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, BaltimoreDanny Payne, 1st round (supplemental), San DiegoMichael Fisher, 6th round, AtlantaTim Ladd, 9th round, AtlantaWally Crancer, 12th round, BaltimoreEddie Burns, 16th round, AtlantaDavid Duncan, 23rd round, WashingtonJared Hyatt, 33rd round, TexasLuke Murton, 40th round, New York YankeesRyan 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 SLGChris House - .448, 8 R, 3 2B, 6 SB, .543 OBP, .552 SLGMichael Hutts - 1-0, 1.29 ERA, 2 APP, 1 GS, 7.0 IP, 4 K, .167 OppAvg.Elliott Ogawa - 1 App., 1.0 IP, 2KTony Plagman - .240, 1 2B, 2 RBI, .412 OBPAndrew 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 KSean Devine - 2 APP, 5.0 IP, 7KJason Garofalo - .207, 3 RBI, 4 SBWill 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 RangersKevin Cameron, RHP, San Diego PadresNomar Garciaparra, 1B, Los Angeles DodgersMatt Murton, OF, Chicago CubsMicah Owings, RHP, Arizona DiamondbacksJay Payton, OF, Baltimore OriolesMark 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), RangersWally Crancer, OF, TBATyler Greene, SS, Springfield (AA), CardinalsGarrett Groce, OF, Vero Beach (A), Devil RaysTim Gustafson, RHP, Rome (A), BravesKevin Guyette, RHP, Lancaster (A), Red SoxWes Hodges, 3B, Kinston (A), IndiansJared Hyatt, RHP, TBA, RangersLee Hyde, LHP, Myrtle Beach (A), Braves (disabled list)Steve Kelly, RHP, Louisville (AAA), RedsJeff Kindel, OF, Modesto (A), RockiesAndrew Kown, RHP, Erie (AA), TigersRichard Lewis, 2B, Omaha (AAA), RoyalsMatt Lorenzo, RHP, Hickory (A), PiratesAndy Mitchell, RHP, Norfolk (AAA), OriolesJason Neighborgall, RHP, Extended Spring Training, DiamondbacksDavid Newhan, OF, New Orleans (AAA), MetsMike Nickeas, C, Binghamton (AA), MetsEric Patterson, 2B, Iowa (AAA), CubsJason Perry, OF, Sacramento (AAA), AthleticsClifton Remole, OF, Rancho Cucamonga (A), AngelsWhit Robbins, OF/IF, Ft. Myers (A), TwinsJeremy Slayden, OF, Clearwater (A), PhilliesAaron 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), RedsRiccardo Ingram, Manager, New Britain (AA), Twins
