UT's Cruz and Ferguson signed; Jimenez remains unsigned.

Former UT players OF Paul Cruz and LHP Kevin Ferguson have both signed professional baseball contracts, UT  head coach Joe Urso said Friday.

Cruz, a Brandon High grad and former HCC standout, was selected in the 40th round by the Cardinals. He led the Spartans with 26 extra-base hits (17 doubles, five triples and four homers) while hitting .362.

Ferguson, who was taken in the 43rd round by the Angels, was the Spartans' No. 1 starter, going 6-3 with a 4.15 ERA in 15 starts.

UT first baseman Jose Jimenez, a 33rd round pick of the Angels, remains unsigned. Urso said the Angels are following Jimenez's progress as he plays for the Leesburg Lightning of the Florida Collegiate Summer League. The 5-foot-11, 235-pound Jimenez, a junior, was a member of two Divison II national title teams at UT and  hit 41 homers in three seasons with the Spartans.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Comments

[A CCC Fan]

You might want to include baseball player James Dowdell of CCC who orally committed to Boston College at the end of last seasn. Another strong student/athlete going to a top program. Way to go marauders!!