Bambis Bombers

Jack Z. speaks to the Journal Times about 1st round pick Brett Lawrie Zduriencik hits another homer If you're an avid reader of this column, you undoubtedly know my feelings about Jack Zduriencik, the Brewers scouting director. To me, he is the single-biggest reason why the Brewers are relevant again. Zduriencik's brilliant drafts have transformed the Brewers into a certifiable playoff team. After all, it was Zduriencik who chose Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Yovani Gallardo and Corey Hart. And it was Zduriencik who chose outfielder Matt LaPorta and third baseman Mat Gamel, two Brewers minor league hotshots. Which brings us to Zduriencik's selection of Brett Lawrie with the team's first pick in this year's draft. Lawrie is a catcher from Langley, British Columbia, whom the Brewers made the 16th overall selection in the draft. I asked Zduriencik where he and his Brewers' scouts had ranked him. "In theory, he was the 16th best player," Zduriencik said before adding, "In theory." Zduriencik then laughed and said, "We haven't signed him yet, so let's leave it at that." Zduriencik said Lawrie, a multi-positional player, is adamant about being a catcher in the majors. Yet, even if Lawrie doesn't make the grade at that position, Zduriencik has no doubts that Lawrie will succeed with his bat. Said Zduriencik: "With his hitting, he's going to be a force to be reckoned with."

Ash has high hopes for draft pick ROBERT MACLEOD From Wednesday's Globe and Mail June 17, 2008 at 10:49 PM EDT LINK (while active) MILWAUKEE - Gord Ash can remember growing up in Toronto when some kids experienced difficulty finding a decent place to play baseball. "I think the elite player has many more opportunities now in Canada," the Toronto-born assistant general manager of the Milwaukee Brewers said last night. "There were places I knew when I was growing up in a city like Toronto where you had to travel outside your neighbourhood to find a place to play." The landscape, Ash noted, has changed dramatically and you only have to witness the recent successes of Justin Morneau with the Minnesota Twins and Russell Martin of the Los Angeles Dodgers - both born and bred Canucks - to realize the country can no longer be ignored when it comes to scouting baseball talent. Morneau, the New Westminster, B.C., native who won the 2006 American League most-valuable-player award, was a third-round pick of the Twins in 1999. Martin, a National League all-star in 2007 who was born in Toronto, was a 17th-round selection of the Dodgers in 2002. "Thirty years ago there were pockets of high quality baseball in Canada, but it wasn't widespread at all," Ash said. And the Brewers think they have found another potential Major League Baseball star in high-school prospect Brett Lawrie, a native of Langley, B.C., whom the Brewers chose with the 16th pick over all in the first-year player draft earlier this month. Lawrie, who was a standout on Team Canada which won the bronze medal at the recent World Junior Championships, became the highest Canadian position player ever selected in the draft. The Brewers took Lawrie just before the Blue Jays picked at No. 17. Toronto took first baseman David Cooper from the University of California at Berkeley. "It was a no-brainer," Ash said of Milwaukee's decision to draft Lawrie. "We've been following him for quite some time. We liked not only his skill, but his makeup. And we believe he can catch, which is a position of need for us. "We like him a lot and actually we were surprised he was still there when our pick came around." Ash said the Brewers would not be averse in freeing up Lawrie to play for Canada at the upcoming Olympics in Beijing, if he was selected. Ash said the upswing in grass roots baseball in Canada began when the Montreal Expos began play in the National League in 1969 and really picked up steam when the Jays were admitted to the American League in 1977. "The games were nationally broadcast, both on radio and television and I think they spurred a lot of interest in the game," Ash said. Ash, the Blue Jays general manager from 1995 to 2001, said the vision of former team president Paul Beeston and former GM Pat Gillick, was also a key factor in the growth of the Canadian game at the grassroots level. Beeston and Gillick, Ash said, both realized the importance of developing baseball at the amateur level in Canada and continually funnelled money, time and effort to make sure it prospered. "I think one of the most important things that the Blue Jays helped accomplish, with a lot of leadership from Pat and Paul, is understanding what would make the game better going forward and that was trying to improve the coaching," Ash said. He said the Blue Jays worked tirelessly with such amateur organizations as Baseball Ontario, Baseball B.C., and Baseball Canada, providing their own coaches and players from the professional ranks, to help train amateur coaches.

