The Medina Mustangs had a major goal going into last night's PVBL amateur
draft. Get someone with a lot of speed and someone who can hit the ball. They
accomplished their goal in a big way by drafting outfielder Juan Encarncion.
"We had him rated really high, thats for sure," said owner/GM Randy Reese, "
We knew Patterson and Drew would go high, but after that, we weren't sure if a
pitcher would be taken before our pick at #6."
Encarncion was available, and Medina picked him up, filling a serious need for
a fast baserunner. "We have always been at or near the bottom of the league in
stolen bases. We hope Juan can change that." said Reese.
The Mustangs luck got even better by the time the 17th pick rolled around.
That pick, obtained earlier in the week from Spokane via Montreal, was used to
take third baseman Pat Burrell.
"We couldnt believe our eyes that his name was still on the board, "says
Reese, "We had no idea that Pat 'The Bat' would become a Mustang. He can
hit..boy can he hit. Although not the speediest guy in baseball, he will
become a valuable addition for years to come."
The Mustangs had another pressing need coming into the draft, left handed
pitching. They have one left handed pitcher on the team, and just two more in
their farm system.
"It wasnt as big as a priority for us, but we were keeping our eyes open. As
it turned out, we were ready to draft a lefty with our early second round
pick, but fate wouldnt let us."
That fate is Sean Casey. " We had him ranked as the eigth best position player
in the draft." said Reese, " Sean can crush the ball. He has decent speed, and
an extra lefty batter doesnt hurt."
Medina had the 14th pick in the 2nd round, but by that time, all the left
handed pitchers on their board were gone. "We didnt have a lot of pitchers on
our board. We felt that we have a very solid rotation and pen. We definitely
could use a leftie in there, but overall we are happy with it. I mean, if
Jesse Wynn was available in the second round, we would have grabbed him....but
pitching wasnt a priority."
Speed was, as it was with most teams in this draft. Medina picked up another
speedster in Jerry Alvarado with the #14 pick. " Jerry should give us some
infield depth, as well as fill in at key pinch running situations."
Medina's final pick was Ryan McGuire, who will also provide some depth at
infield.
Reese is always on the lookout for other players, as his motto is: "No one is
untouchable!"
"We are still looking for some left handed pitching!"
