MLB Draft Day One: News and Notes

The MLB Draft was in full swing on Thursday night in Secaucus, New Jersey. As young baseball players dreams came true, here are some takeaways:

First Overall: Mickey Moniak was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies. Moniak, an outfielder from La Costa Canyon High School in California.

The Phillies also selected right-handed pitcher Kevin Gowdy, a right-handed pitcher from Santa Barbra Senior High School in Santa Barbra, California.

Players on Hand:

 Anderson in Atlanta: The Atlanta Braves selected right-handed pitcher Ian Anderson with the third overall pick. Anderson, a Rexford New York native was one of just two prospects at MLB Network Studios.

“I was nervous, I was excited, I was shaking,” Anderson said. “I’m excited to be a Brave. They have a bright future and things are looking up for them.”

When asked about a Brave he would like to meet: “Probably Chipper Jones,” Anderson said. “Pick a hitters brain, they’re the best guys to learn from as a pitcher.”

Will Benson to Cleveland: The second player on hand was Will Benson, an outfielder from Georgia who was selected 14th overall by the Cleveland Indians. Benson is committed to Duke.

“I am just so excited and just so happy,” Benson said. “I am definitely going to sign and head to Cleveland.”

“I talked with the coach at Duke and he told me I could go back in the offseason and work out and take classes if I want. Education is a big thing for me so just because i got drafted doesn’t mean I can’t get my education.”

Benson is also a basketball player.

Keep on Grooming: N.J.’s own Jason Groome selected by his favorite team, the Boston Red Sox No. 12 overall.

Quotes from Groome: “It’s a crazy feeling hearing my name called, especially by the Red Sox,” Groome said. “My family had no idea it was coming when it did. It’s just a dream come true.”

Jackson N.J. Native Matt Thaiss: Selected 16th overall by the Los Angeles Angels a year after being taken in the 32nd round by the Red Sox.

Thaiss on the Selection: “I was nervous all day,” Thaiss said. “I actually went golfing to keep my mind off of it. I had no idea it was coming until a couple of seconds before the pick was announced. (General manager Billy Eppler) called me and said, ‘Welcome to the Angels.’ Emotions are still running high. It’s surreal.”

New York Yankees: The New York Yankees selected outfielder Blake Rutherford from Chaminade (Calif.) College Preparatory with the 18th overall pick. Rutherford, 19, was ranked the No. 8 overall prospect in this year’s draft class. Rutherford is 6-foot-2, 195 pounds.

In the second round, 62nd overall, the Yankees selected Nick Solak, a second baseman out of the University of Louisville. A college bat that is a utility guy that hit .380 with five home runs and 29 RBIs.

New York Mets: The New York Mets selected right-handed pitcher Justin Dunn from Boston College with the 19th overall selection. Dunn, a Freeport New York native. The Mets selected University of Connecticut left-hander Anthony Kay, with the 31st overall pick. Kay attended Ward Melville, the same high school as Steven Matz.

In the second round, 64th overall, the Mets selected Peter Alonso, who hit .368 with 12 home runs at the University of Florida in 2016.

Quote of the day: “Stay awake fellas” – Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda after seen snoozing in the middle of the draft.