Highland's Odorizzi agrees to terms with Brewers BY NORM SANDERS News-DemocratLINK (while active) In the past few weeks, Highland High baseball standout Jake Odorizzi has been drafted 32nd overall as a supplemental first-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers and helped his high school team win a state championship. On Friday, Odorizzi hit the jackpot once again when he agreed to terms with the Brewers, picking up a signing bonus worth $1,060,000. The signing package also includes an undisclosed amount of money that goes toward his college education. "The Brewers are an organization committed to the development of their players," Odorizzi said. "They have the necessary processes in place to get the most out of my ability and that is something I am looking forward to. This is where I want to be." Odorizzi was 14-0 this spring with a 0.08 ERA and 146 strikeouts in 89 2/3 innings. He walked only six batters and allowed only three runs, just one earned, and won his final 25 decisions in high school. Odorizzi and his parents, Mike and Julie Odorizzi, visited Milwaukee on Friday and were expected to complete the formal signing process at Miller Park before the Brewers' home game against the Baltimore Orioles. "It's just been a whirlwind, everything's happened so fast," Mike Odorizzi said. "From the beginning of things, even back in October and November when all this first started coming about, it has just gone by so fast. "Ever since Jake was that small, he's always told us that 'I'm going to play professional baseball someday.' My wife Julie and I would look at each other and say 'Yeah, sure you are."' Turns out the youngster was telling the truth. Once he signs, Odorizzi will report July 1 to the Brewers' spring training facility in Maryvale, Ariz. From there, he will be assigned to one of the Brewer' minor-league affiliates, likely one in Montana. Odorizzi was the Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year, a Louisville Slugger Preseason All-American, a Rawlings/Perfect Game All-American and a member of USA Today's All-USA Team. For more on this story, see Saturday's News-Democrat or visit: www.bnd.com.

BA's draft database shows 8th round pick Erik Komatsu as signed

The Brewers score the Stosh According to this article on the Toronto Sun website, the Milwaukee Brewers have signed 16th round draft pick Stosh Wawrzasek.

More information on the signing of 3rd round pick Logan Schafer, including his signing bonus Edit -- draft round, thanks for the link and story!

With Rice getting knocked out of the College World Series this afternoon, I would expect to see Mr. Luetge reporting for duty in Helena soon.

Thanks Mass for the article, the scout's perspective on the Star's roster was very enlightening. That Brantley is rated higher than LaPorta and Salome comes as a mild, but pleasant surprise.

In the Gammons article, he referenced Rich Harden, not Dan Haren.

At the end of the 2007 season, Sheets was classified as a Class B free agent. That would only net the Brewers a sandwich pick if they offer him arbitration and he elects to sign with another team. While it is probable that Ben's 2008 performance will upgrade his status and get him into the top 20%, there are no guarantees. If goes on the DL for an extended period of time or his performance tails off, he could remain a Class B free agent. I'm not ready to wave the white flag on the 2008 season, but if the Brewers falter over the next five weeks, I'd take one solid prospect that is near major league ready over the crapshoot that is the MLB draft.

