Alabama well-represented in MLB draft

There were four starters, two singees and … wait for it … a football player with UA ties taken in the first two rounds of the MLB draft.

Read more about in in Wednesday’s print editions, but the football player was Justin Woodall — the defensive back who was drafted by the Mets coming out of high school who chose to play football with the Tide instead of pursuing his baseball career.

Until now, I guess.

He was taken in the 26th round by the Tampa Bays Rays.

Here is the rest of the Alabama players/signees taken so far:

Round (overall pick), name, pos., team
1. (35th) Matt Lipka SS, Atlanta Braves*
2. (65th) Jimmy Nelson RHP, Milwaukee Brewers
2. (66th) Reggie Golden OF, Chicago Cubs*
5. (157th) John Mugarian RHP, Cincinnati Reds*
10. (308th) Ross Wilson 2B, San Diego Padres
15. (471st) Jake Smith 3B,  Philadelphia Phillies
20. (613rd) Tyler White RHP, Detroit Tigers

* Signee.

Matthes drafted in fourth round

It came a little later than expected, but Alabama’s Kent Matthes was drafted by Colorado with the 121st pick in the fourth round of the MLB draft.

No news on any of the other locals.

Stay tuned.

Happy MLB Draft day! (Part I of III)

Less hyped than its football and basketball equals, the Major League Baseball Draft takes place Tuesday and continues into Wednesday and Thursday. It will be a big two-days for Alabama with several fringe prospects possibly taking the plunge.

Of course, Kent Matthes is the top prospect after his explosion of the senior year. His eligibility is exhausted so there isn’t too much intrigue there. But will junior Del Howell go early enough to bolt for the minors? There are always a few prospective freshmen who could be lured by the bus leagues.

Locally, Hartselle’s Mr. Baseball Luke Bole saw his stock rise and will almost certainly be selected. Just how soon and how much money is on the table will determine whether or not he goes to Mississippi State or chases the professional dream.

Stay tuned to the blog for all the latest MLB draft news.