Tuesday, June 2, 1998
Amateur Free-Agent Draft
Angels select
UH’s Blakely
The Rainbows' outfielder
By Al Chase
goes in the fifth round
Star-BulletinDarren Blakely said he was satisfied after being selected by the California Angels in the fifth round of major league baseball's amateur free-agent draft today.
"I'm happy. I'm surprised they picked me because some other teams seemed more interested," the 6-foot-1, 195-pound University of Hawaii center fielder said.
"I'm a little shocked at myself. I thought I would be more excited, but I'm sure it will kick in when I start lifting weights."
Jack Uhey, the Angels Pacific Northwest scout, called Blakely at 8:45 this morning with the news. Contract details and Blakely's first professional assignment were not announced.
"I thought he would go earlier," UH head coach Les Murakami said. "He's a great athlete. I think the Angels got a steal. He's ready to go. All he has to do is play and play. In my mind, he'll be in the major leagues one day."
The Rainbows' top recruit for 1999, C.C. Sabathia, was selected in the first round (20th overall) by the Cleveland Indians.
Sabathia, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound left-hander with a fastball consistently clocked at 90 miles per hour and up, also plays first base. He is from Vallejo High School in Vallejo, Calif.
As much as Murakami would like to welcome Sabathia to the Rainbow program this fall, the UH skipper said, "Our chances of keeping him are .0000001.
"I'm not surprised at all that he went in the first round. I'm sure he'll sign."
Blakely finished the 1998 season with a .329 batting average after a slow start. He led the 'Bows in games played (56), runs scored (63), stolen bases (33), home runs (7), total bases (109) and slugging percentage (.527) and shared the lead with five triples.
UH left fielder Greg Millichap was in Baseball America's top 100 college prospects to start the season. However, he never regained his form at the plate (.248 batting average) or in the outfield after having surgery on his right foot a week into the season. It's difficult to predict how much this will affect his chances in the draft.
Whether Millichap is drafted or not, he will not return to UH for his senior year.
At least four other UH recruits are expected to command attention in the draft. They are George Washington High School (Harlem, N.Y.) teammates Junior Ramirez and Evarsito Alvaro Torres, both outfielders. Also, pitcher Andy Pratt from Chino Valley High School (Ariz.) and Aaron Pribble from Sir Francis Drake High School (Fairfax, Calif.).
"Torres has been doing real good lately. He's been ripping the hide off the ball," Furutani said. "Pratt is one I'm crossing my fingers on."
"I'm kind of excited, but I'm trying to stay relaxed because we're in the third round of the city championships," Torres said.
"I told the scouts I want to go to Hawaii," Ramirez said. "My coach will help me with the decision, but I want to go 90 percent to college, to improve and get stronger."
Pratt, who fashioned an 11-0 record this season, and Pribble, who was 7-1, said they are just waiting.
Another UH recruit, pitcher Joel Lozano of Bakersfield, Calif., has filled out information cards for some scouts, but doesn't think there is that much interest.
"I not even worried about the draft," Lozano said. "Unless, out of the blue it's in the fourth round and there is a big signing bonus, then I'll start worrying."
Pitchers Jesse Brown from Hawaii Pacific University and Tyler Yates from the University of Hawaii at Hilo hope to receive a call.
Brown, a 6-3, 215-pound senior right-hander, was a 37th round pick by the Texas Rangers in 1994 out of Kalaheo, but chose to further his education.
He discovered his best role was that of a reliever this season. Brown compiled a 3-3 record with a 3.83 ERA. He struck out 50 and walked 24 in 40 innings.
Yates, a 6-4, 220 pound right-hander, had a 2-1 record with a 5.17 ERA. He fanned 50 and walked 34 in 55-2/3 innings.
Ian Perio, a left-handed pitcher from Castle who played at Laney College (Oakland, Calif.) this past season is expected to drafted again.
Last year's major league baseball amateur free-agent draft was one of the best for Hawaii prep prospects. This year might be one of the worst. Hawaii prep prospects few
"There are a lot of good players, but no one you can say is another Dane Sardinha (1997 second-round pick of Kansas City Royals) or Justin Wayne (1997 ninth-round pick of the Boston Red Sox)," said Wally Komatsubara, the dean of local pro scouts who works for the Red Sox. "This year you can't find anyone even close."
Still, Castle pitcher/outfielder Matt Ramie likely will be drafted, and right-hander Shane Komine of Kalani also has attracted some interest.
Komatsubara said two St. Louis juniors -- shortstop Jandin Thornton-Murray and Chad Santos -- and Punahou lefty Kai Austin also are worth watching in the draft.
--By Pat Bigold, Star-Bulletin