I think the D+ grade on the 2000 draft is a bit harsh, considering how poor the 2000 draft class was. In a pre draft blog entry by Peter Gammons, he mentioned that only seven first rounders from the 2000 draft class are still in the majors, the poorest showing of any draft between 1995 to 2003. Baseball Analysts reviewed the drafts from 2000 to 2004 and called the 2000 class the worst of the bunch. To get an all-star caliber OF in Corey Hart probably gives the Brewers a better return than most clubs from that draft. Looking back at the prospect rankings from that draft, it was not like the Krynzel pick was a reach for the Brewers. He was rated the 18th best prospect by Baseball America (Utley was rated 25th, Adam Wainwright 50th and the immortal Boof Bonser 86th). Other notable players from the 2000 draft include (courtesy of Wikipedia): Xavier Nady, 2nd round, 49th overall Manny Delcarmen, 2nd round, 62nd overall Grady Sizemore, 3rd round, 75th overall David DeJesus, 4th round, 104th overall Cliff Lee, 4th round, 105th overall Bobby Jenks, 5th round, 140th overall Dontrelle Willis, 8th round, 223rd overall Brandon Webb, 8th round, 249th overall Ryan Church, 14th round, 426h overall James Shields, 16th round, 466th overall Rich Harden, 17th round, 510th overall Jason Bay, 22nd round, 645th overall Nate McClouth, 25th round, 749th overall Adam LaRoche, 29th round, 880th overall Quick side note: The Brewers were going to pick Bobby Jenks in the 6th round, but the Angels picked him right before the Brewers. (Note to Tom "Mr. Fact Check" Haudricourt - Jenks was picked by the Angels, not the White Sox as you mistakenly mentioned in your draft column on June 2.) To get one above average starter from the 2000 draft class warrants a C grade at worst.

Assuming Lawrie intends to sign as his agent has indicated, doesn't he potentially put some bonus money at risk if he suffers a major injury during the World Jr. Baseball Championship? It cost Cody Scarpetta over $200,000 when the Brewers lowered his signing bonus after he re-injured his finger when rushing back from an earlier injury. Does he feel that a good showing at the WJBC could lead to a higher bonus offer from the Brewers? An interesting gamble on Lawrie's part if that is the case.

Here's what Real Baseball Intelligence had to say about the recent Brewers draft efforts:

In the June 16 edition of Ask BA, Jim Callis likes the Brewers 2008 draft. mentions 15th round pick Mark Willinsky as a potential steal. Edit - expand topic to include other reviews of the Brewers 2008 draft

Adam McCalvy confirms the signing of Cody Adams Hay for horses, not second-round picks 06/13/2008 11:40 PM ET By Adam McCalvy / MLB.com MILWAUKEE -- Growing up in Viola, Ill., Cody Adams earned spending money by bailing hay and mowing lawns. On Friday, he signed a contract to play professional baseball. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Adams, one of the Brewers' three second-round picks in last week's First-Year Player Draft. "Three years ago, I could have never told you I would be here today at Miller Park signing a contract." The 21-year-old right-hander just finished his junior season at Southern Illinois University and was part of the Brewers' early Draft bounty. They owned six of the first 62 overall selections, and Adams was No. 62. He was on the field with scout Harvey Kuenn Jr. for batting practice Friday and met the current Brewers player who wears his No. 1, right fielder Corey Hart. Adams wore that number to honor Ozzie Smith of the Cardinals, his favorite team. "I told myself within the last year that if I was going into the Draft, I couldn't have a favorite team -- I didn't want to be disappointed," Adams said. "I guess I'll have to pick a new number, too." Adams, a 6-foot-2 power pitcher with a nasty sinking fastball, went 6-4 with a 3.75 ERA in 14 college starts this season, including a pair of complete games. He led the Salukis with 78 strikeouts and walked 23 batters in 96 innings. He'll travel on Saturday to Helena, Mont., to begin his career with a Brewers rookie league affiliate. He doesn't know much about western Montana, but he knows that playing there will beat bailing hay. "That's not a lot of fun," Adams said. "Playing baseball is a lot of fun." Three of the Brewers' first six picks are already under contract and the team has had informal talks with its top selection Brett Lawrie, a prep catcher from British Columbia, according to amateur scouting director Jack Zduriencik. The Brewers selected Lawrie 16th overall. Players taken around Lawrie are starting to sign. First baseman David Cooper, the 17th pick, signed with Toronto on Tuesday. Two picks in front of Lawrie, Minnesota took outfielder Aaron Hicks, who signed on Friday. http://www.mlb.com/images/2008/06/13/I26VOBe4.jpg

