June 9, 2011
Smith, Barnes, Zuloaga, Stamps, Bell, Reynolds, Leyva & Ballou selected in MLB Draft
Fans of the Stinger nation were elated this week when several of their favorite players were selected in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft on June 6 – 8. Willmar, MN native and SCSU sophomore Jordan Smith was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 9th round, the 278th selection overall. Smith emerged on the Northwoods League scene during the inaugural 2010 Willmar Stingers season, hitting .374 and leading the team in doubles, home runs, RBIs, triples and tying for the team lead in runs scored. Smith led SCSU to their best season in school history in 2011. An outstanding and disciplined hitter with the ability to hit to all fields, Cleveland selected one of the best pure hitters available.
The Milwaukee Brewers drafted Florida Gulf Coast junior RHP Jacob Barnes in the 14th round. The 6’0 225 lb flame thrower led the Stingers in saves and overpowered Northwoods League hitters with a jaw-dropping fastball, striking out 43 hitters in 21 appearances. In 2011, Barnes registered 11.13 strikeouts per nine innings pitched for the Eagles of the Atlantic Sun conference.
The first Stinger pitcher to record a save since Barnes, Scottsdale CC LHP Scott Zuloaga was a 16th round selection of the Houston Astros. Earlier this year, Zuloaga signed a national letter of intent to pitch for New Mexico State.
Oregon State CF Brian Stamps was picked by the Atlanta Braves in the 24th round while anticipating his team’s appearance in the upcoming NCAA Super Regional. In the 29th round, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected JR INF and fellow Oregon State product Carter Bell. A solid contact hitter, Carter hit .300 for Team Canada at the World Baseball Championships in Japan last year and was previously drafted in 2008.
Quality defender Mike Reynolds of Paradise Valley CC (AZ) was selected in the 30th round by the Baltimore Orioles. The Glendale, AZ native stole 10 bases and posted an OBP of .362 during 2010.
Stingers leadoff hitter and all-league performer Carlos Levya heard his name called in the 32nd round by the New York Mets. Levya put up gaudy offensive numbers for the Stingers, hitting .323 and leading the team with 29 stolen bases.
Coming in second to Levya in bags swiped was Isaac Ballou (24), a 36th round selection of the Pittsburgh Pirates on day 3 of the MLB First-year player draft. Ballou batted. 283 in his sophomore year for the Marshall Thundering Herd. The Willmar Stingers continue the season tonight versus the St. Cloud River Bats at 7:05pm. It’s Bat Night presented by Perkins Lumber. The first 300 kids 14 years and under will receive a full sized 28\” inch baseball bat. The 2011 season is presented by Charter.
