07/16/12

Pro Draft News

Of the 16 locals who were selected in the 2012 draft, three high school players didn't reach agreement with their teams. Each will play at local colleges:

Josh Pigg, (Franklin High) taken in the 28th Round by Cleveland as a pitcher, now plans to play at JC state champion Cosumnes River. With his versatility, Coach Tony Bloomfield could use Pigg's bat when he's not on the mound. Pigg delivered some impressive performances in the 2012 high school playoffs for Coach Kilby's Franklin team.

Justin Dillon, (El Dorado High) right handed pitcher, was taken in the 39th Round by the Rockies. He will play for Sac State in 2013. On the mound last year for the Cougars Dillon compiled a 9-1 mark with a 0.94 ERA in 74 innings. He also posted four saves. His K/BB ratio was very impressive with 126 strikeouts and 14 walks. He also batted .516 and slugged at a .958 average. Coach Christiansen may want to use him both ways as well.

Dalton Blaser,(Roseville High), also taken in the 39th Round, failed to reach agrreement with the Oakland Athletics. Blaser plans to join older brother Nick next year at Sierra. Blaser was an All-Capitol selection in 2011 and 2012, where he compiled monster hitting and slugging stats.

Second-Rounder Agosta Signs With Giants

Story by Rick Cabral 07/12/12

Martin Agosta, a second round draft pick out of St. Mary’s College, has signed with the San Francisco Giants, BaseballSacramento.com has learned. Agosta prepped at Jesuit High.

“It’s awesome,” Agosta said of going pro. “It’s been a fun experience and an honor to have this opportunity,” he said from Scottsdale.

Represented by Legacy Sports, the Giants paid Agosta a bonus of $612,500, which was $20,200 above slot as established by the Commissioner’s office.

Photo by Tod Fierner courtesy of St. Mary's College Athletics

Agosta’s nine wins for the Gaels led the West Coast Conference and were the most at SMC since 1991 (tied for 7^th all-time). His 2.18 ERA in 2012 was third lowest in a single season, while 95 strikeouts were fourth most at St. Mary’s. He compiled 19 career victories over three years, tying him for third all-time at SMC. During that time he posted 223 career strikeouts and a career 3.25 ERA.

"The Giants signed a fantastic pitcher today in Agosta," said Saint Mary's head coach Jedd Soto. "He should move quickly in their organization. He has great command of five pitches and will be an impact guy for the Giants for years to come."

At Jesuit, Agosta pitched on Jesuit’s 2009 Section Division 1 title team, going 5-1 with one save and a 3.42 ERA. He posted 57 strikeouts and 20 walks in his senior year. His personal pitching coach Phil Swimley (former UC Davis Aggies head coach) taught Agosta mechanics similar to Giants’ starter, Tim Lincecum.

Also on that Marauders team was Oregon State catcher Andrew Susac, who last year the Giants took in the second round and eventually was paid a $1.1 signing bonus. The disparity in bonuses between the two second-round picks is a reflection of the new bonus structure Major League Baseball negotiated in the new collective bargaining agreement. Susac this spring was assigned to High-A San Jose Giants in the California League.

Agosta has reported to the Giants’ training camp in Scottsdale where he will work out for the rest of the summer, he has learned.

“We had an indication that he would be taken in the second round, but to be taken by the Giants was extra special,” Martin’s father Gary, a lifelong Giants fan, reported today.

Agosta's batterymate at St. Mary's Toby DeMello, drafted in the 29th Round, has signed with the Seattle Mariners and and is now playing for the Clinton LumberKings of the Class-A Midwest League. In his first 20 at-bats, DeMello--the son of Roseville High head coach Hank DeMello--is batting .350.

Phillies Go Green With 3rd Pick

Story and Pics by Rick Cabral 06/19/2012

Update 6/21/12: Phillies scout Joey Davis confirms Green is now officially signed.

Zach Green (Jesuit) has finalized his professional contract and will join the Philadelphia Phillies organization tomorrow in Clearwater, Florida, where he will undergo a physical exam before his contract becomes official, BaseballSacramento.com has learned. The Green family announced the news at an “unofficial official” signing at their Rocklin home tonight.

His parents are Jesse and Kym Green.

“It means a lot, obviously. This is something I’ve been working so hard for, since I could remember," Green said tonight.

Taken with the 125^th pick in the third round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, the Phillies gave Green $420,000 a significant amount above the $374,400 slot established by the Commissioner’s office.*

The Phillies Sacramento area scout Joey Davis is high on Green's potential. “We love (Zach’s) size. He’s got future-plus power and at least an average arm,” Davis said. “He’s a great kid, that’s the most important thing. Very rarely do you get a kid with tools and being a great kid as well. He comes from a great family.”

