June 13, 2007
ATLANTA -
After wrapping up the season with a 32-25 record, members of the Georgia Tech baseball team have begun summer ball in various summer and professional leagues across the nation. Here is an update on where fans can follow the Yellow Jackets, both current and former, as they play this summer.
2007 Yellow Jackets in Pro Baseball
Ten Yellow Jacket players were selected in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft, with several already beginning their pro careers.
Matt Wieters, 1st round, Baltimore
Danny Payne, 1st round (supplemental), San Diego
Michael Fisher, 6th round, Atlanta
Tim Ladd, 9th round, Atlanta
Wally Crancer, 12th round, Baltimore
Eddie Burns, 16th round, Atlanta
David Duncan, 23rd round, Washington
Jared Hyatt, 33rd round, Texas
Luke Murton, 40th round, New York Yankees
Ryan Turner, 45th round, Texas
In the Cape Cod League
At least seven Yellow Jackets are scheduled to participate in the Cape Cod Baseball League, which opens regular season play this Friday. Infielder Jeff Ussery, outfielder Curtis Dupart and pitcher David Duncan will play with the Cotuit Kettlers, pitcher Chris Hicks and outfielder/first baseman Luke Murton are with the Wareham Gatemen, pitcher Eddie Burns is slated to play with the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, and infielder Patrick Long is with the Hyannis Mets.
In the Northwoods League
Seven more Yellow Jackets are participating in the Northwoods League, including four (pitcher Zach Von Tersch, catcher Jason Haniger, outfielder Chris House and first baseman Tony Plagman) who are with the Duluth Huskies. Pitcher Andrew Robinson plays for the Alexandria Beetles, pitcher Michael Hutts is with the Madison Mallards and pitcher Elliott Ogawa is a member of the Eau Claire Express.
The Northwoods League began play May 31 and the following are updated stats for the Yellow Jackets, through games of June 12.
Jason Haniger - .235, 4 RBI, 2 SB, .324 SLG
Chris House - .448, 8 R, 3 2B, 6 SB, .543 OBP, .552 SLG
Michael Hutts - 1-0, 1.29 ERA, 2 APP, 1 GS, 7.0 IP, 4 K, .167 OppAvg.
Elliott Ogawa - 1 App., 1.0 IP, 2K
Tony Plagman - .240, 1 2B, 2 RBI, .412 OBP
Andrew Robinson - 1-0, 2.45 ERA, 3 APP, 2 GS, 11.0 IP, 10K, .205 OppAvg.
Zach Von Tersch - 1-1, 3.60 ERA, 2 APP, 2 GS, 10.0 IP, 7K
Other Summer Assignments
In addition to the Cape Cod and Northwoods Leagues, four other players are participating in summer baseball leagues. Infielder Jason Garofalo and pitcher Will Hirsch are playing for the Covington Lumberjacks in the Valley Baseball League in Virginia, and pitchers Sean Devine and Charlie Blackmon play for the Colleyville Lonestars in the Texas Collegiate League. Blackmon has split time on the mound and in the outfield for the Lonestars.
The Valley Baseball League began play June 1, while the Texas Collegiate League had their first set of games June 5. Here are the updated stats for the Yellow Jackets playing in the Valley Baseball and Texas Collegiate Leagues:
Charlie Blackmon - 1 APP, 2.0 IP, 1 K
Sean Devine - 2 APP, 5.0 IP, 7K
Jason Garofalo - .207, 3 RBI, 4 SB
Will Hirsch - 1 APP, 1 GS, 1.59 ERA, 5.2 IP, 8K
Alumni in the Major Leagues
Eight former Yellow Jackets are currently on Major League rosters.
Marlon Byrd, OF, Texas Rangers
Kevin Cameron, RHP, San Diego Padres
Nomar Garciaparra, 1B, Los Angeles Dodgers
Matt Murton, OF, Chicago Cubs
Micah Owings, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Jay Payton, OF, Baltimore Orioles
Mark Teixeira, 1B, Texas Rangers (on 15-day disabled list)
Jason Varitek, C, Boston Red Sox
In the Minor Leagues
Minor League Assignments of former Tech players:
Brandon Boggs, OF, Frisco (AA), Rangers
Wally Crancer, OF, TBA
Tyler Greene, SS, Springfield (AA), Cardinals
Garrett Groce, OF, Vero Beach (A), Devil Rays
Tim Gustafson, RHP, Rome (A), Braves
Kevin Guyette, RHP, Lancaster (A), Red Sox
Wes Hodges, 3B, Kinston (A), Indians
Jared Hyatt, RHP, TBA, Rangers
Lee Hyde, LHP, Myrtle Beach (A), Braves (disabled list)
Steve Kelly, RHP, Louisville (AAA), Reds
Jeff Kindel, OF, Modesto (A), Rockies
Andrew Kown, RHP, Erie (AA), Tigers
Richard Lewis, 2B, Omaha (AAA), Royals
Matt Lorenzo, RHP, Hickory (A), Pirates
Andy Mitchell, RHP, Norfolk (AAA), Orioles
Jason Neighborgall, RHP, Extended Spring Training, Diamondbacks
David Newhan, OF, New Orleans (AAA), Mets
Mike Nickeas, C, Binghamton (AA), Mets
Eric Patterson, 2B, Iowa (AAA), Cubs
Jason Perry, OF, Sacramento (AAA), Athletics
Clifton Remole, OF, Rancho Cucamonga (A), Angels
Whit Robbins, OF/IF, Ft. Myers (A), Twins
Jeremy Slayden, OF, Clearwater (A), Phillies
Aaron Walker, LHP, Vero Beach (A), Devil Rays (disabled list)
Blake Wood, RHP, Idaho Falls (A), Royals (disabled list)
Coaching
Former Tech players in the MLB/MiLB coaching ranks:
Darren Bragg, Hitting Coach, Dayton (A), Reds
Riccardo Ingram, Manager, New Britain (AA), Twins