Komatsu Named All-American by Baseball America and NCBWA Becomes the fifth Titan in 2008 to achieve All-American status Link (while active) June 12, 2008 Fullerton, Calif. - Cal State Fullerton outfielder Erik Komatsu earned third-team All-American honors as Baseball America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writer's Association announced their three-team fields of the nation's best college baseball players this week. The heavy hitting right fielder from Camarillo, Calif., led the Titans in batting average (.355), triples (6), RBI (54), slugging (.593), on-base percentage (.459), and tied for the team-lead in home runs (9) and was one of two Titans named to the All-Big West Conference First Team as well. The Milwaukee Brewers selected the transfer from Oxnard College in the 8th round of last week's Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Komatsu is the fifth different Titan to earn All-American status this season, and first to garner multiple awards. He joins Jeff Kaplan (Collegiate Baseball Third Team);Daniel Renken, Christian Colon and Gary Brown (Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American). Komatsu is the 75th Cal State Fullerton All-American in 34 seasons at the Div. I level.

In a Baseball America prospect chat back in November 2007, Tom Haudricourt indicated that Rolando Pascual had Tommy John surgery. That is the only mention I can recall of Pascual's medical status. There is a chance that Haudricourt is confusing Pascual with Wily Peralta, who had TJ surgery last summer, as mentioned in this article on the LaPorta signing on the Brewers website.

Cody Adams signs Adams signs with BrewersLink (while active) By Shane McDonough, shaner@qconline.com In less than a month, former Sherrard High School prep Cody Adams has gone from Southern Illinois University junior to professional baseball player. Drafted by Milwaukee in the second round (62nd pick overall) of the Major League Baseball draft, Adams signed a contract with the Brewers on Thursday. This weekend, he will join the Helena Brewers in Montana as they start their season Tuesday in the Pioneer League. Helena is one of two Brewers Rookie League teams. ``It took five days to get something hammered out; it's kind of a relief to get it over with,'' said Adams. ``I was getting kind of antsy, I just wanted to get the show on the road.'' Adams did not divulge any contract details. He did say that the numbers compare to, and are even a little better, than what the 62nd pick got in the 2007 draft. That draft pick was Boston infielder Ryan Dent, who inked for a $571,000 signing bonus. Today, Adams and his parents, Scott and Diana Adams, will be driving to Milwaukee to watch the Brewers host the Minnesota Twins in an interleague contest and meet with the Brewers' front office staff. Then Adams will make the trip to Montana to start what what he hopes is a quick trip back to Milwaukee - next time in uniform.

Ugh, five errors for the Power tonight - here's hoping they pull things together during the second half.

According to this article, Cody Adams has hit 97 MPH with his fastball Sherrard grad Adams picked by Brewers in Round 2 LINK (while active) By Craig DeVrieze | Saturday, June 07, 2008 Cody Adams surrendered his childhood allegiance a few years ago. "I grew up a Cardinals fan, but I came to the realization a while ago that if I was going to play professional baseball, I couldn't have a favorite team,'' said the 21-year-old former Sherrard High School standout hurler. "That way I couldn't be disappointed.'' Adams has a favorite baseball team now: The Milwaukee Brewers. And he definitely was not disappointed when the Brew crew tabbed the Southern Illinois junior in the second round of the Amateur Baseball Draft. The Brewers surprised Adams by spending the 62nd overall pick on the promising young fireballer. He had anticipated a third-round call. "I feel great," said the 6-foot-2, 180-pound resident of Viola, Ill., whose second-round call is believed to be the earliest ever for a Saluki. "The Brewers were one of the teams I wanted to go to. Their farm system is one of the best around, and I will have fun developing over the next couple of years." Adams, a right-hander, just completed an all-Missouri Valley Conference junior season in which he was 6-4 with a 3.75 earned run average. He struck out 78 batters while walking 23. He was 21-13 over his three SIU seasons with a 3.64 ERA and 199 strikeouts and 63 walks. Adams has a fastball that has topped out at 97 miles per hour and averages about 94 mph. He has a four-pitch repertoire that includes a four-seam fastball, a sinker, a straight change-up and a slider. He said he expects contract negotiations to last up to two weeks but would have left to join the Milwaukee system Wednesday night, if able. "I am extremely anxious," he said. "I wish they would send me off (today) to start me on the road to Milwaukee." There is no question he will launch his career soon. "It has been my dream since I was a kid to have an opportunity to play pro ball," he said. "I kind of have to go with it."

