How's this for finishing a season strong: USF junior shortstop Addison Maruszak was selected by the New York Yankees in the 17th round of Friday's baseball draft.
Maruszak, of course, traded jabs with Yankees phenom Joba Chamberlain at USF's leadoff banquet before the season, then got to meet Derek Jeter and Co. when the Bulls played an exhibition against the Yankees at Legends Field in February. Want more? Check out the May 29 edition of USF's student paper, The Oracle, where staff writer Martin Bader asked Maruszak which team he'd like to draft him.
"I don't really have a team preference, but it would be awesome to play for the New York Yankees," Maruszak told the Oracle.
One more USF-Yankees tie in: Bulls volunteer assistant Tino Martinez was the Yankees' official representative at the draft in Orlando. There's been talk that Maruszak could be drafted as a catcher, but MLB.com lists him as a shortstop in its online draft tracker.
Maruszak is the second Bulls player drafted, following right-handed pitcher Daniel Thomas (13th round, Athletics). He's the 11th Bulls player drafted by the Yankees, joining the likes of Brian Baisley and Scott Glaser in recent years.
Update: Three more signees have been taken in the late rounds, starting with King third baseman Sean Buckley, was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 29th round. Barring an unusually high offer, there's a good chance USF can convince him to stick with the college route ... same goes for a fifth signee, Alex Mendez, a left-handed pitcher from Orlando Bishop Moore who went in the 38th round to the Twins. Clearwater Central Catholic shortstop Sam Mende went in the 40th round to the Yankees.
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
Those bishop moore are insane. I played against them in the state playoffs two years ago. They look like professionals in high school, and we have a pretty good high school program with several playing here and two more will be in hcc in the fall and will be transferring here soon. They have this insane infield that is covered in some kind of turf that gives crazy high bounces. Really nice guys though, a lot of sportsmanship from over there. This kid should be a quality player.
Posted by: jarred | June 06, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Well best of luck to him. Maybe we will be able to watch him with the Tampa Yankees and someday with the big club.
Posted by: Joe | June 06, 2008 at 03:20 PM
ER's right. He was basically gone, and that was before his dream team drafted him. Unless the Yankees severely lowball him with their offer, I think he's done at USF after a solid three years.
Posted by: G.A. | June 06, 2008 at 03:11 PM
He's already gone. He already has informed Prado before draft that he is likely gone.
Posted by: ER | June 06, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Will stay or go? 17th round money can't be all that great. Hopefully he will return and benefit from one more year of college ball.
Posted by: Joe | June 06, 2008 at 02:13 PM