Wieland only local player selected in MLB draft

Appeal Staff Report

Manogue's Joe Wieland was the only Northern Nevada player taken during the first day of the Major League Baseball draft on Thursday.

Wieland, a right-handed pitcher, was the 123rd overall pick in the draft and was taken in the fourth round by the Texas Rangers. Based on slot money for that round, Wieland would command a signing bonus of $200,000.

The scouting report on Wieland at MLB.com states: "While he doesn't belong in the discussion of elite pitchers in this draft class, Wieland does have some pretty good pitchability. Not too many high schoolers can throw their breaking ball for strikes at will, but count Wieland among the few. With the ability to command his fastball and a feel for a change, the wiry right-hander is the kind of high schooler who could move fairly well through a system and emerge as a back-of-the-rotation type in the future." Wieland has a fastball in the 88-91 mph range.

The first six rounds of the draft were held on Thursday with the final 44 rounds of the draft to be held today, beginning at 8:30 a.m. While no other Northern Nevada players were taken on Thursday, it should be a busy day for many Northern Nevada players today.

Several players with Western Nevada College ties should be drafted today. They include pitcher Kyle Farrell, who just completed his freshman year. Farrell was projected to be taken in the fourth through seventh rounds.

There's also pitcher Jose Barajas, who's expected to be taken in the 12th through 20th rounds. Both are expected to sign with Major League teams.

Two other WNC players who could be drafted today are Brian Barnett and Jerome Pena. Both are expected to return for their sophomore years at WNC.

There's also former WNC standout Stephen Sauer, who's now a junior at Arizona State. Sauer is considered to be the Sun Devils' top pitching Major League prospect and was projected to be drafted between the sixth and 10th rounds. If he decides to sign he could command a signing bonus in the $100,000 range.

The University of Nevada should also have several players drafted today including pitchers Rod Scurry of Galena and Kyle Howe and third baseman Jason Rodriguez. Other players with local ties who could be drafted today include Lovelock pitcher Wil Schumacher, who has signed with WNC, and 2004 Douglas High graduate Bryan Miller.

Miller, who completed his career with Troy University, was one of just 17 players named as a first-team All-American by Collegiate Baseball.

Two other players whose names WNC fans will recognized were drafted from the College of Southern Nevada. Catcher Braden Schlehuber was the 130th overall pick, taken in the fourth round by the Atlanta Braves.

Pitcher Colby Shreve was the 196th overall pick and was taken in the sixth round by the Philadelphia Phillies. Shreve was considered one of the nation's top pitching prospects, but has battled injuries this past season.