragic June morning is be a loving husband and father, Kenny says. On top of that, he's been a minor-league coach or manager for the Blue Jays, even spent a couple of seasons in the big leagues, and continues to be a substitute special education teacher in the Palm Harbor area in the offseason. The father and son have always been close -- had to be as Kenny spent many a day and night around minor-league clubhouses growing up. Dennis Holmberg tried to give his son a normal upbringing -- as normal as one could around a clubhouse full of aspiring baseball players. As a home away from home, what better place for a boy than a baseball stadium? "I remember running around the park up in Syracuse when I was 2 or 3 years old, not playing baseball, but being on the golf cart going from clubhouse to clubhouse," Kenny says. "When I was 7 or 8 I remember shagging fly balls, catching some fly balls and knocking down some grounders." By then his father was an established skipper in the Florida State League. The Dunedin Blue Jays had a few big names come up through the system that Kenny got to know in the early 1990s, including current major-league stars Carlos Delgado, Jeff Kent and Shawn Green. "Shawn Green would come out to my Little League games," Kenny says while sitting in the dugout at ERAU's University Ballpark. "Those are fond memories. Literally I went to the ballpark at 2 o'clock, watched them take (batting practice), went inside and ate the spread with them, maybe took a shower, and got ready for the game. I thought I was on the team. Guys would joke, 'Hey, bring your bat out there tonight. You might get an (at-bat).' I kind of took it seriously. It was fun." Baseball had to be fun, because life dealt the family a blow that was, and remains today, heart-wrenching. 'A GENIE TRAPPED IN A BOTTLE' Rescue workers used the jaws of life to get Diane Holmberg out of the car. They managed to save her life, but looking back nearly 20 years later, Dennis Holmberg can't help but ponder the quality-of-life question. "I think the whole goal of everybody (paramedics and emergency personnel) is to keep people from dying . . . You don't know what you're going to get once you save them . . . Forty years ago, the percentage of people surviving car accidents was not nearly as high as it is today or what it was 20 years ago. "I hate to say it, but this is in retrospect, there are times you think maybe death would have been the best thing," he says somberly. "I mean, what kind of life? What kind of life was Terri Schiavo living? Right or wrong, good or bad ... the quality of life is just not there. It's draining. It's very taxing." There was strong hope in the first year after the accident. Diane had been moved to a facility in Bradenton. Dennis visited her every day he could and brought the children. One day Dennis phoned Diane's mother, placed the phone in position, and whispered instructions to his wife. "Say 'Hi' to mom," Dennis said. And Diane said, "Hi." Repeating three more words from her husband, Diane told her mother, "I love you." There were other optimistic signs, such as Diane laughing while watching "Happy Days" on TV. Sadly, Diane's condition never improved, and declined thereafter. Dennis describes Diane's condition as being "like a genie trapped in a bottle," able to take in information but not able to speak. MOTHER'S DAY TIMES FOUR Kenny Holmberg knows his life growing up was difficult, but he refuses to feel sorry for himself. He had a strong support network starting with his father, and continuing with two loving grandmothers and friends' moms who pitched in to help. "Some people say I grew up without a mother, but I go out and get three or four Mother's Day cards every year," Kenny says. "I send one to Donna Banks (a friend's mom) who would make me dinners and sometimes pack school lunches for me. I send one to my Grandma Opal and I send one to my mom. I used to send one to my Grandma Lil, but she passed away two years ago." The shortstop says that as difficult as it was for him growing up in what effectively was a one-parent family, it was much harder on his older sister, Brianne, who now lives in Pittsburgh and also is a college student. "She was deep with Mom," Kenny says. "She was a little older than me and more attached to Mom. It's hard for me to even understand it. It would be like if I was little and something happened to my dad. I just feel so bad for her." NATIONAL NEWS IS PERSONAL The Terri Schiavo story was front and center of current events several weeks ago and the debate raged everywhere from barbershops to churches -- including a current-issues class Kenny Holmberg was taking at Embry-Riddle. "It's very similar to how Terri Schiavo was, and that's tough," Kenny says. "Every day while that was going on I'd hear people talking. 