Sept. 25, 2009

Guins Welcome Nearly 20 Major League Scouts at Annual Pro Day

Youngstown -- The Youngstown State baseball team welcomed talent scouts from nearly 20 Major League Baseball organizations on Wednesday at its annual pro day.

The Penguins showcased their talents under the lights for about two hours at Eastwood Field. According to head coach Rich Pasquale, several players really caught the eye of several scouts.

"I was very pleased with the way our guys represented themselves both on and off the field," Pasquale said. "They were very upbeat and had a ton of energy on the field, and they were very respectful when speaking with the scouts one-on-one."

During the workout, the Penguins ran 60-yard dashes, took batting practice and had extended infield and outfield work to showcase fielding and arm strength . Pitchers threw 15 pitches out of the bullpen.

The last Penguin baseball player to be selected in the Major League Baseball amateur draft was Brandon Caipen in 2006. He wrapped a stretch in which the Penguins had six players drafted in an eight-year span. During that run, Justin Thomas was taken in the fourth round in 2005, and Brad Hennessey was selected in the first round in 2001.

Four of the last five Penguins drafted have been pitchers, and YSU has an impressive staff this season led by first-team All-Horizon League picks Aaron Swenson and Phil Klein.