The 2016 MLB Draft Signing Deadline for student athletes to eschew bus trips in the Carolina Leagues and instead taking contemplative strolls across the quad came and went this Friday. Here are the 9 highest drafted players you might be sitting next to in English Lit next fall.

Nick Lodolo, LHP (Round 1.5, Pick 41), Damien HS, La Verne, CA

Nick chose to study under TCU pitching coach Kirk Saarloos with senior Brian Howard and sophomore Jared Janczak. Howard and Janczak led the 2016 Horned Frogs in starts and appearances, respectively. Coach Schlossnagle and his assistants have a bevy of very talented players on both sides of the ball throughout the classes. The 2019 class is the mode and includes a stellar talent in Luken Baker. Therefore, TCU will play exceptional baseball in 2017 and well beyond. Nick brings an exemplary fastball to Fort Worth. He projects to perform at dominant levels in the near future.

Tyler Buffett, RHP (7, 217), Oklahoma State

His 9 saves last year lead the Cowboy staff as did his 37 appearances, plus he chipped in 5 starts. Seeing the senior return when coupled with Trey Cobb also return to Stillwater must surely have Poke Fans kicking their heels up. This 2017 staff and team as a whole might manifest the state motto, “Labor omnia vincit,” as a dogpile in Omaha, if they can conquer all things. To do so, the pitching staff has to move from good-exceptional metrics into consistently exceptional-champion territory. If the hitters can manage some well-timed flashes of brilliance when it matters, the Cowboys have a chance to get it done.

Nick Quintana, SS (11, 328), Arbor View HS, Las Vegas, NV

There will be not be a last out of the Big Papi era during the dawn of Nick Quintana’s professional career. On the choice between college and professional baseball, Nick was quoted in the Las Vegas Sun this past May, “But if it’s the right team, if it’s the right pick, if it’s the right fit, I’ll go pro.” He must not have Green Monster dreams. So the slugging Silver State Short Stop is taking his bat to play in his neighbor Arizona’s yard.

Zack Thompson, LHP (11, 330), Wapahani HS, Selma, IN

The sizable 6’3” 205 lbs. standout already throws a 95 mph fastball. He sits between 89 and low 90s. Zack also adds a utility option to the 2017 Kentucky ball club as he is also a more than capable first basemen. There is potential in Zack to develop into a truly dominant two way player. Kentucky’s recent history with A.J. Reed no doubt influenced the Raider ace tremendously.

Jason Delay, C (11, 335), Vanderbilt

The dependable backstop out of Johns Creek, Georgia gives Coach Corbin a calm presence to handle the pitching staff. Jason caught 19 of 20 stolen base attempts as a junior. His defense makes up for his offense because it has to. He slugs like a novice still, .336, and gets on base as often as you would expect someone closer to beginner than to average would, .296. The San Francisco Giants recognize that Jason still fits the standard model of a quality catcher. The Peach State native deferred the option for a professional career in favor of pursuing an Economics education at the prestigious institution, in addition to further development as a player.

Jamie Sara, RHP (12, 354), West Potomac HS, Alexandria, VA

The right handed hurler stuck out 74 batters over 45.2 innings in his senior season at West Potomac. His 1.09 WHIP was featured in a non-decision in his final prep outing, a loss to the eventual Virginia State Champion, Chantilly. A shot at living and playing in the gorgeous city of San Diego was not enough to dissuade Jason from matriculating at the 2nd oldest higher education body in the United States, William and Mary. No word on whether the college at New Towne offered him.

Graham Ashcroft, RHP (12, 371), Huntsville HS, Huntsville, AL

This athlete saw time at first base as well as at the hot corner in high school. But it is his top flight talent on the mound that sets him apart from nearly every other player in Alabama. Graham already has a couple years working with his 95 mph fastball in high school. Having that experience in his bag before he even steps onto the luxuriously maintained Dudy Noble grass will pay dividends for the Maroon and White Faithful.

Trey Cobb, RHP (12, 374), Oklahoma State

He accomplished 100 strikeouts in 85.1 innings over 24 appearances and 12 starts. Pitching coach Rob Walton will also look for Joe Lienard, Carson Teel, and others to continue developing. But Oklahoma State didn’t win the blue ribbon last year because their pitching wasn’t good enough though. The Cowboys had average On Base and Slugging percentages in 2016, albeit against what proved to be a powerful conference schedule.

Nick Eicholtz, RHP (13, 383), Alabama

The Cambridge Academy product out of Odessa Florida contributed 10 quality starts to the Crimson Tide cause last year. His 54 innings were the third most among the pitching staff. His return along with 2016 underclassmen Jake Walters assures some continuity from the weekend starters next year even though the third member of the group, innings leader Geoffrey Bramblett, signed with Kansas City. If Nick and Alabama put it all together when it counts often enough and somehow claw their way back into contention to the degree that warrants a post season bid next year, they have the potential to be a very thorny 3 seed.

Extra Inning …

Jared Poché, LHP (14, 414), LSU

The 14th round pick didn’t sign with the San Diego Padres because there is unfinished business to attend to in Baton Rouge. So even though he’s not one of the top 9 unsigned draft slots, his presence at Alex Box in 2017 is no less important than any of the players on this list is to their team’s chances for a successful season. The Tigers will heavily rely on Jared to repeat his 102.1 innings on 17 starts from the 2016 campaign. The bulldog mentality of the southpaw senior should set the tone for the Bayou Bengals as they look to improve on their 2016 season that ended with a disappointing home Super Regional loss to Coastal Carolina.

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