June 23, 2006
ATLANTA – Georgia Tech made its third College World Series appearance in school history in 2006, finishing with a 50-18 record. Here is an update on Tech’s players as they go off to participate in various leagues this summer.
Jackets in Pro Baseball
Seven Tech players were selected in the Major League Baseball draft, and several have already begun their pro careers.
Wes Hodges, 2nd round, Cleveland
Blake Wood, 3rd round, Kansas City **signed** Assigned to Class A Burlington
Whit Robbins, 4th round, Minnesota
Lee Hyde, 4th round, Atlanta **signed**
Tim Gustafson, 9th round, Atlanta
Jeff Kindel, 14th round, Colorado
John Goodman, 45th round, St. Louis
Also, second baseman Mike Trapani has agreed to a free agent deal with the Detroit Tigers. He will begin his professional career at Class A Lakeland (Fla.)
In the Cape Cod League
Eight Yellow Jackets are participating in the Cape Cod Baseball League this summer. Pitcher Brad Rulon and shortstop Michael Fisher will play with the Brewster Whitecaps, first baseman Luke Murton and pitcher Chris Hicks are with the Wareham Gatemen, pitchers Tim Ladd and David Duncan as well as incoming pitcher Charlie Blackmon will play with the Cotuit Kettleers and catcher/pitcher Matt Wieters is with the Orleans Cardinals. In addition, pitchers Tim Gustafson and Ryan Turner are expected to join teams in the league in the coming weeks.
Other Summer Assignments
In addition to the Cape Cod League, several other Tech players are participating in a number of different leagues. Infielder Brad Feltes is playing with the Fayetteville Swampdogs of the Coastal Plain League. Catcher Jason Haniger and outfielder Chris House are with the Duluth Huskies of the Northwoods league, and pitcher Eddie Burns has joined the Madison Mallards also of the Northwoods league. Two incoming Tech freshmen, pitcher Will Hirsch and infielder Patrick Long, are playing with the Maryland Orioles in the Cal Ripken, Sr., Collegiate Baseball League.
Alumni in the Major Leagues
Seven former Yellow Jackets are currently on Major League rosters.
Marlon Byrd, OF (Washington Nationals)
Nomar Garciaparra, 1B (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Matt Murton, OF (Chicago Cubs)
Jay Payton, OF (Oakland Athletics)
Mark Teixeira (Texas Rangers)
Jason Varitek (Boston Red Sox)
David Newhan (Baltimore Orioles) on Disabled List
Future Star
Former Georgia Tech second baseman Eric Patterson, now playing at West Tennessee (AA), will represent the Chicago Cubs in the annual All-Star Futures Game on July 9 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
In the Minor Leagues
Minor League assignments of former Tech players:
Brandon Boggs, OF — Bakersfield (A), Rangers
Kevin Cameron, RHP — Rochester (AAA), Twins
David Elder, RHP — Omaha (AAA), Royals
Tyler Greene, SS — Palm Beach (A), Cardinals
Garrett Groce, OF — SW Michigan (A), Devil Rays
Kevin Guyette, RHP — Greenville (A), Red Sox
Riccardo Ingram, MGR — New Britain (AA), Minnesota
Steve Kelly, RHP — Louisville (AAA), Reds
Andrew Kown, RHP — West Michigan (A), Tigers
Richard Lewis, 2B — West Tennessee (AA), Cubs
Andy Mitchell, RHP — Ottowa (AAA), Orioles
Jason Neighborgall, RHP – Missoula (A), Diamondbacks
Mike Nickeas, C — Frisco (AA), Rangers
Micah Owings, RHP — Tuscon (AAA), Diamondbacks
Rhett Parrott, RHP — Memphis (AAA), Cardinals
Eric Patterson, 2B — West Tennessee (AA), Cubs
Jason Perry, OF — Sacramento (AAA), Athletics
Clifton Remole, OF — Rancho Cucamonga (A), Angels
Jeremy Slayden, OF — Lakewood (A), Phillies
Cory Vance, LHP — Oklahoma City (AAA), Rangers
Aaron Walker, LHP — SW Michigan (A), Devil Rays
Kris Wilson, RHP — Columbus (AAA), Yankees
