"It’s a great day for our program, and for those guys,” said Arizona baseball head coach Jay Johnson. For the 2nd year in a row, 6 Wildcats were selected in Major League Baseball's draft.
“They all have a story," says Johnson. “JC didn't get drafted last year. And for all of this, all 6 of them for this to come to pass today is really cool.” The first day saw 2nd basemen JJ Matijevic go to the Astros, Jared Oliva to the Pirates, as well as JC Cloney to the Royals. Day 2 included lefty Cameron Ming to the Orioles in the 14th round, as well as Louis Boyd and Rio Gomez.
As for Ming, he has the option to return to school for his senior season. A pitcher that head coach Jay Johnson calls “My favorite kind of pitcher”…For his ability to be a starter on Friday or Saturday, or get the last 3 outs of a game.
And though we saw the departure of recruit Matt Sauer to the Yankees in the 2nd round...”Dissapointed Wildcats won't see him,” says Johnson. He says it doesn't matter who is there on signing day, only who is in the locker room on day 1.
“We're off to a good start after this. You know, hopefully it'll all be in tact in August once we get going.”
With a handful of Wildcats drafted this year and the option for some to return, head coach Jay Johnson says this year's draft is an all-around success for the Arizona Wildcats.
