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While there wasn't anything on the order of last year's first-round selection of former Fresno State catcher Taylor Ward, the Mountain West got some love on the second day of the Major League Baseball draft today. The second day of picks ran from rounds three to ten, and the strength of the MWC's pitching won the afternoon. Here's who was taken:
Griffin Jax, Air Force RHP - pick 93, 3rd round, Minnesota Twins
The Falcons ace took a huge leap forward in his junior year, becoming the highest-selected cadet in the academy's history on the diamond. After going 9-2 with 90 strikeouts in 105.1 innings, with a school-record 2.05 ERA for good measure, Jax is believed to have an arsenal that qualifies him for a job at the back of a major league rotation, so he could be a part of the next championship team in the Twin Cities if he signs.
His situation with the Academy, however, could be as tricky as it is in other sports, most notably the NFL. However, Brent Briggeman of the Colorado Springs Gazette has a comprehensive examination of Jax's options.
Jimmy Lambert, Fresno State RHP - pick 146, 5th round, Chicago White Sox
The Bulldogs righty had an outstanding junior year, leading the Mountain West in wins and finished in the top five in just about every relevant pitching category: ERA, strikeouts, innings pitched, opponents' batting average. The White Sox have a very strong recent track record of developing pitchers, and Lambert told the Fresno Bee that he's leaning toward signing, despite one remaining year of eligibility.
Congrats to Jimmy Lambert selected in the 5th round of the MLB Draft by @whitesox!#GoDogs #BulldogBornBulldogBred pic.twitter.com/79msEwrf46
— FS Bulldog Baseball (@FresnoStateBSB) June 10, 2016
Chris DeVito, New Mexico 1B - pick 253, 8th round, Kansas City Royals
The latest Lobos slugger to be selected, DeVito hit .375/.444/.685 for the Mountain West champions. Interestingly, he goes to the same organization that once drafted Mike Moustakas, a former high school teammate. He appears ready to embrace the professional challenge:
I want to thank the @Royals for letting me apart of their organization. Now it's time to go to work ⚾️
— Chris DeVito (@TheGirthQuake34) June 10, 2016
Dylan Lee, Fresno State LHP - pick 293, 10th round, Miami Marlins
Lee was a linchpin in the very strong Bulldogs bullpen in 2016, making twenty-seven appearances and racking up 44 strikeouts in 47 innings. A senior sign, the southpaw should be a valuable commodity in the organization.
Another @FresnoStateBSB pitcher goes in the 2016 @MLB Draft as lefty Dylan Lee is picked up in the 10th round (293) by the @Marlins #mwbsb
— Mountain West (@MW_OlySports) June 10, 2016
The draft wraps up tomorrow with rounds 11 to 40, so stay tuned for the Day Three wrap-up!