Green was selected twice to the All-Capitol Team by BaseballSacramento.com.

Over his three-year varsity career at Jesuit, Green hit .408 with 23 doubles, four triples 11 home runs and 80 runs batted in, totaling a .664 slugging percentage.

In addition to his experience at Jesuit (69-25) under Coach Joe Potulny, Green established himself as one of the elite players of the last 10 years to emerge from the greater Sacramento area. He performed at the Perfect Game Nationals Showcase, USA Tournament of Stars, the East Cobb WWBA Tournaments (various age groups), the Area Codes Games (twice), plus the USA 16U Championship team in 2010.

In signing with the Phillies, Green turned down a scholarship to Oregon State, which extended its offer before Zach had played one inning of varsity high school ball.

* "Plus, well over six figures for college," adds Davis in a recent text.

Q&A With Zach Green
3rd Round Draft Pick, Philadelphia Phillies

What does it mean to sign a pro contract and at such a high draft level?

ZG: It means a lot, obviously. This is something I’ve been working so hard for, since I could remember. Once baseball really got serious it was always a dream in my head. I wanted to start my career at the highest level, if I do everything right, if I work hard enough, it should be a possibility. I’ve always had that mindset in my head. It’s kind of satisfying, but even a little more motivating to know I getto start my (pro) career.

And this is just the start, just like walking onto Jesuit that first year and wondering what it’s going to be like (in high school). You obviously had this in mind at a fairly early age, I imagine. Do you remember when it was?

ZG: I think it was when I was around 11 is when I got serious and started hitting every night. This guy named Paul Robles had a place out in Loomis that I would go to (practice hitting).

Looking back at Jesuit baseball, is there a moment that stands out for you?

ZG: I would have to go with Game Two of the Section Championship (against St. Mary’s of Stockton) when we ended the game on a triple play. That was like an unbelievable moment. (Jesuit came back to win Game Two 10-0, then lost to St. Mary’s in the decisive Game Three).

You’ve played on so many great elite teams, is there one moment when you said to yourself, ‘I’m holding my own against the competition, I’m doing well. I’m going to make it (in the pros)?’

ZG: When I made Team USA 16U (2010), because that was something that I worked hard for two years at. And it just proved that if you work hard, you can get what you want. I think that’s when I realized that I can do it, if I really wanted to.

Has this been a shared goal between you and your parents?

ZG: Yeah. My dad has always been the one to tell me that if I really want to, I can do it. Obviously, without his parenting all this time, and giving me confidence. without him, I wouldn’t have had any idea that as a ballplayer, I could be (where I am today). So, him telling me ‘If you work hard enough, you can get there,’ was a big motivator.

And what about mom? What role did she play?

ZG: Just being happy all the time. And giving me support and always being like a safe haven to go to. I love my mom, she’s such a great person.”

I just realized: you’re leaving tomorrow (for Clearwater, FL), but this isn’t going to be a traumatic event for you; you’ve done this (leaving home and living on his own) for two years before (with travel ball teams based in Texas, the PG Nationals etc.).

ZG: Yeah. For my parents, it’s different for them. I don’t know why (laughs); I’ll be back in two months. It’s what I’ve been doing the past two summers. I’m ready to go.

Let’s say you realize the dream and make the Phillies, the big club. Do you realize what a tough audience it is to play in front of Philadelphia fans?

ZG: They’re great fans…

RC: They are great fans…

ZG: … and I have to say I would be lucky to have them to play in front of. They’re going to be tough. But in another respect, they’re going to be better than other fans are.

The Phillies drafting you so highly, I assume that played a role in your decision not to take the scholarship at Oregon State?

ZG: That’s probably the biggest role, being one of the (Phillies) top picks. That told me that a) they liked me and b) I had some insurance if I did struggle.

Have the Phillies told you whether they plan to start you at shortstop or move you to another position somewhere down the road?

ZG: They’ve told me they just want me to play. And eventually if I do grow out of (shortstop), I’ll move over to third or corner outfield. I’d like to stay in the infield, but I honestly just want to play. If they put me behind the dish, I’ll catch if I have to. I don’t care. I just want to hit and just want to play.”

06/15/12

Pro Draft Notes

Shaq Thompson (Grant) has signed with the Boston Red Sox and already ready reported to the training facility in Florida. Thompson, selected in the 18th Round by Boston, hit .305 on the season for the Pacers.

Ben Eckels during flat-ground warms up prior to his start in the Raley Field High School Baseball Showcase on Sunday.
Photo © Rick Cabral 2012