Sounds like the Cardinals were interested in Adams in the third round Adams goes to Brewers in second round LINK (while active) Jun 05, 2008 10:05PM By Shane McDonough, shaner@qconline.com In the very near future, Cody Adams could have the chance to call himself a professional baseball player and a beer maker in the same sentence. Nothing could have turned out better for former Sherrard High School baseball standout on the first day of the Major League Baseball draft Thursday. With the 62nd pick overall, the Milwaukee Brewers drafted Adams in the second round. ``It's the biggest accomplishment that I have ever experienced in my life,'' said Adams. ``If you would have told me three years ago before I went to college (Southern Illinois University) that I would have a chance to be drafted in the second round; I would have called you crazy.'' Pacing back and forth and barely eating anything for most of the day, Adams watched the first round of the draft on ESPN2 and then the second round via the internet. As it turned out, he became one of the highest draft picks from the Quad-Cities area. The top honor still belongs to East Moline product Mike Butcher, who was a second round pick (36th overall) of the Kansas City Royals back in 1986. There have been three others drafted in the first 10 rounds locally -- Davenport Central preps Vince Jackson (8th round/222 to the N.Y. Mets) and Zach Kenyon (9th/276 to the Royals last year) and Rock Island's Chris Allison (9th/243 to Boston). Earlier in the day, Adams' agent called and said that there were 17 to 18 teams looking at him early in the third round, including the St. Louis Cardinals, whose Class A team plays here in the Midwest League. After seeing his name scroll as the 62nd pick by the Brewers, Adams was shocked. ``I think it's great to get drafted by the Brewers, they treat their players well through the farm system,'' said Adams, who just finished his junior year at SIU. ``They are on a short list of teams that I was hoping that I would get drafted by.'' Adams is line for a nice little paycheck after contract negotiations are figured out. Last year's 62nd pick landed a signing bonus of over a half-million dollars. ``It's something that I'm not going to think too much about, because you only have one opportunity to play pro ball,'' said Adams. ``I don't want anything handed to me, I want to work hard and hopefully move my way through the system.'' As for the immediate future, Adams is unsure what will happen. After being drafted, he received phone calls from Brewers scouts saying they will keep in touch as to what happens next. ``Things are a little hectic right now, I'm getting phone calls every two minutes from somebody,'' said Adams, who finished with a 21-13 record in his three years at SIU. ``Its just nice to know that I have a lot of support from my friends, family and teammates. But right now I just want to play some baseball.'' The Brewers have two rookie-ball teams -- one located in Phoenix and the other in Helena, Mont. Their Class A teams are located in Viera, Fla. and Charleston, W.V. The club's Double-A team is in Hunstville, Ala., and its Triple-A team is in Nashville. ``It will be fun to travel and meet new people, but I may be a little disappointed not being able to play ball in the Quad-Cities,'' said Adams of not getting to play in own stomping grounds in the Midwest League. ``I'm just going to have to work hard so that eventually my family and fans can drive the two or three hours to see me in Milwaukee.''

