Yankees select Jacob Lindgren with 55th pick in 2014 MLB Draft

This time a year ago, Jacob Lindgren was injured and coming off a less than impressive season where he barely factored into the biggest season in MSU history.  Flash forward one year's time and this time the situation is quite different as Lindgren was one of the best pitchers in the nation as a part of the MSU staff.  That reversal of productivity was not lost on major league scouts either, and tonight that attraction to Jacob's talent was made official as the New York Yankees selected Lindgren with the 55th overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft.

The phrase is a worn out one, but there's no way to describe Lindgren's turnaround than to say that it's nothing short of spectacular.  In 2013 the lefty from the coast was just 4-3 with a 4.18 ERA in 14 starts for Mississippi State.  In 2014 that same pitcher was 6-1 with 3 saves and a .88 ERA to boot.  Add to that 100 strikeouts in just 55.1 innings pitched and you have yourself what you could argue is the most dominant reliever in college baseball.  Lindgren had his struggles this year, sure, and that was never more on display than in the Lafayette Regional Championship.  But when he's on his stuff is electric, with a fastball that pushes the mid 90s and a flat out disgusting slider.  You don't average nearly two strikeouts and inning without next level stuff, and Jacob had it.

With the second round selection tonight, there's a strong chance that MSU fans have seen the last of Lindgren in maroon and white.  While we will definitely miss him and his imposing position as a part of the bullpen, we wish him all the best in what is assured to be a career headed for the pros, and probably sooner rather than later.  All the credit in the world goes to Butch Thompson and John Cohen for seeing Jacob's place as a reliever, and to Jacob for seizing the opportunity.

Go get that paper, big ChunKy.

Also of note - MSU signee Chase Vallot was selected tonight as well, going to the Royals with the 40th pick in the draft (sandwich round between 1st and 2nd).  While I don't want to make assumption on what he'll do here, generally a selection that high means a signee won't be making his way to campus.  We shall see though.  We certainly wish Chase the best of luck if he is in fact headed to professional baseball.