'They should take her off the feeding tube. Maybe they should let her live.' I heard all perspectives. But how would people think if that was their mother, their sister, their aunt, their wife? I mean, you can't put it in perspective if you're just a normal person." The discussion was sensitive, and thanks to instructions by ERAU assistant professor Glenn Dorn, it also was civil. "I probably would have gotten up and left if some kid got up and said: 'Yeah, just pull the plug,' " Kenny says. "Professor Dorn made it clear to the class. 'This is going to be a sensitive subject so I want you guys to think about things before you say them.' I appreciated that." For Kenny and his family, as well as his mother's family, there never has been any controversy over how much care to give his mother. "I don't think (disconnecting the feeding tube has) ever been discussed," Kenny says. "To me it's obvious. If somebody's breathing, if somebody still has coherent thoughts and they understand what's going on, then they deserve to live, because obviously God isn't ready for them. When you pass away, it's your time. If you're on life support, or if you're getting a feeding tube, and people still love you, and people still look at you for motivation ... I mean people get handicapped where they can't take care of themselves." And Dennis Holmberg makes it clear that he has been blessed with terrific in-laws, and the two families -- the Duncans and the Holmbergs -- have supported Diane's care and pitched in to raise Kenny and Brianne. "Her mom passed away maybe two years ago. You couldn't ask for a better mother-in-law and Diane couldn't have asked for a better mother," he says. "I couldn't have had a better father-in-law and she couldn't have had a better father. Her brothers (Jimmy and Ricky Duncan), my mother, my brother David, my sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Jim Pressman, have always been there. It's just a shame. (Diane's) missed out on so much." While so much media attention was devoted to the Schiavo case, Dennis Holmberg was concerned it would upset his son. "I had talked to his dad about it and his dad asked me to keep an eye on Kenny," ERAU coach Greg Guilliams says. "I didn't see anything different. If it did affect him, I didn't notice it." Once again that inherent toughness shielded Kenny from being distracted on the diamond. "My mom is my mother. She's the one who brought me into this world," Kenny says. "It's tough to go up there and see how she is, what kind of state she's in, and to think about some things that could have been. There are just a lot of things that go through my mind when I think about it. I still have her in my heart; I still think about her a lot. I just try to move on." BASEBALL ANCHORS LIFE Baseball has been, and continues to be, more than a pastime to the Holmbergs. The game brought Kenny's parents together so many years ago. Diane attended a Florida State League game in Dunedin on Aug. 2, 1978, and the public address announcer told the crowd it was Dennis Holmberg's birthday. Moments later the Blue Jays coach heard some people singing "Happy Birthday." He looked and saw Diane singing. "It was love at first sight," Dennis still says today. And baseball has been a catharsis for many years after the accident. It has been a bond for father and son, and now it looks like baseball may offer a career to Kenny as well. Kenny's senior season at Embry-Riddle is just the latest chapter in a successful amateur career. He helped lead the Eagles to 33 wins in their first 35 games. Guilliams said his shortstop -- an intense player who has earned the nickname General Patton -- was responsible for at least 10 of those wins. "I notice that a lot of teams we play, Kenny's the guy coaches make comments about," Guilliams says. Some are not so flattering, because Kenny Holmberg tries to say things to distract opponents. "I know I'm glad he's on our team, otherwise I'd hate him," says ERAU assistant coach Todd Guilliams, who is coach Greg Guilliams' brother. "He can get under your skin." The player knows that's one part of the game he'll have to leave behind in June when he's likely to get drafted again by a major league organization. He was selected in the 2001 draft by the Blue Jays, the organization that has been loyal to his father throughout the years, but opted to go to college. Kenny knows the pro game requires a more businesslike approach. For now, scouts appreciate his passion and the physical changes he's made since going to Embry-Riddle. He lost nearly 25 pounds and turned fast-food fat into muscle by improving his diet and working out in an intense weight-training program since leaving junior college. He's become a better player and has at least some scouts thinking he can be more than a player who fills a minor-league position. One