The Madison Mallards are proud to announce that several Mallards from this and past years’ squads have been selected in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft, which started on June 7. Pitchers Ryan Zink, Trevor Feeney, Adam Mills (’05) and Casey Baron (’05,’06) and catcher Jordan Wolf (’06) were all selected. Mallards Field Manager C.J. Thieleke gave his thoughts on how they contribute to the game.
Ryan Zink, RHP, 17th Round, New York Yankees
Zink pitched for the Mallards in 2004, putting together a solid stat line. In his 81.1 innings on the mound, Zink held opponents to a .186 batting average, complemented with 81 strikeouts and a 2.1 ERA. After rejoining the Mallards this summer for one appearance, Zink delivered for six shutout innings, allowing a single hit on top of eight strikeouts and no walks. Earlier that day, Zink received the call that he had been drafted by the Yankees.
“Ryan has one of the better arms in the Midwest. It makes complete sense that he was drafted by the Yankees. An organization like the theirs is looking for a starter like Ryan to develop and make an impact in the rotation. Ryan is a neat story because he recovered from a tough injury.”
Trevor Feeney, RHP, 39th Round, Kansas City Royals
Feeney played a solid role from the mound for Madison this year, earning a 2-0 record in his first two starts of the summer. In 13 innings, Feeney refused to give up a run, shutting down opponents to a .178 batting average. He also struck out 12 with only two walks.
“His arm has come on very strong over the past couple of years and things happen for a reason. Trevor deserves to get selected after all his hard work on the mound.”
Adam Mills, RHP, 8th Round, Boston Red Sox
“Adam is a good lesson because he was not selected after his junior year in school which disappointed him. But now he was able to come back and become one of the best pitchers in the country and a 1st Team All-American. Boston is a good fit for him.”
Jordan Wolf, C, 13th Round, Baltimore Orioles
“He turned the corner last year and really came on for the Mallards, especially in the second half of the season. He improved in every aspect of the game behind the plate.”
Casey Baron, LHP, 34th Round, Milwaukee Brewers
“Casey is another guy that put in four great years of baseball at Maryland. He does remind me of Brewers starter Chris Capuano and Casey will stick around for a long while. I’m excited for all these guys, they have incredible talent.”
Looking at one former Mallard in particular, who has made an impact in the professional spectrum, Ryan Spilborghs of the Colorado Rockies had the game of his career Sunday. The outfielder hit 3-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs in the Rockies 6-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles.
Spilborghs big day increased his average to .325 (13-for-40) and doubled his RBI total to 12.