Brewers take Kemp with 14th-round pick Link (while active) By The Daily Reflector Saturday, June 07, 2008 Corey Kemp has a brand new goal in baseball, just a few days removed from the end of his college career. Now he wants to make it in the major leagues as a Milwaukee Brewer. Kemp grew to love his time at East Carolina University, but he admits it was tough to be 10 hours away from family and friends in his hometown of Franklin in the outskirts of Nashville, Tenn. After being named Conference USA Player of the Year for his monster season with the Pirates, Kemp was drafted Friday by the Brewers in the 14th round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. One quick glance at the Brewers' organizational ladder gave Kemp reason to set his sights high - the Nashville Sounds are the Class AAA affiliate of Milwaukee, meaning if Kemp can scale the organization, he'll get the chance to play in his own backyard for the first time since he starred at Centennial High School. Kemp said he feels lucky it was the Brewers who came calling Friday. "You can get drafted by some organizations that might not stay committed to you, but from day one, the Brewers said they would take care of me and give the opportunity to be a major league baseball player," Kemp said. "Today was the first step toward that." Also selected Friday from the ECU team were senior pitcher T.J. Hose (36th round, pick 1,098) and junior infielder Ryan Wood (Milwaukee, 42nd, 1,268). They joined junior starting pitcher Justin Bristow, who was taken by the Chicago Cubs in the fifth round. East Carolina signee Paul Clemens (Louisburg College) was selected by the Atlanta Braves (7th, 220), and fellow signee Shawn Armstrong (West Craven High School) was selected in the 33rd round by the Houston Astros. Kemp said he felt he owed it to ECU to not worry about his draft status during the season, and it showed as Kemp cashed in team highs in home runs (18) and RBIs (72), while also establishing career highs in batting average (.341), hits (77), runs (62) and slugging percentage (.628). "I tried not to think about it, I was just focused on the Pirates and where they were going," Kemp said of the draft. "I felt like I owed them, and coach (Billy) Godwin. I felt like I owed them a good year and my leadership and my best effort. They told me to worry about taking care of business on the field and let the draft work itself out. They proved to be right." http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/00/02/55/image_7155020.jpg

The Toronto Blue Jays recalled pitcher Brian Wolfe from Syracuse of the International League (AAA). On January 6, 2006 Wolfe was traded to the Blue Jays for 3B Corey Koskie.

Looks like 31st rounder Brandon Rapoza will be signing with the Brew Crew Barnett, Rapoza taken in MLB draft Braves pick Barnett; Rapoza to Brewers By STUART KORFHAGE stuart.korfhage@staugustine.com Publication Date: 06/07/08 Tyler Barnett started his day cleaning boats at Camachee Cove marina. He finished it as a professional baseball player. The former St. Augustine High School star was one of two local players to be selected in the major league's First-Year Player Draft on Friday. Barnett went in the 21st round (640th overall) to the Atlanta Braves, and former Bartram Trail and Flagler College pitcher Brandon Rapoza was taken in the 31st round (938th overall) by the Milwaukee Brewers. "I was going to work this morning at 6:30, and I was thinking this could be a great day or this could be a bad day," Barnett said. It turned out to be a great day for Barnett, who honestly didn't know if he'd even be drafted. He had a chance to be a draft-and-follow player after high school -- teams sometimes draft players and wait until they have played a season in junior college baseball before signing them. Instead, the son of Flagler baseball coach Dave Barnett played two years at Lake-Sumter Community College followed by two seasons at Eastern Kentucky. The shortstop was a second-team All-Ohio Valley Conference selection as a junior but slumped a bit this year (.264, 3 HR, 23 RBI, 11 SB). There was no chance Barnett would be taken in the draft's first day, so Friday was when he knew his baseball fate could be decided. The pressure made it hard for Barnett to get much sleep the previous night, which might explain why he was asleep on the couch Friday afternoon when the selection was made. "I ended up falling asleep, and next thing I know my dad's going crazy," Barnett said. "I was thinking it was one of my teammates." No, it was Barnett the Braves wanted. They were one of two teams that expressed strong interest before the start of the season, but Barnett said he hadn't talked with any of their scouts since the winter. Although he was prepared to make calls and find a free-agent tryout if necessary, Barnett said it was a huge relief to be taken in the draft and know he'll have a chance to work his way to the majors if he's good enough. "It's an awesome feeling; I was expecting the worst," Barnett said. "It was an exciting day. I always dreamed of it, but I never thought it'd come." One of the first people Barnett talked to after being drafted was Braves scouting director Roy Clark, who assured him the selection was no favor to his father but was based on the organization's belief in his ability. He'll get a chance to show what he can do on the field soon enough. He'll be in Orlando next week at a training camp for draftees and will start playing later this summer for the Gulf Coast League Braves in Kissimmee or the Danville (Va.) Braves of the Appalachian League -- both are rookie league clubs. For Rapoza, Friday was a long, stressful day as well. The Flagler College closer said he followed the draft for a while before growing annoyed and going out with some friends. When the Brewers called his name, Rapoza wasn't even by his computer. He found out about his pick when a friend called him. And then the calls kept coming in, congratulating him on the accomplishment. "It's real nice. I can't even really explain it," he said. "Honestly, I just wanted to keep playing." Rapoza said he's meeting with a member of the Brewers organization today and expects to sign a contract. It will mark a whirlwind courtship by the organization, which didn't really scout Rapoza during the season. However, when the team learned that others were interested in him, Rapoza was asked to throw in the bullpen for a scout. Clearly, they liked what they saw from the 6-foot-1 right-hander who throws in the 90s. With the senior season Rapoza had, it's no wonder he drew interest. He had nine saves with an ERA of 0.97. He struck out 42 in 37 innings of relief. "He's a competitor; he really goes after hitters," Dave Barnett said. "He certainly deserves the opportunity. He was pretty much lights out if we were ahead late in ballgame." It's the second straight year a Flagler player has been drafted. Wade Lamont was selected in the 29th round by the Detroit Tigers last year. The last Flagler pitcher to be drafted was Chris Holt in 2002 by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 21st round.