high-ranking scout rated him among the top five infielders in the state. "I'm not a really blessed tools player," Kenny says. "I can't hit for power. I'm not an above-average defender, hitter, runner or thrower. But I do know how to play the game. I do understand the right way to go about things, and just know how to win." The college senior knows so much about baseball that there's an even better chance he'll be a coach some day. "He knows baseball from A to Z," says his father, a minor-league manager with more than 1,000 career wins. Unfortunately, Kenny also knows a lot more about dealing with tragedy than most people his age. "I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason," Kenny says, the eyes behind his sunglasses getting moist and his voice cracking a bit. "I hate to think that Mom had to get in a car accident for me to become the ballplayer I am. It's a tough story." A tough story? They don't come much tougher. But neither do ballplayers like Kenny Holmberg. He gets that from his mom and dad. From The Citizen, 06-09-2005: The Milwaukee Brewers selected Auburn Doubledays manager Dennis Holmberg's son, Kenny, with the 655th pick in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft on Wednesday. Kenny Holmberg, was a member of the Embry-Riddle University baseball team as a second basemen. Holmberg batted .342 with eight home runs, 60 RBIs and led the team with 201 assists in the field. From the St. Petersburg Times, 06-12-2005 (Byline Brandon Wright): Kenny Holmberg has spent his entire life surrounded by professional baseball players. He has taken batting practice in the same cage as Carlos Delgado, shagged flyballs with Shawn Green and received fielding tips from Jeff Kent. This week, Holmberg became one of them. Holmberg, a former Dunedin and St. Petersburg College standout, was drafted in the 22nd round by the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday and signed the same night, setting into motion something he has been groomed for since childhood. "It's a dream come true for me," Holmberg said. "Having been around pro ballplayers since I was a kid gave me kind of a unique perspective on things." Holmberg, who starred at Embry-Riddle his junior and senior seasons, was afforded a sneak peek into pro baseball thanks to his father Dennis, who has coached in the Toronto Blue Jays organization the past 28 years and has more than 1,000 victories as a manager. "What I tried to do as a father was provide him an opportunity," Dennis Holmberg said. "There are family ties like in any business, but I think he just wanted to follow in the footsteps of the guys he watched play." But Holmberg, who was drafted out of Dunedin by Toronto in the 49th round, took away more than fundamentals from his time rubbing elbows with big-leaguers. "It was great to be able to meet and practice with (pro) players, but I also learned how to carry myself on and off the field," Holmberg said. "I watched the good examples and bad examples and tried to soak all that in." After a successful career at Dunedin, Holmberg played at SPC two years and led the Titans to back-to-back conference championships. Some Division I and II teams showed interest, but Holmberg settled on Embry-Riddle, a small NAIA school in Daytona Beach known more for its aeronautical program than its baseball team. "The general public might not know about (Embry-Riddle), but I bet if you ask (FSU coach) Mike Martin, South Florida and Tampa, they know us," Holmberg said. "None of those schools wanted to play us." Holmberg batted .374 and was named all-Florida Sun Conference as a junior. This season, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound shortstop hit .342 and had eight home runs and 60 RBIs, earning NAIA All-American honors. "There is absolutely no doubt in my mind he could have played at a Division I school," Dennis Holmberg said. "But I think the situation worked out best for him." The Eagles reached the NAIA World Series in both of Holmberg's years at Embry-Riddle, falling in the championship game last season. Holmberg was named to the all-World Series team both times and won the Golden Glove in 2005. But for all he accomplished on the field, Holmberg said what he learned off it made his stay at Embry-Riddle memorable. "(The coaches) helped me a lot as far as baseball, but they also taught me how to be a better person," Holmberg said. "They run a tough ship up there and you get broken down mentally, so you have to be tough to survive. I grew up spiritually and mentally at Embry-Riddle." Now after years of tips from pros, it is Holmberg's turn. Holmberg leaves today to report to the Brewers' short-season Pioneer League team in Helena, Mont. "I'm ready," Holmberg said. "I'm ready for the success, the failure, the struggle ... whatever. I can't wait."

