Usually, when a pro sports draft occurs, we like to cheer for our Bruins as they get to fulfill their dreams.
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After selecting Mickey Moniak with the first overall pick, the Phillies were on the prowl for a pitcher in the second round of the 2016 MLB Draft. Whether the Phillies chose right remains to be seen but as of now Moniak goes down in draft history as the eighth high-school outfielder to be a first pick. Puk was initially projected to be drafted higher, perhaps even first overall, but his inconsistency caused him to fall in the draft, according to Callis.
His 6-foot-2 build and 190 pound frame couldn’t have hurt when the Major League Baseball team chose the San Diego native. “I’m excited to hopefully prove the Phillies right”.
With no consensus No. 1 talent this year, there was plenty of suspense right up until the pick was announced.
Five UF players were selected.
“This is the guy we wanted”, scouting director Chris Buckley said.
This year’s Major League Baseball draft is becoming one of those bittersweet drafts for that very reason.
Barnegat High School left-hander Jason Groome went at No. 12 to Boston – his favorite team growing up. When they called my name, it was tears of joy, getting to hug him. “I can’t really explain it in words”.
“He’s just a big physical lefty”, Puk, the first pitcher taken in the first round of a draft since Sonny Gray came out of Vanderbilt in 2011, said.
Puk was also drafted in high school by the Detroit Tigers in the 35th round of the 2013 draft. “I’m happy with the way it played out”.
Entering draft night, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding Phillies’ choice, with several promising college prospects rumored to be preferred over Moniak.
“That is very true”, a smiling Moniak said in an interview on MLB Network. Shore has been as steady a hand as Florida has ever had on the mound, and has spent virtually every appearance of his three-year Gators career showing out under Friday night lights, making just one relief appearance in 51 outings with Florida. “With this pick, I get to touch so many lives”. Colorado Rockies and Miwaukee Brewers selected Riley Pint and Corey Ray respectively.
The 6-foot-3, 170-pounder from Shenendehowa High School in NY state missed some time on the mound with a strained oblique, but has a fastball that sits in the 91-94 miles per hour range, and he mixes in a solid breaking pitch with terrific control.
“I think it’s important to note this is a middle-of-the-field player”, said GM Matt Klentak.
If Rutherford choose to attend UCLA, it wouldn’t be the first time a Bruin commit has turned down the 27-time champions.
Then, with the 18th pick in this year’s draft, the New York Yankees selected Blake Rutherford from Chaminade Prep in West Hills. I believe one day he will hit anywhere between 15 and 22 home runs (in the big leagues).
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Son of former major league reliever Paul Quantrill didn’t pitch this season for Cardinal after undergoing Tommy John surgery previous year.
