Thursday, June 4, 1998

Amateur Free-Agent Draft

UH’s Ho,
two Hawaii prep
players drafted

Ramie, Luuloa also
get a call

By Al Chase
Star-Bulletin

Randon Ho, a redshirt sophomore from the University of Hawaii, and two high school players from Hawaii were selected yesterday as major-league teams completed 50 rounds of the amateur free-agent draft.

Ho, a left-hander who compiled a 5-6 record this past season, was taken in the 35th round (1,053rd overall) by the Cleveland Indians.

Matt Ramie, a first baseman from Castle High School, and Miles Luuloa, a shortstop from Molokai High School, were selected by Cleveland and the Detroit Tigers, respectively.

Ramie, a 6-foot-1, 198-pounder, was picked in the 36th round (1,083rd overall). Luuloa, a 5-8, 180-pounder, was selected in the 45th round (1,335th overall).

"I don't think it was a surprise, but not too many people knew Randon was draft-eligible," UH pitching coach Carl Furutani said. "He has the ability, but I think he's leaning toward coming back. He has two more years of (college) eligibility, but you never know."

Ho was on a road trip with the Topeka (Kan.) Capitols of the Jayhawk League and unavailable for comment last night.

The 5-10, 160-pounder led the Rainbows in games started (13), innings pitched (7413), hits allowed (86), walks (56), strikeouts (55), runs allowed (61) and earned runs (46) this past season.

Ramie said he expected to be drafted.

"I'm real happy to be drafted because not everyone has that opportunity," Ramie said. "I'm almost definitely going to college."

He has signed a letter-of-intent to play for Lewis-Clark State University in Lewiston, Idaho. Head coach Ed Cheff's Warriors are frequent participants in the Rainbow Easter Tournament and have been an NAIA powerhouse the last 15 years.

"I've always had that dream (of going to college) and hopefully that will make me better," Ramie said. "I'm still 17. I know I have options and I've got to keep my mind open."

Luuloa said he filled out information cards for scouts, but was "pretty much surprised" at being drafted. He says college is an option.

"Coaches from UH, San Francisco (USF), Laney and Saddleback junior college have called," Luuloa said. "I'm considering going to junior college first to get better, then transferring to USF or UH."

ASSIGNED: UH center fielder Darren Blakely, a fifth-round pick Tuesday, will report to the Anaheim Angels' Class A Boise (Idaho) team in the Northwest League.

BLOODLINES: Ramie is the nephew of Vern Ramie, who played three years for UH and five years in the Toronto Blue Jays' organization. Luuloa's older brother, Keith, is in his fifth season in the Anaheim Angels' farm system, currently playing for Midland in the Double-A Texas League.

RECRUIT NEWS: Rainbow head coach Les Murakami yesterday announced the signing of Darin Baker, a 6-2, 185-pound outfielder from Lassen Community College (Susanville, Calif.). Baker is a summer teammate of UH right-hander Gavin Garrett on the Nevada Yankees, coached by 'Bow third baseman Matt Wheeler's father, Hal.

THE FIRST: Josh McKinley, an 18-year-old shortstop from Downington, Pa., was the first first-round selection to sign. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound McKinley, the 11th pick overall, will receive a $1.25 million signing bonus from the Montreal Expos.