Gotham's college alums find new life in the pros as undrafted free agents, and updates on all your favorite Gotham college players and how they're faring in the pro ranks!
Not getting selected in baseball’s amateur draft might seem like the end of the line for a college baseball player. While it is not the way anyone wants their collegiate career to end, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for some, as undrafted free agents (UFAs) sometimes do become top prospects.
They will have to fight the UFA moniker the rest of their careers, but Rob Delaney for one, is proving that it is not a death sentence.
The former St. John’s star, one of several Gotham collegians overlooked in 2006, has been tearing it up for the Twins in a new role in the minors this season, closer. Delaney, who was the Red Storm ace his senior season, has compiled 34 saves in two levels of A ball for the Minnesota organization, and with 78 strikeouts in 49 innings, Delaney is quickly moving up prospect lists.
John Fitzpatrick, Manhattan’s slugging designated hitter in 2006 (and All Gotham selection) signed in the winter of 2007 as an undrafted free agent (UFA), and has put up respectable numbers in rookie ball, slugging nine home runs and driving 30, while hitting .242.
Delaney’s St. John’s teammate Will Vogl, a second-team All-America selection in 2006 (and also an All Gotham selection in 2006) , was signed by the Mets as an UFA, and has put up respectable numbers the past two summers, hitting .257 with a home run and 21 RBI, while adding 10 steals to the Brooklyn offense.
2007 Red Storm second basemen Sam DeLuca went the UFA route with the Mets, and has hit .276 with a home run and five RBI in limited time. Brendan Monaghan, the Red Storm starting catcher, has been a surprise for the Orioles Bluefield team, hitting three home runs (after not hitting a home run for SJU) and driving in 32 runs while hitting .290.
The Royals hope that Kean righthander Joe Augustine continues his success, as the Division III All America has gone 3-1, with 2.38 ERA after his free agent signing. Former Cougar teammate Dan Zeffiro, has gone 2-1 with a 4.15 ERA, fannimg 26 hitters in 26 innings pitched.
Former The College of New Jersey star outfielder Charlie Iacono has stolen 22 bases in the Brewers chain, while his former teammate, Division III All-America catcher Gerard Haran has had a whirl-wind of a July and August.
Haran, who signed with St. George of the Golden Baseball League (Independent), had his contract purchased by the Cardinals organization after just two weeks. Reporting to Jupitor, Haran has hit .192 with a home run and three RBI in 31 at bats.
Other Notes: Another former Jasper, Chris Cody, has seen an eventful 2007 campaign. Cody, an 8th round selection of the Tigers, was traded to Milwaukee in a deal which saw the Tigers pick up disgruntled reliever Jose Capellan. Cody, who had recently been promoted by the Tigers after being a Midwestern League All-Star, has compiled a 9-9, 2.64 record with three minor league teams this season. He has struck out 144 in 143.1 innings.
Kraig Binick, an All-Gotham pre-season selection in 2006 and a post-season selection in 2007, has jumped out of the gate fast for the Orioles. The 27th round selection has hit .309 with five home runs and 28 RBI for Bluefield. He has 14 stolen bases, and is leading the team in hitting.
Gotham's college alums find new life in the pros as undrafted free agents, and updates on all your favorite Gotham college players and how they're faring in the pro ranks!