Seven Virginia Tech players were selected on day two of the 2010 MLB draft on Tuesday. That set a new Virginia Tech record, beating out 1982’s five drafted players. Among the drafted players were two seniors, three juniors and two sophomores.
Junior right fielder Austin Wates was selected in the third round by the Houston Astros. He hit .382 on the year, and was a member of the All-Tournament team at the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Regionals. Wates has great speed, and it’s no surprise he was drafted this high. As the #90 overall selection, he is the highest Tech draft pick since Joe Saunders was picked 12th in 2002.
Starting pitcher Jesse Hahn went in the sixth round to Tampa Bay. At one point he was considered a first round pick, but arm troubles limited his effectiveness for much of the 2010 season. Hahn, a junior, went 5-4 with a 3.70 ERA this year.
Sophomore pitcher Matthew Price was selected in the eighth round by Boston. Price has good talent, but still needs time to develop into a pitcher. He went 7-4 with a 4.95 ERA in 2010.
Senior catcher Steve Domecus was selected by the LA Dodgers. As a California native, Domecus has to be happy about that. He set a Virginia Tech record with 27 doubles on the year, and also tied the school mark with 92 overall hits.
Junior shortstop Tim Smalling was drafted in the 14th round by the Washington Nationals. He hit .349 with seven homers. The transfer from Arkansas was a full-time starter in the middle infield, as expected.
Senior closer Ben Rowen went in the 22nd round to the Texas Rangers. The submarine pitcher struck out 63 batters in 54 innings this year, finishing with six saves.
The last player drafted was sophomore outfielder Buddy Sosnoskie, who went to the Kansas City Royals in the 25th round. He hit 13 home runs with 48 RBI’s this season. He had a .347 batting average.
Several of the drafted Hokies could choose to return to Virginia Tech next year. The MLB Draft will conclude on Wednesday with rounds 31-50.
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