In this thread, we will keep track of the status of all 2005 Brewers draft picks. We'd like to keep this thread as a purely informational thread. Key: - Normal text - unsigned - Bold blue text - Signed 01. Ryan Braun - 3B - University of Miam -- assigned to Helena 02. No selection 03. Will Inman - RHP - Tunstall High School (VA) -- assigned to Arizona 04. Matthew Gamel - 3B - Chipola JC (FL) -- assigned to Helena 05. Kevin Roberts - RHP - University of Houston -- assigned to Helena 06. Steve Hammond - LHP - Long Beach State -- assigned to Helena 07. Michael Brantley - CF - Ft. Pierce Central HS (FL) -- assigned to Arizona 08. Jemile Weeks - SS - Lake Brantley HS (FL) 09. Carlos Hereaud - 3B - Lawrence Elkins HS (TX) -- assigned to Arizona 10. Steve Garrison - LHP - The Hun School (NJ) -- assigned to Arizona 11. Brent Allar - RHP - Weatherford College (TX) 12. John Alonso - 1B - Polk CC (FL) -- assigned to Helena 13. Ryan Babineau - C - Etiwanda HS (CA) 14. Mark James - RHP - Sinclair Secondary School (Ontario) -- assigned to Arizona 15. Michael Bell - 2B - Grayson County College (TX) -- assigned to Helena 16. Andrew Bailey - RHP - Wagner College (NY) 17. Timothy Smith - RF - Midland College (TX) 18. Zack Braddock - LHP - Gloucester Catholic HS (NJ) 19. Patrick Ryan-RHP-Embry-Riddle U (FL) -- assigned to Helena 20. David Welch-LHP-Texarkana CC -- assigned to Helena 21. Justin Spires - RHP - Saddleback CC (CA) 22. Kenneth Holmberg - 2B - Embry-Riddle University (FL) -- assigned to Helena 23. Brendan Katin - OF - University of Miami -- assigned to Helena 24. Michael Ramlow - LHP - Owens CC (OH) 25. Taylor Green - 2B - Cypress College (CA) 26. Jacob Arrieta - RHP - Weatherford College (TX) 27. Brad Willcutt - C - Southern Mississippi University -- assigned to Helena 28. Scott McKnight - SS - Saddleback CC (CA) 29. Dane Renkert - RHP - Washington State University -- assigned to Helena 30. Omar Aguilar - RHP - Merced College (CA) -- assigned to Helena 31. Patrick Murray - 1B - Marina HS (CA) 32. William Pennington - LF - University of Alabama-Tuscaloosa 33. Jorge Core - RHP - Puerto Rico Baseball Academy 34. Riley "Brock" Kjeldgaard - RHP - Indian Hills CC (IA) 35. Sebastien Vendette - RHP - Northeastern Oklahoma A&M 36. Stephen Barnes - RHP - Lake City CC (FL) 37. Christopher Hopkins - CF - Sierra JC (CA) 38. Christopher Jean - RHP - Texas State University -- assigned to Helena 39. Bradley Miller - SS - Cowley County CC (KS) 40. Ryan Crew - SS - University of Texas-San Antonio -- assigned to Helena 41. Jordan Lennerton - 1B - El Paso CC (TX) 42. Chris Copot - C - Lethbridge CC (Canada) 43. Kyle Eveland - 2B - Palmdale HS (CA) 44. George Washington - RF - Demopilis HS (AL) 45. Ulrich Snijders - C - St. Petersburg JC (FL) 46. Alex Lowrey - LF - Monsignor Edward Pace HS (FL) 47. Matthew Broughton - RHP - Triton Central HS (IN) 48. Frederick Lewis - LHP - Buchholz HS (FL) 49. Cory Large - LHP - LD Bell HS (TX) 50. Garret Regan - RF - Sir Winston Churchill HS (Canada)

I'll get caught up with the Brewers' picks shortly, but I wanted to mention that the Cardinals drafted Ryan Rohlinger in the 21st round. For those that are unaware, he's a West Bend East alum who also played for the Blazers and is now at the University of Oklahoma. Congrats, Ryan! ~Bill

Enjoy. ~Bill