Brewers draft, sign Kalamazoo's Ritchie LINK while active Sunday, June 08, 2008 BY NICOLE WATKINS nwatkins@kalamazoogazette.com KALAMAZOO -- Its been a heck of a ride for Kalamazoo native Brandon Ritchie. First, there was May's National Junior College Div. II Baseball World Series in Millington, Tenn. Next, Ritchie was fielding letters and calls from more than 20 different Major League baseball teams. Add last Saturday's 30 hour, 2,500-mile round trip to Tampa with his parents, Ron and Nolene, for a tryout with the New York Yankees, and that equals some anticipation. On Saturday, at home and surrounded by his family, Ritchie ended any uncertainty by signing with the Milwaukee Brewers and making a dream he's had for almost his entire life a reality. ``It's been my dream since I was a little kid, so it's what I wanted to do,'' Ritchie said by phone, just minutes after signing. The Grand Rapids Community College left-hander was selected in Friday's draft in the 24th round with the 728th overall pick, but also had about a 60 percent scholarship offer to Indiana State University to consider. ``That was kind of tough,'' the 21-year-old said about the decision to accept the Brewers offer. ``I know that it would be good for me to go and get the rest of my education, but at the same time, this is something that I wanted to do for a long time and I wanted to take the next step, so I decided to take it.'' That next step for the Schoolcraft High School grad includes a week-long trip to Arizona to train and then a more permanent stop in the rookie minor league Helena Brewers in Montana. Ritchie said he receives a ton of support from his parents, whose feelings about the change are very similar to his own -- ``nervous and excited at the same time.'' ``Were feeling good and little nervous, too, 'cause he's going to be a long ways away, but he's pretty mature about it, so he's going to be all right,'' Ritchie's father said. Although Ritchie had Major League scouts eyeing him since high school, it was his performance in Game 2 of the NJCA Div. II World Series in May that may have sealed the deal. In GRCC's 5-1 win over Monroe CC, the southpaw pitched a nine-inning complete game with five strikeouts and no earned runs, allowing just one walk. ``He was expecting (to be drafted), but I think it really came to fruition when he pitched a nine-inning complete game,'' Tom Fitzgerald, Ritchie's uncle, said. The dream starts for Ritchie on Monday when he leaves for Arizona. ``I hope I can make it to the majors, that's my ultimate goal,'' Ritchie said. ``Getting stronger and throwing hard is part of (getting there), but it's also getting my mechanics down to where they're perfect.'' More, including colbyjack's Brewerfan.net Scouting Report, can be found here