After Chris Stratton was taken with the 20th overall pick by San Fransisco on day 1 of the 2012 MLB Draft, things were quiet for MSU players and signees alike through day 2 (rounds 2-15) of the draft. On the final day, however, several Bulldogs did hear their names called, including two current Bulldog pitchers: Nick Routt and Kendall Graveman.
Nick Routt was selected 502nd overall in the 16th round by the Cincinnati Reds Wednesday. Routt announced shortly thereafter that he intends to sign with the Reds, thus ending his injury-riddled run in maroon and white. Although the Bulldogs will miss Routt's arm in the rotation next season, you certainly can't blame him for signing on to play professional baseball, especially after his run in with injuries and knowing that a draft position this high isn't guaranteed again next year.
In addition to Routt, Bulldog pitcher Kendall Graveman heard his name called Wednesday, getting drafted by the Miami Marlins in the 36th round (1097th pick overall). Graveman will have a decision to make, but most think he's likely to return to MSU for his senior season. That's good news for MSU, as the anticipated loss of Chris Stratton will likely make Graveman the de-facto leader of this rotation.
Several Bulldog signees got their names called in yesterday's draft, including Will Dupont of Lafayette HS in Missouri and Jacob Robson of Canada. Dupont was taken in the 16th round by the Toronto Blue Jays, and the high draft choice was a surprise to both him and the Mississippi State staff. Dupont had this to say to the Clarion Ledger's Brandon Marcello about the decision that stands before him now between school and professional baseball:
"Right now I'm taking it all in, and I haven't really thought about going to school or signing (with the Blue Jays)," DuPont said. (via Clarion Ledger)
Robson was taken with the 915th pick overall in the 30th round by the San Diego Padres organization, but is expected to still head to Starkville this fall.
Overall, the draft wasn't as bad on the Bulldogs as it could have been. Two big names that were draft-eligible Sophomores - Daryl Norris and C.T. Bradford - went undrafted, which is certainly good news for State fans. Another surprising omission from the 40 round draft was Senior reliever Caleb Reed, who was drafted out of high school and again last year but failed to be chosen in this year's draft. Some say though not to be surprised to see Reed as a G.A. for this team next year, as he has a knowledge of the game that would make him an excellent coach down the road in the future.